IELTS Syllabus

IELTS Syllabus

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IELTS Syllabus

  1. Listening Syllabus:
  • Format:
    • Four sections with 40 questions in total.
  • Sections:
  1. A conversation between two people is set in an everyday social context.
  2. It is a monologue set in an everyday social context.
  3. A conversation between up to four people set in an educational or training context.
  4. A monologue on an academic subject.
  • Skills Assessed:
    • I understand the main ideas and specific factual information.
    • I recognize the opinions, attitudes, and purposes of speakers.
    • Following the development of ideas.
  • Test Duration:
    • Approximately 30 minutes.

Reading Syllabus:

  • Format:
    • Three sections with 40 questions in total.
  • Sections (Academic):
  1. Three long texts ranging from descriptive and factual to discursive and analytical.
  2. Texts are authentic and taken from books, journals, magazines, and newspapers.
  3. Descriptive, factual, and analytical texts on general topics.
  • Sections (General Training):
  1. Three sections with extracts from books, magazines, newspapers, notices, advertisements, company handbooks, and guidelines.
  2. Topics are relevant to everyday life in an English-speaking country.
  • Skills Assessed:
    • I read for gist, main ideas, details, logical argument, and attitude.
    • We are identifying the writer’s opinions, attitudes, and purposes.
  • Test Duration:
    • 60 minutes.

Writing Syllabus:

  • Format (Academic):
    • There are two tasks – one describing a diagram, table, chart, or graph, the other responding to an argument.
  • Format (General Training):
    • Two tasks – a letter requesting information or explaining a situation and an essay giving arguments and discussing issues.
  • Skills Assessed:
    • Task 1 (Academic): Ability to present information descriptively and logically.
    • Task 2 (Academic): Ability to write an essay responding to a point of view, argument, or problem.
    • Task 1 (General Training): Ability to write in a personal, semi-formal, or formal style.
    • Task 2 (General Training): Ability to write an essay responding to a point of view, argument, or problem.
  • Word Count:
    • Minimum 150 words for Task 1 and 250 words for Task 2.
  • Test Duration:
    • 60 minutes.
  1. Speaking Syllabus:
  • Format:
    • Face-to-face interview with an examiner.
  • Sections:
  1. Introduction and Interview (4-5 minutes).
  2. Long turn (3-4 minutes).
  3. Discussion (4-5 minutes).
  • Skills Assessed:
    • Ability to communicate opinions and information on everyday topics.
    • Ability to speak at length on a given topic using appropriate language and organizing ideas coherently.
    • Discussion on more abstract and complex issues.
  • Test Duration:
    • 11-14 minutes.

Candidates are advised to carefully review the IELTS exam syllabus and practice materials provided by official IELTS preparation resources to familiarize themselves with the test format and requirements.

IELTS Writing Section Overview:

Common Features:

  • Total No. of Questions: 2
  • Full Time: 60 minutes

Writing – IELTS Academic:

  1. Task 1:
  • Content: Recapitulate and define data in a diagram, table, or graph.
  • Word Count: Minimum 150 words.
  • Objective: Present information logically explaining data entries or processes.
  1. Task 2:
  • Content: Write a formal essay responding to a point of view, argument, or problem.
  • Word Count: Minimum 250 words.
  • Objective: Provide general factual information, present solutions, justify opinions, and evaluate ideas and evidence.

Writing – IELTS General Training:

  1. Task 1:
  • Content: Write a letter based on a given situation.
  • Style: Can be formal, semi-formal, or personal.
  • Objective: Explain, request, or support an argument to a specific authority.
  1. Task 2:
  • Content: Draft an essay on the same topic as Task 1.
  • Style: It can be more personal.
  • Objective: Present arguments and opinions supported by relevant instances.

Additional Insights:

  • Audience: Both formats are addressed to an educated, non-specialist audience.
  • Difficulty: IELTS General Training writing tasks are considered more accessible than the academic format.
  • Word Count Guidelines: Task 1 – Minimum 150 words, Task 2 – Minimum 250 words.
  • Writing Style:
    • IELTS Academic: Strictly formal.
    • IELTS General Training: This can be formal, semi-formal, or personal.

Candidates should practice writing essays and letters within the specified time limits to enhance their skills and familiarize themselves with the expected format and style of responses for each task.

