IELTS Pattern

Taking the test to study abroad There are four sections in the IELTS test: Writing If you are intending to study abroad, you will take the academic writing module. This test takes 60 minutes and there are two parts. You will have to write an essay and analyse a graph or diagram.     Reading The reading test takes 60 minutes and is divided into three sections. Each section will have an academic reading of about 600 words and you will have to answers 40 questions in total. Speaking In this part of the test, you will have a 11-14 minute interview with an examiner. The examiner will ask you questions and evaluate your responses. The questions are easier at the beginning but get harder at the end.     Listening The listening test takes 40 minutes and is divided into four sections, each one slightly harder than the first. There are 40 questions. You'll have to listen to each section and answer the questions as you listen. Taking the test to work abroad The general training module is intended to test English ability in a more practical, everyday context. The test format is the same as above for the listening and speaking. However the writing and reading modules are different. People often take the general training module if they are intending to work or live abroad. Writing If you are taking the test to work abroad, then you will take the 'general training' module. You will also have to write an essay, but you will have to write a letter instead of analysing a graph.     Reading The reading test is different to the one for the academic module. The test is still 60 minutes and there are 40 questions to answer. However, the readings are different as they are based on real life situations rather than being academic.  The total test duration is around 2 hours and 45 minutes for Listening, Reading and Writing modules.  Listening: 40 minutes, 30 minutes for which a recording is played centrally and additional 10 minutes for transferring answers onto the OMR answer sheet. Reading: 60 minutes. Writing: 60 minutes. Speaking: 11–15 minutes.