If you’re planning to move abroad, chances are you’ve come across the IELTS exam. It’s a widely accepted language test in most English-speaking countries.
But what exactly is IELTS? How do you prepare for it? What does the syllabus cover? If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t worry—you’ve come to the right place.
We have trained thousands of students to date and helped them clear the IELTS test. That’s why we understand the hurdles, the preparation grind and the need to excel in this test.
Let us walk you through everything you need to know about the IELTS exam syllabus and how to ace it.
Table of Contents
- What is IELTS?
- IELTS Exam Structure
- IELTS Scoring System
- How to Prepare for the IELTS Exam
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions
What is IELTS?
IELTS, which stands for the International English Language Testing System, is a globally recognised English language proficiency test. It is designed to assess the English language skills of people who want to study, work or migrate to an English-speaking country. It’s accepted in countries like Canada, the UK, Australia and New Zealand.
There are two types of IELTS exams:
- IELTS Academic: This version is for individuals planning to study in an English-speaking country, like international students applying for universities or colleges.
- IELTS General Training: This version is typically for people looking to migrate or apply for work visas. It focuses more on practical, everyday English.
Whether you’re aiming to study or work abroad, acing the IELTS exam is crucial because your score directly impacts your application for universities or work permits.
IELTS Exam Structure
The IELTS exam assesses your abilities in four key areas—Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. The total time for the test is approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes and it is divided into these four modules. Each module tests different language skills and you’ll need to be prepared for all of them.
| Module | Number of Tasks | Total Time | Key Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Listening | 4 sections | 30 minutes + 10 minutes to transfer answers | Understanding spoken English, accents and context |
| Reading | 3 sections | 60 minutes | Comprehension of written texts, understanding of main ideas and details |
| Writing | 2 tasks | 60 minutes | Writing skills, coherence, grammar and vocabulary |
| Speaking | 3 tasks | 11-14 minutes | Fluency, pronunciation and logical structuring of ideas |
Please note that these modules will remain the same irrespective of the type of IELTS test you are opting for.
1. Listening
- Duration: 30 minutes (plus 10 minutes to transfer your answers)
- Format: You will listen to four recordings of native English speakers and then answer a series of questions based on these recordings.
The Listening module is the same for both the Academic and General versions of the IELTS exam. The recordings include everyday conversations, monologues, academic discussions and even lectures. The questions test your ability to understand the main ideas, detailed information and the opinions or attitudes of speakers.
Here’s a detailed overview of the Listening module.
| Section | Type of Recording | Number of Questions | Key Aspects Judged |
|---|---|---|---|
| Section 1 | Conversation between two people (e.g. a phone call or enquiry) | 10 | Understanding everyday social context, identifying specific information |
| Section 2 | Monologue (e.g. a speech or announcement) | 10 | Understanding main points and specific details |
| Section 3 | Conversation between up to four people (e.g. a discussion in an academic setting) | 10 | Identifying opinions, attitudes and detailed information |
| Section 4 | Monologue on an academic subject (e.g. lecture) | 10 | Understanding complex ideas and key details |
2. Reading
There are three sections and you’ll be required to answer 40 questions.
The Reading module is different for Academic and General IELTS. For academics, the passages are longer and more complex, often taken from academic journals, magazines and newspapers. The General version includes more practical reading material like advertisements, brochures and general interest articles.
To prepare for this section, read English newspapers, academic journals and magazines to improve your reading skills. Practise identifying the main idea, scanning for information and understanding vocabulary in context.
Please understand this format well.
| Sections | Total Time | Number of Questions | Types of Questions |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 sections | 60 minutes | 40 questions | Multiple choice, matching headings, True/False/Not Given, summary completion, short-answer questions |
3. Writing
You’ll be required to complete two writing tasks.
For Academic IELTS, Task 1 asks you to describe visual information (like a chart, table or graph), while Task 2 requires you to write an essay responding to a point of view or argument. In the general version, Task 1 asks you to write a letter and Task 2 is an essay.
Here’s an overview of the writing module in both types of IELTS test :
| IELTS Version | Task 1 | Task 2 | Total Time | Key Aspects Judged |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Academic IELTS | Describing visual data (charts, graphs or tables) | Essay on a given topic | 60 minutes | Grammar, coherence, task response, vocabulary |
| General IELTS | Writing a formal/informal letter | Essay on a general topic | 60 minutes | Task completion, grammar, coherence, tone |
4. Speaking
The Speaking test is a face-to-face interview divided into three parts. First, you’ll answer general questions about yourself. In Part 2, you’ll speak on a topic for 2 minutes and in Part 3, you’ll have a more in-depth discussion related to that topic.
The Speaking module assesses your fluency, coherence, pronunciation, grammar and vocabulary.
| Task | Time Allotted | Key Aspects Judged |
|---|---|---|
| Part 1: Introduction & Interview | 4-5 minutes | Fluency, naturalness of answers, range of vocabulary |
| Part 2: Long Turn (talking about a specific topic for 1-2 minutes) | 3-4 minutes | Ability to talk at length, with clarity and logical structure |
| Part 3: Discussion (extended questions related to the Part 2 topic) | 4-5 minutes | Analytical ability, depth of responses, pronunciation |
IELTS Scoring System
IELTS is scored on a band scale from 1 to 9, with 9 being an “Expert” level of English proficiency and 1 representing a non-user. Each module (Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking) receives its own band score and the average of these scores forms your overall band score.
