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.

INTRODUCTION TO IELTS PDF

Listening Test – Raw Score Conversion

Raw ScoreBand ScoreRaw ScoreBand Score
39-40918-225.5
37-388.516-175
35-36813-154.5
32-347.511-125
30-3178-103.5
26-296.56-73
23-2564-52.5

Academic Reading Test – Raw Score Conversion

Raw ScoreBand ScoreRaw ScoreBand Score
39-40919-225.5
37-388.515-185
35-36813-144.5
33-347.511-125
30-3278-93.5
27-296.56-73
23-2664-52.5

General Reading Test – Raw Score Conversion

Raw ScoreBand ScoreRaw ScoreBand Score
40927-295.5
398.523-265
37-38819-224.5
367.515-185
34-35712-143.5
32-336.59-113
30-3166-82.5

IELTS SCORE CONVERSIONS SHEET PDF 

 

IELTS WRITING 1 DOWNLOADS

OVERVIEW WRITING TIPS PDF

SENTENCE WRITING FORMULAS PDF

ANALYSING TABLES PDF

GAP FILL PDF

GAP FILL MIXED PDF

IELTS WRITING 2 DOWNLOADS PDF

PARAPHRASING PDF

WRITING BETTER CONCLUSIONS PDF

PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS GAP FILL PDF