IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is one of the popular English proficiency tests. IELTS has globally recognition from academic institutions, employers, and governments to prove non-native speakers’ English proficiency for study, work and migration. IELTS play a crucial role in the selection process for many prominent institutes and government bodies. It is important to understand its format to outshine in the test. This blog provides information to you to understand the IELTS exam pattern so that you can prepare in the right way for the latest IELTS exam pattern.
Types of IELTS Tests
IELTS has four different types of tests: IELTS Academic, IELTS General, IELTS UKVI, and IELTS Life Skills, which set targets toward different kinds of objectives. For instance, IELTS Academic is set for those categories of people who want to pursue higher education or get professional registration; this category pays more attention to academic language proficiency. IELTS General Training is suitable for those who look at pursuing work experience, or training programs where the focus would be placed on general language. The IELTS UKVI is one that is approved for visa and immigration processes in the UK and meets the required government requirement. The IELTS Life Skills test is another exam that assesses the speaking and listening English skills at levels A1 or B1 of the CEFR. The exam is especially required for some UK visa and immigration categories.
The scoring remains the same for IELTS Academic, IELTS UKVI, and IELTS General. You will take the first three parts of the test on the same day, in the following order: Listening, Reading, and Writing, with no breaks in between these tests. Your Speaking test could be held on the same day or up to seven days before or after that, depending on local arrangements.
IELTS Test Format
Listening
The IELTS Listening test is designed for a broad assessment of listening abilities, including the ability to:
- understand main ideas and specific factual information
- recognize a speaker's opinions, attitudes and purpose
- follow how an argument develops.
This section has four recordings, and each recording has 10 questions. The students can read the questions and then listen to the audio. These four sections have a total of 40 questions to be completed within 30 minutes. Audios will be played once only, so quick note taking skills are required. The test for Listening is the same for both academic and general training modules. Click here to try free IELTS Listening test.
| Format | You will listen to four recordings of native English speakers and then you will have to write the answer at a series of questions.
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| Duration | The IELTS Listening test takes approximately 30 minutes, and you are allowed an extra 10 minutes to transfer your answers from your question booklet to your answer sheet. |
| Number of questions | 40 questions. |
| Task types | A variety of question types are used, chosen from the following: multiple choice, matching, plan/map/diagram labelling, form/note/table/flow-chart/summary completion, sentence completion. |
| Marks | Each correct answer receives one mark. Scores out of 40 are converted to the IELTS 9-band scale. Scores are reported in whole and half bands. |
Take a free listening practice test
Listening section marks & scoring details:
Each question is worth 1 point so you can achieve a score up to 40 points. There is no negative marking in the IELTS listening test and you can take a guess in case you are not sure of the correct answer.
The table gives an idea about how listening is scored and the band conversion for IELTS listening
| Band Score | score/40 |
| 9 | 39-40 |
| 8.5 | 37-38 |
| 8 | 35-36 |
| 7.5 | 32-34 |
| 7 | 30-31 |
| 6.5 | 26-29 |
| 6 | 23-25 |
| 5.5 | 18-22 |
| 5 | 16-17 |
| 4.5 | 13-15 |
| 4 | 10-12 |
| 3.5 | 8-10 |
| 3 | 6-7 |
| 2.5 | 4-5 |
Types of Questions asked in the IELTS Listening Test include:
Type 1 – Multiple Choice
You will be given a question with three possible answers. The question can be at the beginning or in between the sentence. You are supposed to choose one correct answer – A, B, or C.
Sometimes, you are given a long list of possible answers and are asked to choose more than one answer. In such question type, you need to read the given instructions carefully.
Skills Assessed
Ability to understand the main points covered in the recording
Type 2 – Matching
In this question type, a list of options will be given on the question paper. You need to match these options with the list of items in the recording. Then, you have to write the correct letter (A, B, C, or D) on the answer sheet.
Skills Assessed
Ability to identify a connection between the facts with respect to the recording
Type 3 – Map, Plan, or Diagram Labelling
There will be a labelled diagram, map, or plan in the question. You are supposed to complete those labels in either of the following ways:
- Select answer from the list of options and write the correct letter choice.
