IELTS Syllabus 2024 - Explore Section-Wise IELTS Exam Syllabus & Important Topics PDF

IELTS Syllabus

International English Language Testing System offers two test versions: Academic and General Training.

- General Training: Ideal for those pursuing permanent residency or work visas in English-speaking nations.
- Academic: Tailored for those seeking international academic exposure.

Both tests assess practical English skills in real-world scenarios.

Are you wondering about the IELTS syllabus and study resources?

While numerous institutes provide classes and learning material, only some books cover potential topics. Students must explore a range of topics to boost their confidence in the IELTS test. Let's take a look at the range of topics for both versions.

THE FOUR MODULES (General Training)

IELTS Writing - General

It lasts for 60 minutes. (It is recommended that you devote 20 minutes to Task 1 and 40 minutes to Task 2).

The number of tasks and questions: 2.

Task 1: Writing a letter (minimum word requirement - 150): Informal, semi-formal, or formal and in this, you may be asked to provide information, invite someone, explain a situation etc.

Task 2: Writing an essay (word requirement minimum 250). Essay writing in response to a viewpoint, defense, or issue.

Note: Task 2 (Essay) evaluation carries more leverage in terms of marking/band score than Task 1 (Letter).

The topics for the same are not specific, but the types of essays and letters are specified.

IELTS Listening - General

Duration: 30 minutes. (If you take the IELTS test on paper, you get an additional 10 minutes to transfer your response to the answer sheet.)

Total Questions: 40.

You will have to listen to recordings of native English speakers and their responses to a series of questions in the Listening module of the IELTS exam, which is divided into four sections (40 questions are present).

PART 1: A discussion between two people occurs in a typical social setting.

PART 2: A monologue presented in a typical social setting, such as a speech about neighborhood amenities or a visit to an area.

PART 3: A conversation between up to four people in an educational or training context, like a university lecturer and a student talking about a project.

PART 4: A monologue about a subject in school, like a lecture at a university.

Task Types: The IELTS GT listening section includes multiple-choice, matching, plan/map/diagram labelling, form/note/table/flowchart/summary completion, and sentence completion questions.

IELTS Reading - General

Duration: 60 minutes.

Total Questions: 40.

Three sections make up the IELTS GT Reading test.

13–14 questions are included in each section.

Section 1: Comprises two texts/passages. (It includes advertisements, announcements, notices etc.)

Section 2: Comprises two texts/passages. (It includes advertisements, announcements, notices etc.)

Section 3: Has a long reading passage. (It includes published texts)

Task Types: The IELTS Academic Reading section consists of several different question types, such as multiple choice, matching headings, identifying information, short-answer questions, identifying the writer's viewpoints or claims, matching information, matching features, matching sentence endings, summary completion, sentence completion, note completion, table completion, flowchart completion, and diagram label completion.

These check specific skills of yours, not the knowledge of the text.

IELTS Speaking - General

Duration: 11-15 minutes.

Total Questions: not fixed

The IELTS speaking section rates a candidate's spoken English proficiency. The entire conversation is recorded for scoring purposes.

PART 1: The examiner will ask you general questions about yourself in this section, covering a variety of well-known subjects like your home, family, hometown, job, studies, and interests. This section lasts for two to five minutes.

PART 2: You will be given a card (also known as a cue card or candidate task card) in this section that instructs you to speak about a specific subject. Before you begin speaking, you will have a minute to prepare, and you have a maximum of two minutes to speak. Next, the examiner will pose one or more "Follow up questions" on the same subject.

PART 3: The examiner poses 5-7 questions in this section connected to the subject of Speaking Part 2. In this section, you should talk about more conceptual and abstract topics. Between four and five minutes are allotted for this portion of the exam.

The four modules (Academic)

IELTS Writing - Academic

It lasts for 60 minutes. (Task 1 requires 20 minutes, and Task 2 generally takes 40 minutes) The number of tasks and questions: 2.

Marks: A certified IELTS examiner will mark the writing test. The scores are reported in whole and half bands. 

Task 1: Writing a Report (word limit: 150): A report on a diagram, chart, table, or map where you summarize and highlight the main points

Task 2: Writing an essay (Word limit: 250). Essay writing in response to a viewpoint, defence, or issue.

Note: Task 2 (Essay) evaluation carries more leverage in marking/band score than Task 1 (Letter).

The topics for the same are not specific, but the types of essays and reports are.

IELTS Listening - Academic

It remains the same as General training.

IELTS Reading - Academic

Duration: 60 minutes.

Total Questions: 40.

Three sections make up the IELTS Academic Reading test.

13–14 questions are included in each section.

Section 1: Has a long reading passage. (It includes published texts)

Section 2: Has a long reading passage. (It includes published texts)

Section 3: Has a long reading passage. (It includes published texts)

Task Types: The IELTS GT Reading section consists of several different question types, such as multiple choice, matching headings, identifying information, short-answer questions, identifying the writer's viewpoints or claims, matching information, matching features, matching sentence endings, summary completion, sentence completion, note completion, table completion, flowchart completion, and diagram label completion.

These check specific skills of yours and not the knowledge of the text.

IELTS Speaking - Academic

It is similar to General Training. Whether you take it from Chandigarh, Delhi, or any part of the world, it would remain the same.

If you need help with your preparation for the exam, Contact Canamprep. The Canamprep team is highly skilled and helps students prepare all the modules and help them achieve their dream band score.