Explore Courses

IELTS Exam Syllabus 2024: Section-Wise IELTS Syllabus & Test Pattern

Updated on 04 February, 2024

Mrinal Mandal

Mrinal Mandal

Study Abroad Expert

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is an English language proficiency exam for work, study, or migration. With the right knowledge of the IELTS exam syllabus and pattern, cracking the popular English test won’t be difficult. The exam scores are especially important for students who wish to study abroad at reputed universities.

Studying abroad is one of the most important decisions made by graduates and high school students. It is an opportunity for them to see the world and explore global opportunities. The education system and the job market are dynamic and promising in various countries like the USA, Australia, Canada, Europe, and Germany. All reputed global schools, colleges, and universities demand English proficiency before offering admission to international students.

The test allows an evaluation of international students based on their proficiency and command of the English language. It is mainly intended for non-native English speakers aspiring to study abroad. English is a medium of communication in almost all foreign universities. IELTS is a standard English test that every student who did not have their first language English has to appear for. The accepted score and eligibility depend upon the country and the university. There are two types of test – Academic and General Training—and the IELTS syllabus slightly differs for them.

Two Types of IELTS Exams

The IELTS exam is of two types - Academic and General Training. The IELTS Academic and General Training Test assesses a student’s English language skills in terms of their reading, writing, listening, and speaking capabilities. The IELTS Academic test is for those who want to opt for professional registration or higher education in countries where English is a fundamental language. IELTS General Training is for those students who aspire to get admitted to countries like New Zealand, Canada, the US, Australia, and the UK for below degree level education and training programs. Under academic and general training, there are four sections–reading, writing, listening, and speaking. While the IELTS syllabus for listening and speaking remains the same for all test takers, the reading and writing tests are different for academic and general training types. The duration of the examination is 2 hours and 45 minutes and the score range is from 0 to 9. The IELTS score is valid for 24 months and the maximum attempt limit is once a week or four times a month.

IELTS is one of the largest English language proficiency examinations conducted by IDP Education Ltd. More than 10,000 universities and 140 countries accept IELTS scores for admission. There is no minimum score to qualify for the examination, and it depends upon the educational institutions to decide which score is necessary for eligibility. The top 100 globally ranked universities have a high IELTS cut-off for which international students need to have a strong preparation to compete for seats. Therefore, it is important for international students to get acquainted with the IELTS full syllabus so that they can score high and get through the admission process easily.

Here are few more Samples Reading Answers for IELTS
The Development Of PlasticThe Development Of Museums Reading AnswersThe History Of Salt IELTS Reading Answers
The Psychology Of InnovationThe Story Of Silk Reading AnswersThe History of Glass
Biological Control Of Pests Reading AnswersCollecting As A Hobby Reading AnswersThe Birth Of Scientific English Reading Answers
Moles Happy As Homes Go UndergroundFlawed Beauty The Problem With Toughened GlassThe Need To Belong Reading Answers
New Agriculture In Oregon US Reading AnswersA Song On The Brain Reading AnswersWhy Some Women Cross The Finish Line Ahead Of Men
How To Spot A Liar Reading AnswersGifted Children and Learning Reading AnswersWhat Do Whales Feel Reading Answers

Download E-Books for IELTS Preparation

IELTS IDIOMS GUIDE
ielts sample essays

Download IELTS Sample Papers

Reading sample test
Writing sample test
Ielts sample paper1

IELTS Exam Pattern 2024

The exam is divided into four sections that check the students’ proficiency in the English language. These sections are reading, writing, speaking, and listening. The students need to work on all the aspects of the English language to get a good IELTS exam score. The table below highlights the exam pattern and discusses the topics and the time allotted to attempt each of the sections:

Highlights of the IELTS Exam Pattern 2024

Feature

Description

Test Format

Paper-based or computer-delivered

Duration

2 hours 45 minutes

Sections

4: Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking

Section Duration

30 minutes (Listening), 60 minutes (Reading & Writing), 11-14 minutes (Speaking)

Total Score

Band score from 1 (non-user) to 9 (expert user)

Individual Section Scores

Band score from 1 to 9 for each section

Focus

International communication in English

Target Audience

Students applying for study abroad, professionals seeking work visas, or anyone needing an English language proficiency test

