IELTS Test Format
Understand the IELTS structure, types, and formats for Academic and General Training tests with key insights.
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Understand the IELTS structure, types, and formats for Academic and General Training tests with key insights.
IELTS: International English Language Testing System
IELTS has four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. Academic and General training are the two different IELTS tests. Both tests have the same speaking and listening sections, but the reading and writing sections differ.
Academic IELTS exam
You can opt for this if you're interested in studying at the undergraduate or postgraduate levels, or if you're interested in pursuing professional registration, such as medical professionals in English speaking countries such as Canada, USA, Australia, New Zealand, UK, Ireland etc.
IELTS General Training Test
Choose this option if you wish to migrate to an English-speaking country, (e.g. Australia, Canada, New Zealand, UK) or if you wish to train or study at below degree level.
Looking for a free mock test of IELTS? Click here to register for a free IELTS Mock Test. |
IELTS Structure
There are two types of exams available for the students and the professionals.
1. Pen and Paper Based IELTS
2. CD-IELTS (Computer Driven IELTS)
FORMAT: Academic
IELTS is divided into 4 parts: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking:
| Module | Time Duration | Number of Sections/Part | Question Types |
| Listening | 30-40 minutes | 4 Parts: 2 Generic and 2 Academic (40 Questions) | Form completion, Sentence Completion, Summary Completion, Map Labelling, Multiple Choice, Matching |
| Reading | 1 Hour | 3 Sections: 3 Reading Comprehensions: (40 Questions) | Sentence Completion, Summary Completion, Labelling, Matching List of Phrases, Headings, Multiple Choice, True/False/Not Given |
| Writing | 1 Hour | 2 Sections | Graph Description and Essay Writing |
| Speaking | 11-14 Minutes | 3 Parts | Interview: Questions about you, family, friends, house, city, hobbies. Cue Card: Any topic: 1 minute Preparation and Speak for 90 to 120 seconds Discussion: cross questioning on the given topic |
IELTS General Test Structure: The format of Listening and Speaking is the same
| Module | Time Duration | Number of Sections/Part | Question Types |
| Listening | 30-40 minutes | 4 Parts: 2 Generic and 2 Academic (40 Questions) | Form completion, Sentence Completion, Summary Completion, Map Labelling, Multiple Choice, Matching |
| Reading | 1 Hour | 3 Sections: 5-6 Reading Comprehensions: each 600-700 Words, (40 Questions) | Sentence Completion, Summary Completion, Labelling, Matching List of Phrases, Headings, Multiple Choice, True/False/Not Given |
| Writing | 1 Hour | 2 Sections | Email Writing and Essay Writing |
| Speaking | 11-14 Minutes | 3 Parts | Interview: Questions about you, family, friends, house, city, hobbies. Cue Card: Any topic: 1 minute Preparation and Speak for 90 to 120 seconds Discussion: cross questioning on the given topic |
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