IELTS (International English Language Testing System)

There are Four modules in the IELTS exam: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking.

Every Module has its own uniqueness:-

  • Listening would run for 40 minutes
  • Reading will be comprised of 3 unseen passages with 40 questions.
  • Writing will be of an hour with two writing tasks.
  • Speaking would run for 10-14 minutes.
  • Overall exam timing:- 2 hours 44 minutes plus 10 minutes of transfer time

Test format

The IELTS listening test is divided into four sections and it takes 40 minutes to complete this test; 30 minutes of module and 10 extra minutes to transfer the answers to the answer sheet. With each section, the level of difficulty increases.

Reading part lasts for 60 minutes and consists of 3 sections. Each section contains some text and the level of complexity also increases. You will be asked 40 questions in the whole module. Students give this test either in general or academic training.

IELTS Academic Writing module consists of two tasks; Task 1 and Task 2. In task 1, you have to describe a graph or diagram for academic and in task 2 you have to write an essay. The whole module is of 60 minutes.

The Speaking module is the shortest module of all other modules. It is generally of 11-14 minutes. It comprises of three parts. Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3 which contains general questions, cue card and follow-up questions respectively.

It is one-o-one interaction with the examiner.

IELTS Scoring

The IELTS exam is evaluated on the basis on band score.

Expert user

You have a full operational command of the language. Your use of English is appropriate, accurate and fluent, and you show complete understanding.

Very good user

You have a fully operational command of the language with only occasional unsystematic inaccuracies and inappropriate usage. You may misunderstand some things in unfamiliar situations. You handle complex detailed argumentation well.

Good user

You have an operational command of the language, though with occasional inaccuracies, inappropriate usage and misunderstandings in some situations. Generally you handle complex language well and understand detailed reasoning.

Competent user

Generally you have an effective command of the language despite some inaccuracies, inappropriate usage and misunderstandings. You can use and understand fairly complex language, particularly in familiar situations.

Modest user

You have a partial command of the language, and cope with overall meaning in most situations, although you are likely to make many mistakes. You should be able to handle basic communication in your own field.

Limited user

Your basic competence is limited to familiar situations. You frequently show problems in understanding and expression. You are not able to use complex language.

Extremely limited user

You convey and understand only general meaning in very familiar situations. There are frequent breakdowns in communication.

Intermittent user

You have great difficulty understanding spoken and written English.

Non-user

You have no ability to use the language except a few isolated words.

Did not attempt the test

You did not answer the questions.