IELTS Exam Syllabus
The syllabus for both the IELTS Academic and the IELTS General Training Tests is curated to evaluate candidates across four sections which are Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. While the syllabus for the Listening and Speaking sections remain consistent across both formats, the Reading and Writing sections have distinct syllabi to align with different objectives. Continue reading to understand the syllabus in each section of the IELTS exam in detail.
IELTS Reading Section
Academic Reading
This section tests your ability to understand and interpret complex texts. Materials are sourced from books, journals, magazines, and newspapers, designed for a non-specialist audience.
- Types of Text: Narrative, descriptive, discursive, or argumentative texts
- Format: 3 reading passages | 40 questions | 60 minutes
- Note: You must write your solutions directly on the answer sheet – there is no transfer time. Poor spelling and errors will impact your grade quality. Technical language is defined in the text.
General Reading
This section focuses on practical, everyday reading tasks in English-speaking environments.
- Text Sources: Notices, advertisements, booklets, and company handbooks
- Text Types: Narrative, descriptive, factual
- Format: 3 sections | 40 questions | 60 minutes
- Skills Tested: Skimming, scanning, identifying viewpoints, and understanding details
IELTS Writing Section
This section assesses your ability to express ideas clearly in written English. It includes two tasks, with the same time and word limits across both test types.
| Task | Word Limit | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Task 1 | At least 150 | 20 Mins |
| Task 2 | At least 120 | 40 Mins |
Key Differences:
| Aspect | Academic Writing | General Training Writing |
|---|---|---|
| Task 1 | Describe and explain visual data (graphs, tables) | Write a letter (formal, semi- formal, informal) |
| Task 2 | Academic-style essay with analytical arguments | Essay on general topics with relatable examples |
Academic Writing Tasks
- Task 1 : Summarize key trends and comparisons in data visualizations.
- Task 2 : Present a structured argument on a given topic using formal or semi-formal tone.
General Writing Tasks
- Task 1 : Compose a well-structured letter responding to a specific situation.
- Task 2 : Write an essay expressing opinions, problems, or arguments on familiar topics.
IELTS Speaking Section
This is a face-to-face interaction with an examiner lasting 11–14 minutes, designed to test fluency, coherence, vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation.
Part 1 – Introduction (4–5 mins)
General questions on personal background (e.g., hobbies, home, studies).
Part 2 - Long Turn (3–4 mins)
Speak for up to 2 minutes on a topic given on a task card, with 1 minute to prepare.
Part 3 – Discussion (4–5 mins)
A deeper conversation around the topic from Part 2, involving abstract thinking and analysis.
IELTS Listening Section
This section tests your ability to understand spoken English in various contexts. It includes 4 parts, each with 10 questions, totaling 40 questions to be answered in 30 minutes, plus 10 extra minutes to transfer answers.
Audio Types
- Part 1 : Everyday conversation (e.g., booking travel)
- Part 2 : Monologue on general topics (e.g., public announcements)
- Part 3 : Academic discussion (e.g., university project talk)
- Part 4 : Monologue on academic subjects (e.g., lecture excerpts)