The International English Language Testing System(IELTS), is one of the most important tests that make or break your dreams of studying abroad. Read on to know all about the IELTS syllabus, preparation tips,IELTS sample paper, & more!

IELTS stands for International English Language Testing System that is required to be taken by international students and workers who wish to study or work in a country where English is the primary language of communication. The United Kingdom,Australia, New Zealand, the United States, and Canada are the most prevalent nations where IELTS is recognized for university applications. The four major English language competencies examined by the exam are listening, reading, speaking, and writing.

There is a computer-based IELTS and paper-based IELTS. For the listening, writing,and reading sections of the IELTS computer-based test, candidates use a computer.The speaking test, on the other hand, is done in front of a trained examiner. There are more test dates available with the computer-based IELTS, and results are ready in 3-5 days. Those taking the IELTS on paper use HB pencils or a pen to complete the reading, writing, and listening portions, and the speaking test is done in front of a trained IELTS examiner

IELTS exam pattern

The IELTS exam has 4 sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. The total time given to complete the test is 2 hours 45 minutes. The Academic IELTS exam pattern is as follows:

#1. Listening section

The listening paper has a total of 40 questions divided into 4 different tasks which are to be finished in 30 minutes. Candidates have 10 minutes extra as a transfer time which is the time given to shift the final answers to the answer sheet. IELTS experts suggest that the candidates write rough answers on the question paper as they listen to the audio to avoid haste.

The candidate listens to 4 different recordings, played only once. The recordings will be in a variety of voices with native-speaker accents. They can be a one-on-one conversation or a monologue on any topic. The questions range from multiple-choice, matching, map or diagram labeling, form completion, note completion, summary completion, and short answers

#2. Reading section

The reading paper has 3 passages with a total of 40 questions divided into a number of tasks. The candidate is expected to complete the paper in 60 minutes.The questions in different tasks range from multiple-choice, matching information, diagram labeling, and identifying information (question type: true or false). The distribution of the number of questions in the tasks is not fixed.

#3. Writing section

The writing test consists of two sections with a total test time of 60 minutes.Section one consists of various types of visual information(e.g: graphs or pi diagrams). The candidates are expected to elaborate the visual information in precisely 150 words. Section two consists of a topic to write on where candidates elaborate on an argument or a topic in not less or more than 250 words.

#4. Speaking section

Speaking test is an interview with the examiner which lasts up to 11-14 minutes.The test consists of 3 tasks. Task one is typically an introduction or an interview wherein the examiner asks the candidate for a personal introduction. The interview can go on for about 4-5 minutes. In the second task, a task card is given to the candidate containing a topic to speak on. 1 minute is given to jot down the notes and 1-2 minutes are given to talk on the given topic. At the end of the 2 minutes, the examiner can ask a couple of questions based on your topic. Task three is related to the previous task. The topic from task two is discussed in-depth and in an abstract way. This task can end up for 4-5 minutes. In some cases, the speaking test is conducted on a different day.

Table of Contents

IELTS Exam Requirement:

In English-speaking nations such as Australia, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, the United States, and Canada, the IELTS exam is necessary for migration as well as academic purposes. It is the only English Language Test that UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) has approved for visa applicants applying both outside and inside the United Kingdom. Many students are confused as to why IELTS results are so important. A simple answer is that international universities and visa granting authorities must ensure that students will not experience any communication problems while in the country. Their overall IELTS band scores are critical because they must demonstrate a good grasp and command of the English language. Another confusion among students is whether IELTS is a compulsory exam or not. Many institutions may not even use IELTS scores when considering applicants. However, students should keep in mind that if they do not take IELTS, their prospects of receiving a student visa may be harmed.

IELTS Test Procedure

The total time of the test is 2 hours 45 minutes and is divided into 4 parts:

Types of IELTS Exam:

IELTS examinations are divided into two categories: Academic and General Training. For both exams, the listening and speaking components are identical. The writing and reading sections, on the other hand, vary depending on which one is taken. The reading, writing, and listening components of the IELTS examinations are all completed on the same day, with no breaks in between. The speaking component of the test can be completed a week before or after the other tests.

