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IELTS Syllabus, Test Format, Score Calculation and Preparation

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Rituparna Nath

Content Writer at Study Abroad Exams | Updated On - Jan 30, 2023

The IELTS syllabus comprises 4 sections. IELTS is divided into two sections: Academic and General Training. The IELTS syllabus 2023 has four components under academic and general training: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. While the IELTS listening and speaking syllabus is the identical for all test takers, the reading and writing assessments differ for academic and general training kinds. The examination lasts 2 hours and 45 minutes, and the score range is 0 to 9. The IELTS score is valid for 24 months, and the maximum number of attempts per week or month is four. Mentioned below are the time and number of questions that students can prepare accordingly for IELTS exam syllabus and pattern:

IELTS Speaking: 3 Questions 11-14 minutes
IELTS Listening: 4 Recordings; 40 Questions 30 Min...
IELTS Reading: 40 Questions 60 minutes
IELTS Writing: 2 Questions 60 minutes

The IELTS syllabus for Academic test is for those who want to opt for professional registration or higher education in countries where English is a fundamental language. IELTS syllabus for General Training is for those students who aspire to get admitted to countries like New Zealand, Canada, the US, Australia, and the UK for below degree level education and training programs. Candidates can choose from the above mentioned test formats and prepare for IELTS test accordingly.

Types of IELTS Test Format

Prior to discussing the IELTS exam syllabus, candidates should be aware of the two formats of IELTS course syllabus. Below mentioned sections provide a detail about the IELTS academic and IELTS general training tests.

IELTS Academic	IELTS General
The number of reading passages in each section is the same; Section 1: one shorter article (may seem easier than the other two) Section 2: one longer article Section 3: one longer article	The number of reading passages varies in each section. Section 1: up to 3 short texts Section 2: 2 texts Section 3: one long text
Texts are on topics of general interest but closely related to a variety of academic subjects or topics such as: Plant/animal/human biology Chemistry, physics Astronomy, space exploration Mathematics, computer science, etc.	This section comprises; Up to 3 texts related to everyday life (travel leaflets, college brochures, accommodation lists, etc.). 2 texts related to work or professional training (job descriptions, work policies, guidelines, etc.). One long text of general interest (newspaper/magazine articles, book extracts or internet texts on the environment, civilization, etc.)

IELTS Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2022

It can be concluded from above sections that IELTS full syllabus comprises two test formats: IELTS academic and IELTS general training. Below mentioned table provides an overview of IELTS exam subjects- IELTS writing syllabus, IELTS listening syllabus, IELTS reading syllabus, and IELTS speaking syllabus.

IELTS General Training Syllabus Overview

Below mentioned table provides an overview of IELTS general syllabus:

Sections	Number of Questions	Duration
Listening	4 sections and 40 Questions	30 minutes (20 minutes to listen to a tape and to answer questions on what you hear, and 10 minutes to transfer your answers to Answer Sheet.)
General Training Reading	3 sections and 40 questions	60 minutes (your task is to read passages of text and answer questions according to what you have read. There are also other types of assignments )
General Training Writing	2 tasks with 150 and 250 words each	60 minutes (20 minutes to write a letter and 40 minutes to write an essay.)
Speaking	-	11 to 14 minutes (consists of 3 parts: Personal Interview, Little Speech and a Discussion.)

IELTS Academic Syllabus Overview

Below mentioned table provides an overview of the IELTS syllabus and pattern of IELTS academic:

Sections	Number of Questions	Duration
Listening	4 sections and 40 Questions	30 minutes (20 minutes to listen to a tape and to answer questions on what you hear, and 10 minutes to transfer your answers to Answer Sheet.)
Academic Reading	3 sections and 40 questions	60 minutes (your task is to read passages of text and answer questions according to what you have read. There are also other types of assignments )
Academic Writing	2 tasks with 150 and 250 words each	60 minutes (20 minutes to write a letter and 40 minutes to write an essay.)
Speaking	-	11 to 14 minutes (consists of 3 parts: Personal Interview, Little Speech and a Discussion.)