Question Types

Multiple-choice, fill-in-the-blanks, short answer, essays, dialogues

Testing Frequency

Up to four times a month

Validity

Two years

IELTS 2024 Exam Syllabus

The IELTS syllabus 2024 is vast, it includes two modules and four chunky sections. The four sections have a fixed structure, pattern, time duration, and the number of questions. Here is how the IELTS full syllabus will look like in detail:

IELTS 2024 Exam Syllabus (Academic & General Training Modules)
AspectDescription
SectionsListening, Reading, Writing, Speaking
Duration2 hours 45 minutes
ScoringBand score from 1 (non-user) to 9 (expert user) for each section and overall
Module DifferencesAcademic: geared towards academic settings, uses more complex language. General Training: focuses on everyday practical communication.

Writing Syllabus

Writing (60 minutes)
FeatureAcademic & General Training
Tasks2 tasks: Task 1 - describe a graph/chart/table or write a letter (Academic: factual/descriptive; General Training: request/application/complaint). Task 2 - write an essay (Academic: argue a point; General Training: express an opinion/discuss an issue).
FocusTask completion, organization, coherence, vocabulary, grammar

The writing segment is the first section of the IELTS examination which consists of short essays or reports. There are two tasks in the writing portion. Firstly, the candidates need to draft a 150-word essay after examining and understanding the graphical representations, diagrams, data, and tables. Secondly, the aspirants need to prepare an essay of their own words based on a view, idea, or argument that is presented to them.

1. IELTS Academic writing

The IELTS Academic syllabus for the writing section is based on general interest topics and is meant for students applying for a postgraduate or undergraduate degree. The first task will have a diagram, data, or a graphical representation that the students need to analyze and explain in their own words. Secondly, the students need to draft an essay of 250 words based on the data documented and produce a proper view or argument with relevant examples. The writing style of the report and essay must be formal and structured.

Recommended Read: IELTS Academic Writing Task 1

2. IELTS General Training writing

The General writing module has two tasks, but the level will be easier than the Academic module. A situation will be given and based on that; a letter must be written by the students. This letter should be formal or semi-formal based on the type of situation. The students need to explain, argue, or request a certain authority. Based on the viewpoint of the first letter, the next task will be an essay. The tone of this essay can be semi-personal or personal.

Recommended Read: IELTS General Writing Task 1 || IELTS General Writing Task 2 Tips

Types of Questions in Writing Section

  • Agree/disagree
  • Advantages/disadvantages
  • Cause/solution
  • Two-part questions
  • Discuss both sides of a question
Here are few more Samples Reading Answers for IELTS
Making Every Drop Count Reading AnswersAir Traffic Control In The USA Reading AnswersBring Back The Big Cats Reading Answers
Alternative Medicine In Australia Reading AnswersThe Intersection Of Health Sciences And Geography Reading AnswersSheet Glass Manufacture The Float Process Reading Answers
The Life And Work Of Marie Curie Reading AnswersWhy Pagodas Don't Fall Down?Spoken Corpus comes to life Reading Answers

Reading Syllabus

The IELTS reading module will have three questions that will be based on general interest and are meant for undergraduate and postgraduate degree students. There will be a total of 40 questions that will include short questions, multiple-choice questions, matching phrases, and data lists. The reading examination of IELTS has a different pattern for academic and general training modules.

Reading (60 minutes)
FeatureAcademic & General Training
Passages3 long texts (academic journals, newspapers, magazines)
Question TypesMultiple-choice, fill-in-the-blanks, matching, summarizing, identifying information, opinion/intention

1. IELTS Academic Reading

The academic reading section will have three long paragraphs. They will be analytical, descriptive, and based on facts. These paragraphs are mainly from books, newsletters, journals, and articles. The level is for professional and post-graduate students aspiring to study abroad.  

2. IELTS General Training reading

The format of the general training reading examination will be the same as that of the academic module. However, this portion is relatively easier because it will have topics that the students come across in their day-to-day lives. The three reading passages will be based on topics like pamphlets, advertising, and brochures among others. 

