Can you explain the IELTS exam and its four major modules?
IELTS has four modules: Listening, 30 minutes with 40 questions; Reading, 60 minutes with 40 questions; Writing, 60 minutes across two tasks; and Speaking, an 11 to 14 minute interview. Each module scores from Band 1 to Band 9, and your four scores are averaged into an Overall Band Score.
Your IELTS exam is split into four modules that together take about two hours and 45 minutes, and each one is scored separately before being averaged into your final band. Whether you sit the Academic or General Training version, Listening and Speaking stay identical, while Reading and Writing content shifts based on your goal.
The Four IELTS Modules
| Module | Duration | Format |
|---|---|---|
| Listening | 30 minutes | 4 recordings, 40 questions, heard once |
| Reading | 60 minutes | 3 long texts, 40 questions |
| Writing | 60 minutes | Task 1 (150 words) and Task 2 (250 words) |
| Speaking | 11 to 14 minutes | Face to face interview in 3 parts |
Academic vs General Training, and How Scoring Works
- Academic is for university admission or professional registration; General Training is for migration, secondary education or work experience.
- Reading passages differ: Academic pulls from journals and technical texts, General Training from notices and workplace material.
- Writing Task 2 carries more weight in your final score than Task 1, so budget your time accordingly.
- Each module is scored from Band 1 to Band 9, and the four scores are averaged and rounded to give your Overall Band Score.
My Advice
Since Task 2 pulls more weight than Task 1 in your Writing score, spend closer to 40 of your 60 minutes there and only sketch a quick outline for Task 1 before writing. If your target university lists a minimum band per section rather than just an overall score, drill your weakest module specifically instead of practicing all four equally.
IELTS, PTE or Duolingo: which should you take?
Find out which test your universities accept, and which is easiest for you.
More IELTS questions
- Will I be able to pass the English proficiency exam given my concerns about language skills?
- What are the chances of getting a conditional offer letter requiring IELTS even if I have a good 12th standard score?
- Can I study in the UK without IELTS, and which universities accept other English tests?
- Would you suggest me to give IELTS first before starting the application process in Germany/Italy for a Master's?
- Do I need to score well in GRE, GMAT, or IELTS to get good scholarships in top business schools for a MBA?
- Is it possible to get an IELTS exemption if my transcript states that my medium of instruction was English?
- Can I still take IELTS as a paper-based test?
- Will you help with the IELTS application process and provide guidance on the required documents and deposits?