IELTS stands for 'International English Language Testing System'

The IELTS tests consists of 4 parts: 

Part 1 - Listening  (30 minutes and 10 minutes answer transfer time)

Part 2 - Reading   (60 minutes)

Part 3 - Writing    (60 minutes)

Part 4 - Speaking  (11 - 14 minutes)

Listening, Reading and Writing are all tested on the same day, and usually Speaking too, however it is possible the Speaking test will be given on another day (within 7 days of the test).

The IELTS Test in detail:

Listening

Time:          40 minutes

Sections:     4

Questions:   40

Section 1 is easier (a conversation between 2 people), and the listening generally becomes more difficult in each stage.  Section 4 is the longest section, and consists of a presentation or a lecture by a single person (monologue). 

A very important point is that you only hear the recording once!  You must write answers as you listen.  You are given some time to read the questions before you listen, and some time at the end of each section. 

There will be a variety of questions including short answer, multiple choice, filling in a form, labelling a diagram, completing sentences, and so on.

Speaking

Time:         11 - 14 minutes

Sections:    3

You are interviewed alone by one examiner, and the speaking test is recorded on tape.  The interview starts with easier questions to do with self introduction, work or study, your family, interests, etc.  This first part takes around 4 minutes. 

 Part 2 is easy to identify as you will be given a card with a topic on it.  You will have one minute to prepare to talk about the topic, and then you need to talk for 1 - 2 minutes.  The topics are usually about your personal experience; for example, the 'best meal you ever had', or 'a great holiday'.  Part 2 usually takes 3 - 4 minutes.  After a few questions about your topic, the interviewer will move into Part 3, which is a discussion taken from your topic in Part 2. 

In Part 3 you must discuss more serious questions in a 2-way discussion with the interviewer.  Part 3 lasts around 4 - 5 minutes.

Academic Reading

Time:           60 minutes

Sections:      3

Questions:   40

There will be 3 reading passages taken from newspapers, magazines, books, journals or articles.  You should divide your time into spending 20 minutes on each reading passage.   

There will be a variety of question types, such as short answer, multiple choice, matching headings with paragraphs, completing summaries, true/false/not given, understanding the writer's opinion, etc.

You must write your answers on a separate answer sheet at the same time - there is no extra time to fill in the answer sheet at the end!

Academic Writing

Time:           60 minutes

Sections:      2

Questions:   Task 1 & Task 2

You will be given one question for Task 1 and one question for Task 2 - there is no choice.

Task 1 involves writing about 150 words to describe a table, graph, diagram, or a visual process.  You should spend 20 minutes on this task.

Task 2 consists of writing a 250 word essay about a topic which involves giving your opinion about an issue, or offering ideas to solve a problem.  You must write in clear paragraphs and show your ideas/argument.  You should spend 40 minutes on this task.

General Reading

Time:          60 minutes

Sections:     3

Questions:   40 

In total there will be at least 5 reading passages.  There will be two or more shorter texts in section 1 and 2, and one longer text in section 3.  

The shorter texts usually give information of some kind, eg; public information, and also readings about university services or facilities.

You must write your answers on a separate answer sheet at the same time - there is no extra time to fill in the answer sheet at the end!

 

 

 

General Writing

Time:           60 minutes

Sections:      2

Questions:   Task 1 & Task 2

You will be given one question for Task 1 and one question for Task 2 - there is no choice.

Task 1 involves writing about 150 words in the form of a letter.  For example; writing to ask for information, or to complain about a problem.

Task 2 consists of writing a 250 word essay about a topic of general interest.  You should spend 40 minutes on this task.