Type of Questions in Reading Section

  • Multiple Choice Questions
  • Short-answer questions
  • Matching information
  • Matching headings
  • Matching features
  • Identifying information
  • Identifying writer’s views/claims
  • Sentence completion
  • Matching Sentence Endings
  • Diagram label completion
  • Summary, note, table, flow-chart completion

Listening Syllabus

The syllabus for the IELTS listening section is the same for the two modules - Academic and General Training examinations. There will be a total of four recordings that students have to listen to and answer 40 questions surrounding it. The first two conversations will be based on social and environmental needs, while the last two will revolve around educational situations. All the conversations will be three minutes each. The students are allowed to hear the four conversations only once. Based on these conversations, questions like note completion, multiple-choice and sentence completion will be asked.

Listening (30 minutes)
FeatureAcademic & General Training
Tasks4 tasks with increasingly difficult recordings
Recording TypesAcademic: lectures, conversations in academic settings. General Training: social interactions, announcements, radio broadcasts
QuestionsMultiple-choice, fill-in-the-blanks, matching, short answer
  • Conversations 1 and 2 will be based on social and regular situations. Under this, the first conversation will be between two people in a common scenario and setting. The second one will be a monologue that will be based on a common everyday situation too.
  • Conversations 3 and 4 will be based on educational situations. Under this, the third conversation will be among four people in a proper education or training context. The fourth conversation will be a monologue based on any academic context or subject. 

Type of Questions in Listening Section

  • Multiple Choice Questions 
  • Sentence completion
  • Matching
  • Plan, map and diagram labelling 
  • Table, flow- chart, summary completion

Speaking Syllabus

The IELTS speaking examination is the very last section and it has the same pattern and structure for both the modules - Academic and General Training. The section assesses the general speaking skills of the candidates and will test the knowledge and effective communication skills of the candidates to communicate overseas. There will be a total of three questions that will contain personal interviews, a discussion, and a small speech.

Speaking (11-14 minutes)
FeatureAcademic & General Training
Parts3 parts: Introduction & interview, individual long turn, discussion
TopicsGeneral and related to your interests/experiences
FocusFluency, vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, coherence

Types of Questions in Speaking section

Part 1 – This part focuses on the self-introduction of the candidates. Candidates are asked questions on general topics and they need to talk about themselves, their background, hobbies, and educational qualifications and achievements. The focus should be on the tone, structure, sentence construction, and usage of words.

Part 2 – Here the candidate will be given a topic for which they will get around two minutes to jot down everything related to the topic that is relevant and speak about it. After the speech of the candidates, there will be a short question and answer round.

Part 3 – This will be a lengthy discussion and the questions will be deep, relevant, and abstract. The discussion will be based on serious issues and topics.

IELTS is an important exam for aspiring candidates to take up education in popular countries like the USA, Australia, Europe, Canada, and Germany. The IELTS exam pattern and syllabus are vast as it has two modules and four sections. Students need to give time to understand the exam pattern, types of IELTS exams, and the kind of questions asked. Visit upGrad Abroad to get the right guidance and support to crack IELTS in a single attempt.

Recommended Reads:

IELTS Speaking Test formatIELTS Speaking Tips
Idioms for IELTS SpeakingIELTS Common Speaking Topics

 

IELTS 2024 Preparation Tips

Get yourself oriented with the examination pattern and syllabus

Go through the previous year’s question paper and try to understand the types of questions asked and the time allotted for each section of the IELTS exam. 

Chalk out a preparation strategy that suits you

Create a study plan and preparation strategies that suit you the best. Make pointers on what you intend to study each day, for how much time, and cover every section. Highlight your weak areas and devote additional time. Make sure to practice sample tests intensively some days before the exam.

Focus on improving your vocabulary

Practice reading newspapers, news websites, and magazines. Learn common phrases and word arrangements with the help of a monolingual dictionary. Converse every day in English, but avoid translating sentences from your native language.

Work on your writing skills

Practice various writing questions from sample tests and do not forget to keep a check on the time you are taking. Proofread your task and make sure that you do not write below the prescribed word limit. 

Upgrade your listening skills

Take as many listening tests as possible and listen to the recordings without pausing them since you will be allowed to listen to them only once. Make necessary points while listening so that you do not face any problems in answering. 

Focus on enhancing your fluency and pronunciation

Talk aloud for a long time in English and jot down the points you need to work on. You can also record your speech on various topics. To improve your pronunciation, start watching English news channels, movies, and TV series.