- Select appropriate words that fit in the label from the recording.
Skills Assessed
Ability to understand the description of an image (Map, Plan or Diagram) and relate it to its visual representation
Type 4 – Form, Table, Flowchart, Note, or Summary Completion
In this question type, you have to fill in the gaps provided in the form, table, flowchart, note, or summary in context to the recording. You either have to select your answer from a list of options given in the question or identify the missing words from the recording. You do not have to change the words ( i.e. write the word as it is) if selected from the recording.
Skills Assessed
Ability to understand the main points covered in the recording
Type 5 – Sentence Completion
There will be a set of sentences that summarise important information in the recording. You have to fill in the gap in each sentence using the information provided in the recording. Read the instructions carefully before noting down the answers.
Skills Assessed
Ability to analyze the main idea of the listening text and identify important information from the recording
Type 6 – Short Answers
In this question type, you are supposed to read the given question and answer it shortly with the help of the information in the recording. Sometimes, you might be asked to write down two or three different answers to the same question.
You must read the instructions carefully. For example, sometimes it may be 'answer in one/two words' or at times it might be 'answer in no more than a word/number'.
Skills Assessed
Ability to analyze the main idea of the listening text and identify important information from the recording
Reading
IELTS Reading test assesses a broad range of reading skills. These include:
- read for the general sense of a passage
- read for the main ideas
- read for detail
- understand inferences and implied meaning
- recognise a writer's opinions, attitudes and purpose
- follow the development of an argument.
There are three passages in this section and each passage goes with 13-14 questions. These three sections consist of 40 questions that should be completed within 60 minutes, you're advised not to spend more than 20 minutes on each passage. The test for Reading is different for academic and general training modules. Though the time, question types and number of questions given for both the sections remain the same, these sections do differ according to the tests taken. Click here to try free IELTS Reading test.
Difference between IELTS Academic & IELTS General
As mentioned above, there are some differences between IELTS Academic Reading and the Reading module of IELTS General Training.
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- The IELTS Academic Reading section has been segregated into 3 parts, each comprising a long paragraph text. The level of difficulty is increased from part 1 to part 3. The IELTS General Training section is segregated into three parts. Part 1 and 2 of this section will have one or two texts, and Part 3 will contain a long, difficult passage on some general topic of interest.
- The texts in Academic Reading are normally concerned with topics on science, sociology, and even occasionally some form of illustration. While in General Training Reading, Part 1 has texts spanning matters relating to every day's life, courses, or some kind of services delivered, the Part 2 contains texts related to jobs, application procedures, etc.
- Because the IELTS General Training Reading section is said to be on par with the IELTS Academic Reading section in terms of difficulty, it definitely would follow that the scores for this section would also vary accordingly. More questions would be required to be answered correctly in a General Training section in order to achieve the same grade awarded to an Academic Reading section.
Academic Reading
| Format | Three long texts which range from the descriptive and factual to the discursive and analytical. These are taken from books, journals, magazines and newspapers. They have been selected for a non-specialist audience but are appropriate for people entering university courses or seeking professional registration. |
| Duration | The IELTS Reading test takes approximately 60 minutes, including the time it takes to transfer your answers from your question booklet to your answer sheet. |
| Number of questions | 40 questions. |
| Task types | Fill gaps in a passage of written text or in a table, match headings to written text to diagrams or charts, complete sentences, give short answers to open questions, answer multiple choice questions. |
| Marks | Each correct answer gets one mark. Scores out of 40 are converted to the IELTS 9-band scale. Scores are reported in whole and half bands. |
General Training Reading
| Format | Extracts from books, magazines, newspapers, notices, advertisements, company handbooks and guidelines. These are materials you are likely to encounter on a daily basis in an English-speaking environment. |
| Duration | The IELTS Reading test takes approximately 60 minutes, including the time it takes to transfer your answers from your question booklet to your answer sheet. |
| Number of questions | 40 questions. |
| Task types | Fill gaps in a passage of written text or in a table, match headings to written text to diagrams or charts, complete sentences, give short answers to open questions, answer multiple choice questions. |
| Marks | Each correct answer receives one mark. Scores out of 40 are converted to the IELTS 9-band scale. Scores are reported in whole and half bands. |
Take a free reading practice test
IELTS Academic & General Reading marks & scoring details
The IELTS reading test contains 40 questions. Each correct answer is awarded one mark. Scores out of 40 are converted to the IELTS nine band scale. The IELTS reading is scored in bands from 1-9, and includes half bands. The academic and general training reading tests are graded on the same scale.
