IELTS: Exam Pattern and Test Format | How To Prepare For IELTS PDF Download

IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is one of the most popular English language proficiency tests widely accepted by universities, colleges, and immigration authorities. It is basically for individuals who intend to study, work, or live in a country where English is the most commonly used language.

IELTS Test Format

The test is conducted through both offline and online mediums. The questioning pattern, format, level of difficulty and scoring remain the same for both IELTS on Paper and IELTS on Computer. You’ll be taking the Listening, Reading, and Writing test on a computer.  IELTS on computer is exactly the same test as IELTS on paper, but instead of writing your answers on paper, you type them on a computer. The Speaking test will continue to be taken face-to-face by a certified IELTS examiner in a quiet room. In the IELTS on Computer Listening test, the timings are slightly different from the IELTS on Paper test.

What is the difference between IELTS on computer and IELTS on paper?

1. Pencil or Keyboard? 

In the IELTS on-paper test, you need to write your answers on the answer sheet before the time runs out. With IELTS on computer, you type your answers in the corresponding boxes on your screen. 

2. The order of the tests is different 

IELTS on paper starts with Writing, then Reading, and finally Listening. Sometimes, you do your Speaking straight after this. But some test centres may offer your Speaking test on a different day. The IELTS on a computer starts with Listening, followed by Reading and then Writing. The Speaking test takes place on the same day, either before or after your computer test.

3. The Listening test is shorter 

In the IELTS on-paper test, you need to write your answers in the question booklet while you listen to the recording, and you get 10 minutes at the end of the Listening section to transfer your answers to the answer sheet. In the computer test, you type your answers in their appropriate places on the screen. You do get time between sections to check your answers, but no extra time at the end. Because you’ve already completed your answers, the 10 minutes is not needed. 

Benefits of the IELTS Computer-Based Test

There are a lot of advantages that one gets if they take the IELTS Computer-Based Test. It includes:

1. Convenience: One of the main advantages of IELTS on the computer is that you can type responses faster and neater than writing by hand.
2. Flexible Test Dates: This IELTS on Computer test can be scheduled more frequently than paper-based tests, and the applicants can choose the exam date at their convenience.
3. Speedy Results: Test takers can expect their results within 5-7 days, compared to the 13 days it takes for the paper-based test
4. User-Friendly Interface: The format for the Computer-Based Test has many features like a timer, a progress indicator, and the ability to change the screen's brightness or text size, which gives customization options to the test takers.
5. Easy Navigation: IELTS Computer-Based Test helps test takers easily navigate between questions, flag them if they want to review, adjust the volume on the listening test as per their suitability, and offer a more personalized experience.

IELTS Test Types

There are also two test types you can take: IELTS Academic or IELTS General Training. The test type you choose depends on what purpose you need your IELTS test for and the organisation you are applying to. 

IELTS Academic Test

Choose this if you wish to study at undergraduate or postgraduate levels, or if you are seeking professional registration, e.g. doctors and nurses. 

IELTS General Training Test

Choose this if you wish to migrate to an English-speaking country, (e.g. Australia, Canada, New Zealand, UK) or if you wish to train or study at below degree level.

IELTS Test Sections

The exam is divided into four sections that check your proficiency in the English language. These sections are reading, writing, speaking, and listening. The entire IELTS test takes 2 hours and 45 minutes. Both Academic and General Training versions share the Listening and Speaking modules. However, there are differences between the two versions of the Reading and Writing modules. You’ll take the first three parts of the test on the same day in the following order: Listening, Reading and Writing (there are no breaks between these tests). Your Speaking test will be held either on the same day or seven days before or after that, depending on local arrangements.

IELTS Syllabus

In order to understand the IELTS Pattern deeply, you should also know the IELTS Syllabus. IELTS Syllabus includes different sections, Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. The complete test duration is 2 hours and 45 minutes.

• Listening: The total length of this section is 30 minutes and it is divided into four parts. You have to answer different types of 40 questions.
• Reading: The reading section comprises three texts of general interest that deals with issues that are suitable for candidates going to pursue post-graduate or undergraduate program. The total time for this section is 60 minutes and it comprises almost 40 questions.
• Writing: The duration of this section is 60 minutes and it comprises of two tasks. In Task 1, a candidate has to write a summary based on a graph/table/process in at least 150 words. In Task 2, you have to write a discursive essay of at least 250 words.
• Speaking: The total time of this section varies from 11 to 14 minutes in which you have to give a face-to-face interview. With the help of this section, you are checked whether you can communicate effectively and present your ideas coherently in English.

You need to work on all aspects of the English language to get a good IELTS exam score. The table below highlights the exam pattern and discusses the topics and the time allotted to attempt each of the sections:

IELTS Test Format

1. IELTS Test Format - Listening

Duration: 30 minutes

No. of questions: There are 40 questions. A variety of different question types are used.

