Timing

• Paper-based IELTS (Offline) – Listening test takes approximately 30 minutes and an extra time of 10 minutes is given to transfer answers on an answer sheet.
• Computer-delivered IELTS (Offline) – Listening test takes approximately 30 minutes and an extra time of 2 minutes is given to check the transferred answers.

Sections and question types

• IELTS Listening test is divided into four sections.
• Each section comprises 10 questions. One mark is awarded for each question.
• A wide range of question types are asked such as chosen from the following, multiple choice questions, Flow-chart, sentence completion, note completion, short-answer questions, summary completion and others.

Analysis of each section:

• Section 1 is a dialogue or a conversation between two people. The shared information is more factual in nature.
• Section 2 is a monologue based on an everyday social context.
• Section 3 is a dialogue or a conversation between up to four people set in an educational or training context. The shared information is less factual and more conceptual in nature.
• Section 4 is a monologue and discussed content is based on concepts in depth.

Primary Focus of Listening:

• Better understanding ideas.
• Understanding factual information and conceptual information in one go.

Score conversion into bands:

• The score obtained out of 40 is converted into bands and band conversation table is shared below:

The calculations of score conversion into bands are made tentatively. It’s only for a reference:

Reading for IELTS Academic

Timing

• Paper-based IELTS (Offline) – Reading test takes 60 minutes and NO extra time is given to transfer answers on an answer sheet.
• Computer-delivered IELTS (Offline) – Reading test takes 60 minutes and NO extra time is required to transfer the answers as answers have already been typed by the candidates on computer.

Sections and question types

• IELTS Reading test is divided into three sections.
• Each section comprises 12-14 questions. One mark is awarded for each question.
• A wide range of question types are asked such as choose from the following, multiple choice questions, Flow-chart, sentence completion, note completion, short-answer questions, summary completion True, identifying information (True/False/Not Given), Identifying writer’s views/claims (Yes/No/Not Given), matching information and others.

Analysis of each section:

• The content of all sections is borrowed from various academic resources including newspapers, research papers, journals and books.
• A wide range of areas are covered in each section.
• In total, the length of text is 2150-2750 words.
• Texts range from descriptive and factual to the discursive and analytical. The content is not the same for all sections. In fact, context also varies.
• If texts contain technical terms, then a simple glossary is provided

Primary Focus of Reading:

• Better understanding of ideas.
• To check the understanding of candidates on views and claims.
• Understanding factual information and conceptual information.

Score Conversion into bands:

• The score obtained out of 40 is converted into bands and band conversation table is shared below:

The calculations of score conversion into bands are made tentatively. It’s only for a reference:

Writing

• Writing is divided into two tasks.

Task I

• Task 1is report writing and it requires a candidate to write interpretations on a pictorial representation. The length of words should go at least 150 words.
• The allotted time is 20 minutes and it is given one third weightage.
• In Task I, you are presented with a graph, table, chart or diagram and are asked to describe, summarize or explain the information in your own words. You may be asked to describe and explain data, describe the stages of a process, how something works or describe an object or event.

Task II

• Task II is essay writing and as a candidate, you are required to write in response to a point of view, argument or a problem. The length of words should go at least 250 words.
• The issues raised are of general interest to, suitable for and easily understood by test takers entering undergraduate or postgraduate studies or seeking professional registration
• The allotted time is 40 minutes and it is given two third weightage.

Timing

• IELTS Speaking test takes an approximately 11-14 minutes and divided into introduction and three parts
• The speaking test date and timing cannot be decided by the candidate. When a candidate books an exam date, it is only Listening, Reading and Writing. A candidate receives intimation for speaking test one or two days prior to the exam date either through a text message or an email or both.

Parts and question types in Speaking test

• IELTS Speaking test is divided into three parts and it begins with an introduction where the examiner asks few questions.

Part I

• Part I begins with an introduction. The examiner introduces him or her and requests you to introduce yourself and confirm your identity.
• A wide range of questions are asked on familiar topics such as home, interests, work, studies, job etc.
• Part I takes 4-5 minutes.

Part II

• In this stage, a cue card is given and includes points to be covered in your talk.
• One minute is given to think and plan with a paper and pencil to make necessary notes. Then, a candidate talks on the same topic for 1-2 minutes. One or two follow up questions are also asked.
• Part II takes 3-4 minutes.

Part III

• Here, the examiner asks questions that are connected to the topic of part II.
• Part III plays a crucial role in getting an overall excellent band in the speaking test. Candidates must try to give lengthy and more effective answers.
• Part II takes 4-5 minutes

Observations during Speaking test:

• A large number of speaking skills are tested during this test such as the ability to share opinions, information on day-to-day topics, organizing the ideas coherently etc.
• For marking benchmarks, please refer to band descriptors in depth to analyze the areas of tests of the language spoken.