Complete Guide to the IELTS Test Format

If you’re planning to study, work, or migrate to an English-speaking country, the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is one of the most trusted and widely accepted English proficiency tests. To achieve your desired band score, it’s essential to understand the structure of the test, the types of questions you’ll encounter, and how time is allocated across each section.

Types of IELTS Tests

There are two versions of the IELTS test:

1. IELTS Academic – for those applying for higher education or professional registration.

2. IELTS General Training – for those migrating to Australia, Canada, the UK, or applying for secondary education or work experience in an English-speaking environment.

🔍 Listening and Speaking tests are the same for both versions. Reading and Writing differ.

IELTS Test Format Overview

IELTS Listening

Duration: 30 minutes (plus 10 minutes to transfer answers in the paper-based test)

Number of Questions: 40

Format: 4 recorded audio sections, played once only

Types of Audio:

•  A conversation in a social context – Section 1
•  A monologue (e.g., a speech or announcement) – Section 2
•  A conversation in an academic or training context – Section 3
•  A monologue on an academic subject – Section 4

Question Types:

Multiple choice

• Matching
• Sentence completion
• Form/table/flow-chart completion
• Map/plan labeling

IELTS Reading

Duration: 60 minutes 

Number of Questions: 40 

Format:

Academic: 3 long passages from books, journals, magazines, newspapers

General Training: Texts from advertisements, company handbooks, notices, etc.

Question Types:

• True/False/Not Given or Yes/No/Not Given
• Multiple choice
• Matching headings/features/information
• Sentence/note/summary completion
• Diagram labeling
• Short-answer questions

IELTS Writing

Duration: 60 minutes

Tasks:

Task 1:

• Academic: Describe visual data (graphs, charts, maps, or processes)
• General Training: Write a formal/informal letter

Task 2 (Essay):

Respond to a point of view, argument, or problem

Task Details:

• Task 1: At least 150 words (20 minutes recommended)
• Task 2: At least 250 words (40 minutes recommended)

IELTS Speaking

Duration: 11–14 minutes 

Format: One-on-one interview with an IELTS examiner 

Parts:

• Part 1: Introduction & interview (4–5 minutes) – General questions about yourself
• Part 2: Long turn (3–4 minutes) – You speak on a topic for 1–2 minutes after 1-minute preparation
• Part 3: Discussion (4–5 minutes) – In-depth questions linked to Part 2

Test Day Timing

The Listening, Reading, and Writing tests are conducted on the same day without breaks. 

The Speaking test may be scheduled on the same day or within 7 days before or after the other modules.