| IELTS Academic Reading - Correct Answers | IELTS General Reading - Correct Answers | Band Score |
| 40-39 | 40 | 9 |
| 38-37 | 39 | 8.5 |
| 36-35 | 37-38 | 8 |
| 34-33 | 36 | 7.5 |
| 32-30 | 34-35 | 7 |
| 29-27 | 32-33 | 6.5 |
| 26-23 | 30-31 | 6 |
| 22-19 | 27-29 | 5.5 |
| 18-15 | 23-26 | 5 |
| 14-13 | 19-22 | 4.5 |
| 12-10 | 15-18 | 4 |
| 9-8 | 12-14 | 3.5 |
| 7-6 | 9-11 | 3 |
| 5-4 | 6-8 | 2.5 |
Common Factors
IELTS General Reading and IELTS Academic Reading test comprises of 40 questions.
Each question is worth 1 mark. There are various question types used in the test to assess your reading skills.
Types of Questions asked in the IELTS Reading Test include:
Question Type 1 – Multiple Choice
You will be given a part of the sentence and will be asked to complete it. You may also be given a question for which you are supposed to select the best suitable answer from the given options. You are required to choose either:
- One answer from four alternatives (A, B, C or D)
- Two answers from five alternatives (A, B, C, D or E)
- Three answers from seven alternatives (A, B, C, D, E, F or G)
The questions asked are in the same order as the information provided in the passage.
Skills Assessed
Ability to understand particular points or overall ideas of the passage
Question Type 2 – Identifying Information [True/False/Not Given]
In this question type, you will be given a set of statements. The question will be: 'Do the following statements agree with the information in the text?'. Then, you need to write your answer as 'True', 'False' or 'Not Given'.
Be clear about the difference between 'False' and 'Not Given'.
- 'False' – Passage states the opposite of the statement.
- 'Not Given' – The information in the statement is not mentioned in the passage.
Skills Assessed
Ability to recognize the information conveyed in the passage
Question Type 3 – Identifying Writer's Claims/Views
You will be given a number of statements. The question will be: 'Do the following statements agree with the views/claims of the writer?'. You are required to answer in 'Yes', 'No' or 'Not Given'.
Be clear about the difference between 'No' and 'Not Given'.
- 'No' – Passage does not agree with the statement.
- 'Not Given' – The information in the statement is not mentioned in the passage.
Skills Assessed
Ability to identify the ideas and opinions of the writer
Question Type 4 – Matching Information
In this question type, there are various paragraphs labeled with different letters (A, B, C, …). You are supposed to match the information given in the question with the information found in one of the paragraphs. The task requirement is to write the letter of the correct paragraph on the answer sheet.
Skills Assessed
Ability to scan a text to find specific information
Question Type 5 – Matching Headings
A list of headings marked with (i, ii, iii, …) and a passage with lettered paragraphs (A, B, C, …) are given. You must match the heading to the correct paragraph and write the appropriate number on the answer sheet. To make the task tricky, there will be more headings than the number of paragraphs.
Skills Assessed
Ability to recognize the main idea or theme of a particular paragraph
Question Type 6 – Matching Features
In this question type, you need to match a set of statements or a piece of information to the list of options given. The options are a group of features from the passage. For example, you need to match different events to historical periods. It might be possible that some options will not be used while some may be used more than once.
Skills Assessed
Ability to determine relationships and connections between facts
Question Type 7 – Match Sentence Endings
The first half of the sentence will be provided. You need to complete the sentence by choosing the best answer from a list of possible options. The number of options will be more than the number of sentences. The questions are will be in the same order as the information that appears in the text.
