IELTS Syllabus 2023

The IELTS test (Abbreviation for International English Language Testing System) is a standardized English language proficiency exam for non-native English speakers. It is one of the world’s most popular English language tests, and over 10,000 organizations in over 140 countries use this test.

The IELTS syllabus contains four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Each unit includes a 0 to 9 scale, with 9 being the highest score. For the overall IELTS score calculation, Average the scores of the four sections.

Section-wise IELTS Exam Syllabus 2023

IELTS Listening Section

The IELTS Listening section includes a total of four parts, each with ten questions. The total duration of the section is 40 minutes.

• Part 1: A conversation between two people in a social setting.
• Part 2: A monologue on a general topic, such as describing a place or a process.
• Part 3: A conversation between up to four people on an academic topic, such as a case study or research paper discussion.
• Part 4: This part contains a monologue on an academic topic, such as a lecture or a presentation.

IELTS Reading Section

The IELTS Reading section includes a total of three passages, each with 10-13 questions. The total duration of the section is 60 minutes.

1. Academic IELTS Reading: The passages in the Academic IELTS Reading section depend on academic journals, books, and newspapers. They cover various topics, such as science, technology, history, and the arts.
2. General Training IELTS Reading: The passages in the General Training IELTS Reading section are taken from newspapers, magazines, and brochures. They cover various topics, such as current events, everyday life, and work.

IELTS Writing Section

The IELTS Writing section includes a total of two tasks, each of which is of 20 minutes duration. The total time of the section is 60 minutes.

1. Academic IELTS Writing:

• Task 1: Write a summary or report of a graph, chart, or table.
• Task 2: Write an essay on a topic related to academic studies.

2. General Training IELTS Writing:

• Task 1: Write an academic letter responding to a given situation.
• Task 2: Write an essay on a topic related to everyday life or work.

IELTS Speaking Section

The IELTS Speaking section is a face-to-face interview with an examiner. The interview lasts for 11-14 minutes and includes three parts:

• Part 1: The examiner asks the candidate general questions about themselves and their interests.
• Part 2: The candidate is given a card with a topic and has one minute to prepare a two-minute talk on the subject. The examiner then asks the candidate some random questions about the topic.
• Part 3: The examiner and the candidate discuss a topic related to the topic in Part 2.

Types of IELTS

There are basically two categories of IELTS exams: Academic and General Training section.

1. Academic IELTS: The IELTS test is designed for people who want to study at an undergraduate or postgraduate level in an English-speaking country.
2. General Training IELTS: The General Training IELTS test is meant for people who want to migrate to an English-speaking country or who want to work in a job where English language skills are required.

Preparation tips for IELTS

Here are some tips for preparing for the IELTS exam:

1. Familiarize yourself with the test format and syllabus.
2. Practice taking practice tests under fixed time conditions.
3. Improve your English language skills in all four areas: listening, reading, writing, and speaking.
4. Get feedback from a qualified IELTS instructor or tutor.

FAQs

Q: What is the passing score for the IELTS exam?

A: There is no passing score for the IELTS exam. The required score varies for different institutions or organizations you are applying to. However, most institutions require at least a minimum score of 6.0 or 6.5 overall.

Q: How long are the results of the IELTS exam valid for?

A: The results of the IELTS exam are valid for two years.

Q: Can I retake the IELTS exam?

A: You can retake the IELTS exam as often as you like. However, you must wait at least two months between each test.