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IELTS Exam Pattern 2023 - Explore Section-wise IELTS Exam Format, Marking Scheme & Duration

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IELTS Exam Pattern

To understand the IELTS exam pattern, a candidate should first understand the IELTS Syllabus. The IELTS syllabus has different sections that covers Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking modules.

What are the Different Types of IELTS?

IELTS Academic & IELTS General training are the two major IELTS exam types.

On the other hand, students who want to enroll in a university for undergraduate or graduate study need to take the IELTS Academic Test. Most universities in the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Ireland, Canada, and New Zealand accept this test and set a minimum IELTS score that applicants must meet to be considered for admission. This exam aims to determine if you possess the essential English language abilities to function in a setting where the predominant language of instruction is English. Therefore, it should go without saying that to succeed in a higher education setting, you will require a better level of English proficiency, which implies a high IELTS score.

People who want to relocate overseas, land a job with a company in an English-speaking nation, or brush up on their English language abilities typically opt for the IELTS General Training Test.

Your speaking, reading, writing and listening skills are evaluated on both IELTS exams. While the Reading and Writing sections are different for each test, the Listening and Speaking sections are the same.

IELTS exam Formats 

Paper-delivered Format and Computer-delivered Format : IELTS test has been administered via a paper delivery method for more than 30 years, and a computer delivery method was only recently implemented (in August 2018). It is crucial to remember that the IELTS computer-delivered format follows the same question structure, format, difficulty level, and scoring as the paper-based version, just that you will use a computer to administer the listening, reading, and writing tests.

IELTS Paper Pattern

IELTS Academic Paper Pattern
Section Duration IELTS Academic No. of Questions Per Section
Listening 30 Minutes It includes four recorded monologues and conversations 4 Sections-10 Questions Each
Reading 60 Minutes Three long reading passages with tasks.
Texts can range from descriptive and factual to discursive and analytical, which include non-verbal material like diagrams, graphs, and illustrations texts (taken from books, journals, and newspapers)
40
Writing 60 Minutes A writing task of at least 150 words where the candidate must summarize, describe or explain a table, graph, chart or diagram, and another short essay task of at least 250 words 2
Speaking 11 to 14 Minutes The face-to-face interview includes short questions, where you will have to speak at length about a familiar topic and have a structured discussion. 3
IELTS Academic Paper Pattern
Section Duration IELTS Academic No. of Questions Per Section
Listening 30 Minutes It includes four recorded monologues and conversations 4 Sections-10 Questions Each
Reading 60 Minutes Four short reading passages and a long passage. Texts can range from descriptive and factual to discursive and analytical, including non-verbal material like diagrams, graphs, and illustrations (taken from books, journals, and newspapers) or daily life situations. 40
Writing 60 Minutes A writing task of at least 150 words where the candidate must write a letter with given pointers and another short essay task of at least 250 words 2
Speaking 11 to 14 Minutes The face-to-face interview includes short questions, where you will have to speak at length about a familiar topic and have a structured discussion. 3

Candidates must compose their responses to the list of questions after listening to four recordings of fluent English speakers.

  • Recording 1 - A conversation between two persons in any typical social setting is captured in Recording 1.
  • Recording 2 - It is a monologue situated in a typical social setting.
  • Recording 3 - A conversation between up to four persons recorded in the context of instruction or training.
  • Recording 4 - A monologue on any academic topic is recorded in take four.

IELTS Test Format – Reading

There are 40 questions in the Reading section of the exam, all of which are designed to evaluate various reading abilities. These include reading for primary concepts, reading for details, and comprehending logical reasoning. The reading module consists of three long passages covering a wide range of topics, from argumentative to descriptive to factual. The materials are chosen for university applicants from periodicals, journals, newspapers, and books.

IELTS Test Format – Writing

The topics covered in the Writing component of the exam are appropriate for undergraduate and graduate students applying to universities.

Task 1 - The test taker has 60 minutes to do both assignments. The first job takes 20 minutes, while the second takes 40 minutes. A candidate must write a summary of at least 150 words of a table, graph, or procedure in Task 1 of the IELTS Academic Module. A candidate must compose a letter of at least 150 words for Task 1 of the IELTS General Training Module.

Task 2 - The Academic and General Training Modules Task 2 asks you to write an essay of at least 250 words. Candidates will be required to respond to an issue, argument, or point of view in an essay. Ensure that you formally respond to the task.

IELTS Test format – Speaking

The candidate's spoken English is observed during the speaking portion, and each test is documented.

Part 1: The test-taker will be asked open-ended questions about themselves and common subjects like work, school, and/or home. The first segment lasts four to five minutes.

Part 2: A cue card with a question regarding a specific subject will be provided to the exam taker. You will have a minute to prepare before you speak for two minutes, and the examiner will then ask a question or two about the chosen subject.

Part 3: Questions about the subject the test-taker chose in Part 2 will be asked. You will get to talk more in-depth about the concepts and problems here. This section lasts for four to five minutes.

Study and Settle Overseas

IELTS band requirement differ for migration and study permit. They also vary from country to country.

Australia

Australia

6.0+ Band

7.0+ Band

Canada

Canada

6.0+ Band

7.0+ Band

USA

USA

6.0+ Band

7.0+ Band

UK

UK

6.0+ Band

7.0+ Band

Date and Frequency

IELTS test dates are offered upto 4 times in a month making a total of 48 fixed dates in one calender year. The availability of IELTS dates in India may differ for Academic and General IELTS.

Center and Admit Card

The IELTS Exam is offered across more than 50 locations across India. There is no admit card provided for IELTS examination.

Result

IELTS Exam results are released 10 calendar days after the test for the paper based exam and 5-7 calendar days for the computer based test. The Candidate will receive only ONE original Test Report form (TRF).

Score Reporting

A candidate may request up to 5 additional TRFs to be sent to the receiving institutions (universities, professional bodies, etc) within 1 month of taking the IELTS test. TRFs sent by courier will be sent via DHL and students will be charged accordingly. If the receiving institution accepts electronic submission of scores then that can be arranged through the IDP IELTS office free of charge.

Score Validity

2 Years

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