Recommended Reads:

IELTS Band Score ChartHow to get 8 band in IELTSTypes of IELTS Exam
Average IELTS ScoresIELTS Score for USAStudy in USA Without IELTS
Study in UK Without IELTSIELTS Reading Band ScoreIELTS Bar Graph
Writing Task 1 Line GraphCollocation for IELTSIELTS Reading Tips

How is the Marking Done in different Sections of IELTS 2024

Listening

The IELTS Listening test consists of 40 questions. On answering each correct answer, the candidate is awarded one mark and the scores are converted to the nine-band IELTS scale.

Band Score

Raw Score 0ut of 40

5

16

6

23

7

30

8

35

Reading

The IELTS Reading test contains 40 questions and a candidate is awarded one mark on every correct answer. The score that a candidate receives out of 40 is converted to the IELTS band scale from zero to nine. 

The Academic and General Training Reading tests are the two tests with questions of the same genre and text type. Academic Reading tests feature questions with more difficult vocabulary or greater complexity of style. To secure a better score on a given band score, a candidate has to answer more questions in the General Training Reading test correctly.

The tables below indicate the average number of marks a candidate has to achieve to receive a particular band score in Listening, Academic Reading and General Training Reading.

Band score

Academic Reading (raw score out of 40)

General Training Reading (raw score out of 40)

5

15

23

6

23

30

7

30

34

8

35

38

Writing

The IELTS Writing section consists of two tasks where you are required to write a summary on visual information in 150 words and an essay in 250 words based on a point of view or argument. Examiners use several assessment criteria to award a band score from zero to nine and it is weighted equally and the score on the task is the average. 

  • Task Achievement (for Task 1), Task Response (for Task 2)
  • Coherence and Cohesion
  • Lexical Resource
  • Grammatical Range and Accuracy

Speaking

The IELTS Speaking test is a face-to-face interview with the examiner where the speaking capabilities of a candidate is assessed on three tasks. Examiners use assessment criteria to award a band score which is an average of the scores received in an individual task.

  • Fluency and Coherence
  • Lexical Resource
  • Grammatical Range and Accuracy
  • Pronunciation

Calculation of Overall Band Score in IELTS 2024

The overall band score in IELTS is an average of the band scores received in all four sections and rounded off to the nearest whole or half band. If the average of the four band scores ends at .25, the candidate’s overall band score is rounded up to the next half band. However, if it ends in .75, the overall band score would be rounded up to the next band score. The overall band score is rounded down if the average ends with a fraction below .25 or .75.

For examples:

  • Reading 6.5 + Writing 5 + Speaking 7 + Listening 6.5, Total= 25
    Divide the total by 4 = 6.25, since it ends in .25, the overall band score will be rounded up to the next half band which is 6.5
  • Reading 6.5 + Writing 5.5 + Speaking 6.0 + Listening 6., Total = 24.5
    Divide the total by 4 = 6.125, since it ends in .125, the overall band score will be rounded down to the next whole band which is 6.0.
  • Reading 3.5 + Writing 4.0 + Speaking 4.0 + Listening 4.0 = 19.5
    Divide the total by 4 = 3.875, since it ends with a fraction above .75, the overall band score will be rounded up to the next whole band which is 6.5

This overview provides a comprehensive understanding of the IELTS 2024 Exam Syllabus for both the Academic and General Training modules, reflecting the exam's focus on assessing English language proficiency across a range of communication skills. Candidates should utilize this information to guide their preparation, tailoring their study strategies to address the specific requirements and challenges of each section and module.

Study abroad with upGrad Abroad

To cater end-to-end requirements of learners planning to pursue higher education abroad, upGrad Abroad has launched a Booster Program. The 12-weeks long extensive program is designed with a keen focus on equipping learners to kick-start their international undergraduate/ postgraduate journey after completing their first year in India. The Booster Program has been designed to offer support to students in preparation for IELTS, Academic Writing, Profile Building, International Faculty Masterclass, and University Application, Education Loan, and Visa Support.

Read More:

IELTS Essay on Space ExplorationIELTS Test FormatIELTS General Training Exam
Formal Letter Writing SamplesIdioms for IELTS SpeakingGrammar for IELTS
IELTS Speaking ExamProblem Solution Essay IELTSMS in Germany Without IELTS
IELTS Semi Formal Letter SampleTips to Improve PronunciationIELTS Introduction Sample

 

Frequently Asked Questions on IELTS Exam Syllabus

Which is the most difficult section in the IELTS exam?

