Know All About The IELTS Test Format and Syllabus

IELTS stands for International English Language Testing System. It analyzes the way one speaks, hears, reads, and writes in real life in the English language. Besides this, the IELTS test determines the language skills of non-native speakers in real life academic conversations. To ace this, one must understand the IELTS test format and syllabus to plan better and get a higher band score.

Knowing the Test Format

It is of two types: Academic and General Training. Both of them evaluate your level of English skills on four modules: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. The listening and speaking tests are similar in both test versions, but the IELTS test format of reading and writing is a little bit different.

Listening Test Format

The listening section consists of four parts, and the duration is approximately 30 minutes. Each of them gets an extra 10 minutes to transfer the responses. The test taker will hear the various recordings of conversations and monologues in many accents. The tasks test the understanding of major concepts, details, and views. All the audio clips will play only once. So it is really important to pay attention and take notes.

Reading Test Format

Next, the IELTS Test Format of the reading section. This lasts 1 hour and comprises 40 questions. Candidates giving an academic test work with the texts of journals, books, or newspapers. On the other hand, General Training test takers deal with everyday life things such as ads or notices. The tasks analyse the skills in determining the main points, finding data, as well as understanding the views of an author. These types of tasks include matching headings, summary completion, and True or False questions.

Writing Test Format

The writing part is 60 minutes and consists of two tasks. In the academic test, task 1, one will be asked to explain graphs, charts, or processes. One is expected to write an essay on a certain topic in the second task. On the other hand, Task 1 in the General Training version is writing a letter, and Task 2 is an essay where one will express their opinion and views.

Speaking Test Format

The speaking part, as per the IELTS test format, takes between 11 and 14 minutes. It consists of three sections. It includes an introduction and an interview, a short talk, as well as a discussion. The examiner poses questions in the first part in which he/ she question you and your working life and daily activities. The second one has you speaking on a task card topic. The last section is a discussion in which you give your opinions and thoughts regarding that topic. It is a face-to-face test rated on fluency, pronunciation, and confidence.

IELTS Syllabus for Each Module

The IELTS syllabus deals with real-life conversation, as well as working on your skills in naturally using English. Both sections test other areas of your knowledge of the language.

Listening Syllabus

The listening syllabus comprises the discussions, conversations, as well as monologues in social and academic contexts. There will be a variety of accents and rates of speech. The questions will help you prove your skills in finding the main ideas, certain information, and the purpose of the speaker. Repetitive use can result in enhanced attention and comprehension when listening to rapidly advancing audio segments.

Reading Syllabus

The reading syllabus will determine the ability to find and comprehend information in passages. The test taker has to skim, note the crucial points, and discern the writer's views. The tasks of the Academic test are articles and reports that are found in academic texts. On the other hand, the tasks of General Training are found in daily life materials. The tasks will be used to evaluate comprehension and vocabulary range using various questions.

Writing Syllabus

The writing syllabus focuses on vocabulary, grammar, and composition. In the Academic version, Task 1 requires the test taker to check the way one can describe visual information, such as charts or diagrams. Whereas Task 2 requires one to write an essay about the environment or education. On the other hand, Task 1 in the General Training version entails writing letters, and Task 2 requests essays about the general social issues.

Speaking Syllabus

The Speaking syllabus is concerned with daily communication. So, one responds to the questions about oneself. The questions include details about what happened to you and what you are planning to do. Moreover, the second section is a discussion about a certain subject. The third section is a discussion of a certain topic in depth. In this section, fluency, grammar, and pronunciation are tested in the form of a natural conversation.

Conclusion

The IELTS Test Format is an examination that analyses one's ability to use English in everyday and in school life. By knowing the IELTS syllabus and format, one can prepare better for the exam day. It is possible to get a high band score in the IELTS exams through consistent practice, getting familiar with question patterns, and enhancing vocabulary.