IELTS: How is the IELTS test structured?

The IELTS exam is made up of four parts. Everyone takes the same Listening and Speaking sections, but the Reading and Writing sections depend on whether you're taking the Academic or General Training version.​

Academic Module​

Designed for individuals applying to study at the undergraduate or postgraduate level, or those needing to meet professional registration requirements.

General Training Module​

Ideal for people planning to move to an English-speaking country (such as the UK, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand) or for those intending to receive training or study at a level below a university degree.

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Order of the Test Sections​

Listening​

• 4 sections
• 40 questions
• About 30 minutes

Reading​

• Academic or General Training (based on your test type)
• 3 sections
• 40 questions
• 60 minutes

Writing​

• Academic or General Training (based on your test type)
• 2 writing tasks
• 60 minutes

Speaking​

• Lasts between 11 and 14 minutes

Total Test Duration​

Maximum time: 2 hours and 44 minutes

ACADEMIC TEST FORMAT​

Listening​

The Listening section is made up of four parts, each containing ten questions. The first two parts focus on everyday social situations. In Part 1, you’ll hear a dialogue between two people, while Part 2 features a single speaker. The remaining two parts relate to academic or training topics. Part 3 is a conversation involving up to four people, and Part 4 is a monologue.

You’ll encounter a wide range of question types, such as:

• Multiple choice
• Matching
• Plan/map/diagram labeling
• Form, note, table, and flowchart completion
• Sentence and summary completion
• Short-answer questions

The recording is played only once. Test takers answer questions as they listen, and then have 10 minutes at the end to transfer their answers to the answer sheet.

Reading​

This section has three parts, with a total of 40 questions. The texts come from books, academic journals, newspapers, and magazines, covering a variety of topics. At least one of the readings will include a structured argument.


Question formats include:

• Multiple choice
• Identifying facts (True/False/Not Given)
• Identifying claims or views (Yes/No/Not Given)
• Matching headings
• Matching information, features, and sentence endings
• Sentence, summary, and note completion
• Table and diagram-label completion
• Short-answer questions

Writing​

There are two writing tasks in this section. Candidates are advised to spend about 20 minutes on Task 1 and 40 minutes on Task 2. Task 1 should be a minimum of 150 words, and Task 2 requires at least 250 words. Task 2 is worth twice as much as Task 1 in the scoring.

• Task 1: You’ll be given data in the form of a chart, graph, table, or diagram and asked to summarize it in your own words. You may need to describe trends, compare data, or explain a process, object, or event. Assessment focuses on how well you organize and describe information clearly and logically.
• Task 2: You’ll write an essay expressing your opinion or responding to an issue, argument, or problem. You must present a clear position, support it with reasons and examples, and show your ability to analyze and evaluate arguments and evidence.

Candidates are also assessed on their tone, structure, and style. More details and public assessment criteria can be found on the IELTS website.

Speaking​

The Speaking section lasts from 11 to 14 minutes and is conducted face-to-face with an examiner. It includes three parts:

• Part 1: The examiner introduces themselves, and the candidate is asked to talk about familiar topics such as their family, work or studies, hobbies, and personal interests. This part takes around 4–5 minutes.
• Part 2: You’ll receive a task card with a topic and some bullet points. After one minute to prepare, you will speak for 1–2 minutes. The examiner may then ask a couple of follow-up questions.
• Part 3: You and the examiner will discuss more abstract or complex issues related to the Part 2 topic. This conversation also lasts around 4–5 minutes.

Speaking is assessed based on four criteria:

• Fluency and Coherence
• Lexical Resource
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy
• Pronunciation

Official IELTS resources and public scoring guidelines are available at ielts.org.

How Is the IELTS Test Scored?​

IELTS scores are based on a nine-band scale. Test takers receive an Overall Band Score as well as individual scores for each of the four areas: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Each of these is graded on the same nine-band scale.

Your Test Report Form includes these scores along with personal details such as your nationality, native language, and date of birth. The Overall Band Score is matched to a brief description that explains the level of English ability it reflects.


Here is what each band means:

Band 9 – Expert User
Demonstrates complete command of English. Language use is accurate, fluent, and appropriate, with full comprehension.

Band 8 – Very Good User
Uses English skillfully and effectively with only minor errors or inappropriate use. May occasionally misunderstand unfamiliar topics but manages complex arguments well.

Band 7 – Good User
Uses English competently overall, though there may be occasional mistakes, misuses, or misunderstandings. Capable of handling detailed reasoning and more complex language.

Band 6 – Competent User
Generally has a good grasp of the language. Some inaccuracies and misunderstandings may occur, but the person can function effectively in many situations, especially familiar ones.

Band 5 – Modest User
Has a limited but workable command of the language. Can handle basic communication but is prone to frequent errors. Likely to be effective in simple or routine situations.

Band 4 – Limited User
Shows basic understanding in predictable, familiar situations. Often struggles with both expression and comprehension, and cannot use complex language well.

Band 3 – Extremely Limited User
Can understand and communicate only in very simple contexts. Communication frequently breaks down due to limited ability.

Band 2 – Intermittent User
Struggles to understand even basic written or spoken English. Communication ability is extremely limited.

Band 1 – Non-User
Has almost no ability to use the language, apart from isolated words.

Band 0 – Did Not Attempt the Test
No answers were provided on the test.

Test Taking Strategy
Which parts have the MOST questions?

✅ So, Listening and Reading both have 40 questions, making them the sections with the most questions.
✍️ Writing has only 2 tasks, but it takes as long as Reading.
🗣️ Speaking has fewer questions but is conducted live with an examiner.


Which parts are considered the EASIEST?

📝 Summary:​

• Most Questions: 📊 Listening and Reading (40 each)
• Usually Easiest: 🎧 Listening
• Often Hardest: ✍️ Writing
• Most Time Pressure: 📖 Reading
• Most Nerve-Wracking: 🎤 Speaking (for some)