Comprehensive Guide to the IELTS Exam

Sep 24, 2024

IELTS Overview

Categories of IELTS

  • General Test: For individuals moving to English-speaking countries for Permanent Residency (PR) or jobs.
  • Academic Test: For individuals moving to English-speaking countries for higher studies or courses.
  • Note: Verify which test to take before registration.

Test Structure

  • Listening: 40 minutes
  • Reading: 60 minutes
  • Writing: 60 minutes
  • Speaking: 11 to 14 minutes

Test Day Details

  • Listening, Reading, and Writing: Conducted on the same day without breaks (total of 2 hours 40 minutes).
  • Speaking: May occur on the same day or within seven days before/after the other tests, depending on the scheduled provided by IDP or British Council.

Listening Section

  • Format: First test, 4 sections in order of difficulty (1: Easiest, 4: Most Difficult).
  • Answering: Write answers in the question booklet while listening.
  • Total Questions: 40 questions.
  • Transfer Time: 10 minutes at the end to transfer answers to the answer sheet.

Reading Section

  • General vs. Academic:
    • General: 1 or 2 texts, 40 questions (increasing difficulty).
    • Academic: 3 long passages, 40 questions (academic language).
  • Note: Write answers directly onto the answer sheet; no extra time to transfer.

Writing Section

  • General vs. Academic:
    • Tasks: 2 tasks in both.
      • Task 1: Letter (General), Summary of a text (Academic).
      • Task 2: Essay in both.
  • Timing:
    • Task 1: 20 minutes.
    • Task 2: 40 minutes.
  • Word Limits:
    • Task 1: Minimum 150 words.
    • Task 2: Minimum 250 words.
    • Penalty for lower word count.

Speaking Section

  • Format: One-to-one interaction with the examiner, recorded.
  • Sections:
    • Section 1: Brief introduction, short Q&A.
    • Section 2: Individual speaking on a given topic for 1-2 minutes with 1 minute of preparation.
    • Section 3: Discussion with 5-6 questions related to the topic from Section 2.
  • Advice: Relax and speak as much as possible.

Conclusion

  • Next video will cover assessment criteria for writing and speaking.
  • Best of luck!