Skills Assessed
Ability to understand the main idea within the sentence
Question Type 8 – Sentence Completion
In this question type, you are asked to complete the sentence with a specific number of words. The instructions give you a clear idea about the number of words you need to write. It may be 'one word', 'two/three words', 'no more than three words/a number', and so on. Read the instructions carefully before noting down your answers. If you write more than the required words, you will lose marks.
Skills Assessed
Ability to locate specific information from the passage
Question Type 9 – Summary, Note, Table, Flowchart Completion
In this question type, you need to fill in the gap in the summary, note, table, or flowchart in context to the passage. You either have to select your answer from a list of options or choose words from the passage. The answers don’t need to appear in the same order as given in the passage.
Skills Assessed
Ability to identify the main idea of the passage and the type of words that fits into the gap
Question Type 10 – Diagram Label Completion
This question type shows a labelled diagram with a description in the text that will be given. You are supposed to complete those labels. The diagram may be some type of machine, parts of a building, or other objects that can be easily represented pictorially.
Skills Assessed
Ability to relate the information in the text to the labels in the diagram
Question Type 11 – Short Answers Questions
In this question type, you need to answer questions regarding the details mentioned in the passage. The details mainly relate to some factual information. You must write your answers on the sheet in words/numbers as per the given instructions.
Skills Assessed
Ability to understand and locate the information given in the passage
Writing
The IELTS Writing test assesses a variety of writing skills; for example, a good response should:
- appropriately write a response
- express ideas that are well-organised
- use vocabulary and grammar accurately.
There are two tasks in this section, where one requires writing a 150-word answer to Task 1 and Task 2 is to be answered in detail in about 250 words. This is the total time for the Writing test, which you should wisely divide into 20 minutes for Task 1 and 40 minutes for Task 2. As stated earlier, Task 1 of Writing for both modules is different: Academic and General training. The Academic Module, Task 1, demands that you describe a graph, table, chart, or diagram in your own words. For the General Training module, Task 1 is a letter requesting information or explaining a situation. Task 2 is same for both Academic and General modules. Task 2 is also an essay responding to a point of view, argument, or problem. Click here to try the free IELTS Writing test.
Academic Writing
| Format | You should write in a formal style in the IELTS Academic Writing test. In Task 1, you will be given a graph, table, chart, process, diagram, or map; you are expected to describe, summarize, or explain information in your own words. This might be a description and explanation of data, the stages of a process; how something works, or it may additionally be a description of an object or event. To complete this task well, you are required to do the following:
For Task 2 you will be presented with a point of view, argument or problem and asked to write an essay in response. You will find the issues interest and easy to understand. Essays should be written in an academic, or semi-formal style. |
| Duration | The IELTS Writing test takes 60 minutes. You should spend 20 minutes on Task 1, and 40 minutes on Task 2. You will be required to manage your time by yourself, so you need to make sure that you move on to Task 2 after 20 minutes. |
| Number of questions | 2 questions. |
| Task types | There are two tasks: Task 1 and Task 2. You will be required to write a minimum of 150 words for Task 1 and a minimum of 250 words for Task 2. |
| Marks | The IELTS Writing format is same for IELTS Writing Tasks 1 and 2, with just one minor difference. While Writing Task 1 measures the Task Achievement, Writing Task 2 measures Task Response; all other parameters remain the same. Task 2 is worth twice as much as Task 1 in the IELTS Writing test. Scores are reported in whole and half bands. Coherence & Cohesion means linking ideas in proper sequence while Cohesion means making appropriate use of cohesive devices, like connectors, pronouns, or conjunctions, to logically link ideas. Lexical Resource is responsible for the range of vocabulary at your disposal. Task Response and Achievement comforts in the coverage of all main points and task requirements, their elaboration, and illustration with suitable examples. Grammatical Range & Accuracy looks for accurate usage and wide range of complex structures. |
| Take a free writing practice test | |
General Training Writing
