All about the IELTS Test
This article is the second part of All about IELTS test where we have already discussed a few important details about the IELTS test. It includes,
- RECENT UPDATES in the IELTS TEST
- GENERAL INFORMATION about the IELTS Test
- DIFFERENCE between IELTS ACADEMIC and IELTS GENERAL
- NEW COMPUTER BASED and PAPER BASED IELTS Test FORMAT
- IELTS Test RESULTS
- HOW is IELTS MARKED?
- IELTS Band Scores Explained
- All about the IELTS GENERAL TEST
All about IELTS ACADEMIC test
Now, let’s learn All about the IELTS Academic test – The first section is Listening, followed by Reading, Writing and Speaking, in order. All answers are written on an answer sheet provided during the test.
For a computer-based IELTS test, the answers are typed on a computer with a keyboard and a mouse. Visit this page to know more about the Computer-based test.
The total test duration is 2 hours and 45 minutes.
Let’s look at each section individually:
Listening Section
The Listening test is the same for IELTS Academic and General. It lasts for 30 to 40 minutes.
It contains 40 questions of one mark each. The marks you score are converted into a nine-band point system. Scores are either in full or half (e.g., 6 or 6.5).
IELTS ACADEMIC Listening Question Types
You listen to four(4) pre-recorded audio recordings and answer 40 questions. A variety of question types are used ranging from
- Multiple-choice
- Matching, plan/ map/ diagram labelling
- Form completion
- Note completion
- Table completion
- Flow-chart completion
- Summary completion
- Sentence completion
- Short-answer questions
4 Sections, now known as Parts of IELTS ACADEMIC LISTENING
Part 1 is a conversation between two people from an everyday social environment. For example, a conversation between a librarian and a member, a service provider such as a plumber or an electrician and a customer.
Part 2 is a monologue (by a single speaker) from an everyday social environment. For example, a speech about local amenities or a briefing on the arrangements for a party.
Part 3 is a conversation between people (up to four) set in an educational or training environment. For example, a university professor and a student discussing a project, or a discussion between a group of students designing a model.
Part 4 is a monologue (by a single speaker) on an academic subject. For example, a part of a university lecture or a talk.
Skills tested in IELTS ACADEMIC Listening
There are certain skills required in the Listening test. While training for the IELTS Listening section, you should make sure that you develop these skills –
- Understanding of the main ideas (What is the discussion all about? Or what is the overall content talking about?)
- Understanding of specific facts (What are the main facts mentioned?)
- Recognising opinions (What is the standpoint of the speaker or the people involved?)
- The attitude and purpose of a speaker (What is the emotion of the speaker or the intention?)
- And the ability to follow an argument (What is the argument about, and how it develops?)
- Also, you need to make sure that your Grammar and spellings are correct.
Once you master these skills, you should be able to score higher in the IELTS Listening test. You can join our IELTS classes in Kochi, or begin with ONLINE IELTS training. We are from Kerala, India and our IELTS classes are apt for students from an Asian origin. This is because we can understand an Asian accent and clear doubts put up by Asian student, better than a native user of English.
IELTS ACADEMIC LISTENING MARKING SCHEME
The IELTS Academic Listening section has 40 questions and you are allocated a Band Score based on the marks you get.
For Example, if you get 30-32 correct answers out of 40, then you are at a Band Score of 7. As you get more correct answers your band score increases. The table below should give you a clear understanding of the IELTS Listening marking scheme.
Band Score | 9 | 8.5 | 8 | 7.5 | 7 | 6.5 | 6 | 5.5 | 5 | 4.5 | 4 | 3.5 | 3 | 2.5 |
IELTS Academic Listening | 39-40 | 37-38 | 35-36 | 33-34 | 30-32 | 27-29 | 23-26 | 20-22 | 16-19 | 13-15 | 10-12 | 7-9 | 4-6 | 3 |
To know more about the marking scheme, please go through our article HOW is IELTS MARKED?
Also, read our informative article on IELTS Band Scores Explained.
Reading Section
IELTS Reading test is different for IELTS Academic and General.
