IELTS Test Modules Explained

"You’re off to great places! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting, So get on your way!”
— Dr. Seuss" 

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a test that measures the language proficiency of non-native English speakers. 

There are two versions of the test: the Academic version and the General Training version.The Academic version is for test takers who want to study at a tertiary level in an English-speaking country, or for professionals such as doctors and nurses who want to practice in an English-speaking country.

The General Training version is for test takers who want to work or do training in an English-speaking country, or for immigration purposes.

Both versions of the test have four modules:

Listening: This module tests the test taker's ability to understand spoken English.

Reading: This module tests the test taker's ability to understand written English.

Writing: This module tests the test taker's ability to write in English.

Speaking: This module tests the test taker's ability to speak in English.

Let's get to know each of them in detail.

IELTS Listening:

The IELTS Listening module is the first section of the test and takes around 30 minutes to complete. It consists of four parts and includes a variety of question types, such as multiple choice, short-answer questions, and labeling diagrams or maps.

In Part 1, the test taker will listen to a conversation between two people and answer questions about it.

In Part 2, the test taker will listen to a monologue, such as a lecture or talk, and answer questions about it.

In Part 3, the test taker will listen to a conversation between several people and answer questions about it.

In Part 4, the test taker will listen to a monologue, such as a lecture or talk, and answer questions about it.

The listening test is recorded on a cassette or CD and played once only, so test takers need to listen carefully and make sure they understand the main ideas and specific details.

It's important to note that the test takers are not scored based on their ability to understand every single word, but rather on their ability to understand the main ideas and specific details.

IELTS Reading:

The IELTS Reading module is the second section of the test and takes around 60 minutes to complete. It consists of three parts and includes a variety of question types, such as multiple choice, true/false/not given, and matching headings.

In Part 1, the test taker will read a short text, such as a brochure or a leaflet, and answer questions about it.

In Part 2, the test taker will read several short texts, such as advertisements or notices, and answer questions about them.

In Part 3, the test taker will read one longer text, such as a report or an article, and answer questions about it.

The texts in the reading test are taken from books, magazines, newspapers, and other sources. The texts are usually written for a non-specialist audience and are on general topics that are familiar to most people.

The test takers are not scored based on their ability to understand every single word, but rather on their ability to understand the main ideas and specific details. Therefore, test takers should focus on understanding the overall meaning of the text and not get bogged down in the details.

It's important to practice different type of questions and familiarize yourself with the different reading strategies such as skimming, scanning, and guessing words from the context.

IELTS Writing:

The IELTS Writing module is the third section of the test and takes around 60 minutes to complete. It consists of two tasks, Task 1 and Task 2.

In Task 1, test takers are presented with a visual representation, such as a graph, chart, table or diagram and they are required to write a summary of the information in at least 150 words. They are expected to describe the main features, compare data and make generalizations.

In Task 2, test takers are presented with an argument or point of view, or a problem or situation, and they are required to write an essay in response, in at least 250 words. They are expected to present a clear argument, support it with relevant examples and evidence, and show an awareness of different perspectives on the issue.

For both tasks, test takers are assessed on their ability to organize and present the information clearly and cohesively, use a wide range of vocabulary and grammar, and demonstrate a good command of the conventions of academic writing.

It's important to practice writing on different topics and become familiar with the structure and language used in IELTS writing tasks. It's also important to manage your time effectively during the test, as you will have limited time to complete both tasks.

IELTS Speaking:

The IELTS Speaking module is the fourth and final section of the test and takes around 11-14 minutes to complete. It consists of three parts: an introduction, a long turn, and a discussion.

In Part 1, the test taker will introduce themselves and answer some general questions about themselves and their background, such as their name, where they come from, and what they do.

In Part 2, the test taker will be given a card with a topic on it and will be asked to talk about it for one to two minutes. They will be given a minute to prepare and are expected to speak clearly and fluently, using a range of vocabulary and grammar.

In Part 3, the test taker will have a discussion with the examiner on the topic from Part 2, as well as other related topics. The examiner will ask a series of follow-up questions and the test taker will be expected to give detailed and extended responses.

The Speaking test is conducted face-to-face with an examiner, and is recorded. The test takers are assessed on their fluency and coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation.

It's important to practice speaking on different topics and become familiar with the format and language used in IELTS speaking tasks. It's also important to practice speaking fluently and coherently, and to use a wide range of vocabulary and grammar.