Test format: You will listen to four recorded texts – two monologues and two conversations. You will hear the recordings once only. Different accents, including British, Australian, New Zealand, and North American, are used.

• Part 1: A conversation between two people set in an everyday social context, e.g. a conversation in an accommodation agency.
• Part 2: A monologue set in an everyday social context, e.g. a speech about local facilities.
• Part 3: A conversation between up to four people set in an educational or training context, e.g. a university tutor and a student discussing an assignment.
• Part 4: A monologue on an academic subject, e.g. a university lecture.

Types of IELTS Listening Questions

• Matching
• Multiple-choice questions
• Sentence completion
• Short answer questions

2. IELTS Test Format - Reading

Duration: 60 minutes

No. of questions: There are 40 questions. A variety of different question types are used.

Test format: You will also need to identify the opinions, attitudes, and purpose of the writers. The question types used in this component vary to test different reading techniques, such as skimming and understanding the writer's perspective.

Reading – Academic

• For each section, you will be given one long reading passage with tasks.
• All the topics are of general interest to students at the undergraduate or postgraduate level.
• The texts may be written in different styles and may contain diagrams, graphs, or illustrations.
• The texts will come from a variety of sources (e.g. books, journals, newspapers)

Reading – General Training

• You will be presented with five or six texts of varying length with tasks.
• Section 1: contains two or three short texts or several shorter texts on everyday topics.
• Section 2: contains two short, work-related, factual texts.
• Section 3: contains one longer text on a topic of general interest.
• The texts will come from a variety of sources (e.g. advertisements, company handbooks, official documents, books, newspapers).

Types of IELTS Reading Questions

• Identifying information
• Matching features
• Sentence completion
• Short-answer questions
• Identifying the author’s claims

3. IELTS Test Format – Writing

Duration: 60 minutes

No. of questions: There are no multiple questions in the Writing section,you are asked to write at least 250 words in about 40 minutes.

Test format: The Academic version of the Writing component consists of two tasks, each addressing topics of broad relevance and suitability for individuals entering undergraduate or postgraduate studies, or those seeking professional registration.

The General Training version of the Writing component comprises two tasks that revolve around topics of general interest, designed to assess candidates' ability to communicate effectively in common real-life situations.

• IELTS Academic Task 1: You are given a graph, table, chart, or diagram and are asked to describe the visual information in your own words. You are asked to write at least 150 words in about 20 minutes.
• IELTS General Training Task 1: You respond to a situation, for example, by writing a letter asking for information or explaining a situation. You are asked to write at least 150 words in about 20 minutes.
• IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training Task 2: You are given a point of view, argument, or problem that you need to discuss.

4. IELTS Test Format – Speaking

The speaking section monitors your spoken English. Every test is recorded.

Duration: 11 to 14 minutes

No. of questions: There are no specific questions in this section as it is evaluated on an interview basis.

Test format: The Speaking component of the test evaluates your proficiency in spoken English and typically takes about 11 to 14 minutes to complete. It is recorded for assessment purposes. Notably, the Speaking component is identical in both the Academic and General Training versions, similar to the Listening component.

• Part 1 (4–5 minutes): The Examiner asks you general questions about yourself and a range of familiar topics, such as home, family, work, studies, and interests.
• Part 2 (3–4 minutes): You will be given a card that asks you to talk about a topic. You will have 1 minute to prepare before speaking for up to 2 minutes. The Examiner may then ask one or two questions on the same topic.
• Part 3 (4–5 minutes): The Examiner asks more questions that are connected to the topic of Part 2. These questions allow you to discuss more abstract issues and ideas.

IELTS Preparation Tips

To enhance your chances of achieving a favorable IELTS score in 2024, it's crucial to establish a consistent study routine. In addition to your daily plan, incorporating specific tips and strategies for each section is vital:

1. Speaking Section

• Pay close attention to questions and respond directly.
• Enhance responses with relevant, relatable information.
• Maintain answer precision and relevance.
• Guard against repetition in your answers.
• Minimize grammatical errors.
• Proofread responses before submission.

2. Listening Section

• Focus on understanding questions thoroughly.
• Distribute time effectively across all sections.
• Analyze assigned tasks promptly and mentally prepare responses.

3. Reading Section

• Allocate time wisely for each passage.
• Comprehend questions and answer precisely.
• Avoid unnecessary repetition in your responses.

4. Writing Section

• Manage time efficiently for task completion.
• Include relevant information in your responses.
• Steer clear of repetitive content.
• Proofread thoroughly to catch grammatical errors.
• By following these tips and incorporating them into your study routine, you'll be better equipped to excel in each section of the IELTS exam.