IELTS

IELTS Exam Pattern 2024

Before starting preparations for the IELTS Exam 2024, candidates should familiarize themselves with the IELTS format. The IELTS score is crucial for selection processes. Jointly owned by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia, and Cambridge English Language Assessment, this exam is recognized by over 10,000 institutions across more than 140 countries.

The IELTS exam consists of four components: Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking. Note that the Reading, Listening, and Writing sections are administered in one sitting, while the Speaking section can be scheduled on the same day or up to seven days before or after the main exam date.

Section Details and Duration

IELTS Academic Test Description

• Listening (30 minutes)
  • Includes four recorded conversations and monologues.
  • Total Questions: 40
• Reading (60 minutes)
  • Features three long passages with various types of texts including descriptive, factual, discursive, and analytical, supplemented with non-verbal materials such as diagrams and graphs.
  • Total Questions: 40
• Writing (60 minutes)
  • Task 1: Write at least 150 words summarizing, describing, or explaining visual data like tables, graphs, charts, or diagrams.
  • Task 2: Write an essay of at least 250 words.
  • Total Tasks: 2
• Speaking (11-14 minutes)
  • A face-to-face interview comprising an introduction, a cue card task, and a detailed discussion.
  • Total Questions: 3

IELTS Paper Pattern

To understand the IELTS pattern thoroughly, candidates should also review the IELTS syllabus. The IELTS exam lasts a total of 2 hours and 45 minutes.

• Listening: 30 minutes divided into four sections with 40 questions.
• Reading: 60 minutes with three texts and 40 questions.
• Writing: 60 minutes, with two tasks.
• Speaking: 11-14 minutes, including an interview.

IELTS Test Format

There are two types of IELTS: Academic and General Training. All candidates take the same Listening and Speaking tests but different Reading and Writing tests based on their chosen module.

IELTS Test Format - Listening

Candidates listen to four recordings and answer questions based on them:

• Recording 1: Conversation between two people in a social context.
• Recording 2: Monologue in a social context.
• Recording 3: Conversation among up to four people in an educational or training context.
• Recording 4: Monologue on an academic topic.

Types of Listening Questions:

• Matching
• Multiple-choice questions
• Sentence completion
• Short-answer questions

IELTS Test Format - Reading

The Reading section tests various reading skills through three texts:

• Texts: Include factual, descriptive, discursive, and analytical content from books, journals, newspapers, and magazines.
• Questions: 40 questions aimed at evaluating reading comprehension and logical reasoning.

Types of Reading Questions:

• Identifying information
• Matching features
• Sentence completion
• Short-answer questions
• Identifying the author’s claims

IELTS Test Format – Writing

The Writing section involves:

• Task 1: (Academic) Summarize or describe visual information. (General Training) Write a letter.
• Task 2: Write an essay of at least 250 words responding to an argument, problem, or viewpoint.

Test Format – Speaking

The Speaking test assesses spoken English and is recorded. It consists of:

• Part 1: General questions about familiar topics, lasting 4-5 minutes.
• Part 2: A cue card topic to prepare for one minute and speak for two minutes, followed by one or two related questions.
• Part 3: A discussion of the topic from Part 2, lasting 4-5 minutes, focusing on ideas and issues.