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The IELTS Academic test is crucial for those aspiring to pursue undergraduate or postgraduate studies at universities or colleges abroad, or to gain entry into professional institutions. This comprehensive English proficiency exam is divided into four key sections:
The total duration of the IELTS Academic test is 2 hours and 45 minutes. The Listening, Reading, and Writing sections are administered consecutively on the same day without breaks. The Speaking test, however, can be scheduled on the same day or up to a week before or after the other sections, depending on the test center’s availability. Test takers can choose between a paper-based or computer-based format, depending on their country and organizing center. Crucially, the test questions and format remain identical across both options; only the method of submitting answers differs. Let’s delve deeper into the structure of each section.
IELTS Academic Listening Section: Structure & Tips
In the IELTS Listening section, you will encounter four distinct recorded audio texts: two monologues and two conversations. Each recording is played only once, featuring a variety of global accents to prepare you for real-life situations. This section comprises 40 diverse question types designed to test your comprehension skills.
The Listening section is strategically divided into four sub-parts:
- Part 1: Social Conversation. This segment features a dialogue between two individuals in an everyday social context, such as a conversation within a college hostel.
- Part 2: Social Monologue. You will hear a single speaker delivering a monologue on a common social topic, for instance, a speech detailing campus dining options.
- Part 3: Academic Conversation. This part involves a conversation among up to four people within an educational or training setting. An example would be a university teacher and students discussing the format of a mid-term exam.
- Part 4: Academic Monologue. The final part presents a monologue on an academic subject, such as a professor delivering a lecture.
IELTS Academic Reading Section: Overview & Tips
The IELTS Academic Reading section is structured into three distinct sub-sections.
Similar to the Listening section, the Reading test also features 40 various question types.
- Each sub-section presents one extensive reading passage, followed by a set of corresponding questions.
- All passages cover general topics and may vary in writing style. They can also include diagrams, graphs, or illustrations to interpret.
- Texts are sourced from a wide array of publications, including books, magazines, journals, and newspapers.
IELTS Academic Writing Section: Tasks & Time Management
The IELTS Writing section is divided into two sub-divisions, with a total time allowance of 60 minutes for completion.
Task 1: Data Description (20 minutes). You will be presented with a graph, table, chart, or diagram and required to describe the visual information in your own words. Aim to write at least 150 words within approximately 20 minutes.
Task 2: Essay Writing (40 minutes). For this task, you will be given a statement, point of view, argument, or a problem, and you must write an essay in response. The recommended word count is at least 250 words, to be completed within about 40 minutes.
IELTS Academic Speaking Section: Format & Preparation
The IELTS Speaking test is an interactive component consisting of three sub-parts, with an approximate total completion time of 25 minutes.
Part 1: General Introduction (4-5 minutes). The Examiner will ask you general questions about yourself and a range of familiar topics, including your home, family, work, studies, and interests. This part typically lasts 4 to 5 minutes.
Part 2: Topic on the Card (3-4 minutes). You will be given a cue card with a specific topic to talk about. You will have 1 minute to prepare your response, after which you need to speak for up to 2 minutes on the given topic. The Examiner may then ask one or two follow-up questions related to the same topic.
Part 3: Follow-up Questions (4-5 minutes). In this final part, the Examiner will ask more in-depth questions (lasting approximately 4 to 5 minutes) that are connected to the topic presented in Part 2. These questions provide an opportunity for you to discuss more abstract issues and ideas, demonstrating your ability to elaborate and articulate complex thoughts.
IELTS Academic Test: Quick Summary
Listening Section Summary:
- Approximately 30 minutes in duration.
- Consists of 40 questions.
- Features four recordings: two conversations and two monologues.
- Recordings are played only once.
Reading Section Summary:
- Approximately 60 minutes in duration.
- Comprises 3 distinct passages or texts.
- A variety of question types are asked based on the passages.
Writing Section Summary:
- Approximately 60 minutes in duration.
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Consists of two distinct tasks:
- Task 1: Describe information presented in a chart, table, graph, or diagram.
- Task 2: Write an essay or discuss a given topic or problem in detail.
Speaking Section Summary:
- Approximately 15 minutes in duration.
- Conducted face-to-face with a human examiner in a private room.
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Comprises three sub-parts:
- Part 1: General introduction and questions about personal details and familiar topics.
- Part 2: A 2-minute monologue on a specific topic provided on a cue card.
- Part 3: Follow-up questions that delve deeper into the topic from Part 2.