Importance of IELTS Examination:

Improved English language skills: This exam is designed to evaluate a variety of English language skills, including speaking, listening, writing, and reading, in order to prepare people for real-world scenarios, such as conversing with international students at college, conversing with people at work, or even traveling abroad.

Study abroad facilities: For international students to be admitted, top-ranked and leading educational institutions demand an IELTS score. It is a common eligibility criterion for admission, coupled with a degree and academic results. The higher the institution's reputation, the higher the IELTS score requirement. Academic IELTS is not only required for non-native speakers to attend university but it is also required for those desiring to register with professional organizations. IELTS is a true goal-setter, assisting deserving students in gaining admission to some of the world's most prestigious schools

Global employment opportunities: As communication is the most basic requirement for work, big brands and corporations require a valid IELTS score. Applicants must be able to speak, write, and communicate in English in order to work for a worldwide employer. For firms with an English-speaking atmosphere and setting, language skills are critical. When it comes to giving work chances, developed economies such as the United States, Australia, Europe, Canada, and the United Kingdom recognize a high IELTS score. A strong IELTS score is necessary for obtaining a work visa.

Permanent residency and immigration services: Non-native English speakers must have an IELTS score in order to be granted visas and permanent residency. When applicants apply for PR or immigration in English-speaking nations, the IELTS score is used as a prerequisite component of the application procedure. In countries such as the United States, Australia, Europe, Canada, and Germany, settling down is always a wealthy and attractive prospect. An IELTS score is required to assess applicants' English language abilities and determine whether they can integrate, communicate, and settle down in an English-speaking environment. Only visa and immigration applications with an IELTS score are accepted and recognized by the immigration authorities and process. The IELTS score aids applicants in their quest to immigrate to and settle in one of the world's most developed countries.

The IELTS exam is open to anyone, regardless of age, gender, race, nationality, or religion. As such, the IELTS administrators (IDP or British Council) have not set an age limit. Candidates who are under the age of 16 are not encouraged to apply. However, they can take the test if they wish to.

The IDP, which administers IELTS, has not established any IELTS eligibility requirements. The IELTS IDP exam is open to anyone who wishes to pursue higher education or employment in a foreign country (both Academic and General Training). Candidates should, however, carefully check the educational institution's or organization's eligibility requirements before applying.

IELTS can be applied in two ways: online or in person. Applicants can register via phone, SMS, e-mail, or the internet. Applicants must identify a nearby test location and obtain the contact number in order to register via phone. They must contact, provide all pertinent information with ID evidence, and then reserve a date and time slot. Payment must be made via the internet. When it comes to IELTS exam registration, all that is required is valid national ID proof, such as a passport or driver's license.

The easiest and most convenient way to register for IELTS is to do it online:

More Resources to Read About IELTS:

IELTS Registration Fee

The IELTS fee for registration in India is ₹ 15,500 but it is subject to changes. Therefore, applicants must confirm the amount when scheduling a test slot and then pay with a digital payment method.

IELTS Cancellation Fee:

IELTS Reschedule Fee:

If candidates need to modify their test date, they must request a test day transfer at least five weeks before their scheduled test date and pay the cancellation/postponement cost. Furthermore, the replacement test date must be no more than three months after the initial test date. For the transfer of the exam date, candidates must pay an administrative fee of INR 3,300, inclusive of all taxes.

