Understanding IELTS Test Format

Understanding IELTS test format

For someone who has decided on taking up the IELTS test, it is important to understand the test format properly before registering. Familiarity with the structure is essential for a better band score. In this article we are going to explain all the facets of the IELTS test.

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is the most popular language test which makes an evaluation on all of the four language skills- listening, reading, writing, and speaking. The total test lasts for 2 hour 44 minutes with 10 minutes of transfer time. The Listening (L), Reading (R), and Writing (W) components of the test are always completed immediately after each other and with no break. Candidates will do the Listening component first followed by the Reading and Writing components of the test. Depending on the test center, the Speaking test may be taken up to 7 days either before or after the test date. You will be contacted by your local IELTS test center to inform you of the date and venue of your speaking test.

The content, format or level of difficulty and scoring between IELTS General Training and Academic examination are not different. The listening and speaking tests remain the same for both the versions.

Listening

Test Format – Listening (30 minutes)

In the IELTS listening test You will listen to four recorded texts, monologues and conversations by a range of native speakers, and write your answers to a series of questions. The IELTS Listening test is designed to assess a wide range of listening skills, including how well you

understand main ideas and specific factual information, recognize the opinions, attitudes and purpose of a speaker

follow the development of an argument. A variety of voices and native-speaker accents are used and each section is heard only once.

Section 1

A dialogue between two people set in an everyday social context.

Section 2

A person will talk about an everyday social context, e.g. a speech about local facilities.

Section 3

A conversation that involves two or people set in an educational or training context, e.g. a university tutor and a student discussing an assignment.

Section 4

A monologue on an academic subject, e.g. a university lecture.

Timing

It will take approximately 30 minutes to play all the four audios and after the recording is finished you will be given 10 extra minutes to transfer your answers into the answer script.

Number of Questions

There will be 40 questions and each question carry equal weight. No penalty for wrong answers.

Type of Questions

A wide range of question types are used that can be: fill in the blanks, matching information, visual data insert, table completion, sentence completion, multiple choice.

Reading

Test Format – Reading (60 minutes)

The IELTS reading test comes next to the IELTS listening test. This section tests your ability to read quickly and efficiently. It is designed to assess a wide range of reading skills, including the ability to read for the general understanding of the passage, read for the main theme of the passage, read for detail, understand the implied meaning, recognize a writer’s opinions and purpose and follow the development of an argument.

Academic Reading

Format

Three long texts which range from the descriptive and factual to the discursive and analytical. These are taken from books, journals, magazines and newspapers.  They have been selected for a non-specialist audience but are appropriate for people entering university courses or seeking professional registration.

Timing

60 minutes including the transfer time

Number of Questions

40 Questions

Task Types

There will be a wide range of tasks including fill gaps, match heading, complete sentences, give short answers to open questions and answer multiple choice questions

Marks

Each correct answer will receive one mark with no mark deduction for wrong answers.

General Training Reading

Format

Extracts from books, magazines, newspapers, notices, advertisements, company handbooks and guidelines. These are materials you are likely to encounter on a daily basis in an English-speaking environment.

Timing

60 minutes including the transfer time

Task Types

Fill gaps in a passage of written text or in a table, match headings to written text to diagrams or charts, complete sentences, give short answers to open questions, answer multiple choice questions

Marks

Each correct answer receives one mark with no penalty for wrong answer

Writing

Test Format- Writing (60 Minutes)

The IELTS writing test requires you to complete two tasks and covers topics of general interest based on the module you are taking.

Academic Writing

Format

IELTS Academic comprises topics suitable for undergraduate and postgraduate students

Task 1: There will be a table, chart, graph or diagram that you will have to describe, explain or summarize in your own words. You might also be asked to explain the data shown, and stages and working of a process.

Task 2: You will have to write an essay as a response to an argument, problem or opinion.

Make sure you respond to both tasks in formal style.

Timing

The IELTS writing test takes 60 minutes. It is advised to spend 20 minutes on Task 1, and 40 minutes on Task 2.

Number of Questions

2 Tasks

Task Requirements

You will be asked to write at least 150 words for Task 1 and at least 250 words for Task 2

Marks

Your Writing test will be marked by a certificated IELTS examiner. Task 2 is worth twice as much as Task 1 in the IELTS Writing test. Scores are reported in whole and half bands

 General Training Writing

IELTS General Training module consists of excerpts on general topics from books, magazines, notices, company handbooks and guidelines that you are likely to face on a regular basis in an English-speaking environment

Task 1:  You will have to write a letter to request information on, or explaining the given situation. You may choose to write it informally or formally.

Task 2:  You will have to write an essay as a response to an argument, problem or opinion. You may choose to write it in informal style.

Format

The topics used in the IELTS General Training Writing test are of general interest. In Task 1 you will be presented with a situation and asked to write a letter requesting information or explaining the situation. You can write the letter in a personal, semi-formal or formal style. In Task 2 you will be asked to write an essay in response to a point of view, argument or problem. You can use a fairly personal style.

Timing

The IELTS Writing test takes 60 minutes. Spend 20 minutes on Task 1, and 40 minutes on Task 2.

Number of Questions

2 Questions

Task types

Two tasks: Task 1 and Task 2. You will be asked to write at least 150 words for Task 1 and at least 250 words for Task 2

Marks

Your Writing test will be marked by a certificated IELTS examiner. Task 2 is worth twice as much as Task 1 in the IELTS Writing test.

Speaking

Test Format- Speaking (11-14 Minutes)

You will talk to a certified examiner in the IELTS Speaking test. The test is interactive and as close to a real-life situation as a test can get. A variety of accents may be used, and the test will be recorded.

The content of the IELTS Speaking test is the same for both the IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training tests.

The IELTS Speaking test is designed to assess a wide range of skills. The examiner will want to see how well you can communicate opinions and information on everyday topics and common experiences; to do this you will need to answer a range of questions. Make sure that you relax and talk fluently. You will need to speak naturally.

Format

Part 1: The examiner will introduce him or herself and ask you to introduce yourself and confirm your identity. The examiner will ask you general questions on familiar topics, e.g. home, family, work, studies and interests. This section should help you relax and talk naturally.

Part 2: The examiner will give you a task card which asks you to talk about a particular topic, including points to include in your talk. You will be given one minute to prepare and make notes. You will then be asked to talk for 1-2 minutes on the topic. You will not be interrupted during this time, so it is important to keep talking. The examiner will then ask you one or two questions on the same topic.

Part 3: The examiner will ask you further questions which are connected to the topic of Part 2. These questions are designed to give you an opportunity to discuss more abstract issues and ideas.

Timing

11-14 Minutes

Marks

You will be assessed on your performance throughout the test by certificated IELTS examiners. You will be marked on the four criteria: fluency and coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy, pronunciation.

For your best preparation, we have included practice materials for each of the four modules in our site IELTS.LIVE. You can choose from a wide range of resources here.