The Four Sections of IELTS
Listening Section
The Listening module takes 30 minutes. There are 40 questions in Listening module (4 sections with 10 questions in each). Sections get increasingly difficult.
For paper-based IELTS, there is a 10 minutes transfer time. In the computer-delivered Listening test, the timings are slightly different from the paper-based test. This is because the paper-based test requires users to transfer answers to an answer sheet. This step becomes redundant when answering directly on a computer.Before each part you will be given a short introduction: 'Now, you will hear a dialogue between…' or 'you will hear a lecture on…' This information is not written on the question paper, so be attentive.
Note: who are the speakers, why are they speaking and where are they. This will make understanding the rest of the recording much easier.
A lot of students fall into this trap: as soon as they hear the needed information, they take it for the correct answer. But sometimes this information is repeated or corrected further in the section. Example:
Sam: Thank you! I've received your email. So it is loren-hanson@gmail.com.
Loren: No-no! You have mistaken, it is loren-hamson@gmail.com, spelled with M.
Sam: Oh, I'm sorry...
IELTS Listening consists of four sections:
> Section 1: conversation between 2 speakers about everyday situations.
This is the easiest section. Speaker talks quite slowly, making pauses. The key information is usually repeated.
Examples: two people talking about their journey planning; one person asking another how to reach an unknown city; woman giving advice to her colleague about a new project; two men discussing results of a football match; tourist registering at the hotel etc.
In Section 1, focus only on given facts.
> Section 2: a monologue about everyday situations.
Speaker talks quite slowly, but makes less pauses than in previous section.
Examples: information for potential buyers about new-built flats, radio interview about lake resort, advertisement about positive effects of a new toothbrush etc.
In Section 2, focus only on given facts.
> Section 3: conversation between 2, 3 or 4 speakers about educational or training situations.
This section is harder than the two previous, speakers discuss topics at a faster pace and sometimes use advanced vocabulary.
Examples: students talking about a class assignment, people discussing professor's academic speech etc.
In Section 3, focus on given facts and speakers' opinions and attitudes.
> Section 4: a monologue on academic subject
It is the most difficult section. There is no break in the middle, the speaker talks quite quickly and uses a wide range of vocabulary.
Examples: lecture about endangered species, talk on bringing up children subject, speech about global warming and its effects, lecture about forest reserve etc.
In Section 4, focus on given facts, key ideas and speaker's opinions and attitudes.
Reading Section
The Reading section (60 minutes) consists of 40 questions from 3 passages, designed to test a wide range of reading skills.
There are three long texts which range from the descriptive and factual to the discursive and analytical.
These are taken from books, journals, magazines and newspapers.
Writing Section
IELTS Writing test lasts 1 hour (60 minutes) and consists of 2 tasks. Responses to both tasks must be in a formal style.
>> task 1 (20 minutes, 150 - 200 words): you're asked to describe a chart, table, map or diagram for Academic IELTS, and a letter for General IELTS
This task assesses the ability to identify the most important and relevant information and trends and to give a well-organized overview of it using language accurately in an academic style.
>> task 2 (40 minutes, 250-300 words): you have to write an essay in respond to a point of view, argument or problem.
This task assesses the ability to present a clear, relevant, well-organized argument, giving evidence or examples to support ideas and use language accurately.
IELTS Writing scores are calculated using 4 criteria:
1. Task Achievement (TA) = how well you answer the question.
- answer all parts of the task, provide a clear overview
- highlight key features and support detail with data (task 1)
- give a clear position, have a definite opinion (task 2)
2. Coherence and Cohesion (CC) = how well is your text structured.
- Manage paragraphing: follow the standard structure.
>> Task 1:
Paragraph 1: Introduction (briefly describe what your graph shows) and overview (state main trends)
Paragraph 2 and/or 3: Specific details (describe specific changes, providing data).
>> Task 2:
Paragraph 1: Introduction (rephrase the topic + give your opinion)
Paragraph 2 and 3: Body: Give reason(s). Give example(s).
Paragraph 4: Conclusion (just rephrase your opinion from the introduction).
- Make sure that each paragraph has a central idea
- Use linking words and cohesive devices, however do not overuse it.
Use a wide range of vocabulary, less common lexical items, avoid errors in spelling and word formation
4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA) = how good is your grammar
Use a wide range of grammatical structures and tenses:
Complex sentences; Passive sentences; Question sentences; Conditional sentences.
Speaking section
The speaking section assesses your use of spoken English. Every test is recorded.Part 1 (easy) - Introduction and Interview
> The examiner introduces him/herself and checks the test taker's identity.
> They ask the test takers general questions on some familiar topics, such as home, family, work, studies and interests.
This part lasts between four and five minutes. This part of the test focuses on the ability to communicate opinions and information on everyday topics and common experiences or situations by answering a range of questions.
> The examiner gives the test takers a task card which asks the test takers to talk about a particular topic and some points.
> Test takers are given one minute to prepare their talk, and are given a pencil and paper to make a notes.
> The examiner asks the test takers to talk for one to two minutes, and asks one or two questions on the same topic.
> The examiner and the test takers discuss issues related to the topic in Part 2 in a more general and abstract way and, where appropriate, in greater depth.
This part of the test lasts between four and five minutes. This part of the test focuses on the ability to express and justify opinions and to analyze, discuss and speculate about issues.
- Speak fluently and without hesitation,
- Use various vocabulary,
- Avoid grammar mistakes,
- Pronounce words well.
Don't worry too much about using clever vocabulary, it's more important to be fluent. But also don't speak too quick and mind your grammar. You should find a "healthy balance" between speaking too quickly and making long pauses.
Speak with emotions. Express your feelings like you would do using your native language. Try to speak at least more than the examiner. If you are asked a question using one sentence, respond with two or more. And never give short, uncommunicative replies
Examiner: Do you do any sport?You: No, I don't like sports... [Don't stop there!] I'm not a very active person and I've never liked P.E. in school. But I like playing intellectual games instead. For example, I find chess very interesting.
> Use linking words and structures. Words and phrases like however, nevertheless, all in all, moreover will enrich your speech.
> If you made a mistake - don't panic! Try to correct yourself as smoothly as possible. And if you can't - just continue speaking, you won't lose many points for a few mistakes.
> Examiners are able to determine whether you speak freely or you memorized the answer before your interview. Learning full scripts is a bad idea. Instead, it is much better to learn separate words and collocations and adopt them in your speech.
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