IELTS Exam Syllabus

IELTS, or the International English Language Testing System, is an English proficiency test for individuals aiming to study or work in English-speaking countries. The IELTS exam syllabus consists of four key sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. While the Listening and Speaking sections remain identical for both the Academic and General Training formats, the Reading and Writing sections differ slightly.

Scoring is done on a band scale of 0-9, providing a clear indication of language proficiency. The test is administered by British Council, IDP, Cambridge University Press & Assessment and covers both formats comprehensively.

IELTS Exam Pattern 2024

The IELTS exam pattern has two test-taking variants from which the students can choose depending on their comfortability. As a student, it is important to know the IELTS exam syllabus and IELTS exam of each variant to help one prepare better.

• Reading Test: The content includes 3 passages of 2,150 to 2,750 words. Questions asked include MCQs, matching headings to paragraphs, summary completion, table completion, and sentence completion.
• Writing Test: Comprises 2 tasks – 

Task 1 (IELTS ACADEMIC): Describing visual data (table, graph, chart, or diagram) Tasks include describing data trends, process stages, or details of an event or object.

Task 1 (IELTS GENERAL TRAINING): Writing a letter. The letter can be either

• Informal: Casual, friendly tone

 Example- Messages to friends or family

• Semi-Formal: Polite, respectful tone 

Example- Emails to colleagues or teachers

• Formal: Professional tone 

Example- Official announcements, recommendation letters

Task 2 (Same for IELTS ACADEMIC and GENERAL TRAINING IELTS) Write a 250-word essay responding to a viewpoint, argument, or issue.

• Speaking Test: Introduction, Cue Card, and Discussion (a dialogue with the examiner). 

• Listening Test:

 4 Sections: 

1. Everyday conversation between two people
2. Monologue
3. Conversation (2-4 people)
4. Academic monologue

Section-Wise IELTS Exam Syllabus 

Let’s get an overview of the IELTS exam syllabus for each section, along with the number of questions & duration, and more:

IELTS Listening Section Syllabus

According to the IELTS exam syllabus, here’s all the relevant information about the IELTS exam pattern for the listening section:

• Format

1. The Listening section of IELTS consists of 40 questions and 4 recordings. Each correct answer earns 1 mark with no negative marking for incorrect answers, so you can attempt all questions freely.
2. Each recording is followed by 10 questions.
3. The recordings feature different types of conversations, including monologues and dialogues, in various accents as per the mentioned IELTS exam syllabus (British, Australian, North American, etc.).
4. The listening section usually lasts 30 minutes, plus 10 minutes to write down the answers on the sheet in the paper-based test. For the computer-based test, this transfer time is within 30 minutes.

• Section Breakdown

1. Recording 1: This recording should be between two people and should relate to the everyday social context.
2. Recording 2: The monologue is set in the context of everyday conversation. For example, a speech or recording about the local facilities.
3. Recording 3: A group conversation with up to four people in any educational or training context.
4. Recording 4: On an academic subject as a monologue speech.

• Question Types

Approximately 9 types of questions are asked in this section, as per the mentioned IELTS exam syllabus including:

1. Multiple choice
2. Matching
3. Plan/map/diagram labeling
4. Form/note/table/flowchart/summary completion
5. Sentence completion
6. Short-answer questions

• Marking

1. Each question carries one mark.
2. The section is scored on a band scale from 0-9, with a possibility of half-band increments.

• IELTS Listening Section- Important Points

Here’s what you need to know about the IELTS exam pattern for the listening section:

Note: The complexity of the recordings increases with each section.

IELTS Writing Section Syllabus

The IELTS exam syllabus for the Writing section checks how well you can write in English. There are two types of writing: Academic and General Training. Each type serves a different purpose:

1. Academic Writing: For students who want to go to college or get jobs abroad.
2. General Training Writing: For people moving to English-speaking countries. This type focuses on everyday writing.

• Key Features:

1. Total duration: 60 minutes for both Academic and General Training.
2. Tasks:

Writing Task 1: You will describe or explain information from a given prompt.

Writing Task 2: You will write an essay based on a question or topic.

Scoring weight: Task 2 is more important than Task 1. It has a bigger impact on your overall score.

IELTS Academic Writing Syllabus Key Points

Here is the key points of the IELTS exam syllabus’s academic writing section for the IELTS exam preparation:

• Task 1: Describing Visual Data

1. Based on the IELTS exam syllabus, in the exam, you will be given visual information like graphs, charts, tables, or diagrams.
2. The description of the data and process should be of a minimum of 150 words.
3. Summarize the key trends, compare data, or explain the stages of the given process.
4. Students must organize information clearly to demonstrate their knowledge and ability to interpret data and present their deep understanding through writing.

• Task 2: Essay Writing

1. The candidate needs to write an essay of at least 250 words.
2. One must positively respond to an argument, problem, or point of view.
3. As per the mentioned  IELTS exam syllabus typically, the topic should cover social, environmental, or educational issues.
4. The aim is to assess the candidate’s ability to present a structured argument and develop ideas.

• Assessment Criteria

As per the IELTS exam pattern, writing tasks are scored based on the following:

1. Task Achievement: Completion of the task’s requirements.
2. Coherence and Cohesion: Logical flow and structure.
3. Lexical Resource: Range and accuracy of vocabulary.
4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Correct grammar and sentence structure.

• Timing:

1. Total time: 60 minutes.
2. Recommended: For Task 1, the recommended time is 20 minutes, whereas it is 40 minutes for Task 2.

IELTS Reading Section Syllabus

The reading section of the IELTS exam syllabus assesses candidates’ reading comprehension skills through texts and questions:

• Key Points for IELTS Reading Syllabus- Academic

Here’s an overview of the academic reading of the IELTS exam syllabus for the IELTS exam preparation:

1. Test Duration: The recommended time is 60 minutes, as discussed above.
2. Passage Types: The difficulty and complexity progressively increase with each passage.
3. Content Complexity: Advanced vocabulary and complex ideas typical for higher education.
4. Questions: The test has 40 questions in total, designed to test your reading comprehension and analytical skills.
5. Skills Evaluated: Candidates must show-

• Understanding of main ideas and specific details.
• Ability to infer meaning and analyze arguments.

6. Question Formats: MCQ, matching, short-answer questions, true/false/NA.

IELTS Speaking Section Syllabus

The IELTS exam syllabus for the speaking section tests your spoken English through a structured interview with an examiner. This section lasts about 11 to 14 minutes and has three parts.

• Structure of the Speaking Test:

IELTS Preparation Tips

Let’s review the basic strategies for the IELTS exam preparation:

1. Understand the Test Format: Familiarize yourself with the IELTS exam syllabus and IELTS exam pattern, including Listening and Reading Parts, as well as the Writing and Speaking Tasks. Knowing what the test will be like might put your nerves at ease and boost your confidence.
2. Practice Regularly: Regular practice is key. Devote a considerable amount of time to practicing test-specific IELTS exam patterns. This will help you pace yourself through the test and enhance your confidence level.
3. Improve Your Vocabulary: Make a habit of improving your vocabulary. You can try reading books, watching lectures in English, and listening to good English podcasts.
4. Take Mock Tests: Attempt full-length mock tests. This will help you adjust to the IELTS exam pattern and its time allotments. Use this to assess your performance and identify areas that require attention.
5. Focus on Time Management: Timing is crucial in every section. Get accustomed to performing even the smallest tasks within a given time frame.

Seek Feedback: Get feedback on your writing and speaking. Use online tools or ask a tutor to give you constructive criticism to help you improve.