IELTS Syllabus and Test Pattern

More than 150 nations and about 10,000 universities overseas accept IELTS scores for admission. Some of the top colleges and universities have high IELTS cut-offs; hence, the candidates need to familiarize themselves with the IELTS syllabus and test pattern. Do not worry at all! This blog post discusses all about the IELTS exam pattern and IELTS syllabus 2023 in detail. Let’s check it out!

·       IELTS Exam Pattern 2023 – Highlights

Section	Exam Description	Total Questions/Test Duration
Listening	Includes four recorded monologues and conversations.	4/30 Minutes
Reading	Includes three long reading passages with three given tasks. Text includes descriptive and factual to discussion-based. Analytical reading also includes non-verbal material like diagrams, illustrations and texts.	40/60 Minutes
Writing	First task require a 150 words writeup. The candidates have to summarize and explain table, graph, chart or diagram. The second essay task includes 250 words.	2/60 Minutes
Speaking	It includes face-to-face interview on familiar topics.	11 to 14 minutes

 

 

• Section-Wise IELTS Syllabus 2023

 We will examine the IELTS exam syllabus in-depth in this section. The IELTS syllabus contains four sections: reading, speaking, writing, and listening. While the IELTS exam syllabuses for the Speaking and Listening sections are the same for both the IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training part of the exam, they differ for the Reading and Writing components. There are four sections to the IELTS exam syllabus:

• Writing section
• Reading section
• Listening section
• Speaking section

1) IELTS Writing Section

•    Writing:

 Candidates complete a module on academic Writing. This section includes short essays or general reports. It contains two tasks. In Task 1, candidates must look at a diagram, table, or other data and then convey the knowledge in their own words. The maximum word limit is 150 words. In Task 2, applicants have to handle a point of view, argument, or problem. Then, they have to provide general factual information, present a solution, defend an opinion, assess ideas and supporting evidence, etc.

– Total questions: 2

– Total Duration: 60 minutes

• Writing – IELTS Academic

 (i) It includes two tasks: general interest and relatable topics for candidates applying for an undergraduate or postgraduate program.

(ii) The first task contains either a diagram, table, or graph. The candidate has to recapitulate and define the given data in his own words. He has to explain a particular data entry, process the given information, or use a flowchart to conclude.

(iii) In the next task, the candidate has to write an essay responding to his conclusion from the given data and support his argument with relevant examples. Please note that the writing style should be strictly formal.

 

•    Writing – IELTS General Training

Although it has two tasks, it is simpler than the academic format.

– The candidate has to draft a letter in accordance with the scenario. Depending on the circumstance, the letter may be formal, semi-formal, or personal in nature.

– You’ve to justify your position, make a request, or justify your argument in front of a specific authority.

– You have to present your thoughts and arguments with some point of view. The writing style should be informal.

 

 2) IELTS Reading Section

•  Reading:

 The reading module contains three general interest texts covering topics suitable for postgraduate or undergraduate program applicants. Both reading modules include three passages or sections with forty questions. Some examples of question types are Multiple-choice, sentence- or summary-completion, identifying information for short-answer questions, matching lists or phrases, and identifying writers’ opinions/attitudes.

– Total Questions: About 40

– Total duration: 30 minutes

 ·      Reading  – IELTS Academic

IELTS Academic Syllabus 2023 contains three large, factual, analytical, or descriptive paragraphs. These paragraphs are based on various publications, including novels, journals, newspapers, and magazines. They target a non-specialist audience.

·      Reading –  IELTS General Training

 Much like academic format, the extracts are from brochures, company policies, or advertisements. These passages are more straightforward than the academic format since people see this content daily.

 

 3) IELTS Listening Section

There are four sections in the Listening module. The last two dialogues are more closely tied to educational issues, whereas the first two are conversations about social needs. Each one will last three minutes or less. Both monologues and dialogues are there in the conversations. You will get a chance to hear the only one time the conversation. These include Multiple-choice, short-answer, note- and sentence-completion, diagram naming, and other question kinds.

Total Questions: 40+

Total time: 30 minutes

 

·      Sections 1 and 2 contains every day, social situations

• Recording 1:The first recording contains a dialogue between two persons taking place in a typical social setting.
• Recording 2: The second recording is a monologue that is placed in a typical social setting.

·      Sections 3 and 4 contains educational and training situations

• Recording 3 – The conversation contains conversations between four people in an instructional or training setting.
• Recording 4 – The final recording would be a monologue about a subject related to academia.

 

 4) IELTS Speaking Section

• Speaking:

This section includes a structured interview focusing on a candidate’s general speaking skills. It assesses the communication skills of non-native English speakers.

 – Total No.of Questions: 3 parts – 

1.  a)Personal Interview
2. b) Little Speech and
3. c) a Discussion

– Total time: 11 to 14 minutes

 Part 1 –  Introduction and interview section (Total duration: 4–5 minutes)

The first five minutes of the interview contains questions about  your family, home, studies, hobbies, and interests.

Part 2 –  Long turn (Total duration: 2–3 minutes)

The examiner will hand you a flashcard with a specific topic. You will have a minute or two to learn about the subject. Then you’ve to speak for roughly two minutes about it. After your speech, the examiner can ask a few questions to you based on how well you understood the subject.

Part 3 –  Discussions (Total duration: 5–6 minutes)

Based on the topic and your speech, more profound questions & discussions would come. You will get the opportunity to look deeper into the issues in your topic. This section should last five to six minutes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, staying well-informed about the IELTS Syllabus 2023 and IELTS Exam Pattern is your passport to success in this crucial language proficiency test. So, keep this blog as your reference guide, study hard and work towards IELTS goals. Best of luck!

FAQs

Q1) What is the IELTS test format, and how it is structured?

A1) The IELTS test comprises four main sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. The Listening and Speaking sections are the same for both IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training, while the Reading and Writing sections differ. In Listening, you’ll listen to four recordings and answer questions. The Reading section includes various text types, and for Writing, you’ll complete two tasks. The Speaking test is a face-to-face interview.

Q2) How can I prepare for the IELTS Speaking Test?

A2) To prepare for the IELTS Speaking test, practice speaking English regularly with a partner or in front of a mirror. Familiarize yourself with common topics like hobbies, family, work, and current events.

Q3) Is it difficult to pass the IELTS exam?

A3) If you are already proficient in English, you may find the IELTS exam easier to pass. Regular practice with sample questions, mock tests, and feedback can improve your performance and boost your confidence.