IELTS Syllabus 2024: Check Section Wise Exam Pattern for Academic and General
IELTS syllabus consists of four sections — Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. The Writing, Reading and Listening tests of IELTS exam are conducted on the same day. Candidates have the option to take IELTS Speaking on the same day or 7 days after. IELTS Listening has 4 recordings with 40 questions. The IELTS Reading section provides a passage with 40 questions related to it. IELTS Writing and IELTS Speaking have 2 and 3 questions respectively. The total duration of IELTS test syllabus is 2 hours and 45 minutes. Candidates are scored on a scale of 0-9 and are valid for 2 years.
The IELTS exam has two versions: Academic and General Training. Candidates who want to study abroad in universities must take the IELTS Academic. Candidates who are looking for a job, training courses or immigration purposes must opt for IELTS general.
IELTS scores are measured on the computer for reading, Writing and Listening sections. The IELTS speaking section is a face to face interview and scored by humans. The IELTS results are posted on the official website within 13 calendar days for IELTS on paper and 3 to 5 days for IELTS on computer. All the IELTS course syllabus have different question patterns and time.
- IELTS Exam Syllabus
- IELTS Reading Syllabus
2.1 IELTS Reading Practice Paper
2.2 IELTS Reading Samples - IELTS Writing Syllabus
3.1 IELTS Writing Practice Papers
3.2 IELTS Writing Samples - IELTS Listening Syllabus
4.1 IELTS Listening Samples - IELTS Speaking Syllabus
5.1 IELTS Speaking Practice Papers
5.2 IELTS Speaking Samples
5.3 UKVI IELTS Syllabus - IELTS Score
- IELTS Syllabus Preparation Tips
- FAQs
IELTS Exam Syllabus
To prepare for IELTS exam, candidates must take a mock test and identify their weaknesses. IELTS exam is hard to pass for Non-native English speakers, but with good preparation, candidates can ace the IELTS exam. The sequence of IELTS Exam pattern is Listening, Reading and Writing all on the same day. The general IELTS exam pattern is different from Academic. The IELTS syllabus pattern, the exam duration and question type are provided below:
| Particulars | IELTS Academic Syllabus | IELTS General Syllabus | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Listening | 4 sections and 40 Questions 30 minutes: | 4 sections and 40 Questions 30 minutes: | |
| Reading | 3 sections and 40 questions 60 minutes | Multiple texts and 40 questions 60 minutes | |
| Writing | Task 1 Describe data of 150 words Task 2 Essay of 250 words 60 minutes | Task 1 Write a letter of 150 words Task 2 Essay of 250 words 60 minutes | |
| Speaking | Background Interview Speech on Topic Discussion on Topic 11 to 14 minutes | Background Interview Speech on Topic Discussion on Topic 11 to 14 minutes | |
IELTS Reading Syllabus
The source and types of IELTS reading questions for IELTS Academic and IELTS General exam vary. The IELTS exam syllabus and pattern for reading section of the IELTS syllabus is 40 questions linked with 3 passages in total. There are four types of questions in the IELTS Reading section of the IELTS exam. The types of questions asked in IELTS which includes multiple choice, matching, labeling, flowchart, sentence completion. Candidates get 1 mark for each correct answer in IELTS syllabus and pattern.
