IELTS syllabus assesses candidates based on their English proficiency. The IELTS syllabus has four different sections; IELTS reading, IELTS writing, IELTS speaking and IELTS listening. The IELTS test has two formats:
- IELTS Academic: Candidates willing to appear for higher education or professional registration in countries go for IELTS academic.
- IELTS General Training: Candidates willing to migrate for job experiences in selected nations opt for IELTS general training.
Candidates can choose from the above mentioned test formats and prepare for IELTS test accordingly. IELTS exam syllabus of listening and speaking tests are similar for both academic and general tests.
Types of IELTS Test Format
Prior to discussing the IELTS exam syllabus, candidates should be aware of the two formats of IELTS exam. Below mentioned sections provide a detail about the IELTS academic and IELTS general training tests.
IELTS Academic
This section in the IELTS exam pattern is meant for candidates that want to pursue higher education and professional registration. IELTS academic scores are accepted in the UK, US, New Zealand, Australia, and more. IELTS academic syllabus consists of academic contexts.
IELTS General Training
The IELTS general training syllabus is meant for candidates that want to work or migrate to an English native country. Moreover, scores of IELTS general training are also required for pursuing secondary education, and training programs. The IELTS general training section is composed of texts from newspapers, advertisements, journals, and several others.
IELTS General Training Syllabus Overview
Below mentioned table provides an overview of the syllabus of IELTS general training:
| 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 syllabus 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 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 2022 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.
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 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.
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. |