It contains 40 questions of one mark each. You need to answer these questions in 60 minutes. The marks you score are converted into a nine-band point system. Scores are either in full or half (e.g., 6 or 6.5).
IELTS ACADEMIC Reading Question Types
You need to read three (3) passages and answer 40 questions based on these passages. A variety of question types are asked, such as:
- Multiple-choice questions
- Identifying information (True/ False/ Not Given)
- Identifying a writer’s views/ claims (Yes/ No/ Not Given)
- Matching information
- Matching headings
- Matching features
- Matching sentence endings
- Sentence completion
- Summary completion
- Note completion
- Table completion
- Flow-chart completion
- Diagram label completion
- Short-answer questions
Three(3) Sections of IELTS ACADEMIC READING
There are three reading passages (3 sections), in the IELTS Reading section. The total text length is between 2,150 to 2,750 words and each section contains one long text. These passages are sourced from books, journals, magazines and newspapers. Also, it is structured for a non-expert audience and discusses academic topics, which can be easily understood by students. The passages are selected so that any undergraduate, postgraduate or professional student can follow and understand it.
The passages might do the one of the following,
- Describe a concept and provide facts about a certain topic
- It may be discursive (discussion based on arguments) and analytical (giving an objective picture for a topic)
Sometimes, these passages may contain non-verbal cues such as diagrams, graphs or illustrations. If a passage contains technical terms, a glossary is provided.
Skills tested in IELTS ACADEMIC READING
There are certain skills required in the test, especially if you want to score higher in the IELTS test. These skills include –
- Reading for the overall idea (What is the passage is generally talking about?)
- Reading for main ideas (what are the main points discussed?)
- Reading for details (Figuring out details discussed in the passage)
- Understanding the conclusion of the passage and it’s suggested meaning (How did the passage conclude and what it means?)
- Recognising author’s opinions, thought on the topic, feelings and purpose
- Following the development of an argument (Understanding changes and deviations throughout the passage)
Once you master these skills, you should be able to score higher in the IELTS Academic Reading test. You can join our IELTS classes in Kochi, or begin with ONLINE IELTS training. We are from Kerala, India and our IELTS classes are more suitable for students from an Asian origin. This is because we can easily understand an Asian accent and quickly get rid of doubts put up by Asian student, better than a native user of English.
IELTS ACADEMIC READING MARKING SCHEME
The IELTS Academic Reading section has 40 questions for one mark each. You are allocated a Band Score based on the number of correct answers. The IELTS Academic Reading marking scheme is more or less similar to the Listening marking scheme.
For Example, if you get 30-32 correct answers out of 40, then you are at a Band Score of 7. As you get more correct answers your band score increases. The table below would make things clear.
Band Score | 9 | 8.5 | 8 | 7.5 | 7 | 6.5 | 6 | 5.5 | 5 | 4.5 | 4 | 3.5 | 3 | 2.5 |
Reading Academic | 39-40 | 37-38 | 35-36 | 33-34 | 30-32 | 27-29 | 23-26 | 19-22 | 15-18 | 13-14 | 10-12 | 8-9 | 6-7 | 5-4 |
To know more about the marking scheme, please go through our article HOW is IELTS MARKED?
Also, read our informative article on IELTS Band Scores Explained.
Writing Section
The Writing test is different for IELTS Academic and General. It lasts for 60 minutes.
You need to complete two writing tasks –
- ONE Report
- ONE Essay
IELTS examiners check your answers and give you a score based on a nine-band point system. They follow a ‘set standard’ while checking your answers. Scores are either in full or half (e.g., 6 or 6.5).
In the paper-based test, answers are written on paper and must be in good handwriting. In the computer-based test, answers are typed on a computer.
TWO TYPES of IELTS ACADEMIC Writing Questions
IELTS ACADEMIC Task 1 – Report
Task 1 asks you to describe a piece of visual information such as a graph, table, chart or diagram in 150 words. You need to describe, summarise or explain the information in your own words. In addition, the report needs to be structured in an academic format.
