IELTS Pattern 2024: Section-Wise Test Format, Number of Attempts
IELTS Pattern 2024 - The reading, writing, listening, and speaking sections of the IELTS test follow different patterns. Candidates can learn more about each test format in this article.IELTS Pattern 2024 (Representative photo/Freepik AI)
IELTS Pattern 2024: A widely accepted English proficiency test, IELTS is 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 2024
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.
IELTS Test |
Duration |
Details |
IELTS Reading |
60 minutes |
3 sections |
IELTS Writing |
60 minutes |
2 tasks |
IELTS Listening |
30 minutes |
4 sections |
IELTS Speaking |
11 to 14 minutes |
One-on-one conversation |
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 re-attempt any one of the four test sections (Listening, Reading, Writing, or Speaking) if they need to improve in one particular area (instead of 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.
A 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 2024: Listening Test
The listening test is conducted 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.
Particulars |
Details |
Total Questions |
40 |
Timing |
30 minutes, additional 10 for transfer time |
Task Types |
Matching, multiple choice, plan/map/diagram, labelling, sentence completion, form/note/table/flow-chart/summary completion. |
Answering |
As they are listening, test takers write their responses on the question paper, and they have 10 minutes to transfer those answers to an answer sheet. |
Marks |
1 mark for each question |
IELTS Pattern 2024: 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.
Particulars |
Details |
Total Questions |
40 |
Timing |
60 minutes |
Task Types |
multiple choice, identifying the writer’s views/claims, identifying information, matching information, sentence completion, summary completion, matching headings, matching features, matching sentence endings, table completion note completion, flow-chart completion, diagram, short-answer questions, and label completion |
Sources |
Books, magazines, journals, newspapers |
Answering |
Transfer the answers presented on the question paper to the answer sheet |
Marks |
1 mark for each question |
IELTS Pattern 2024: 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.
Particulars |
Details |
Total Questions |
2 |
Timing |
60 minutes |
Task Types |
In Task 1, candidates are asked to describe visual information (graph/table/chart/diagram) in their own words. They must write 150 words in about 20 minutes. In Task 2, they respond to a problem, argument, or point of view. They must write 250 words in 40 minutes. |
Answering |
Detailed answers directly written on answer sheets. |
Marks |
Task 2 carries more weighage in the marking system compared to Task 1 |
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 Preparation Tips
IELTS Pattern 2024: 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.
Particulars |
Details |
Total Questions |
Interview mode - 3 parts |
Timing |
11-14 minutes |
Task Types |
Introduction, Longturn, Discussion |
Answering |
Verbal spoken |
Marks |
Scores will be reported in whole and half bands |
IELTS Pattern 2024: Attempts
If candidates didn't receive the IELTS score they desired, they may request to re-take 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.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the different types of IELTS tests?
The IELTS exam has four major tests that students need to prepare for in order to maximize their results. These are the Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking tests.
Which IELTS section is the most challenging?
Many previous test takers have considered the writing test to be the most challenging segment. Although, this may be different for each candidate according to their own strengths and weaknesses.
How many attempts are there in the IELTS exam?
The IELTS exam does not have limited attempts and can be given as many times as the applicant wishes after paying the IELTS exam fee.
What is a good IELTS score?
Top universities that are considered tough to get into require an IELTS score of 7 and above. A score below 7 is considered to be average whereas a score above 7.5 or 8 is considered to be a good IELTS score.
What are the total sections in IELTS?
In the IELTS exam, there are four major sections that students are required to perform well in which are Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.
Loading...