Candidates aiming for admissions abroad and needing an IELTS score should first familiarize themselves with the IELTS exam syllabus. The IELTS exam, administered in two formats—IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training—has a specific syllabus that varies depending on the type of score required. The IELTS syllabus is organized into four main sections: Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening. Understanding these sections is essential for effective preparation.

The IELTS exam syllabus comprises four distinct sections: Reading, Speaking, Writing, and Listening. Each section has its own set of topics and criteria for assessment. The syllabus differs between the IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training formats. Both versions are designed to provide a thorough and accurate evaluation of a candidate’s listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills.

IELTS Exam Pattern 2024

For those preparing for either the IELTS Academic or General Training exams, the following table outlines the detailed exam pattern:

As seen in the table, the Listening and Speaking sections have the same format for both IELTS Academic and General Training. However, the Reading and Writing sections differ between the two formats. Candidates aiming to study abroad should opt for IELTS Academic, while those pursuing migration to countries such as New Zealand, Australia, Canada, or the USA should choose IELTS General Training.

Section-wise IELTS Exam Syllabus

This section provides a detailed overview of the IELTS exam syllabus. The IELTS exam consists of four main sections: Reading, Speaking, Writing, and Listening. Refer to the table below for a breakdown of each section:

This table outlines the IELTS exam syllabus by section. Each section is designed to assess different aspects of English proficiency.

IELTS Listening Section Syllabus

The IELTS Listening module is divided into four sections, with questions following the sequence of the recordings played. Here is an overview of the Listening section syllabus for the IELTS Academic test:

• Total Recordings Played: 4
• Total Questions: 40
• Time Allotted: 30 minutes (plus an additional 10 minutes to transfer answers to the answer sheet)
• Marks per Correct Answer: 1 mark

Types of Questions: The Listening section may feature the following question types:

1. Multiple-choice questions
2. Matching
3. Plan/map/diagram labeling
4. Form/note/table/flow chart/summary completion
5. Sentence correction
6. Short answer questions

IELTS Listening Section (Academic) Key Points:

• Parts 1 and 2:

  • Recording 1: A conversation between two people in a daily social context.
  • Recording 2: A monologue set in a daily social context.

• Parts 3 and 4:

  • Recording 3: A conversation involving up to four people in an educational or training setting.
  • Recording 4: A monologue on an academic topic.

Understanding these details will help candidates effectively prepare for the IELTS Listening section.

IELTS Writing Section Syllabus

Candidates preparing for the IELTS exam will encounter two distinct tasks in the Academic Writing module. This module is designed to assess the ability to produce short essays or general reports for an educated, non-specialist audience. The IELTS Academic Writing section consists of two compulsory tasks:

IELTS Academic Writing Syllabus

• Total Number of Questions: Task 1 and Task 2
• Total Time Allocated: 60 minutes

Task 1 (Report Writing):

• Write a report of at least 150 words summarizing information provided in:
  • Graphs
  • Diagrams
  • Processes
  • Maps
  • Tables
  • Data

Task 2 (Essay):

• Write an essay of at least 250 words in response to:
  • A point of view
  • An argument
  • A problem
• Provide general information, propose solutions, justify opinions, evaluate ideas and evidence, etc.

Key Points for IELTS Academic Writing:

• The syllabus covers two tasks where topics are generally relevant to candidates applying for undergraduate or postgraduate programs.
• Task 1 requires summarizing or explaining data from a diagram, table, or graph in your own words. This task may involve describing specific data, outlining a process, or explaining a flowchart.
• Task 2 involves writing an essay in response to a given argument or problem, supporting your position with relevant examples and evidence.
• Allocate about 20 minutes to Task 1 and 40 minutes to Task 2. Ensure that your writing style is formal and appropriate for an academic audience.

IELTS Reading Section Syllabus

The IELTS Reading section is designed to assess the ability to comprehend and analyze texts. It includes three passages of general interest, suitable for candidates entering postgraduate or undergraduate programs. Here’s a detailed look at the IELTS Reading Section (Academic):

• Duration: 60 minutes
• Total Passages: 3
• Length of Passages: 2,150 – 2,750 words
• Time per Passage: Approximately 20 minutes
• Focus: Passages sourced from academic materials
• Total Questions: 40

Types of Questions: The section may include the following question types:

• Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)
• Identifying Information: True/False/Not Given
• Identifying Writer’s Views or Claims: Yes/No/Not Given
• Matching Information
• Matching Headings
• Matching Features
• Matching Sentence Endings
• Sentence Completion
• Summary/Note/Table/Flow-Chart Completion
• Diagram Label Completion
• Short Answer Questions

Key Points for IELTS Reading (Academic):

• Passages are sourced from books, journals, magazines, newspapers, and online resources, aimed at a general audience.
• The section includes 11 possible question types which may be applied to any passage.
• Candidates must read each passage and answer the associated questions.
• Passages are typically of common interest and relevant to students across various levels of study.
• Texts may include diagrams, graphs, or illustrations, which candidates might need to interpret.
• Each passage is accompanied by questions requiring careful reading and analysis.

IELTS Speaking Section Syllabus

The IELTS Speaking section is designed as a structured interview that evaluates your ability to communicate effectively in English. This part assesses your general speaking skills and your capability to converse with native English speakers.

Structure and Timing:

• Total Questions: 3 parts – Introduction and Interview, Long Turn, and Discussion
• Total Duration: 11 to 14 minutes

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

In this initial segment, you will answer basic questions about yourself, covering topics such as your family, home, studies, hobbies, and interests.

Part 2: Long Turn (2-3 minutes)

You will receive a flashcard with a specific topic. After one or two minutes to prepare, you will speak about the topic for approximately two minutes. Following your speech, the examiner may ask additional questions related to the topic.

Part 3: Discussion (5-6 minutes)

This part involves a deeper discussion based on the topic from Part 2. The examiner will ask more abstract questions, allowing you to explore the topic further and discuss more complex issues.

Preparation Tips for IELTS:

To prepare for the IELTS, you can choose between self-study or attending coaching classes. If you are already proficient in English, self-study may suffice. The key is to start your preparation at a suitable time and focus on improving your speaking skills through practice and familiarity with the test format.