The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) measures the English language proficiency of people who need to study or work where English is the main language of communication. IELTS is managed by the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations, the British Council, and IDP: IELTS Australia. It follows high international standards for language assessment and is recognized by universities and employers in countries like Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK, and the USA. It is also accepted by immigration authorities, professional bodies, and government agencies.

There are four modules in the IELTS test:

• Listening
• Writing
• Reading
• Speaking

IELTS Listening

Duration: 30 minutes, plus 10 minutes to transfer answers. You’ll face 40 questions with different formats, such as:

• Multiple choice
• Matching
• Plan/map/diagram labeling
• Form completion
• Note completion
• Table completion
• Flow-chart completion
• Summary completion
• Sentence completion
• Short-answer questions

Test parts: 4 sections:

1. A conversation between two people in a social context (e.g., discussing accommodation).
2. A monologue in a social context (e.g., a speech about local facilities or conference arrangements).
3. A conversation among up to four people in an educational or training setting (e.g., a tutor and students discussing an assignment).
4. A talk or lecture on an academic subject.

Top 5 Listening Tips:

1. Read questions before each section starts. It helps follow the recording and find answers.
2. After completing a section, focus on the next one instead of worrying about past answers.
3. Options may be listed in alphabetical order, not necessarily in the order you hear them.
4. Stick to word limits. Writing more than required can result in zero marks, even if parts are correct.
5. Listen for keywords or synonyms from the questions to locate answers.

IELTS Writing

Duration: 60 minutes
Tasks:

• Task 1: Write at least 150 words.
• Task 2: Write at least 250 words.

Academic Writing:

• Task 1: Summarize and report information from a graph, chart, or diagram in your own words.
• Task 2: Write an essay responding to a point of view, argument, or problem. This task carries more weight than Task 1.

General Writing:

• Task 1: Write a letter requesting information or explaining a situation (personal, semi-formal, or formal style).
• Task 2: Write an essay in response to a viewpoint or problem. This essay is less formal than the Academic Task 2.

Top 5 Writing Tips:

1. There are no right or wrong answers; focus on expressing ideas clearly in English.
2. Analyze questions carefully and ensure your answers cover all points.
3. Follow the word count. Writing less will reduce your score.
4. Use your own words; copied phrases don’t count towards your word limit.
5. Write in full paragraphs, not bullet points or notes, to show you can organize ideas well.

IELTS Reading

Duration: 60 minutes
You’ll face 40 questions with different formats, such as:

• Multiple choice
• Matching information
• Matching headings
• Sentence completion
• Note completion
• Table completion
• Flow-chart completion
• Diagram label completion
• Short-answer questions

Test Parts:

1. The texts are taken from real sources like books and newspapers, covering academic topics of general interest.
2. Texts are relevant for students entering undergraduate or postgraduate courses or seeking professional registration.
3. Texts range from descriptive and factual to discursive and analytical, possibly including diagrams or graphs.

General Training Reading:

• Section 1: Contains short factual texts related to everyday life in English-speaking countries.
• Section 2: Covers work-related topics, such as job applications or staff training.
• Section 3: Includes one longer text on a general interest topic.

Top 5 Reading Tips:

1. Practice reading different types of texts to build speed and comprehension.
2. Read questions before the passage to locate answers faster.
3. Skim the passage for a general idea before re-reading it for details.
4. Ensure your spelling is correct, especially when copying from the text.
5. Use words from the text when labeling diagrams to ensure accuracy.

IELTS Speaking

Duration: 11-14 minutes
Test Parts:

1. Introduction and Interview (4-5 minutes): The examiner asks you to introduce yourself and answer general questions.
2. Individual Long Turn (3-4 minutes): You’ll receive a topic card, prepare for one minute, then speak for 1-2 minutes. Follow-up questions are asked afterward.
3. Two-Way Discussion (4-5 minutes): This section allows for deeper discussion on the topic from Part 2.

Top 5 Speaking Tips:

1. Practice speaking English daily, recording yourself for confidence.
2. There are no right or wrong answers, just focus on expressing ideas well.
3. Imagine speaking to a friend to reduce stress and speak naturally.
4. Use your own words instead of repeating the examiner’s questions.
5. Speak clearly and at a steady pace to avoid mistakes.

Exam Pattern and New Batches

Module	Time Duration	Brief Description
Listening	30 minutes	4 sections, 40 questions
Writing	60 minutes	2 Writing tasks
Reading	60 minutes	3 sections, 40 questions
Speaking	11-14 minutes	3 parts, one-on-one conversation