- Duration: 60 Minutes
- Number of Passage: 3
- Number of questions: 40
| Format | IELTS Academic Reading Question Type | IELTS General Reading Question Type |
|---|---|---|
| Passages | 3 passages from books, journals, magazines, and newspapers | Section 1: 2-3 short texts; Section 2: 2 texts; Section 3: 1 long text |
| Structure | Factual, Descriptive and Analytical | Factual, Descriptive and Analytical |
| Source | Newspapers, Books, Journals, Research works, | Company Guidelines, Advertisements, Brochures |
| Topics | Wide-ranging subjects, such as science, history, culture, or environmental issues | Section 1: Everyday social context Section 2: Workplace context Section 3: General reading texts |
IELTS Reading Practice Paper
The IELTS reading sample questions will help candidates understand the IELTS online exam pattern and syllabus. The IELTS reading Academic and general sample questions are:
IELTS Reading Samples
- Grangers Store - Employment Application Form Reading Answers
- Environmental Awareness Centre Reading Answers
- The Phantom Hand Reading Answers
- Mind Over Matter Reading Answers
- Causton Health Centre Reading Answers
- Why Good Ideas Fail Reading Answers
- Advice For Employees Reading Answers
- Left or Right Handed Bath Water Reading Answers
- Job Sharing Reading Answers
- Can We Hold Back the Flood? Reading Answers
IELTS Writing Syllabus
This section of IELTS grammar Syllabus determines the fluency of the candidate in writing a short essay. Candidates need to write a 150 word short summary. The IELTS writing syllabus has 2 parts, namely IELTS Writing Task 1 and IELTS Writing task 2. In IELTS Writing task 1, candidates need to summarize a table, graph, map, or data. In IELTS Writing Task 2 candidates need to write about the argument and their point of view. The candidates are scored on task achievement, coherence and cohesion, lexical resource and grammatical range and accuracy. The IELTS Writing task 2 is the same for both. The major differences in exam pattern for IELTS are:
| Academic IELTS | IELTS General Exam Pattern | Key Aspects |
|---|---|---|
| Bars, graphs, flowcharts, diagrams, tables | Letter Writing Task: formal, semi-formal, or informal | Coherence, vocabulary, grammar, and appropriate tone |
| Essay writing task of around 250 words | Essay writing task of around 250 words | Ability to address the topic, Clarity, coherence, grammar, vocabulary, |
IELTS Writing Practice Papers
The IELTS Writing sample questions are different for IELTS Academic and IELTS general. The list of IELTS Academic sample papers are:
IELTS Writing Samples
- Maximum Number of Asia Elephants between 1994 and 2007 IELTS Writing Task 1
- Average Maximum Temperatures for Auckland and Christchurch IELTS Writing Task 1
- Percentage of People Living Alone in 5 Different Age Groups in the US IELTS Writing Task 1
- Advantages & Disadvantages of Online Shopping IELTS Writing Task 2
- People think that Zoos are Cruel IELTS Writing Task 2
- Copying Famous Personalities IELTS Writing Task 2
- Some Think That Ambition is a Good Quality IELTS Writing Task 2
- Walking Is a Good Exercise For Health IELTS Writing Task 2
- Average Daily Minimum and Maximum of two Air Pollutants IELTS Writing Task 1
- Journeys made by Different Forms of Transport in Four Countries IELTS Writing Task 1
IELTS Listening Syllabus
IELTS coaching syllabus for the listening section is divided into four parts. Candidates will hear audio clips on social needs and education. These clips are usually dialogue or a monologue that will run for a duration of around 3 minutes. The IELTS listening test is difficult because the clips will be played only once. It is very easy for the candidates to miss any important information.
- Audio 1: Conversion between two people in an everyday social context
- Audio 2: A monologue set in an everyday social context
- Audio 3: A conversation between four people regarding educational or training
- Audio 4: A monologue on an academic subject.
