IELTS is a test that evaluates your level of proficiency in the English language. It is similar to TOEFL and is typically taken by potential students who plan to study abroad in countries where English is the primary language. Certain nations, such as Canada and Australia, need it as part of the immigration process.
The IELTS is generally divided into 2 types. They are Academic and General IELTS tests.
The IELTS academic is designed specifically for students planning to enroll in an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in any English-speaking country.
Potential immigrants who want to move to an English-speaking country take the IELTS general. The test here focuses on a candidate's basic survival skills in a broad social and workplace setting.
[Read More: Top 10 IELTS Misconceptions That Stop Students Getting High Score]
| Section | No.of Questions | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Listening | 4 | 30 minutes |
| Reading | 40 | 60 minutes |
| Speaking | 3 | 11-14 minutes |
| Writing | 2 | 60 mintes |
The IELTS writing section comprises 2 tasks for both IELTS General and Academic with 60 minutes time limit. Task 1 should be answered in 150 words whereas task 2 in 250 words. Check out how IELTS academic and general differences in the writing section syllabus.
| IELTS Academic Writing Section | IELTS General Writing Section | |
|---|---|---|
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The IELTS reading section includes three essays from which 40 questions will be presented and need to be answered in 60 minutes. Here are the question types in IELTS reading section.
Check out how IELTS Academic and general differ in Reading Section Syllabus.
| IELTS Academic Reading Section | IELTS General Reading Section | |
|---|---|---|
| This includes three long paragraphs that can be descriptive, factual, or analytical. These paragraphs are generally snippets from newspapers, research papers, journals, books, or magazines. The texts, which are aimed at a non-specialist audience, are appropriate for assessing higher education aspirants or professionals looking for job overseas. | Similarly to the academic structure, snippets from ads, company rules, brochures, and so on might be used. This is a simpler format than the academic format because the selected text is typically something that one sees on a daily basis. |
There are 40 questions in all, separated into four sections, in the IELTS listening section. The total time allotted for all of the sections is 30 minutes, plus 10 minutes for the test taker to transmit his answers to the answer sheet.
Sections 1 and 2 deal with day-to-day social issues.
Recording 1 The first recording would feature a chat between two persons in a typical social setting.
Recording 2 – The second recording is a monologue set in an everyday social situation.
Sections 3 and 4 deal with educational and training issues.
Recording 3 – This recording is of a talk between four people in an educational or training situation.
Recording 4 – Finally, a monologue on an academic subject would be recorded.
[Read More: IELTS or TOEFL Which Is The Best Option For Study Abroad]
IELTS speaking section is generally conducted before or after the test date. It is generally of 3 parts which will be around 11-14 minutes.
You will be conversing with an examiner during the examination. The interviewer introduces himself and asks you a few questions about yourself in the personal segment. The long talk entails speaking on a certain topic for an extended period of time. In the discussion segment, you'll have an interactive conversation with the interviewer about the topic you just discussed.
Part 1 – Introduction & Interview for 4-5 minutes
Part 2 – Speech for 2-3 minutes –topics given by interviewer
Part 3 – Discussion for 5-6 minutes on the topic given in part 2
If you have a great command of the English language, getting a good IELTS score is not difficult. Furthermore, with best guidance for preparation band score can be easily improved. Moreover, there is no pass/fail grade in IELTS. To qualify for the institution to which you have been applying, you should set a goal score for yourself.
There is no exact answer because, according to some surveys, the IELTS Writing section is the most difficult. On a scale of 1 to 10, the writing module score ranges from 5 to 8. Candidates are assessed on a range of factors in this module, in addition to spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
No. IELTS is easier than the TOEFL, says most of the candidates. Even though both are English language proficiency tests, IELTS test is comparatively easier for the students than the TOEFL.
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