The IELTS (academic) is a standardized test measuring non-native English users’ language proficiency primarily for admittance to institutions of higher learning. This means the test structure is constant, repeating from test to test regardless of time or place administered. As such, it is a test of set-skills and preparation, meaning these skills can be learned, practiced, and mastered. The test takes about 2 hours 40 minutes in total.
The IELTS is not a test of one’s intelligence; rather, it is a test of your ability to prepare yourself, manage a project, and deliver results
The Test Structure:
The IELTS test consists of four sections reflecting the four major language skill sets: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking (tested in that order). Test results may arrive up to two weeks after the test, depending on the test center.
The Listening Section
This section is divided into four parts that become progressively more difficult. The dialogues (parts I and III) and speeches (parts II and IV) are longer with each section, the vocabulary used becomes more difficult, and the time to ‘listen ahead’ in each section shrinks.
You will hear native English users speak in a speed close to natural speed. You will hear accents from Canada, the UK, the US, and Australia. The whole section lasts about 40 minutes and has 40 questions split over the four sections. For those taking the paper-based test, you will be given ten minutes after the listening section ends to transfer your answers from the test booklet to an answer sheet.
You will have one hour to read the passages and answer the questions. The passages become progressively more difficult, meaning that passage two is more difficult than passage one, and passage three is more difficult than one and two. The passages are written on any number of subjects for a lay audience, meaning you do not need any special prior knowledge of the topic.
All answers must be written directly on the answer sheet (for paper-based test). You will not be given time to do this at the end of the section.
The Writing Section
This section consists of two tasks. You have 60 minutes to complete both.
The first task is a summary of information provided in visual form, such as tables, charts, graphs, pie-charts, diagrams, maps, and so on. You are required to write at least 150 words on what you see, converting the visual information to a textual summary. You should spend 20 to 25 minutes on this section.
The second task provides a topic and question for discussion. You are required to write an academic style essay of no less than 250 words that addresses the given task. You should spend 35-40 minutes on this section.
The Speaking Section
This is the shortest section of the IELTS test. You will meet with an interviewer who will record your conversation. This meeting will last from 12-15 minutes. While you may take this test right after the other three sections, in some test centers you may need to schedule this section on a different day. Ask your test center about scheduling this test.
The test begins with a casual conversation about yourself and a general topic (4-5 minutes). You will then be handed a card with a specific task and questions. You will have one minute to prepare and 1-2 minutes to speak. In the final section you will be asked more detailed questions related to the topic you just covered on the card.
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