The format of the IELTS Listening Test is the same for IELTS Academic and IELTS General candidates. IELTS Listening Test consists of four sections, each with 1 recording, which decides the IELTS listening score. The IELTS Listening section contains 40 questions. Candidates are given 1 mark for each correct answer. The various question types along with IELTS academic exam pattern are:
| Type of Recording | Number of Questions | Key Aspects |
|---|---|---|
| Conversation between two speakers | 10 | Social context and everyday topics |
| Monologue of one speaker | 10 | |
| Conversation of up to four people | 10 | Academic context; educational or training-related topics |
| Monologue of one speaker | 10 | Academic context; lecture or talk on an academic subject |
IELTS Listening Samples
- 5 Mind Blowing Facts About Your Smartphone IELTS Listening Answers
- The American Idol TV Show IELTS Listening Answers
- University of Westlands IELTS Listening Answers
- House Service Information IELTS Listening Answers
- 8 Traits of Successful People IELTS Listening Answers
- Research Project on Attitudes Towards Study IELTS Listening Answers
- A Balanced Diet Listening Answers
- The Issue of Waste IELTS Listening Answers
- Joining the Leisure Club IELTS Listening Answers
- News Headlines IELTS Listening Answers
IELTS Speaking Syllabus
IELTS Speaking syllabus is the same for IELTS Academic and IELTS general tasks. The IELTS speaking test consists of three parts. In this section, the interviewer interacts with the candidate in English on various topics. This helps the interviewer understand if the candidate can speak proficiently in English or not. Candidates are scores on Fluency and coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation. The examiner provides a band score from 0-9. The 3 stages of the speaking section are:
- Part 1: General questions about the candidate’s family details, study, work, hobbies etc. This part lasts for about 4–5 minutes.
- Part 2: Candidates are provided a flashcard with a IELTS Speaking topic written on it. They need to think for a minute and speak on the topic for 2–3 minutes.
- Part 3: Discussion and questions are asked based on Part 2. Candidates get an opportunity to discuss more on the topic.
| IELTS Speaking | Task Description | Time Allotted | Key Aspects |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part 1 | General questions about background, interests, hobbies and experiences | 4-5 minutes | Fluency, accuracy, vocabulary, and pronunciation |
| Part 2 | Prompt card provides a topic. Choose and speak on a given topic for 1-2 minutes (prepare for 1 minute) | 3-4 minutes | Fluency, accuracy, vocabulary, pronunciation, and ability to organize thoughts and ideas |
| Part 3 | A discussion based on the topic in Part 2 Examiner will ask questions related to the topic | 4–5 minutes | Fluency, accuracy, vocabulary, pronunciation, and ability to express and justify opinions |
IELTS Speaking Practice Papers
The IELTS Speaking section is the same for IELTS Academic and IELTS general. The sample question papers are:
IELTS Speaking Samples
- Food IELTS Speaking Cue Card
- Flower IELTS Speaking Cue Card
- Hometown IELTS Speaking Cue Card
- Holidays IELTS Speaking Cue Card
- Family Activities IELTS Speaking Cue Card
- Pollution IELTS Speaking Cue Card
- Jobs/ Work IELTS Speaking Cue Card
- Your Favorite TV Program IELTS Speaking Cue Card
- Unforgettable Meal IELTS Speaking Cue Card
- Sky IELTS Speaking Cue Card
UKVI IELTS Syllabus
IELTS and IELTS for UKVI have the same format, content, scoring, and difficulty level. The UKVI IELTS syllabus is the same as IELTS. The only difference is an IELTS for UKVI test is approved by the UK Home Office for work, study, and migration purposes. The test results for IELTS UKVI is different as it shows that the candidate has taken IELTS UKVI and not normal IELTS.
