The International English Language Testing System is recognised as a means of assessing the language ability of candidates who need to study or work where English is the language of communication. The IELTS is further divided into four parts Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking.
What is the Test Format
IELTS consists of four components. There is a choice of Reading and
Writing tests according to whether a candidate is taking the academic or general
training module. However, the listening and speaking tests remain the same for all
candidates
The test is taken in the following order
Listening has four sections, and 40 questions, with a total of 30 minutes allotted for
this section
Academic Reading/ General Reading consists of 3 sections, with 60 minutes for this
task
Academic Writing/ General Writing consists of 2 tasks, for which a time of 60 minutes is
given
Speaking is divided into three parts and a time of 11 to 14 minutes is allotted for this
task
Listening consists of four sections, with ten questions in each section. These questions
can range from multiple choice, matching, to plan/map diagram labelling, form
completion, summary completion, short answer questions. Candidates can listen to the
recording just once and are required to note down the answers as they listen. The
candidates have ten minutes to transfer their answers to the answer sheet
Academic Reading consists of three sections with 40 questions. These texts are based on
topics of general interest. One text contains a detailed argument. This section has a
variety of question types that include multiple choice, True/False/Not given, matching
information, matching headings, matching features, sentence completion, table
completion, diagram label completion, short answer questions
General Training Reading consists of three sections with 40 questions. These texts are
taken from notices, advertisements, leaflets, newspapers, instruction manuals, books and
magazines. The question type for this section is similar to that of the academic
reading
Academic Writing consists of two tasks. Candidates are required to spend 20 minutes on
task 1, which requires them to write 150 words, and 40 minutes on Task 2, which requires
them to write 250 words
In Task 1 requires candidates to present information by looking at a diagram or graph.
They are assessed on how well they organise and compare data, describe the stages of a
process
In Task 2, candidates are presented with a point of view. They are assessed on their
ability to present a solution to the problem, while at the same time express their own
opinions and provide reasons for the same
General Training Writing consists of two tasks. Candidates should spend about 20 minutes
on task 1 and 40 minutes on task 2, with a word count of 150 words and 250 words
respectively
In Task 1, candidates are asked to respond to a situation with a letter requesting
information or explaining the situation. They are assessed on how well they engage in
personal correspondence and provide general factual information, express needs,
complaints, opinions etc
In Task 2, candidates are presented with a point of view. They are assessed on their
ability to present a solution to the problem, while at the same time express their own
opinions and provide reasons for the same
Speaking consists of three parts, and assesses how effectively candidates can
communicate in English. It takes into account the fluency, grammatical accuracy and
pronunciation
In Part 1, the candidate is asked to introduce themselves. They then answer general
questions about themselves, their family, job, studies, interests and a range of similar
topic areas
In Part 2, the candidate is given a task card and is asked to speak on a particular
topic. The candidate has one minute to take down notes if they wish to and has to speak
on the topic for about two minutes
In Part 3, the examiner and the candidate engage in discussion which are linked to the
topic in Part 2
How can a Candidate Decide Which Training Module to Give
Candidates who wish to study at an undergraduate or postgraduate level or
those seeking professional registration take the Academic Training Module
Candidates that wish to migrate to an English speaking country like Australia, UK,
Canada, New Zealand and for those who wish to study at below degree level take the
General Training Module