IELTS Reading Section Overview:

Common Features:

  • Total No. of Questions: About 40
  • Total Time: 60 minutes

Reading – IELTS Academic:

  • Content:
    • Three long paragraphs (descriptive, factual, or analytical).
    • Excerpts from newspapers, research works, journals, books, or magazines.
    • It is targeted at a non-specialist audience.
  • Question Types:
    • Multiple-choice.
    • Sentence or summary completion.
    • We are identifying data for short-answer questions.
    • Matching lists or phrases.
    • We are identifying writers’ views/attitudes.

Reading – IELTS General Training:

  • Content:
    • Excerpts from advertisements, company guidelines, brochures, etc.
    • Similar to day-to-day encounters.
  • Question Types:
    • Multiple-choice.
    • Sentence or summary completion.
    • We are identifying data for short-answer questions.
    • Matching lists or phrases.
    • We are identifying writers’ views/attitudes.

Additional Insights:

  • Difficulty: IELTS General Training reading tasks are considered more accessible than the academic format.
  • Relevance: Academic format targets higher education aspirants and professionals seeking work abroad. The General Training format includes texts encountered in daily life.
  • Question Variety: Multiple-choice, sentence or summary completion, short-answer questions, matching lists or phrases, identifying writers’ views/attitudes.

Preparation Tips:

  • Practice reading passages from diverse sources to enhance comprehension skills.
  • Familiarize yourself with various question types to improve efficiency.
  • Manage time effectively during the exam to answer all questions within the allocated timeframe.

Candidates are encouraged to practice with authentic IELTS practice materials and sample tests to better understand the format and types of questions in the Reading Section.

IELTS Listening Section Overview:

  • Total No. of Questions: 40+
  • Full Time: 30 minutes

Section Division:

  1. Sections 1 and 2: Everyday Social Situations
  • Recording 1: Conversation between two people in an everyday social context.
  • Recording 2: Monologue set in an everyday social context.
  1. Sections 3 and 4: Educational and Training Situations
  • Recording 3: Conversation between four people in an educational or training context.
  • Recording 4: Monologue on an academic subject.

Question Types:

  • Multiple-choice, short-answer questions, note completion, sentence completion, labeling a diagram, etc.
  • A variety of question types to assess different listening skills.

Listening Time and Frequency:

  • Each conversation lasts around three minutes.
  • Conversations can be heard only once.

IELTS Speaking Section Overview:

  • Total No. of Questions: 3 parts (Personal Interview, Little Speech, and a Discussion)
  • Total Time: 11 to 14 minutes

Part 1: Introduction and Interview (4–5 minutes)

  • Answer mundane questions about yourself (family, home, studies, hobbies, etc.).

Part 2: Long Turn (2–3 minutes)

  • The examiner provides a flashcard with a topic.
  • You have a minute or two to prepare a speech on the given topic (about two minutes).
  • Examiners may ask follow-up questions based on your speech.

Part 3: Discussions (5–6 minutes)

  • More profound questions and abstract discussions based on the given topic and your speech.
  • Explore the topic in-depth, lasting for five to six minutes.

Additional Insights:

  • Listening Variety: Conversations include both monologues and dialogues.
  • Speaking Skills Assessment: Emphasis on general speaking skills.
  • Speaking Time Allocation: Each part is designed to assess different aspects, from personal information to in-depth discussions.

Preparation Tips:

  • Practice listening to a variety of accents and speech patterns.
  • Familiarize yourself with different question types in the listening section.
  • Practice speaking on various topics to enhance fluency and coherence.
  • Develop the ability to express opinions and engage in discussions for the speaking section.

Candidates are advised to practice with official IELTS practice materials to become comfortable with the format and to enhance their listening and speaking skills.

