A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE FOR IELTS PREPARATION

The four sections should be attempted in the following order:

• 1. Listening
• 2. Reading
• 3. Writing
• 4. Speaking—The test should be booked at least two days in advance, on the same day or up to seven days before or after the other modules.

• Listening (30 minutes)
• Reading (60 minutes)
• Writing (60 minutes)
• Speaking (11–14 minutes)

• Listening: Questions 40, Parts: 4
• Reading: Questions 40, Parts: 3
• Writing: Total Tasks: 2
• Speaking: Total Parts: 3

Listening: The listening test format is the same for Academic and  General Training. A variety of question types are used, chosen from the following: multiple-choice, matching, plan/map/diagram labelling, form/note/table/flow chart/summary completion, and sentence completion. The test is approximately 30 minutes long, with an additional 10 minutes to transfer your answers to an answer sheet.

Reading:

AC Reading: There are three sections; the total text length is 2150 to 2750 words.  Each passage is accompanied by several questions presented using a variety of task types: Multiple choice, True/False/Not Given, Yes/No/Not Given, matching information/ headings/features/sentence endings, sentence completion, diagram label completion and summary/note/table/flowchart completion. Texts may contain diagrams, graphs, or illustrations. They are taken from books, journals, magazines, and newspapers and have been written for a non-specialist audience.

GT Reading: There are three sections of increasing difficulty. Section 1 may contain two or three short or several shorter texts on everyday topics. Section 2 contains two short, work-related, factual texts. Section 3 has one longer text on a topic of general interest. Texts are taken from various sources, such as advertisements, company handbooks, official documents, books and newspapers.

Writing:There are two tasks, and both must be completed. Candidates must type their answers directly into the space on the CD IELTS Writing Test page

AC Writing: Task 1 requires candidates to describe some visual information in their own words (one or more graphs, tables or charts, or a diagram). This task tests the ability to write a clear, relevant, well-organised argument, give evidence or examples to support ideas and use language accurately. They need to write at least 150 words in about 20 minutes. In Task 2, they are given a topic to write about. They need to write at least 250 words in about 40 minutes.

GT Writing: In Task 1, candidates must respond to a situation or an email or letter by writing, for example, asking for information or explaining a situation. They need to write at least 150 words in about 20 minutes. In Task 2, they are given a point of view, argument or problem which they need to discuss. They need to write at least 250 words in about 40 minutes.

Speaking: The test has three parts, each following a specific pattern of tasks to test speaking ability in different ways.

In Part 1, the examiner begins by recording some administrative information. The examiner then introduces themselves, checks the candidate’s identity, and asks general questions on a few familiar topics.

In Part 2, the examiner shows a card on the screen asking candidates to discuss a particular topic for one to two minutes. They are given points that they should cover. They have one minute to prepare for the long turn.

In Part 3, The candidate discusses issues related to the Part 2 topic with the examiner in an abstract and general way.

Listening, Reading and Writing: Type your answers into the answer boxes on the screen. Ensure that your answers do not contain spelling or grammar mistakes, as these will be penalised.

Speaking: Speak clearly, in a natural tone.