IELTS Reading Section

The IELTS reading section comprises three general texts on topics that are relevant to candidates. These topics vary from undergraduate and postgraduate courses, work or migrate to countries abroad. However, candidates must be aware that IELTS reading syllabus for IELTS general reading and IELTS academic reading is different. The major difference between IELTS general reading passages and IELTS academic reading passages are the sources. The IELTS ka syllabus of both formats has three passages of different lengths. The total number of questions in the reading section of the IELTS syllabus 2023 is 40. Provided below is the overview of the format of IELTS reading syllabus:

Parts	3 Passages
Duration	60 minutes
No. of Questions	40
Marks	1 mark for each correct answer

IELTS Reading Question Types

IELTS academic reading has 10 to 12 questions for the candidates based on academic sources. However, IELTS general reading questions are based on topics of daily lives or multicultural English-speaking society. Mentioned below are the types of IELTS reading questions:

IELTS General Reading	IELTS Academic Reading	Question Formats
Multiple-choice questions	Multiple-choice questions	Questions 1 - 5 Choose the correct letter, A, B, C or D. Write your answers in boxes 1-5 on your answer sheet. 1. The global increase in greenhouse gases has been attributed to industrial pollution in developing countries coal mining and electricity generation. Reduced rainfall in many parts of the world Trends in population and lifestyle
Identifying Information Writers’ views	Identifying Information Writers’ views	Do the following statements agree with the information given in the text? In boxes 1-8 on your answer sheet, write TRUE: if the statement agrees with the information FALSE: if the statement disagrees with the information NOT GIVEN if there is no information on this 1. You should not arrive more than half an hour before your allocated starting time. 2. Your Rider Identity Card will be sent to you before the event. 3. Some roads may have normal traffic flow on them. 4. Helmets are compulsory for all participants. 5. Refreshments are free to all participants during the ride. 6. If you need a rest you must get off the road. 7. First aid staff can provide cycle capes. 8. Bike Events will charge you for the return of your bike.
Matching Headings Features End of sentences	Matching Information Headings Features End of sentences	Questions 1- 5 Complete each sentence with the correct ending, A-H, below. Write the correct letter, A-H, in boxes 1-5 on your answer sheet. 1. A jellyfish's sting can be damaging and takes .. 2. It is important to stay vigilant around jellyfish, as their sting can occur... 3. Some jellyfish do not float with their body facing up, but… 4. There are thousands of kinds of jellyfish, some of which can 5. One kind of jellyfish produces a…
Completing Sentences Summary Notes Tables Flow-charts Diagram-label	Completing Sentences Summary Notes Table Flow-chart Diagram-label	Questions 9-13 Complete the sentences below. Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the passage for each answer. Write your answers in boxes 9-13 on your answer sheet. 9 After 1880, the Cutty Sark carried ..... successful time.
Short answer type questions	Short answer type questions	Choose NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS from the text for each answer. 1. What was a frequent family activity in his youth?

IELTS Reading Score Calculation

Below mentioned is a detailed portrayal of score calculation for IELTS academic reading and IELTS general training reading:

IELTS Reading Practice Test

Here are a few PDFs of IELTS reading both academic and general for practice.

IELTS Academic Reading Practice Test 1	IELTS General Reading Practice Test 1
IELTS Academic Reading Practice Test 2	IELTS General Reading Practice Test 2
IELTS Academic Reading Practice Test 3	IELTS General Reading Practice Test 3
IELTS Academic Reading Practice Test 4	IELTS General Reading Practice Test 4
IELTS Academic Reading Practice Test 5	IELTS General Reading Practice Test 5
IELTS Academic Reading Practice Test 6	IELTS General Reading Practice Test 6
IELTS Academic Reading Practice Test 7	IELTS General Reading Practice Test 7
IELTS Academic Reading Practice Test 8	IELTS General Reading Practice Test 8

IELTS Reading Test Sample

IELTS Listening Section

IELTS syllabus for IELTS listening section is similar for both academic and general training. The IELTS listening section syllabus has been provided below for better understanding of candidates:

Number of Recordings	4
Duration	30 minutes (10 minutes transfer time)
Marking	1 mark for each correct answer
Number of Questions	40 (10 in each part)
Part 1 (Audio 1)	An audio recording in which a conversion between two people in an everyday social context will be included.
Part 2 (Audio 2)	An audio recording with a monologue set in an everyday social context will be included
Part 3 (Audio 3)	A conversation between people up to four, set in an educational or training context will be included.
Part 4 (Audio 4)	An audio recording with a monologue on an academic subject will be included.

