IELTS Test Format: Section-Wise Details for Academic & General Training

International English Language Test popularly known as IELTS is an English language proficiency test for non-native speakers who want to pursue higher education or migrate to a country where English is the most spoken language. Introduced in the year 1989, IELTS is acclaimed as one of the most reliable exams for testing a person’s English language skills and has evolved as one of the most preferred forms of English-language evaluation. 

If you are planning to pursue higher education from an international university/college, then you must be aware that scoring well in IELTS, TOEFL, or any other English language proficiency test is important to secure a seat at a top educational institution abroad. In this article, we will discuss in detail IELTS and its format. Many students want to clear the IELTS test on the first attempt and the secret to this lies in preparing right for the test. 

Many universities accept the IELTS test that is designed to test an applicant’s English language skills for education, work, or global migration. The IELTS test is globally recognized and is accepted by more than 11,000 organizations of the world including immigration authorities, employers, colleges/ universities, and professional authorities. 

First of all, a candidate must be familiar with the IELTS exam pattern and plan accordingly. This post will help all aspirants to understand the IELTS exam format and provide them tips to get a high band score!

IELTS Paper Format

The IELTS test has a unique format that assesses candidates’ English skills based on four categories: writing, reading, listening, and speaking. A candidate must have sufficient skills to pass every section of the test. The IELTS test is of two types: General Training and Academic tests. 

The IELTS Academic test is for students who want to pursue higher education at overseas universities where English is the primary language while the IELTS General Training test is for those who want to apply to study below degree level. It can also be taken up for work purposes or other employment training. 

All candidates need to take the same speaking and listening tests but different writing and reading tests. Make sure that you are preparing for the right test.  

IELTS Listening Format

In this section, candidates need to listen to audios of four recorded monologues, conversations, and texts by different English speakers and then answer a few questions accordingly. These questions are designed to test the ability of candidates accordingly. A variety of audios of English speakers are used and candidates are allowed to hear each section once. 

The candidate needs to answer 40 questions in different formats of multiple-choice, short answers, map or diagram labeling, flow charts. summary creation and sentence completion in half an hour. 

There are 4 sections in the IELTS listening test:

1) Section 1: These audios are a conversation between two people set in an everyday social context.

2) Section 2: These audios are monologues related to everyday social contexts like talking about local facilities.

3) Section 3: These audios are a conversation among at least 4 persons over education or training context.

4) Section 4: These audios are monologues of academic subjects.

Tips to Score Well in Listening section

1) The voices in IELTS clips are with thick and heavy accents, so frequently listing types of English language accents will improve your English listening ability and help you to pick the correct answer in one go.

2) You may lose your concentration while listening to such videos, hence you should keep yourself attentive to understand that tricky part to find out the correct answer. 

3) Candidates should read the instructions carefully as there might be specifications in listening tests that should be marked with utmost importance.

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IELTS Speaking Format

In this section, there is a face-to-face interview that takes about 11-14 minutes to complete. This section is designed to check your English speaking abilities. It consists of 3 tasks:

1) Task 1: This is an introduction and the interview round lasts for 4-5 minutes. In this section, the examiners first introduce themselves and ask you to give your introduction. The interviewer will ask some general questions on familiar topics like work, family, studies, and hobbies. This is done to warm up and make the candidate feel comfortable during the exam.

2) Task 2: This section lasts for 3 to 4 minutes in which the examiner will ask you to write on any particular topic on the task card. You need to recommend some key points that you can include in your discussion. You will get one minute to prepare for this section.

3) Task 3: This section lasts for 4-5 minutes in which the examiner will ask you in detail about task 2. You need to discuss ideas in a detailed manner.

Tips to Excel in Speaking section

1) Candidates often get nervous while giving face-to-face interviews. Having a positive mindset, proper body posture, usage of formal words, and establishing eye contact can help them to look confident, which is an integral part of speaking.

2) Practice more by recording yourself promptly. You can also practice in front of the mirror to better observe your activities.

3) Try to keep yourself in English speaking environment in both formal and informal scenarios and in the end try to rise above your insecurities.

IELTS Writing Format

You can either choose academic or general training test writing according to your preferences. This writing test consists of two parts and both need to be completed in 60 minutes. In part 1, candidates need to write at least 150 words and 250 words in part 2. Answers should be written in full sentences rather than in bullet points or notes.

IELTS Academic Test Format

1) Task 1: You are presented with a table, chart, graph, or diagram that you need to explain in your own words and formal style.

2) In task 2: You need to write essays in response to any argument, ideas, or problem with the formal style.

IELTS General Training Test Format

1) Task 1: In this section, you are presented with a situation and you need to write a letter explaining it. This letter may be semi-formal, personal, or formal in style

2) Task 2: In this section, you need to write an essay in response to an argument, view, or problem. This essay can be more personal in style than academic writing tasks.  

Tips to Score Well in Writing Section

1) Try to read good quality magazines, articles, newspapers, or short articles. Underline grammar structure, and vocabulary items, and try to link sentences and paragraphs.

2) Practice the IELTS practice test by choosing any topic of your interest, it will help you to overcome your nervousness and make you more confident to appear for the test.

3) Before directly answering a question, check out the directive words. Your instructor will provide your specific directions to write the answers, and make sure you understand what you are being asked to do.