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Nature of the test

 
IELTS covers the levels of English skills required and uses the kind of texts and tasks you are likely to encounter on your particular course. The test consists of 4 sub-tests: Listening (30 mins); Reading (60 mins); Writing (60 mins); and Speaking (10-15 mins).

All candidates take the same Listening and Speaking tests. However, the Reading and Writing tests you sit for depend on the module you intend to take; Academic or General Training.

(1) Listening

  • The Listening test takes around 30 minutes. There are 40 questions and 4 sections.
  • The Listening test is recorded on a CD and is played ONCE only.
  • You may hear lectures, talks and conversations between 2 or more people, recorded on CD.
  • There are a variety of tables or notes and labelling: matching items, completing forms, tables or notes and labelling a diagram. All topics are of general interest.

(2) Reading

  • The Reading test takes 60 minutes.
  • There are 40 questions and 3 sections of general interest in the 2 categories: Academic and General Training.
  • All the texts are written for non-specialist readers.
  • There are a variety of text-types which may include non-verbal materials like figures or diagrams. A range of questions like multiple-choice, short answers, gap-filling, matching, identification of views, choosing suitable headings, and etc. will be used.

(3) Writing

  • There are 2 tasks to complete in the 2 categories: Academic and General Training.
  • Task 1 should take about 20 minutes. The Academic Task 1 requires you to describe, explain or compare information given in the form of a diagram, table or short text, in your own words. The General Training Task 1 requires you to write a letter.
  • Task 2 which takes about 40 minutes, you will be asked to write a short essay or report on a topic of general interest. No special knowledge on any subject is necessary for the writing test.

(4) Speaking

  • The Speaking Module takes between 11 and 14 minutes and consists of an oral interview between the candidate and an examiner.All interviews are recorded on audio cassette.
  • In Part 1 candidates answer general questions about themselves, their homes/families, their jobs/studies, their interests and a range of familiar topic areas. This part lasts between four and five minutes.
  • In Part 2 the candidate is given a verbal prompt on a card and is asked to talk on a particular topic. The candidate has one minute to prepare before speaking at length, for between one and two minutes.The examiner then asks one or two rounding-off questions.
  • In Part 3 the examiner and candidate engage in a discussion of more abstract issues and concepts which are thematically linked to the topic prompt in Part 2. The discussion lasts between four and five minutes.