IELTS Syllabus

1. Writing section

Duration: 60 minutes

The IELTS Academic Writing section consists of two tasks – first, the test taker has to interpret the data, diagrams, etc., given and explain the information. Secondly, the test taker has to write a formal essay as a response to a problem, point of view, or argument

Structure for task 1: You need to describe, summarise, or explain visual information, such as a graph, table, chart, or diagram that is presented to you. It can also be a flowchart, an event, etc., where you need to write an essay as your response.

Eg: You should spend at least 20 minutes on this task.

The chart below shows the number of men and women in further education in the UK in three periods and whether they were studying full-time or part-time. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons where relevant. (Minimum 150 words)

Syllabus for task 2: You need to write an essay as your response to a point of view, argument, or problem in a formal and academic style. You must support your arguments with examples, data, etc

Eg You should spend at least 20 minutes on this task

The graph below shows radio and television audiences throughout the day in 1992. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons where relevant. (Minimum 150 words)

2. Reading section

Duration: 60 minutes

In the Reading section, there will be three lengthy paragraphs of different styles – descriptive, factual, discursive, and analytical. The texts will be taken from authentic academic journals, magazines, or newspapers.

Syllabus: The IELTS Academic syllabus is taken from books, journals, magazines, and newspapers, and they are authentic. These texts will be appropriate for students and professionals

Eg: This is an extract from an Academic Reading passage on the development of rockets. The text preceding this extract explored the slow development of the rocket and explained the principle of propulsion.

Questions 7 – 10 (Based on the paragraph)

Look at the following items (Questions 7-10) and the list of groups below.

Match each item with the group that first invented or used them.

Write the correct letter A-E in boxes 7-10 on your answer sheet.

NB You may use any letter more than once.

3. Speaking section

Duration: 11 – 14 minutes

The speaking section assesses the speaking skills of test takers in an English-speaking society. The first part of the test will be questions about the test takers, their families, their backgrounds, interests, etc. In the next part, the test taker will speak on a particular topic and is bound to answer the questions that follow.

Syllabus: The syllabus for the IELTS speaking section can be divided into three parts.

Part 1:You will face questions on general and familiar topics, such as home, family, work, studies, and your interests, among others. Part 1 is typically 4 -5 minutes long.

Eg:: Part 1 – Introduction and interview: Examiner Frame

[This part of the test begins with the examiner introducing himself or herself and checking the candidate’s identification. It then continues as an interview.]

Let’s talk about your hometown or village.

1. 1. What kind of place is it?
   2. What’s the most interesting part of your town/village?
   3. What kind of jobs do the people in your town/village do?
   4. Would you say it’s a good place to live? (Why?)

Let’s move on to talk about accommodation

1. Tell me about the kind of accommodation you live in.
2. How long have you lived there?
3. What do you like about living there?
4. What sort of accommodation would you most like to live in?

Part 2: You will choose a random topic and have to talk about it for 2 minutes. There will be 1 minute to prepare, and, after the speech, the examiner will ask some questions regarding what you have said. This session lasts for 3 – 5 minutes

Eg: Part 2 – Individual Long Turn: Candidate Task Card

Describe something you own that is very important to you

You should say:

where you got it from

how long you have had it

what you use it for

Part 3: The third session is a continuation of part 2. Here, you can discuss abstract ideas and concepts. The session lasts for 4 – 5 minutes.

Eg: Part 3 – Two-way Discussion: Examiner Frame

1. 1. What kind of things give status to people in your country?
   2. Have things changed since your parents’ time?

Finally, let’s talk about the role of advertising.

1. Do you think advertising influences what people buy?

4. Listening section

Duration: 30 minutes

The test taker will be presented with four recorded speeches by native speakers, including monologues and conversations. After the records are played, a set of questions (around 40) will be asked to assess the test taker’s interpretation of the records. The records are played only once, meaning that the test taker must pay attention to the clip while it is played.

Syllabus The listening section will be having multiple choice, matching, plan/map/diagram labeling, form/note/table/flowchart/summary completion, and sentence completion tasks. You need to listen carefully and take notes.

• Section 1: It will be a conversation between two people set in an everyday social context, such as a conversation in an accommodation agency
• Section 2: Section 2 will be a monologue set in an everyday social context, like a speech about local facilities.
• Section 3: The third section will be a conversation between up to four people set in an educational or training context, such as a university tutor and a student discussing an assignment.
• Section 4: The last section will be a monologue on an academic subject, like a university lecture

Eg: Questions 1-8

Complete the form below

Write NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER for each answer.

Part 1

Question 9 and 10

Choose the correct letter,A B or C.

9 Type of insurance chosen

A Economy

B Standard

C Premium

10 Customer wants goods delivered to

A port

B home

C depot

PART 2

Questions 11 – 16

Answer the questions below

Write NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER for each answer

What TWO factors can make social contact in a foreign country difficult?

• 11 ………………………….
• 12 ………………………….

Which types of community group does the speaker give examples of?

• 13 …………………………….
• 14 …………………………….

In which TWO places can information about community activities be found?

• 15 …………………………….
• 16 …………………………….