| Format | The topics used in the IELTS General Training Writing test are of general interest. In Task 1 you will be presented with a situation and asked to write a letter requesting information or explaining the situation. You can write the letter in a personal, semi-formal or formal style. In Task 2 you will be asked to write an essay in response to a point of view, argument or problem. You can use a fairly personal style. |
| Duration | The IELTS Writing test takes 60 minutes. Spend 20 minutes on Task 1, and 40 minutes on Task 2. You will need to manage your own time, so make sure you move on to Task 2 after 20 minutes. |
| Number of questions | 2 questions. |
| Task types | Two tasks: Task 1 and Task 2. You will be asked to write at least 150 words for Task 1 and at least 250 words for Task 2. |
| Marks | The IELTS Writing format is same for IELTS Writing Tasks 1 and 2, with just one minor difference. While Writing Task 1 measures the Task Achievement, Writing Task 2 measures Task Response; all other parameters remain the same. Task 2 is worth twice as much as Task 1 in the IELTS Writing test. Scores are reported in whole and half bands. Coherence & Cohesion means linking ideas in proper sequence while Cohesion means making appropriate use of cohesive devices, like connectors, pronouns, or conjunctions, to logically link ideas. Lexical Resource is responsible for the range of vocabulary at your disposal. Task Response and Achievement comforts in the coverage of all main points and task requirements, their elaboration, and illustration with suitable examples. Grammatical Range & Accuracy looks for accurate usage and wide range of complex structures. |
Take a free writing practice test
Types of Questions asked in the IELTS Writing Test include:
IELTS Academic Writing Task 1
This test contains some visual information in the form of a graph, table, chart, process, diagram, or map. It may be a description of the stages of a process, explanation of data, or description of an event or an object. Describe the given information in your own words.
For example: Write a report on the chart and graph describing participants who entered the Olympics this year.
You are supported to provide all the necessary details, including main features and comparisons.
Write at least 150 words in about 20 minutes.
Skills Assessed
Ability to identify the relevant and important information from the given Graph, Table, Chart or Diagram & present it in a structured manner
IELTS General Writing Task 1
This task gives a situation. You have to respond to the given situation in the form of any formal or informal letter, keeping respect in the target audience.
For example, the letter to a friend will be informal, while to some governmental bodies or people at high authorities, it will be formal.
You are supposed to provide all the necessary details, explain the situation, make a request or suggestion so that the purpose of your letter is clear to the examiner.
Write at least 150 words in about 20 minutes.
Skills Assessed
Ability to interpret the given situation, follow the instructions and letter-writing conventions, organize and link the information accurately with correct usage of English
IELTS General and Academic Writing Task 2
The essay question for General Training Writing is usually more manageable than the Academic Writing. However, the writing assessment are pretty much the same for both, General Writing and Academic Writing task. You are given a point of view, argument, or problem. The topics generally include issues on education, environment, business and money, lifestyle, and so on.
You are required to write an essay presenting a solution for the problem, express your ideas, present them in an organized manner and justify your opinions with the help of relevant illustrations.
Write at least 250 words in about 40 minutes.
Skills Assessed
Ability to present ideas in proper order, cover all the information mentioned in the instructions, connect the information appropriately while writing, and justify argument with the relevant examples
Speaking
The Speaking test is a face-to-face conversation between the test taker and the examiner, designed to determine the speaking ability of the candidate. Every speaking test is recorded so that it is ready for reassessment or remarking of the test if required. You should do IELTS Speaking topics and then record your answers to review them to estimate how you have performed and what the speaking criteria are. There are no differences in content between IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training. The IELTS Speaking test is designed to assess a wide range of skills. The examiner will look forward to seeing how well you can perform the following:
- communicate views and information on everyday topics as well as common experiences; to this end, you will be required to answer different questions;
- speak at length upon a given topic using appropriate language;
- organize your ideas in a coherent way;
- express and justify opinions;
- analyze, discuss, and speculate about issues.
