IELTS test format explained - get the advantage

Test Structure

You will listen to four different recordings of native English speakers:

Recording 1: A conversation between two people in a daily life context.

Recording 2: A monologue in a daily life context (e.g., a speech about work).

Recording 3: A conversation between a group of people in an educational or training setting (e.g., a discussion between university students about a project).

Recording 4: A monologue on an academic subject (e.g., a university lecture about the environment).

Test Duration

Paper-based Test: The test lasts about 30 minutes. You will have an additional 10 minutes to transfer your answers to the official answer sheet before submitting it to the examiner.

Computer-based Test: The test also lasts 30 minutes, but there is no extra 10 minutes for transferring answers. However, you have enough time between sections to input your answers during the test.

Number of Questions

There are 40 questions.

Types of Questions

The Listening section includes the following types of questions:

Multiple choice

Matching

Plan, map, diagram labelling

Form, note, table, flow-chart, summary

Completion

Sentence completion

Short-answer questions

Scoring

For each correct answer, you receive one point. The total score is converted to a band score of 1.0 – 9.0 based on the number of correct answers. Pay attention to spelling and grammar as incorrect answers are not awarded points.

Study Materials

You can use the following materials to practice your Listening skills:

IELTS Listening – Academic & General Training

Reading Test Structure for IELTS Academic

You will read three passages and answer different types of questions, such as:

The texts are taken from books, journals, and newspapers.

The topics are interesting and accessible for candidates pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate courses.

At least one logical argument will be included, and texts may contain diagrams, charts, or illustrations.

A glossary of technical terms may be provided if necessary.

Test Duration

Paper-based and Computer-based Tests: The test lasts for 60 minutes, and there is no additional time to transfer answers. You must write your answers on the answer sheet within the test time.

Number of Questions

There are 40 questions.

Types of Questions

The Reading section includes the following types of questions:

Multiple choice

Identifying information

Identifying writer’s views or claims

Matching information

Matching headings

Matching features

Matching sentence endings

Sentence completion

Summary, note, table, flow-chart completion

Diagram label completion

Short-answer questions

Scoring

For each correct answer, you receive one point. The total score is converted to a band score of 1.0 – 9.0 based on the number of correct answers. Pay attention to spelling and grammar as incorrect answers are not awarded points.

Study Materials

You can use the following materials to practice your Reading skills:

IELTS Reading – Academic

You will read three sections, with the following types of texts:

Section 1: Texts related to ‘social survival’ – these include notices, advertisements, and timetables.

Section 2: Texts focusing on work-related issues – these include job descriptions, contracts, and employee training materials.

Section 3: General reading – these texts are taken from magazines, newspapers, and books.

Test Duration

Paper-based and Computer-based Tests: The test lasts for 60 minutes, and there is no additional time to transfer answers. You must write your answers on the answer sheet within the test time.

Number of Questions

There are 40 questions.

Types of Questions

The Reading section includes the following types of questions:

Multiple choice

Identifying information

Identifying writer’s views or claims

Matching information

Matching headings

Matching features

Matching sentence endings

Sentence completion

Summary, note, table, flow-chart completion

Diagram label completion

Short-answer questions

Scoring

For each correct answer, you receive one point. The total score is converted to a band score of 1.0 – 9.0 based on the number of correct answers. Pay attention to spelling and grammar as incorrect answers are not awarded points.

Study Materials

You can use the following materials to practice your Reading skills:

IELTS Reading - General Training

Test Structure

Part 1 – Describing visual information

You are required to describe the events or figures presented in various visual materials such as graphs, charts, or tables. The topics are academic in nature.

You may also be asked to describe an object, event, or the process of how something works.

You must write at least 150 words in an academic or semi-formal style.

You should spend no more than 20 minutes on Task 1, with a total of 60 minutes for the entire test, leaving 40 minutes for Task 2. Part 2 – Responding to an argument or opinionYou will be given a topic to present your viewpoint and supporting arguments. The topics range from education and technology to health and the environment.

You must write at least 250 words in an academic or semi-formal style.

Test Duration

Paper-based and Computer-based Tests: The test lasts for 60 minutes.

Score

IELTS Writing is scored on a band 1-9 scale by the examiner, just like the other skills. The score for this Writing skill will be assessed based on the combined IELTS Writing Task 1 and Task 2 marking criteria.

It is important to note that the score for Task 2 carries more weight in the marking process than Task 1.

Study Materials

You can use the following materials to practice your Writing skills:

IELTS Writing – Academic

Exam structure

In the IELTS Writing General Training test, you will be asked to complete two tasks.

Part 1 - Writing a letter about a situation
- You will be given a situation and asked to write a letter explaining the situation or finding out more details.

- These are common everyday communication situations. For example, a conversation about your university accommodation, talking to an employer or communicating with a professional organisation.

- You must write at least 150 words in a formal, informal or semi-formal style.

- You should spend no more than 20 minutes on task 1. The total time for the test is 60 minutes and you should spend 40 minutes on task 2.

Objective: The assessment criteria will be based on your ability to communicate information accurately and coherently. The examiner will also assess your vocabulary and how you use grammar and vocabulary appropriately in each context.

Part 2 - An essay in response to a point of view or opinion

- You will be given information about a point of view, argument or problem. You will then write an essay to discuss this further following the instructions.

- You will be given a topic to present your opinion and supporting arguments. Topics can range from education, the environment to family issues.

- You must write at least 250 words in an academic or semi-formal style. You will need to analyse the topic in detail, state your opinion and use ideas, arguments and examples to support your opinion.

- You should spend no more than 40 minutes on task 2. The total time for the test is 60 minutes and you should spend 20 minutes on task 1.

Objective: The assessment criteria will be based on your ability to formulate and present a point of view supported by evidence and examples. This may be drawn from your personal experience. The examiner will also assess your vocabulary and how well you use grammar and vocabulary in context.

Test Duration

Paper and computer-based test format:
The test will last approximately 60 minutes.

Score

IELTS Writing is scored on a band 1-9 scale by the examiner, just like the other skills. The score for this Writing skill will be assessed based on the combined IELTS Writing Task 1 and Task 2 marking criteria.

It is important to note that the score for Task 2 carries more weight in the marking process than Task 1.

Study Materials

Documents to help you practice your Writing skills.

IELTS Writing – General Training

Speaking Test Structure

You will have three conversations with the examiner, divided into three parts: Part 1 – Introduction and interview

The examiner will introduce themselves and verify your identity. You will be asked a series of basic questions on familiar topics such as your home, family, work, studies, and hobbies.

This section lasts about 4 to 5 minutes. Part 2 – Describing a specific topic

The examiner will give you a topic card, which includes key points to cover in your talk.
You will have 1 minute to prepare before speaking for 1-2 minutes without interruption. Afterward, the examiner may ask a few follow-up questions.

Part 3 – Discussion

The examiner will discuss more abstract issues related to the topic from Part 2. This section lasts about 4-5 minutes.

Test Duration

11 - 14 minutes.

Scoring

The Speaking test is evaluated on criteria such as:

Fluency and coherence.

Lexical resource.

Pronunciation.

Grammatical range and accuracy.

Study Materials

You can use the following materials to practice your Speaking skills:

IELTS Speaking – Academic & General Training