IELTS Exam Dates:

IELTS IDP India is the official IELTS conducting body in India. The IELTS test is offered at various times throughout the year. Candidates should choose an IELTS exam date that is convenient for them while also considering the institution's admissions deadlines. To prevent making a last-minute mistake, students who plan to take the IELTS should schedule their exams three to four months before their application deadline. To know more about the dates and centres, visit https://www.ieltsidpindia.com/registration/registration

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Section Duration and Number of Questions Content Marks

Listening

4 recordings

40 questions

30 minutes + 10 minutes is the transfer time

Four recorded monologues and conversations

40

Reading

40 questions

60 minutes

3 passages which can be analytical, factual,discursive or descriptive

40

Writing

2 questions

60 minutes

Writing task (minimum 150 words)

Essay (minimum 250 words)

Every task is graded separately. Task 2 is given more weight in the evaluation process than Task 1.

Speaking

3 questions

11-14 minutes

Part 1: Questions and Answers

Part 2: Speaking on a familiar topic in detail

Part 3: Structure discussion

IELTS Reading Section

IELTS Writing Section:

IELTS Listening Section:

This element of the IELTS exam is divided into four sections, each of which includes audio clips. The first would be about social needs, while the other two would be about educational conditions. The audio clips might be a dialogue or a speech that will last approximately three minutes and will only be played once. Short answers, note completion, MCQ, and a variety of other sorts of questions will be asked based on these clips. This section's syllabus includes

Audio 1 - Dialogue based on social situations

Audio 2- A monologue addressing social issues that people face on a daily basis

Audio 3- A conversation between four people about education

Audio 4- A monologue about a topic related to academia

IELTS Speaking Section:

Part 1 (Introduction followed by an Interview) - In this activity, candidates must introduce themselves in around 4-5 minutes by discussing their family, hobbies, interests, educational history, and so on.

Part 2 (Long Turn) - Candidates will be given a flashcard with a topic printed on it for this stage of the IELTS speaking exam. They can think for a few minutes, acquaint themselves with the issue, and then speak for 2-3 minutes about it. Following that, the interviewer may ask some follow-up questions to assess the candidate's knowledge of the subject.

Part 3 (Discussion) - There would be a thorough examination of the topic presented in Part 2 as well as the candidate's speech and comprehension. Candidates will have the opportunity to go deeper into the subject and cover it in greater detail. This task usually takes about 5-6 minutes to complete.

IELTS Results:

Students do not have long to wait for their results as IELTS test results are released within a week (online) or 13 calendar days (offline) after they sit for the test. When the results are available, students will be notified via email. They can log into their IELTS account on the IELTS results website to see their scores.

IELTS Test From Home:

IELTS Online will now allow students to take the test from their own home or another suitable location to achieve their study and career goals

The test will be similar in substance and format to the present IELTS tests offered by pen and paper and computer. A real-time face-to-face speaking test, administered online by qualified IELTS examiners, is included. IELTS Academic will cover all four skills - Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking - in IELTS Online. It will also feature the same rigorous assessment by competent examiners, as well as a human-administered speaking test that will provide a true indicator of the test taker's ability to converse properly in English. However, it should be noted that this new IELTS test is only available in nations where tests have been suspended due to coronavirus.

When booking starts on April 22nd, the countries where this test will be available will be announced. Furthermore, it is only accessible for a limited time. On April 22nd, information about the fees will be provided as well. Also, this test is only for those who want to enter higher education

Preparation For IELTS:

A practice exam is recommended since it is the most effective technique to discover shortcomings. This is an important step in the initial preparation process because it will help students figure out where their strengths and limitations are. It is not only crucial to improve on deficiencies, but it is also necessary to build on strengths in order to lay a firm foundation for the exam.

Before a student begins practicing, it’s extremely important that they know what to expect from the test format. They should familiarize themselves with it by reviewing the content of the test, as well as the question and task types for each section.

One of the most common mistakes students make is concentrating solely on the IELTS exam. They take a lot of IELTS practice exams, but they don't realize how important it is to improve their English. Students should begin studying for the exam at least 3–6 months ahead of time

Important Tips For IELTS Exam

We offer free preparation classes for you, whether you have booked your IELTS test or need to improve your English language skills before the test.

Regardless of where you live, we can help you get ready for the day of the test.

One of the free preparation classes is the IELTS Masterclass, which is a 90-minute session that will help you: