Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking make up the four sections of the IELTS exam format. You will be evaluated on these four criteria, which will reveal something important about your English proficiency. If you get above band 6 in all sections, you will be considered an expert in the language! 

Note: Reading, Listening, and Writing sections are administered simultaneously. However, the Speaking section may be administered on the same day, seven days prior or seven days after the exam date.

IELTS Exam Pattern Overview

IELTS Exam Format

Let’s explore the IELTS sections in detail. 

IELTS Test Format - Listening

40 questions will be asked about 4 different recordings. These recordings are played only once and are based on different settings, as shown below.

• The first recording is of a conversation between two people that takes place in a typical social setting.
• Recording 2 is a conversation that takes place in a typical social setting.
• Recording 3 is a discussion between up to four people that takes place in an instructional or learning environment.
• Recording number four will consist of a monologue on any academic topic.

IELTS Test Format - Reading

The Reading section contains forty questions designed to assess various reading skills. These include comprehending the logical argument, reading for the main points, and reading for the particulars. The texts are selected from periodicals, journals, newspapers, and books for university applicants. 

You can expect to receive questions types such as

• Identifying information
• Matching features
• Sentence completion
• Short-answer questions
• Identifying the author’s claims 

IELTS Test Format – Writing 

The writing section is designed to analyse your vocabulary range and your ability to construct and process information. There are two tasks in this section, as explained below.

• Task 1- You’re allotted sixty minutes to complete both tasks. One task takes 20 minutes, while the other takes 40. Task 1 of the IELTS Academic Module requires you to summarise a table/graph/process in at least 150 words. Task 1 of the IELTS General Training Module requires candidates to compose a letter with at least 150 words.
• Task 2- Task 2 is identical to the Academic and General Training Module. You must write an essay of a minimum of 250 words. The applicants must compose an essay responding to an argument, problem, or viewpoint. Ensure that you respond to both tasks in a formal manner.

Test format – Speaking

 The speaking section evaluates the candidate's spoken English. Each test is documented.

• Part 1 - First, the examiner will ask you general questions about yourself and familiar topics such as work, school, and home. The duration of the first section is four to five minutes.
• Part 2 - You will be given a card with questions regarding a specific topic. You get a minute to prepare before speaking for two minutes. The examiner will then pose one or two questions on the chosen subject.
• Part 3 - The participant will be asked questions regarding the topic chosen in Part 2. In this round, you can discuss your ideas and issues in greater depth. This section lasts between four and five minutes.