IELTS covers all four language skills -
listening, reading, writing and speaking - at nine levels from Non
User (1) to Expert User (9).
There are four parts (modules) to the test. All candidates take
the same Listening and Speaking modules but they can choose to take
either the General Training or Academic Reading and Writing
modules.
IELTS Academic Module is recognised widely as a
language requirement for entry to all courses in further and higher
education and assesses whether a candidate is ready to study or
train in the medium of English at an undergraduate or postgraduate
level.
IELTS General Training Module is suitable for
candidates who are going to English-speaking countries to complete
their secondary education, undertake training programs or for
immigration purposes
The modules are always taken in the same order: Listening,
Reading, Writing and Speaking. They are usually taken on the same
day.
The complete test takes 2 hours and 45 minutes.
Test Format
Common modules
Listening - Time: 30 minutes
Candidates listen to a number of recorded texts, which increase
in difficulty as the test progresses. These include a mixture of
conversation and dialogues and feature a variety of English accents
and dialects. The recording is heard only once, but candidates are
given time to read the questions and record their answers.
Speaking - Time: 10 - 15 minutes
The test takes the form of a face to face interview between one
candidate and one examiner. Candidates are assessed on their use of
spoken English to answer short questions, speak at length on a
familiar topic and also to ask questions and interact with the
examiner.
General modules
Reading - Time: 60 minutes
The texts are based in the type of material candidates would be
expected to encounter on a daily basis in an English speaking
country. They are taken from sources such as newspapers,
advertisements, instruction manuals and books, and test the
candidate's ability to understand and use information. The test
includes one longer text, which is descriptive rather than
argumentative.
Writing - Time: 60 minutes
The format of the test is the same as the equivalent Academic
module. The first task requires candidates to write a letter either
asking for information or explaining a situation.
The second task is a short essay of around 250 words, and it is
written in response to a given point of view or problem. Candidates
are expected to be able to present their own ideas and challenge
other ideas, using the appropriate tone or register.
Academic modules
Reading - Time: 60 minutes
There are three reading passages with tasks. Texts are taken
from books, magazines, journals and newspapers, all written for a
non-specialist audience. At least one of the texts contains a
detailed argument.
Writing - Time: 60 minutes
For the first task, candidates write a report of around 150
words based on material found in a table or diagram, demonstrating
their ability to describe and explain data.
For the second task, candidates write a short essay of around
250 words in response to an opinion or a problem. They are expected
to demonstrate an ability to discuss issues, construct an argument
and use the appropriate tome and register.