The IELTS exam has four sections-writing, listening, reading, and speaking. Each of the sections will need a good amount of practice. The difficulty level of sections will vary from student to student. While some students find listening difficult, others may find writing difficult. Writing includes a lot of structure and listening needs patience. When students practice and devote time equally to all the sections, all the segments will become easy. 

Is it difficult to pass the IELTS exam?

IELTS is a leading examination to test English language proficiency. This test is not a difficult one. However, the four sections demand a lot of practice and consistent efforts. If the students can focus on each section and dedicate a good amount of time to each section, it will be an easy examination to crack.

How can I prepare for the IELTS exam?

IELTS preparation can be done at home or at a coaching center. The students need to understand the test format and syllabus. The modules and sections of IELTS need to be understood clearly. Sample questions, past papers and practice tests need to be taken on a regular basis. The listening and writing sections will need a lot of practice and improvement. The right IELTS study material will help students prepare better.

What is the eligibility for the IELTS 2024 exam?

IELTS only has an age requirement and that is 16 years of age. There are no eligibility criteria in terms of marks or percentage. Irrespective of the total percentage which the students gained in school or graduation, they can appear for the IELTS examination.

How many times can one take the IELTS exam?

The IELTS examination does not have any fixed number of attempts for international students. The examination can be attempted up to four times a month. That means IELTS exams are conducted around 48 times a year. Students can prepare and take the examination as many times as possible. The aim should be to earn a good score according to the eligibility of the universities.

Is there any syllabus for IELTS 2024?

The IELTS test has a syllabus for its four sections, i.e. Reading, Speaking, Writing, and Listening. For the IELTS Academic and General Training test, the Reading and Writing sections are different for both versions, while the Listening and Speaking sections remain the same.

What does the IELTS test consist of?

The reading section of the IELTS test consists of four paragraphs from which 40 questions will be asked to the candidate. The listening section of IELTS consists of four monologues and recorded conversations and the candidate has to answer 40 questions in total based on those four recordings. The writing section consists of two tasks with a 250-word limit essay and a 150 worded explanation of graphical representations, images, and illustrations. Lastly, the speaking section will have a structured and detailed discussion on various topics of interest, short face-to-face interview questions, and some in-depth discussions of various topics.

Explore IELTS Reading Samples With Answers

Crop Growing Skyscrapers Reading Answers

To ace the reading section, practice questions are necessary with varying levels of difficulty.

Crop Growing Skyscrapers Reading Answers

Dyslexia Reading Answers

Here are the dyslexia IELTS reading answers for your perusal along with the passage and questions. This will aid your practice sessions ahead of the examination.

Dyslexia Reading Answers

Eco Tourism Reading Answers

Given here are the eco-tourism reading answers that you need to practice for the IELTS examination.

Eco Tourism Reading Answers

Popular Study Abroad Destinations

Study in Canada

Study in Canada

Study in Canada & Save up to 20 Lakhs with upGrad Abroad

Study in Canada
Study in Australia

Study in Australia

Study in Australia & Save up to 20 Lakhs with upGrad Abroad

Study in Australia
Study in USA

Study in USA

Study in the USA & Save up to 20 Lakhs with upGrad Abroad

Study in USA

Important Study Abroad Articles

Pursue MBA in USA

Learn all about MBA programs in the USA

MBA in USA

Scholarships for Students

Learn about types of scholarships, how to get a scholarship, their sources & a lot more.

Scholarships for Students

PNP Program Canada

Learn all about eligibility, documents, application process, cost & more.

Provincial Nominee Program Canada

Mrinal Mandal

Study Abroad Expert

Mrinal Mandal is a study abroad expert with a passion for guiding students towards their international education goals. He holds a degree in mechanical engineering, earned in 2018. Since 2021, Mrinal has been working with upGrad Abroad, where he assists aspiring students in realizing their dreams of studying abroad. With his expertise and dedication, he empowers individuals to navigate the complexities of international education, making their aspirations a reality.

See More

TRENDING SEARCHES

IELTS Sample Essay

IELTS Cue Card

IELTS Reading Answer

IELTS Exam

Disclaimer

The above tips are the Author's experiences. upGrad does not guarantee scores or admissions.