Types of Questions in IELTS Listening

In IELTS listening syllabus, candidates come across a limited number of question types. Below mentioned table summarizes the question types in IELTS listening:

Types of Questions	Details
Multiple Choice Questions	After listening to the recording, the test taker will have to attempt MCQs that has three options each
	The candidate will have to mark one correct answer for each question. For each correct answer, he/ she shall be awarded 1 mark. In some cases, there is a possibility of choosing more than one correct answer
	Instructions on answering the questions shall be mentioned at the beginning of the questions. Hence, the candidates should follow the instructions carefully.
	Test takers are required to have a detailed understanding of audio to answer questions on MCQs
Matching	The test taker will have to match the numbered list of items to a set of questions in context to the audio
Matching	These questions are used to determine the ability of the candidate to understand and interpret facts after listening to audio
Plan, Map, and Diagram Labeling	Test takers are required to complete labels in a diagram, map or plan
Plan, Map, and Diagram Labeling	Questions asked in this part is used to determine the visual representation of the candidate and abilities to interpret relationships and directions
Sentence Completion	The candidate needs to read a set of sentences that summarizes audio and then complete the sentence as per the information interpreted from the audio
	Word limit is defined to complete the sentence
	This part is used to determine the abilities of the test taker to identify key points from audio. The test taker must have the abilities to understand functional relationships like cause and effect
Form, Note, Table, Flow- chart, Summary Completion	The test taker will have to fill in the gap in an outline of all of the listening text. The outline focuses on the main ideas/ facts in the text
	The test-takers will have to select answers from a list on the question paper or identify the missing words from the recording
	Word limit is set in instructions
	These questions are used to analyze the abilities of candidates to focus on main points while listening to any recording

Score Calculation for IELTS Listening

IELTS listening score is calculated based on correct responses that are regarded as raw scores. A total of 40 IELTS listening questions are to be answered and each question carries one mark each. Total raw scores evaluated out of 40 are converted in IELTS listening scores band out of 9. Below mentioned table provides an IELTS listening score conversion chart:

Raw Score	IELTS Band Score
39- 40	9
37- 38	8.5
35- 36	8
32- 34	7.5
30- 31	7
26- 29	6.5
23- 25	6
18- 22	5.5
16- 17	5
13- 15	4.5
11- 12	4

IELTS Writing Syllabus

IELTS writing syllabus is different for IELTS academic and IELTS general training. IELTS writing task 1 requires candidates to write a 150-word letter or summary within 20 minutes. IELTS writing task 2 requires candidates to write a response of 250 words in the form of an essay within 40 minutes. IELTS writing task 2 carries more weightage when compared to IELTS writing task 1. Preceding sections present a broader approach for IELTS academic writing syllabus and IELTS general writing syllabus.

IELTS Academic Writing Syllabus

Candidates in IELTS syllabus 2023 for IELTS academic writing can expect topics from general interests. These are specifically composed of topics from undergraduate and postgraduate studies. Below mentioned points summarizes the IELTS academic writing syllabus that includes; IELTS academic writing task 1 and IELTS academic writing task 2:

The IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 contains bars, graphs, flowcharts, diagrams, tables, and more infographics.
Candidates need to study, focus on factual details and write a response of around 150 words.
Candidates may be required to understand a process or data entry or conclude a topic.
IELTS Academic writing task 2 is an essay writing task of around 250 words. Candidates need to study the topic and support their answers with proper arguments.
The tone of the essay needs to be formal.

