IELTS Listening
Let's explore the IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training modules for Listening.
The IELTS Listening assesses your ability to understand spoken English in various everyday situations. This test is the same for both IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training.
Total Time: The Listening test lasts for approximately 30 minutes.
Total Questions: You'll find 40 questions divided among the 4 sections in the Listening test.
Some common types of questions in the:
- Multiple Choice Questions
- True/False/Not Given
- Matching headings
- Matching information
- Sentence completion
Different Sections of Listening:
Section 1 - Conversation in Everyday Context:
In this section, you'll hear a conversation between two people, like booking a hotel room or talking to a neighbour. There will be questions to answer based on what you hear.
Section 2 - Monologue in Everyday Context: Here, you'll listen to a single speaker providing information in an everyday context, such as giving directions or explaining a service. Again, you'll answer questions about the content.
Section 3 - Conversation in an Educational or Training Context: This section usually involves a conversation between multiple speakers, such as a university tutor and a student discussing an assignment or a trainer and trainees discussing a project. You'll need to answer questions related to the conversation.
Section 4 - Academic Lecture or Talk: In this final section, you'll listen to a monologue on an academic topic, like a university lecture or a presentation. The speaker will provide information on a subject, and you'll answer questions based on the topic.
Tips for the IELTS Listening Test
- Pay close attention to the recording and take notes while listening.
- Focus on keywords and phrases that will help you find the answers.
- Be prepared to hear different accents and speech speeds, as the test aims to reflect real-life English conversations and lectures.
IELTS Reading
Let's delve into the details of the IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training Modules for Reading.
This test assesses your ability to understand and extract information from written texts. It is essential to the IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training Modules. Here's what you need to know:
Total Time: You will have 60 minutes to complete the Reading Module.
Total Questions: There are 40 questions in total.
The IELTS Academic Reading Module passages are sourced from various mediums, including books, journals, magazines, newspapers, and online platforms, catering to a general readership.
The subjects are universally appealing to undergraduate or postgraduate students. The writing styles vary, encompassing narrative, descriptive, and discursive/argumentative forms.
At least one passage presents a thorough, logical argument, and visuals like diagrams or graphs may be included. A straightforward dictionary definition is supplied when technical vocabulary is used.
In the Academic Reading Module, you will encounter three sections given below:
Section 1: This section includes a long, complex text often related to academic topics. You must respond to questions that relate to the details provided in the passage.
Section 2: Another lengthy passage, typically associated with work-related or general interest subjects. Again, questions will be based on the content of the passage.
Section 3: This section features a shorter, more complex text. You must answer questions requiring a deeper understanding of the material.
The sections of the IELTS General Training Reading Module are given below:
Section 1 addresses everyday subjects essential for understanding life in an English-speaking environment, including notices, ads, and timetables.
Section 2 focuses on work-related topics like job descriptions and staff development.
Section 3 explores a broader area of general interest. It is sourced from newspapers, magazines, books, and online platforms and is longer and more intricate than those in Sections 1 and 2.
Tips for the IELTS Reading Test
- Allocate a specific amount of time for each section. If you find a question particularly challenging, move on and return to it later if time allows.
- The more you practise reading and answering questions, the more confident and skilled you will become.
- Use IELTS practice materials and sample tests to hone your reading skills.
IELTS Speaking
We’ll explore the IELTS Speaking test to assess how well you can talk and communicate in English. It is a face-to-face interview with a certified examiner. Speaking consists of three parts to evaluate your spoken English skills.
IELTS Academic Speaking:
Total Time: The IELTS Academic Speaking test takes 11-14 minutes.
Total Questions: There are three parts to the test. Each part has its own set of tasks that assesses your ability to speak in various ways.
Part 1 (Introduction): This part begins with some general questions about you, your studies, your interests, and other familiar topics. It's like a warm-up, and it's designed to make you feel more comfortable.
Part 2 (Long Turn/ Cue Card): You'll receive a task card with a topic and some prompts in this section. You have one minute to prepare, then speak about the subject for one to two minutes. This part examines your ability to talk at length on a given topic.
Part 3 (Discussion): In the final part, the examiner will ask you more complex questions related to the topic from Part 2. It tests your ability to engage in a detailed conversation and express your thoughts clearly.
IELTS General Training Speaking:
Total Time: The IELTS General Training Speaking test takes 11-14 minutes.
Total Questions: Like the Academic module, there are also three parts here.
Part 1 (Introduction): Like in the Academic module, this part starts with general questions about yourself, your daily life, and your interests.
Part 2 (Long Turn/ Cue Card): In this section, you'll receive a task card with a topic to discuss. You'll have one minute to prepare and then need to talk for one to two minutes on the subject.
Part 3 (Discussion): The last part discusses more abstract and challenging questions related to the topic from Part 2.
Tips for the IELTS Speaking Test
- Regularly practise speaking English with friends, family, or language partners to improve fluency and confidence.
- Learn new words and phrases to help you express your ideas more effectively during the speaking test.
- Listen carefully to the examiner's questions during the test, and take your time to answer. Staying calm can help you perform better.
IELTS Writing
In the IELTS test, the Writing Test is a crucial part that assesses your ability to express yourself in writing. This module is the same for both IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training.
IELTS Academic Training Writing:
Total Time: You'll have 60 minutes to complete two tasks.
Total Questions: The writing test has two tasks (Task 1 and Task 2).
Task 1 (150 words):
- In the first task, you'll see a graph, chart, table, diagram, letter or map, and you must describe the information in your own words. For example, you will be asked to write a letter responding to a given situation.
- Keep it under 20 minutes, use at least 150 words, or you might get penalised for being too brief.
- Longer Task 1 means less time for Task 2, which is more critical for your Writing score. This task tests your ability to present information in a clear and organised way.
Task 2 (250 words):
- The second task is an essay. You'll be given a topic or a question, and you need to write an essay that presents an argument, shares your opinion, or discusses a problem.
- This task assesses your ability to express and support your ideas effectively. You need to write a letter correctly and clearly when facing a situation.
- Use an academic or semi-formal style, organise your thoughts, and give examples or evidence from your experience. Spend no more than 40 minutes, write at least 250 words, and avoid being too brief to prevent penalties.
IELTS General Training Writing:
Total Time: You also have 60 minutes to complete two tasks.
Total Questions: Like the Academic module, there are two tasks here.
Task 1 (150 words): In this task, you will be asked to write a letter. It could be a formal letter to request information or an informal letter to a friend, for example, inviting them to an event. The key is to convey your message clearly and appropriately.
Task 2 (250 words): You'll receive a topic or a question of general interest. You need to write an essay expressing your point of view on it.
Tips for the IELTS Writing Test
- Remember, you have limited time for each task. Make sure you dedicate around 20 minutes to Task 1 and approximately 40 minutes to Task 2. It will help you manage your time well.
- Make sure your writing is directly related to the task. Don't go off-topic. Read the instructions carefully.
- The more you practise, the more confident you'll become. Try writing essays and letters on various topics to improve your skills.