Listening Section:

  • Description: Four recorded monologues and conversations.
  • Questions/Duration: 40 minutes
  • Duration: 30 minutes

Reading Section:

  • Description: Three long reading passages with tasks. Texts range from descriptive and factual to discursive and analytical, including non-verbal material like diagrams, graphs, and illustrations. Texts are authentic, taken from books, journals, and newspapers.
  • Questions/Duration: 40
  • Duration: 60 minutes

Writing Section:

  • Description: A writing task of at least 150 words where the candidate must summarize, describe, or explain a table, graph, chart, or diagram. Another short essay task of at least 250 words.
  • Questions/Duration: 2
  • Duration: 60 minutes

Speaking Section:

  • Description: Face-to-face interview includes short questions, speaking at length about a familiar topic, and a structured discussion.
  • Questions/Duration: 3
  • Duration: 11 to 14 minutes

Types of IELTS:

  • IELTS Academic: For candidates applying for higher education or professional registration.
  • IELTS General Training: For candidates migrating to Australia, Canada, and the UK or applying for secondary education, training programs, and work experience in an English-speaking environment.

Candidates should be familiar with each section’s specific requirements and formats to prepare for the IELTS exam effectively. Regular practice with authentic materials and understanding the question types is crucial for success.

Indeed, the IELTS exam is available in two types, each catering to different purposes and target audiences:

IELTS Academic:

  • Purpose: Primarily for candidates applying for higher education or professional registration.
  • Target Countries: Widely recognized by English-speaking countries such as the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
  • Focus: Assess whether a candidate is ready to begin studying or training in English.
  • Content: Reflects academic tasks and skills, including complex text and formal writing styles.

IELTS General Training:

  • Purpose: Geared towards candidates looking to migrate to New Zealand, Australia, Canada, the US, and the UK. It is also applicable to those applying for secondary education, training programs, and work experience in an English-speaking environment.
  • Focus: Evaluate the basic survival skills of a candidate in a broad social and workplace environment.
  • Content: Addresses everyday, practical English language skills relevant to workplace and social contexts.

Key Distinctions:

  • Both types assess the four language skills: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.
  • The content and tasks in the two types vary to suit the specific demands of academic or general scenarios.
  • Test takers should choose the type of IELTS that aligns with their goals, whether academic pursuits or migration and general life in an English-speaking country.

The appropriate type is crucial for achieving one’s objectives, whether pursuing academic studies or settling in an English-speaking country for work or other purposes.

Self-Study Tips:

  1. Understand the Exam Format:
  • Familiarize yourself with the format of each section: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.
  • Practice with official IELTS practice materials to understand the question types.
  1. Create a Study Schedule:
  • Develop a study plan that covers all sections of the exam.
  • Allocate specific time slots for each skill, focusing on your weaker areas.
  1. Improve Language Skills:
  • Improve your overall English proficiency, including vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation.
  • Read widely, listen to podcasts, and watch English-language videos to expose yourself to diverse language contexts.
  1. Practice Regularly:
  • Practice regularly with sample tests to build endurance and improve time management.
  • Please review your answers and understand the mistakes to learn from them.
  1. Utilize Online Resources:
  • Explore online platforms and resources that offer practice tests, study materials, and tips for IELTS preparation.

Coaching Classes Tips:

  1. Choose Reputable Coaching Centers:
  • If opting for coaching classes, choose reputable centers with experienced instructors.
  • Read reviews and testimonials to ensure the quality of coaching.
  1. Structured Learning:
  • Coaching classes provide structured learning programs covering all IELTS exam sections.
  • Take advantage of classroom sessions to clarify doubts and interact with instructors.
  1. Mock Tests and Feedback:
  • Participate in mock tests conducted by the coaching center to simulate exam conditions.
  • Receive feedback from instructors to identify areas for improvement.
  1. Personalized Guidance:
  • Benefit from customized guidance and tips from experienced instructors.
  • Focus on specific areas where you need improvement based on feedback.
  1. Consistent Attendance:
  • Attend classes regularly and actively participate in discussions and activities.
  • Consistent attendance is essential for effective learning.

Additional FAQs Tips:

  • Know the Syllabus:
    • Understand the IELTS syllabus and specific requirements for each section.
    • Stay updated on any changes to the exam pattern.
  • Time Management:
    • Practice time management during your preparation and in mock tests to ensure you complete each section within the allocated time.
  • Stay Informed:
    • Keep yourself informed about any updates or changes to the IELTS exam.
    • Stay updated on FAQs and common queries related to the exam.

Remember, consistent and focused preparation is critical to success in the IELTS exam. Whether you choose self-study or coaching classes, tailor your approach to your learning style and schedule.