Below mentioned is an example of question types that test-takers come across in this section:

IELTS General Writing Syllabus

IELTS general writing syllabus is less complex than IELTS academic writing. The topics in IELTS general writing task are of general interest. It has two tasks; IELTS general writing task 1, and IELTS general writing task 2. Candidates are to make sure that they have practice and enhanced their IELTS grammar syllabus and skills. Below mentioned is a brief breakdown of IELTS general writing task:

IELTS General Writing Task 1 contains a letter-writing topic. The letters can be formal, semi-formal, or informal. Candidates will be required to either explain a situation or request something.
In IELTS General Writing Task 2, candidates need to write an essay of around 250 words, similar to Academic.

Further, the question types in IELTS General are:

IELTS General Writing Task 1:

IELTS General Writing Task 2:

IELTS Writing Score Calculation

Each of the IELTS general writing task are evaluated by two different examiners. Candidates should use advanced IELTS grammar to compose responses in this section. Below mentioned are the areas candidates are evaluated based on:

Task Achievement: Band 8
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7
Lexical Resource: 6
Grammar: 8

The total is 8+7+6+8 = 29/4 = 7.25. 7.25 is the total IELTS writing score of the candidate.

IELTS Speaking Syllabus

IELTS speaking syllabus is similar for both IELTS academic and IELTS general training. The three sections of IELTS syllabus of speaking examine if the candidate is ready to communicate in English with the native people. The format and type of questions asked in the IELTS Speaking Section is explained below:

Sections	Interview (3 Parts)
Duration	11–14 minutes
Part 1	The examiner asks general questions about the candidate and things associated with him/ her like family details, studies, interests, home, and work, etc.
Part 2	The examiner asks the candidate to pick up a card and speak on the topic mentioned on the card. The examiner will also ask one or two questions related to the topic.
Part 3	The examiner asks further questions related to the topics in Part 2. This gives the candidate an opportunity to discuss more and provide abstract ideas and issues.

How is IELTS Speaking Score Calculated?

The IELTS speaking marks in IELTS exam syllabus are evaluated based on 4 different levels. IELTS Speaking Score is calculated by the arithmetic mean of all 4 different criteria(For Instance: 6+7+&+8/4=7). Below mentioned table provides a brief breakdown of IELTS Speaking score calculation:

Areas Assessed	IELTS Score
Fluency and Coherence	6
Pronunciation	7
Lexical Resource	7
Grammatical range and accuracy	8
Total IELTS Speaking Score	7

IELTS Speaking Practice Test

Here are a few PDFs of IELTS speaking for practice.

IELTS Speaking Practice Test 1	IELTS Speaking Practice Test 2
IELTS Speaking Practice Test 3	IELTS Speaking Practice Test 4
IELTS Speaking Practice Test 5	IELTS Speaking Practice Test 6
IELTS Speaking Practice Test 7	IELTS Speaking Practice Test 8

IELTS Speaking Test Sample

IELTS Preparation Tips

Candidates can undertake IELTS preparation after taking a diagnostic test for themselves. This will help with assessing the capability of the candidate in dealing with IELTS exam syllabus questions. Post this, candidates can enroll themselves for IELTS coaching classes, books, and acquire materials for preparation. Mentioned below is a step by step process that candidates can adapt to for commencing their IELTS preparation plan:

IELTS Preparation Books

Candidates can ensure an effective preparation with the help of IELTS preparation books and materials.Candidates can opt for the above mentioned books in order to prepare for IELTS Exam. These will also ensure that they get to practice from previous year questions as well. Mentioned below are some of the books that can be considered by candidates:

Barron’s IELTS Super pack – Check PDF
The Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS – Check PDF
Target Band 7: IELTS Academic Module: how to Maximize Your Score – Check PDF
Ace the IELTS: IELTS General Module - How to Maximize Your Score – Check PDF
Grammar For IELTS – Check PDF

Go through IELTS complete exam pattern to be aware of the British Council IELTS syllabus. This would help to score more and get admission to the desired college.

*The article might have information for the previous academic years, please refer the official website of the exam.