Understanding IELTS Exam Syllabus 2024- Listening, Reading, Writing & Speaking

IELTS Writing Section

The IELTS Writing section is designed to assess your ability to write clear and coherent texts. In this section, you’ll complete two tasks, each with a specific focus and audience.

What to Expect

Task 1:

Length: At least 150 words

• Content: You’ll be given a diagram, table, or data set and asked to describe the information in your own words. This task tests your ability to interpret and summarize visual information accurately.

Task 2:

• Length: At least 250 words
• Content: You’ll be presented with a point of view, argument, or problem. Your job is to discuss the issue, provide relevant information, present a solution, justify an opinion, and evaluate ideas and evidence. This task assesses your ability to develop an argument and support it with evidence.
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Time and Structure:

• Total number of tasks: 2
• Total time: 60 minutes
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You’ll need to manage your time effectively to ensure you complete both tasks within the hour. A good strategy is to spend about 20 minutes on Task 1 and 40 minutes on Task 2, as Task 2 carries more weight in your overall writing score.

By practicing these tasks and familiarizing yourself with the types of questions you’ll encounter, you’ll be better prepared to tackle the IELTS Writing section with confidence.

Writing – IELTS Academic

• The IELTS Academic Writing section includes two tasks, both designed to assess your ability to write clearly and coherently on topics of general interest. This is especially relevant for those applying to undergraduate or postgraduate programs.
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• Task 1: Describing Visual Information: In the first task, you’ll be given a paper with a diagram, table, or graph. Your job is to summarize and describe the given data in your own words. This might involve explaining a specific data point, interpreting a process, or outlining the information presented in a flowchart. Your goal is to convey the essential details accurately and clearly.
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• Task 2: Essay Writing
• For the second task, you need to write an essay based on your interpretation of the data from Task 1. You’ll present an argument or opinion and support it with relevant examples drawn from the data. Remember, your writing style should be formal and well-structured, showcasing your ability to construct logical, cohesive arguments.
• By practicing these tasks, you’ll develop the skills necessary to succeed in the IELTS Academic Writing section and demonstrate your readiness for academic study.
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Writing – IELTS General Training

The IELTS General Training Writing section includes two tasks, and many find it more approachable than the Academic format.

Task 1: Letter Writing

In the first task, you’ll need to write a letter based on a given situation. The letter could be:

• Formal: Addressed to someone in a professional context, such as a manager or official.
• Semi-formal: Written to someone you know in a formal setting, like a teacher or a neighbor.
• Personal: Directed to a friend or family member.

Depending on the scenario, you might be asked to explain something, make a request, or express your viewpoint to someone in authority.

Task 2: Essay Writing

In the second task, you’ll write an essay on a given topic. You’ll need to present your arguments and opinions, supporting them with relevant examples. Unlike the Academic format, you can adopt a more personal writing style here.

The General Training Writing section allows you to showcase your ability to communicate effectively in everyday situations, making it a practical and valuable skill for real-life contexts.

IELTS Reading Section

The IELTS Reading section is designed to test your ability to understand and interpret written English. It consists of three passages of general interest, suitable for candidates entering undergraduate or postgraduate courses. There are around 40 questions in total, covering a range of question types, including multiple-choice, sentence or summary completion, short-answer questions, matching lists or phrases, and identifying writers’ views or attitudes.

Total Number of Questions: Approximately 40
Total Time: 60 minutes

IELTS Academic Reading

In the academic version, you’ll encounter three long texts that can be descriptive, factual, or analytical. These texts are usually excerpts from newspapers, research papers, journals, books, or magazines, and are aimed at a non-specialist audience. This format is perfect for those aiming for higher education or professional work abroad.

IELTS General Training Reading

The general training version also has three sections, but the texts are more everyday in nature. You might find passages from advertisements, company guidelines, brochures, and similar sources. This format is generally easier than the academic version since the texts are more familiar and practical.

IELTS Listening Section

The IELTS Listening section assesses your ability to understand spoken English in various contexts. It is divided into four sections, each featuring different types of conversations and monologues.

• Sections 1 and 2: Focus on everyday social contexts.
• Sections 3 and 4: Relate to educational and training contexts.

Each recording lasts about three minutes and is played only once. You’ll answer a variety of question types, such as multiple-choice, short-answer questions, note completion, sentence completion, and labeling a diagram.

Total Number of Questions: 40+
Total Time: 30 minutes

Understanding IELTS Listening Sections

The IELTS Listening test is designed to assess your ability to understand spoken English in various contexts. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:

Sections 1 and 2: Everyday Social Situations

• Recording 1: This will feature a conversation between two people set in an everyday social context, such as friends discussing plans or a customer interacting with a service provider.
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• Recording 2: This will be a monologue set in an everyday social context, like an individual giving a speech or providing information about a public event.
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Sections 3 and 4: Educational and Training Situations

• Recording 3: This recording involves a conversation among up to four people in an educational or training context, such as a group of students discussing a project or a teacher and students talking about an assignment.
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• Recording 4: The final recording is a monologue on an academic subject, like a lecture on a specific topic or a presentation on research findings.

Understanding these sections and practicing with similar recordings will help you become more familiar with the test format and improve your listening skills.