The Task 1 (Report) questions are of the following types:
- Explain a set of data from a graph, table, a pie chart, or even a combination (graph+table) of these
- Explain a process (such as a brick manufacturing process)
- Describe how something works (such as a machine)
- Describe an object (such as a water wheel)
- Describe an event
In a graph, table or chart type question, IELTS examiners check your ability to select and write about important data, organise it, and even compare it.
Diagram/image type questions require you to describe the stages of a process or procedure. Or, they might ask you to describe an object, or event, or sequence of events. Diagram questions may also ask you to explain how something works.
IELTS ACADEMIC Task 2 – Essay
Task 2 asks you to write a Formal (Academic) essay. Make sure the essay is in the ACADEMIC style and composition. The question asks you to write about
- A viewpoint (Your thoughts or opinion about a certain topic)
- Discuss an argument (A discussion with two sides)
- Discuss a problem and give solutions.
You must write 250 words or more. I would recommend you write 270 -290 words.
The Academic essay questions are structured for a student. These questions discuss academic topics which can be understood by any student. The questions are selected so that any undergraduate, postgraduate or a professional student can follow and understand it. Moreover, the questions would cover topics of general interest to a student, and also be suitable for them. Thus, the questions are structured in such a way that most students would be able to easily understand and respond to these essay questions.
While writing an IELTS essay,
- Please make sure that the style of your essay is in the Academic essay format
- Please do not write notes and bullet points in the essay
- Also, do not add quotes from famous personalities and never copy anyone else’s essay
- Correct spellings and Grammar is equally important here.
Skills tested In IELTS ACADEMIC Writing
In both task 1 and 2, the examiner checks your responses for –
- Content (the arguments you wrote, is it relevant to the question, or off-topic?)
- The organisation of ideas (how you present ideas, starting from a broad perspective and leading to a narrow point)
- The accuracy and range of vocabulary and grammar (the use of appropriate words and range of grammar)
Just as in task 1, the Essay or task 2 question also expects you to maintain an academic structure. Also, note that task 2 (essay) has more weight in the marking scheme. Thus, the examiners check your writing task (essay) for many more elements. These include:
- Ability to write a solution to a problem
- Write about your thoughts on a topic and justify it with arguments
- Compare and contrast evidence, give opinions and suggest consequences
- To evaluate and challenge ideas, evidence or an argument
In the Writing section, you need to complete both the writing tasks (Report and Essay).
IELTS ACADEMIC WRITING MARKING SCHEME
In the Listening and Reading section, there was a table which would convert the marks you scored into a band score. However, in the Writing and Speaking section, there is no table to refer to.
Instead, IELTS examiners use a document called the IELTS band descriptors to mark your Report and Essay. The document talks about four major points:
- TA/ TR – Task Achievement / Task Response (They check if your answer all the parts and aspects of the question)
- CC – Coherence and Cohesion (The flow of ideas and the linkage between sentences. Basically, the structure)
- LR – Lexical Resource (The usage and flexibility in word usage. In other words, vocabulary)
- GR – Grammatical Range and Accuracy (The range of grammar and its correctness)
To know more about the marking scheme above, please go through our article HOW is IELTS MARKED?
Also, read our informative article on IELTS Band Scores Explained.
You might also want to get a copy of the IELTS band descriptor for Writing task 1 (Report/ Letter) section and IELTS band descriptor for Writing task 2 (Essay) section from ielts.org
Once you master these skills and also understand the IELTS BAND DESCRIPTORS, you should be able to score higher in the IELTS Academic Writing test. You can join our IELTS classes in Kochi, or begin with ONLINE IELTS training. We are from Kerala, India and our IELTS classes are more suitable for students from an Asian origin. This is because we can easily understand an Asian accent and quickly get rid of doubts put up by Asian student, better than a native user of English.
Speaking Section
The Speaking test is the same for IELTS Academic and General. 11-14 minutes.
In the IELTS Speaking test, you need to attend one on one interview with an IELTS Speaking Examiner. There are three parts in the speaking section.