IELTS Score
IELTS score is calculated on a scale of 0-9 band scores. These scores are given to the candidates based on the correct answers attempted in IELTS exam pattern and syllabus. The IELTS scores are calculated to the nearest 0.5 or the whole number. If the overall score is 6.1, the IELTS band score will be 6. If the score is 6.25, the band score will be 6.5. If the score is 6.85, the band score will be 7. The score calculations for IELTS Listening and IELTS reading sections are:
| IELTS Listening | IELTS Academic Reading | IELTS General Reading | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Correct Answer | Score | Correct Answer | Score | Correct Answer | Score |
| 39-40 | 9 | 40-39 | 9 | 40 | 9 |
| 37-38 | 8.5 | 38-37 | 8.5 | 39 | 8.5 |
| 35-36 | 8 | 36-35 | 8 | 37-38 | 8 |
| 32-34 | 7.5 | 34-33 | 7.5 | 36 | 7.5 |
| 30-31 | 7 | 32-30 | 7 | 34-35 | 7 |
| 26-29 | 6.5 | 29-27 | 6.5 | 32-33 | 6.5 |
| 23-25 | 6 | 26-23 | 6 | 30-31 | 6 |
| 18-22 | 5.5 | 22-19 | 5.5 | 27-29 | 5.5 |
| 16-17 | 5 | 18-15 | 5 | 23-26 | 5 |
IELTS Syllabus Preparation Tips
There are many IELTS preparation tests available online which the candidates can take. This will help them prepare better for the IELTS Exam. Candidates can prepare for IELTS by themselves by practicing IELTS questions and solving sample question papers. Practicing more is the main mantra of clearing IELTS with great scores. Candidates can read newspapers, watch English movies and learn to speak, create a study plan and follow that and many more. Few more tips for IELTS preparation at home are:
IELTS syllabus consists of four parts. Candidates need to practice all the IELTS sections to perform well in the IELTS exam. The preparation tips and books available online will guide the candidates to a better IELTS band score.
FAQs
Ques. What are the subjects for IELTS?
Ans. There are four subjects for IELTS: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. There are two different IELTS modules: Academic and General Training. Candidates can take IELTS Academic or IELTS general, depending on their requirement.
Ques. Can I crack the IELTS in 3 months?
Ans. Yes, candidates can crack the IELTS exam in just three months with practice. Candidates must be aware of the topics and practice hard to clear IELTS in three months.
Ques. Is IELTS tough for Indian students?
Ans. IELTS is a tough exam for Indian students. However, candidates can clear the IELTS exam with correct training and practice. Students must note that the accent does not play a part in the IELTS exam.
Ques. Is 7.5 IELTS easy?
Ans. Getting a 7.5 IELTS score is not easy, but it is not that impossible as well. Candidates can secure a score of 7.5 and higher with dedication and practice. They need to have a Preparation. If one is well-prepared, one will indeed score 7.5 IELTS overall.
Ques. What is eligibility for IELTS?
Ans. The eligibility for the IELTS exam in India and across the globe is that a candidate needs to be at least 16 years old. Anybody aged 16 or above can take this examination, irrespective of their gender, nationality, or background.
Ques. Is 7 easy to get IELTS?
Ans. Getting 7 or above in the IELTS exam is not an easy task. Students must start by understanding the pattern and syllabus of the exam. Once this is done, they must practice from different official books and websites.
Ques. What are IELTS exam fees?
Ans. The IELTS exam fee is INR 16500 every time candidates register for the exam. This is the registration fee and does not include college or university fees.
Ques. Is 6.5 easy in IELTS?
Ans. Yes, getting 6.5 in IELTS is moderately easy. Candidates with a grasp over the English language can get 6.5 with practice. Extensive practice, determination, hard work, and perseverance will help candidates score more in IELTS.
Ques. Can I prepare IELTS by myself?
Ans. Yes, one can prepare for IELTS themselves. Candidates need to follow the right strategies, implement tips in your study plan, stay consistent, and practice.
Ques. How many hours is IELTS exam?
Ans. The IELTS exam is for 2 hours and 45 minutes. IELTS has four parts – Listening (30 minutes), Reading (60 minutes), writing (60 minutes) and speaking (11–14 minutes). The total test time is 2 hours and 45 minutes.
Comments
There are 3 parts to the Speaking test. 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 4 and 5 minutes. You will be given a task card and the examiner will ask you to talk about a topic. The Speaking and Listening tests are the same in both Academic and General Training.
The differences in the syllabus can be found in only the Reading section. In the IELTS Academic Reading test, the number of reading passages in each section is the same. In the IELTS General Training Reading test, the number of reading passages varies in each section. The main difference between IELTS Academic and IELTS general is that the Academic test will contain topics suitable for anyone entering university or professional institutions while the General Training test will contain topics based on general interest.