IELTS Practice Test: Reading
You've got 60 minutes for the Reading test, whether you're taking the Academic or General Training module. You'll have three passages in both, each followed by 40 questions.
In the Academic module, these passages cover various topics – descriptive, factual, and analytical. You might even come across diagrams, graphs, or illustrations. These texts are sourced from books, newspapers, journals, and more.
Now, in the General Training module, things are a bit different. While it consists of three sections, the types of texts in this case differ from the Academic versions. The first section has short texts, while the second has two short work-related texts.
The Final section presents one long text about a general interest topic. The passages will be taken from genuine notices, company handbooks, advertisements, books, official documents, magazines, or newspapers.
IELTS Practice Test: Writing
You've got 60 minutes to attempt the Writing section in both modules.
In the Academic module, Task 1 involves writing about a table, graph, chart, or diagram in at least 150 words. Task 2 is about essay writing, with a minimum word count of 250.
Responses to Task 1 and Task 2 should be written in an academic, semi-formal, or neutral style.
For the General Training module, it's the same setup. Task 1 is about writing a letter in at least 150 words, and Task 2 revolves around essay writing, again requiring a minimum of 250 words.
In this module, you have the flexibility to write in a semi-formal or formal style, depending on the nature of the letter or essay you are asked to compose.
IELTS Practice Test: Listening
The Listening test is a 30-minute test that's the same for both the IELTS Academic and General Training tests.
In this test, you'll listen to four recordings featuring a mix of conversations from many native English speakers.
Here's the catch: you'll only hear each recording once. For each part of the Listening test, you'll have 10 questions to answer. This means you'll have a total of 40 questions in this test.
Now, what are these questions? Well, they're all about testing your skill for:
- Catching the main ideas and the facts.
- Tuning into the opinions and attitudes of the speakers.
- Understanding the purpose behind what's being said.
- Keeping up with the flow of ideas as they evolve.
Let's break down the specifics of each recording:
- Recording 1: A chat between two folks, just your everyday social conversation.
- Recording 2: A one-person giving a speech in an everyday social setting or monologue – like a speech about local hangouts.
- Recording 3: You will listen to a monologue on any academic subject. For instance, a college lecture.
- Recording 4: A conversation between up to four people, all set in an educational or training vibe – imagine a university tutor and a student hashing out an assignment.
IELTS Practice Test: Speaking
This face-to-face interview with an IELTS trainer lasts for about 11 to 14 minutes in both the Academic and General Training modules.
The Speaking Test is split into three parts:
Part 1 (4–5 minutes): It starts with an introduction and interview. The IELTS examiner starts things off by introducing themselves and asking you to do the same while ensuring you're really you. Then, they'll throw everyday questions, like family, studies, work, and what tickles your fancy.
Part 2 (3–4 minutes): In this round, it's your turn to shine. The examiner hands you a card with a topic and key points to discuss. You have a minute to gather your thoughts and scribble down some notes on a handy piece of paper. Then, it's showtime! You have one to two minutes to spill the beans on the topic; afterwards, the examiner might ask a few more questions about it.
Part 3 (4–5 minutes): The final stretch is a two-way discussion. The examiner keeps the ball rolling with more questions about the topic from Part 2. This is your chance to dive deeper into the ideas and share your thoughts.