3 PARTS of IELTS ACADEMIC SPEAKING
IELTS ACADEMIC Speaking Part 1 (4-5 minutes)
The IELTS Speaking Part 1 deals with an introduction and interview. The examiner introduces himself/ herself and asks you to introduce yourself and confirm your identity. Furthermore, the examiner asks you general questions on familiar topics, such as home, family, work, studies and interests.
IELTS ACADEMIC Speaking Part 2 (3-4 minutes)
The IELTS Speaking Part 2 is also known as the Cue Card section. The examiner gives you a task card (also called a cue card) which asks you to talk about a particular topic (the main question). The cue card also includes 4 sub-questions which you should be able to answer. The examiner would give you 1 minute to prepare your response, and you are given a pencil and paper to make notes. After one minute, the examiner would prompt you to start and you should talk for 1-2 minutes on the topic. Stop, when the examiner prompts. Make sure you answer all the sub-questions in the task card. Sometimes, the examiner may ask you one or two questions on the same topic.
IELTS ACADEMIC Speaking Part 3 (4-5 minutes)
The speaking part 3 is a Two-way discussion. The examiner asks further questions which are related to the cue card in Part 2. These questions are more general, in nature. These questions may not have a definite (closed-ended) answer, instead, your answer should be discursive(as in a discussion). Try not to be objective, instead, be more subjective. Basically, they expect you to discuss more abstract (hypothetical) issues and ideas.
Skills tested in IELTS ACADEMIC Speaking
The skills required for the speaking test include:
- The ability to communicate opinions and information on everyday topics
- The ability to talk about common experiences and situations by answering a range of questions
- The ability to speak at length on a given topic using appropriate language and organising ideas systematically
- The ability to express and justify opinions and thoughts
- The ability to analyse, discuss and make informed guesses about familiar issues
IELTS ACADEMIC SPEAKING MARKING SCHEME
Just like in the writing section, IELTS examiners use a document called the IELTS band descriptors to mark your Speaking answers. The document talks about four major points:
- FC – Fluency and Coherence (Fluency – Ability to speak without repetition or correction. Coherence – the flow of ideas in the speech is uninterrupted and maintains a linkage between sentences)
- LR – Lexical resource (Your knowledge and accuracy of vocabulary in speech)
- GR – Grammar (Your range of grammar and its accuracy in speech)
- PR – Pronunciation (Your mother tongue language does not influence your English speech, the way you say things is accurate)
To know more about the marking scheme above, please go through our article HOW is IELTS MARKED?
Also, read our informative article on IELTS Band Scores Explained.
You might also want to get a copy of the IELTS Band descriptor for Speaking section from ielts.org
Once you master these skills and also understand the IELTS BAND DESCRIPTORS, you should be able to score higher in the IELTS Writing test. You can join our IELTS classes in Kochi, or begin with ONLINE IELTS training. We are from Kerala, India and our IELTS classes are more suitable for students from an Asian origin. This is because we can easily understand an Asian accent and quickly get rid of doubts put up by Asian student, better than a native user of English.
AskLearning provides individual (one on one) training for IELTS Academic and General, at one of the best rated IELTS centres in Kochi. You can check more details about our Individual IELTS coaching here.
Angel Joseph
Two words that describe Angel are – people’s person and kind-hearted. As the head Speaking coach at Asklearning, she backs up her sessions with awe-inspiring tricks to help you speak your mind. Being a mom, an entrepreneur and an orator, she teaches her students to overcome naysayers, always. Her sessions are lively and fun-filled, and her feedbacks are witty. You may contact Angel on her Official email id.
Angels School of Knowledge – No other coaching, just IELTS training! We are a language school located in Kochi, Kerala, and our entire focus is on IELTS training. Being focused on IELTS makes us the best IELTS Coaching centre in Kochi. Around 80% of our students score a band 7 or higher in IELTS. We are known to provide the most desirable IELTS classes in Kochi, both online and offline. Our personalised IELTS training would let you score higher on the IELTS test and make you cross the dreaded band 7 in IELTS. If you are looking for band 7+ in IELTS General or a 6.5 in IELTS Academic, we are your best bet!