IELTS Test Pattern: Section-Wise IELTS Exam Format Explained

The IELTS examination pattern for 2024 is divided into four sections – Listening, Reading, Speaking and Writing. This comprehensive IELTS test format is one of the key reasons why non-native English speakers aiming to study, work, or move to English-speaking countries take this test.

This blog will delve into the specific details of both IELTS General test format and IELTS Academic test format to help you understand their structures and requirements.

IELTS Test Pattern

There are two IELTS exam formats – Academic and General Training. Both IELTS test patterns evaluate four core language skills: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Both these exams can be taken in a conventional IELTS pen and paper test or computer-based IELTS exam. However, the content and purpose of the tests differ.

While IELTS Academic is accepted by universities worldwide where candidates apply for undergraduate and postgraduate programs, IELTS General is tailored to those who plan to migrate to a major English-speaking country. Additionally, it can be given by people relocating abroad for work-related reasons.

Before preparing for the IELTS Exam 2024, it is recommended candidates should understand the IELTS pattern and syllabus given below.

IELTS Exam Structure and Syllabus

Candidates should also have a thorough understanding of the IELTS syllabus in order to be able to analyze the IELTS test pattern properly.

The total IELTS exam time duration is 2 hours 45 minutes. Let’s check out the IELTS syllabus below.

• Listening: This section is 30 minutes long and consists of four parts where candidates must answer 10 questions from each section. In the paper-based IELTS exam, candidates are given 10 minutes to transfer their answers to the answer sheet.
• Reading: This section is different for IELTS General exam format and IELTS Academic test format. Although the total time for this section is 60 minutes and has 40 questions for both IELTS exam types, the types of passages can be of general interest or academic one depending on the exam type.
• Writing: There are two tasks in this section and it takes 60 minutes to complete this section. In IELTS Writing Task 1 of the Academic exam, a candidate has to write a summary based on a graph/table/process in at least 150 words, while IELTS General Writing Task 1 is a letter-writing task. In Task 2, a candidate has to write an essay of at least 250 words.
• Speaking: The duration of this segment, during which candidates must conduct an in-person interview, ranges from 11 to 14 minutes. This component helps to assess the candidates’ ability to communicate clearly and cogently in English while presenting their thoughts. It is the same for IELTS General test format and IELTS Academic test format.

It is important for applicants to remember that the Reading, Listening, and Writing modules of the IELTS exam are tested all at once. On the other hand, the Speaking component may be tested seven days before or following the exam date, or on the same day.

The IELTS band score is graded on a scale of 0-9 for each section. Once the raw scores are obtained, they are converted into scaled scores. The IELTS validity remains for a period of 2 years, starting from the test date.

Section Wise Breakdown of IELTS Test Pattern

Below is the detailed section wise breakdown of the IELTS exam pattern.

Listening

The IELTS Listening is identical in both Academic and General Training tests.

• It consists of four recordings, each followed by a series of questions:

• You will hear the recordings once only. Different accents, including British, Australian, New Zealand and North American, are used.
• Each correct answer receives 1 mark. Your final score is given as a band score in whole or half bands, e.g. 5.5 or 7.0.
• You should be careful when writing your answers on the answer sheet because you will lose marks for incorrect spelling and grammar.
• This section tests a range of listening skills, including understanding main ideas, specific factual information, and recognizing opinions and attitudes.

Make use of the IELTS Listening practice tests to familiarise with the above-mentioned question types and improve listening skills.

Reading

The questions in the IELTS Reading are designed to test a variety of reading skills, including reading for gist, reading for main ideas, reading for detail, skimming, understanding logical argument, and recognizing writers’ opinions, attitudes, and purpose.

One mark is awarded for each correct answer. The final score is expressed as a band score from 1 to 9, either whole or half, like 4 or 6.5.

Academic Reading

• The IELTS Academic Reading consists of three long texts which range from descriptive and factual to discursive and analytical.
• The texts are taken from books, journals, magazines, and newspapers, written for a non-specialist audience.

General Reading

• The passages in IELTS General Reading exam include extracts from books, magazines, newspapers, notices, advertisements, company handbooks, and guidelines.
• These are materials you are likely to encounter daily in an English-speaking environment.
• There are three sections:
• Section 1: Contains two or three short factual texts.
• Section 2: Contains two short, work-related texts.
• Section 3: Contains one longer text on a topic of general interest.

Find all these types of questions in the IELTS Reading practice test and make sure to keep practising on a regular basis to improve the overall IELTS Reading band score.

Writing

The IELTS Writing section comprises two tasks, of which Task 1 is different for IELTS Academic and General and IELTS Writing Task 2 is the same for both. Both tasks require you to write in a formal style.

Academic Writing

• Task 1: You are presented with a graph, table, chart, or diagram and asked to describe, summarize, or explain the information in your own words.
• Task 2: You are asked to write an essay in response to a point of view, argument, or problem.

General Writing

• Task 1: You are asked to respond to a situation, for example, by writing a letter requesting information or explaining a situation.
• Task 2: You are asked to write an essay in response to a point of view, argument, or problem. The essay can be slightly more personal in style than the Academic Writing Task 2 essay.

In order to improve the IELTS Writing score, it’s important to practice IELTS Writing practice tests regularly.

Speaking

The IELTS format for the speaking module is divided into 3 parts.

• Part 1: The examiner will ask you general questions about yourself and a range of familiar topics, such as home, family, work, studies, and interests. This part lasts between four and five minutes.
• Part 2: You will be given a card which asks you to talk about a particular topic. You will have one minute to prepare before speaking for up to two minutes. The examiner will then ask one or two questions on the same topic.
• Part 3: You will be asked further questions about the topic in Part 2. These questions will give you the opportunity to discuss more abstract ideas and issues. This part of the test lasts between four and five minutes.

In IELTS Speaking, candidates are assessed on the basis of four criteria: grammar, accuracy, coherence and fluency, lexical resources, and pronunciation. The majority of IELTS Speaking Topics are general in nature. Practising IELTS Speaking tests will help to master this skill.

Understanding the IELTS test format is crucial for effective preparation. The Academic test focuses more on evaluating your readiness for a higher education environment, while the General Training test assesses your proficiency in everyday and workplace contexts. Regardless of the format you choose, thorough preparation and practice can significantly enhance your performance.

Therefore, familiarize yourself with the test structure, practice with sample questions, and take full-length IELTS online practice tests to build your confidence.

Useful Resources

• IELTS Registration Made Easy 2024: IELTSMaterial Partners with IDP
• IELTS Books 2024
• IELTS Exam Preparation tips | How to prepare for IELTS?
• IELTS Speaking Test –Tone
• IELTS Writing Task 2 Marking Criteria