Make sure that you are relaxed and speak fluently. You are going to need to speak like you are talking to your close friends.
| Format | There are 3 parts in the speaking test. Part 1: the examiner will introduce himself or herself to you and ask you to introduce yourself and confirm your identity. The examiner then asks general questions on familiar topics, e.g. home, family, work, studies, interests. This section should help you start to relax and talk naturally. This section lasts between 4 and 5 minutes where the examiner should ask you between 7 and 11 questions. Part 2: You will be handed a cue card by the examiner, asking you to talk about a specific topic and some points that should be included in your talk. You will have one minute for preparation and making any notes. After this, you will be asked to talk for 1-2 minutes about the topic. You won't be interrupted; therefore, ensure continuous talking. The examiner asks you one or two questions on the same topic. All in all, it takes 3-4 minutes. Part 3: The examiner will further ask you questions that are related to the topic in Part 2. These questions enable you to talk about abstract issues and ideas. It keeps for about 4-5 minutes, during which 4-8 questions will be asked about the topic in part 2. |
| Duration | 11-14 minutes. |
| Marks | Your speaking will be assessed on your performance throughout the test. You will be marked on four criteria: fluency and coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy, pronunciation. Scores are reported in whole and half bands.
Fluency and Coherence examines the degree of fluency with which you can speak at a stretch, whether you're able to speak without a single pause or hesitation and self-correction. This criterion also looks at seeing effective uses of cohesive devices like pronouns, connectors, conjunctions, etc. You need to speak in an accent and use language easily understandable to the examiner.
Lexical Resource assesses whether you are using a diverse range of vocabulary or not. Try to put the meaning in different words and avoid using much common vocabulary. The correct use of collocations and paraphrasing at the apt place is also considered. You must avoid errors while speaking.
Grammatical Range & Accuracy refers to the formation of your sentences. In other words, it's going to judge how complex a sentence structure you can build up and apply the grammar properly. The structures should be set so accurate that their use sounds natural and appropriate while talking. Overuse of preposition, conjunction, and article has to be avoided too.
Pronunciation checks your ability for intonation (i.e. it rises and falls while speaking) and the way you pronounce any word are taken into account. Your accent should be such that it conveys very clearly to the examiner. Yet, having a mother-tongue influence your speaking is fine as long as you are understandable. |
| Take a free speaking practice test | |
IELTS speaking section marks & scoring details
There is no worry of thinking about negative marking. IELTS speaking doesn’t have a negative score.
Band scores for the IELTS speaking follows,
| BAND | CRITERIA | SCORE |
| Band 9 |
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| Band 8 |
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| Band 7 |
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| Band 6 |
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| Band 5 |
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| Band 4 |
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| Band 3 |
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| Band 2 |
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| Band 1 |
| No communication possible |
| Band 0 |
| Does not attend |
Types of Questions asked in the IELTS Speaking Test include:
IELTS Speaking Part 1
Introduction
- The test taker & and the examiner introduce themselves.
- Examiner asks general questions on topics related to personal interest, work, hometown, studies, and family.
- Lasts for 4-5 minutes
Skills Assessed
Ability to convey ideas and views on daily topics, circumstances, or common experiences by answering a range of questions
IELTS Speaking Part 2
Cue Card
- A Cue Card is given to you
- 1 minute is provided to prepare for the topic and if you wish, make a note of them.
- You then have to speak on that topic for 1-2 minutes.
- Lasts for 3-4 minutes.
Skills Assessed
Ability to speak at length on a given topic using appropriate language
IELTS Speaking Part 3
Discussion
- The examiner asks questions based on the topic given in Part 2
- You get a chance to express your views in a more abstract way
- Lasts for 4-5 minutes
Skills Assessed
Ability to analyze the topic, express views, justify an opinion, organize and evaluate ideas
Moreover, IELTS offers the option to take the test either on paper or a computer. Options for paper-based and computer-based exams assist in balancing the two different preferences of the candidates by making them feel comfortable and at ease—thereby not causing a change in the test format or questions.
Remember, all of the test sections have been purposefully designed to examine different facets of your English skill. If you begin your preparation with determination and confidence, you can indeed be very well-prepared for this milestone test. Kick-start your IELTS preparation journey with clarity and confidence. Looking for expert Online IELTS classes? Join Now!
