Listening

The IELTS listening test is designed to assess your ability to understand spoken English in various contexts. You have to listen to four recordings featuring fluent English speakers and answer a series of questions based on what you hear.

1. First Recording: A conversation between two people in a casual social setting.
2. Second Recording: A monologue in a social context, such as a speech discussing local amenities.
3. Third Recording: A discussion about an assignment involving a student and a university tutor, which may include up to four participants in an educational or training setting.
4. Fourth Recording: A monologue on a more academic topic, like a university lecture.

The test is for 30 minutes, with an extra 10 minutes for transferring your answers to the answer sheet.

Total Questions: 40

Question Types: You will encounter various question formats, including matching, multiple choice, labelling plans/maps/diagrams, and completing forms, tables, notes, summaries, and flow-charts.

Scoring: You get one mark for each correct answer, and your total score out of 40 will be converted to the IELTS 9-band scale.

Reading

In the reading section of the IELTS exam, efficient time management and the ability to read quickly are essential. You will read three distinct texts and answer related questions.

Total Questions: 40

Duration: 60 minutes

Format: The reading section consists of three long texts. These may be factual, descriptive, discursive, or analytical.

Question Types: Tasks may include filling in gaps in written texts or tables, matching headings to texts or diagrams, completing sentences, providing short answers, and answering multiple-choice questions.

Scoring: Similar to the listening section, your total score out of 40 will be converted to the IELTS 9-band scale. Each correct answer is worth one mark.

Writing

The writing test comprises two tasks, focusing on formal writing. You will be presented with a table, chart, graph, or diagram and asked to describe, summarize, or explain the information in your own words. This might include:

1. Describing and interpreting data.
2. Outlining a procedure or explaining how something works.
3. Characterizing an object or event.

You will also have to write an essay in response to a specific argument, issue, or viewpoint, on topics that are easy to understand and engaging.

Duration: 60 minutes (20 minutes for Task 1, 40 minutes for Task 2)

Total Questions: 2

Word Count: Aim for at least 150 words for Task 1 and 250 words for Task 2.

Scoring: Your writing will be evaluated by a certified IELTS examiner.

Speaking

The IELTS Speaking test involves a conversation with a trained examiner, simulating a real-world scenario as closely as possible. The interactions are recorded and may feature different accents.

Both the IELTS Academic and General Training exams have the same structure for the Speaking section.

Format:

Part 1: The examiner will ask you to verify your identity. You have to answer general questions about familiar topics, such as your family, home, work, studies, and interests, and it is supposed to make you feel more relaxed and conversational.

Part 2: You will receive a task card with a specific topic and prompts for your discussion. You’ll have one minute to prepare and take notes before speaking for one to two minutes uninterrupted. After your talk, the examiner will ask one or two follow-up questions on the same topic.

Part 3: The examiner will ask additional questions related to the Part 2 topic, encouraging you to explore more abstract and conceptual ideas.

Duration: 11-14 minutes

Scoring: Throughout the test, certified IELTS examiners will give you feedback on your performance.

With a better idea about the structure and requirements of each section, you can prepare better for the IELTS exam and get your desired score.