Format
Total Test Time 2 hours 44 minutes
All candidates take the same Listening and Speaking tests and then choose between the Academic or General Training Reading and Writing tests.
Academic : for undergraduate or postgraduate studies
General Training : for vocational or training programmes
Parts
- Listening
- Reading (Academic or General Training)
- Writing (Academic or General Training)
- Speaking
Listening
Sections 1 & 2 include a conversation and a monologue on topics of general interest.
Sections 3 & 4 include a conversation and a monologue on educational topics (lecture etc)
The Listening part of the exam lasts aproximately 30 minutes and consists of 40 items. Candidates hear the recording only once and are given 10 mintutes at the end to transfer their answers.
Reading
Candidates are given 60 minutes to complete all three sections (40 items).
There are three texts taken from journals, books, magazines and newspapers.
Sections 1 & 2 include a conversation and a monologue on topics of general interest.
Sections 3 & 4 include a conversation and a monologue on educational topics (lecture etc)
The Listening part of the exam lasts aproximately 30 minutes and consists of 40 items. Candidates hear the recording only once and are given 10 mintutes at the end to transfer their answers.
Reading
Candidates are given 60 minutes to complete all three sections (40 items).
- Academic
There are three texts taken from journals, books, magazines and newspapers.
- General Training
There are three texts taken from newspapers, advertisements, instruction manuals and books.
Writing
Candidates are given 60 minutes to complete two tasks. The second task contributes twice as much as task 1 to the Writing score.
- Academic
For the first task, candidates are required to write at least 150 words based on a diagram, chart or graph. The second task is an essay of at least 250 words in response to the statement given.
- General Training
For the first task, candidates are required to write a letter of at least 150 words in response the the given information. The second task is an essay of at least 250 words in response to the statement given.
Speaking
The Speaking tests takes 11 - 14 minutes. After the warm up, candidates are asked to talk on a topic based on the prompts they are given. They will then engage in a conversation on issues related to the topic. There are three parts in the Speaking exam.
Online Preparation Materials
Read about the format of the exam and take a quiz to see how much you know about IELTS. You can also find practice texts , exam papers and advice on how to practice for the speaking test.