IELTS Pattern 2023: Section-Wise Test Format of The IELTS Exam and Number of Attempts

IELTS Pattern 2023: IELTS or the International English Language Testing System, is a widely accepted English proficiency test chosen by individuals aiming to study, work, or immigrate to English-speaking countries. With over 10,000 recognized institutions, including major Australian, British, and American universities, IELTS holds significant credibility in the academic, professional, and immigration sectors.

Due to the increasing competition, candidates should be mindful of the IELTS pattern while preparing for the exam. Some essential factors while preparing for the IELTS exam are knowing the different sections, the number & types of questions, and the time given to solve the test amongst others. Aligning one’s preparation with the IELTS syllabus and pattern can help maximize the result. 

Majorly, there are two types of IELTS exams: IELTS Academic and General Training Test. The Academic test is used for academic admissions whereas the former is used by applicants looking for a work opportunity abroad. Both exams have four tests that applicants need to prepare for, these are: Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing. Continue reading to understand the exam pattern of each test of the IELTS exam.

IELTS Pattern 2023

Candidates can take the same Speaking and Listening tests for Academic and General Training, but different Reading and Writing tests. Make sure to prepare for the right kind of test. IELTS Academic can now be taken online from home in addition to being offered at test centres on paper or computers. IELTS General Training can only be taken on paper or a computer in a test centre.

The exam duration is 2 hours and 45 minutes. There are no breaks between the Listening, Reading, and Writing of the IELTS exam; they are all completed on the same day. However, it is possible to schedule the Speaking test up to a week before or after the other tests. The  Speaking test will typically take place before your other tests if candidates have scheduled for IELTS online.

What is IELTS One Skill Retake?

IELTS One SKill Retake is a new policy introduced by the exam authorities. With the addition of the IELTS One Skill Retake, test-takers can now choose to retake any one of the four test sections (Listening, Reading, Writing, or Speaking) if they need to improve in one particular area (instead of retaking all four sections). The majority of learners achieve the required scores on their first attempt, but if they believe they didn't perform to their full potential in all areas, IELTS One Skill Retake may be able to help them greatly Both the IELTS Academic and General Training will have this policy.

Currently, the new approach has only begun in Australia, but starting March 2023, it will take place in various nations and regions including India. 60 days break must be included between the initial exam and the IELTS One Skill Retake. Students are encouraged to get in touch with their test centres for updates on the various packages offered as prices will vary. Any one of the four IELTS exam components—Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking—can be taken again. The IELTS One Skill Retake test has the same structure and timing requirements as the original IELTS test for that particular section. 

IELTS Pattern 2023: Listening Test

The listening test is for 30 minutes with additional 10 minutes given as transfer time. Candidates will be made to listen to four recordings of English native speakers and the questions will be based on the same recordings. They will be evaluated on their ability to understand and analyze the recordings. This can be done by figuring out the main idea, purpose, factual information, opinion of the speaker, and other supporting details.

The Recordings will be based on-

• Recording 1: An everyday conversation between two people
• Recording 2: A monologue 
• Recording 3: Conversation between four people in an educational setting or context
• Recording 4: Monologue on an academic subject

Format:

There will be four sections with 10 questions in each of them. Hence, there will be a total of 40 questions in the order of the played audio. Students only hear the recordings once. A variety of accents are represented, including British, Australian, New Zealand, American, and Canadian.

IELTS Pattern 2023: Reading Test

The reading section of the IELTS exam requires students to carefully read the given passage and answer questions based on it. These comprise understanding logical arguments and reading for the main, detail, and gist of ideas. Also includes reading for comprehension, and recognizing the purposes and attitudes of writers. This part of the test will include three long texts which may be descriptive, analytical, discursive, and factual. These are generally taken from magazines, newspapers, books, and journals.

IELTS Pattern 2023: Writing Test

As the name suggests, the IELTS writing test requires students to write a piece to prove their English writing skills. The topics which are provided to applicants are from the fields of Undergraduate and Postgraduate studies. This test is divided into two tasks and both of them must be completed, they are:

• Task 1: A graph, table, chart, or diagram will be presented to candidates, and they will be asked to summarise, describe, or otherwise explain the data in their own words. Applicants can be requested to explain data, describe a process' steps, explain how something operates, or describe an event or object.
• Task 2: Students will be required to respond in writing to a point of view, claim, or issue. Both tasks require responses to be given in a formal manner and in an essay form.

Task 1 and 2 answers are marked on:

• Lexical resource: Vocabulary range and its accuracy
• Grammatical range and accuracy: How grammatically structured the sentences are
• Task achievement: How relevantly the response fulfils the requirements asked in the task, using a minimum of 150 words
• Coherence and cohesion: Checks the clarity and fluency of the essay and the used data

Also Check: IELTS Prep Tips

IELTS Pattern 2023: Speaking Test

Every speaking test of IELTS is recorded and conducted separately. The test examines the English-speaking ability of candidates. In short, it helps evaluate how well-spoken students are in the English language. The duration of this test is only 11 to 14 minutes. The test can be divided into three parts, which are:

Part 1: In the first part, the examiner will ask simple questions about the candidate’s personal life. This can revolve around familiar topics such as work life, personal experiences, home, or interests. The duration of this part is between 4 to 5 minutes only.

Part 2: In the following part, students will be asked to select a random card and then speak on the topic presented on the chosen card. They will be given a minute to prepare for the given topic and then speak on it for another 2 minutes. After which, the examiner will cross-question the candidate on the same topic.

Part 3: In the final part, students will be asked additional questions about the topic in Part 2. This part of the test will go on for 4 to five minutes and will allow candidates to think creatively to give abstract ideas related to the topic.

IELTS Pattern 2023: Attempts

If candidates didn't receive the IELTS score they desired, they may request to retake the exam whenever they are prepared. Before requesting a retake, students should keep in mind that without making a substantial effort to improve their English and study again, the score is unlikely to increase.

There are no limited attempts at the IELTS exam and students can take the test as many times as they wish. However, each time an applicant applies for a re-attempt, he/she will again have to pay the IELTS exam fee.