The band is calculated based on the score of that particular module. Here’s an overall idea of band calculation as mentioned on the website of IDP IELTS.
Reading Score Conversion
Listening Score Conversion
For the Writing and Speaking module, It’s difficult to figure out the right score as there are no right and wrong answers in this module. It rather depends on the quality of the answers.
You will probably need the tutor’s help here to explain the scoring system.
How Much Do You Need to Score?
It varies from country to country and the purpose of the visit. However, here are general requirements.
IELTS Academic: For university admissions, most institutions require an overall score between 6.0 and 7.5. Specific requirements vary, so always check the minimum score for your programme.
IELTS General: For immigration or work purposes, the required score can vary based on the country and visa type. For example, for Canada’s Express Entry programme, the minimum required IELTS score is generally 6.0 in each module.
How to Prepare for the IELTS Exam
Now that you understand the exam structure, let’s dive into preparation strategies that will help you succeed in each module.
1. Create a Study Schedule
Consistency is key when preparing for IELTS. Create a study schedule that covers all four modules. Dedicate specific hours of the day to each skill and mix it up to avoid burnout. Aim for at least 1-2 months of solid preparation, depending on your current level of English.
2. Use Official IELTS Preparation Materials
The best way to familiarise yourself with the test format and question types is by using official IELTS preparation materials. The British Council, IDP and Cambridge offer free resources, including sample questions, mock tests and even practice exams. These materials are designed to mimic the real exam, so practising with them will give you a clear idea of what to expect.
3. Take Mock Tests
Mock tests are essential. They not only help you understand the types of questions you’ll face but also help you manage your time better. Since IELTS is a timed test, it’s crucial to practise completing each module within the allotted time. Try to simulate real exam conditions by taking the test without interruptions and timing each section.
4. Enrol in the IELTS Online Course
If you feel that self-study isn’t enough, consider enrolling in the best IELTS online course. Expert instructors can provide personalised feedback on your writing and speaking and can help you identify areas where you need improvement. A well-structured course will cover everything from grammar and vocabulary to test strategies.
Check out our IELTS preparation course, which has helped thousands of students achieve their target band scores.
5. Stay Consistent with English Exposure
Immerse yourself in the English language as much as possible. Watch English movies, listen to English radio stations and talk in English as much as you can.
Most importantly, try to think in English. We have seen these tendencies in our students also. They think in their native language and translate it while writing or speaking which is clearly time-consuming.
6. Focus on Your Weaknesses
Once you’ve taken a few mock tests, you’ll start to notice which modules you struggle with. Spend extra time working on those areas. For example, if you find Listening difficult, dedicate more time to listening to podcasts or watching English shows without subtitles.
7. Practise Speaking with a Partner
The Speaking module can be one of the most nerve-wracking parts of the exam. To improve your fluency and confidence, try practising with a friend or tutor. If possible, record your practice sessions to review your grammar, pronunciation and sentence structure. This will also help you identify common mistakes and work on correcting them.
Conclusion
Taking the IELTS exam is a significant step toward achieving your dreams of studying or working abroad.
It can seem intimidating at first, but with the right preparation and mindset, it’s absolutely achievable. Remember, this is not just a test of your English skills but also your ability to manage time, stay calm under pressure and focus.
If you’re serious about moving abroad and want to boost your chances of success, joining an online IELTS course on Oops Study could make all the difference.
Our IELTS coaching offers expert guidance and personalised feedback. Additionally, you can learn from anywhere as it is completely online and you don’t need to do the hassle of travelling.
Join us and start your journey to success!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is it difficult to pass the IELTS exam?
Well, it depends on how much grasp you have on the language. But with enough preparation and structured courses, you can clear it with minimum required bands.
2. Is IELTS Speaking recorded?
Yes, the test is recorded so that the examiner can use it later to mark your scores.
3. Can I prepare for IELTS at home?
We suggest opting for an online IELTS course if you would like to prepare for it at home. The test fee is huge and you don’t want to risk repaying it for another attempt.
4. How many attempts are there in IELTS?
IELTS is not a competitive exam. You can give as many attempts as you like as the test is conducted throughout the year at multiple locations. But, you will have to pay the exam fee every time you attempt it.
5. How long is the IELTS score valid?
IELTS score is valid for 2 years. However, it’s best to check the official website for the latest information on the validity of IELTS scores.
6. What will be the syllabus for the IELTS exam?
The IELTS exam covers four modules: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. Each module has specific tasks. For example, Listening involves understanding different recordings, Reading requires reading passages with correct pronunciation and clarity while Writing includes essay tasks. Speaking, of course, tests your English speaking ability in terms of fluency, clarity, diction and understanding of the language. The syllabus focuses on testing your English language skills across these areas.
7. What do I need to study for the IELTS exam?
Focus on improving your English in listening, reading, writing and speaking. Practice with tests, vocabulary and grammar.
8. What subjects are required for the IELTS exam?
There aren’t traditional subjects like maths or science for the IELTS. Instead, it tests your proficiency in English in four areas: Listening, reading, writing and speaking.
9. What should I know for the IELTS exam?
You should be familiar with the test format, including the types of tasks in each module. You’ll need to practise listening to different accents, reading various texts, writing essays and speaking confidently. Scoring well requires strong language skills, so focus on improving your fluency and accuracy in English.
