IELTS OVERVIEW
Introduction to IELTS
The total test time is approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes and is completed without any breaks!
The band scores range from 1-9, with 9 being the highest.
There are four parts to the IELTS test :
1. Listening : 4 sections – 30 minutes + 10 minutes to transfer answers to answer sheet
2. Reading : 3 sections – 60 minutes
3. Writing : 2 sections – Writing 1 : 20 minutes and Writing task 2 : 40 minutes long
4. Speaking : 3 sections – 11- 14 minutes
1. IELTS Listening Section
You may hear voices in a variety of accents which include; Australian, British, New Zealand or North American accents.
Section 1 : Conversation between 2 people in a social setting
Section 2 : Monologue in an everyday social setting
Section 3: Conversation between up to 4 people in an educational or training context
Section 4: Monologue on an academic subject
There are 40 questions in different formats such as:
answer multiple choice questions
label a plan, map or diagram
fill in a form
complete a table
complete a flow-chart
give short answers
2. IELTS Reading Section ( 60 minutes )
You are given three long reading passages with texts reaching up to 2,150 – 2,750 words in total.
Texts range from descriptive and factual to the discursive and analytical.
Includes non-verbal material such as diagrams, graphs or illustrations.
Texts are authentic (e.g. taken from books, journals and newspapers).
There are 40 questions.
A variety of question types is used. You may be asked to:
fill gaps in a passage of written text or in a table
match headings to written text to diagrams or charts
complete sentences
give short answers to open questions
answer multiple choice questions
Sometimes you will need to give one word as your answer, sometimes a short phrase, and sometimes simply a letter, number or symbol.
3. IELTS Writing Section ( 60 minutes )
Writing Task 1 ( 20 minutes )
There are 7 Types of questions in Writing Task 1 in which candidates have to write 150 words in 20 minutes. This accounts for 1/3 of the writing segment. Each of these different types of questions require various skills.
1.Bar Chart
2.Line Graph
3.Table
4. Pie Chart
For the first 4 (above) we need to consider the time : whether it is dynamic (over a period of time) static, the tense(s) needed to describe them and in general, write about the most striking features. With pie charts especially, you may have to compare the differences between more than of them.
5.Map(s)
For map type questions we need to compare the differences related to changes or possible future changes. This means that any noticeable changes must be mentioned.
6.Process or diagram
When encountered with questions that contain a process or a diagram the following needs to be taken into consideration;
What is the first and last step of the process?
How many stages are there, and how they are related to each other?
Is the process a cyclical or linear type?
7. Combination – multiple tasks
In a situation like this, you will have to make comparisons where relevant.
Writing Task 2 ( 40 minutes )
This section accounts for 2/3 of the writing test. The recommended time required to complete this task is 40 minutes. Candidates are expected to write a minimum of 250 words.
The five most occurring IELTS Writing Task 2 type questions are:
Opinion (Agree or Disagree)
Advantages and Disadvantages
Problem and Solution
Discussion (Discuss both view)
Two-part Question
Each of these questions require specific structures and skills which will be explained during the course.
4. IELTS Speaking Section
Speaking Part 1 ( 4-5 minutes )
In part 1 of the Speaking test the examiner will introduce him or herself and ask general questions on familiar topics. The examiner will ask you to confirm your identity.
He or she will then ask general questions on familiar topics such as home, family, work, studies and interests.
Speaking Part 2 ( 3- 4 minutes )
You will be given one minute to prepare to talk about the topic on a task card using a pencil or paper to write notes.
You will have to talk for 1-2 minutes, and then the examiner will ask you one or two questions about the same topic.
Speaking part 3 ( 4-5 minutes )
The examiner will ask further questions which are connected to the topics discussed in part 2.
You the opportunity to express yourself in relation to more abstract issues and ideas. This is a two-way discussion between you and the examiner.
Listening Test – Raw Score Conversion
| Raw Score | Band Score | Raw Score | Band Score |
| 39-40 | 9 | 18-22 | 5.5 |
| 37-38 | 8.5 | 16-17 | 5 |
| 35-36 | 8 | 13-15 | 4.5 |
| 32-34 | 7.5 | 11-12 | 5 |
| 30-31 | 7 | 8-10 | 3.5 |
| 26-29 | 6.5 | 6-7 | 3 |
| 23-25 | 6 | 4-5 | 2.5 |
Academic Reading Test – Raw Score Conversion
| Raw Score | Band Score | Raw Score | Band Score |
| 39-40 | 9 | 19-22 | 5.5 |
| 37-38 | 8.5 | 15-18 | 5 |
| 35-36 | 8 | 13-14 | 4.5 |
| 33-34 | 7.5 | 11-12 | 5 |
| 30-32 | 7 | 8-9 | 3.5 |
| 27-29 | 6.5 | 6-7 | 3 |
| 23-26 | 6 | 4-5 | 2.5 |
General Reading Test – Raw Score Conversion
| Raw Score | Band Score | Raw Score | Band Score |
| 40 | 9 | 27-29 | 5.5 |
| 39 | 8.5 | 23-26 | 5 |
| 37-38 | 8 | 19-22 | 4.5 |
| 36 | 7.5 | 15-18 | 5 |
| 34-35 | 7 | 12-14 | 3.5 |
| 32-33 | 6.5 | 9-11 | 3 |
| 30-31 | 6 | 6-8 | 2.5 |
IELTS SCORE CONVERSIONS SHEET PDF