IELTS (International English Language Testing System) – Course Content

The IELTS test evaluates English proficiency across four core skills: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. It has two versions:

• IELTS Academic – for students applying to universities or professional registration.

• IELTS General Training – for work, migration, and non-academic purposes.

Both versions assess the same four skills, with differences mainly in the Reading and Writing sections.

Test Components

1. Listening (Approx. 30 minutes + 10 minutes transfer time)

• Four audio recordings featuring conversations and monologues.

• A total of 40 questions taken from:

  • Multiple choice

  • Matching

  • Sentence/Note/Table/Map/Diagram completion

• Includes various native English accents (British, Australian, American, etc.).

2. Reading (60 minutes)

Academic Module:

• Three long passages from books, journals, and newspapers.

• 40 questions testing comprehension, logical reasoning, and vocabulary.

General Training Module:

• Multiple short and medium-length texts from notices, ads, workplace documents, and magazines.

• 40 questions similar in format to Academic but easier in complexity.

Question types include:

• Multiple choice

• Matching information/headings

• True/False/Not Given

• Summary/Note completion

• Sentence completion

• Diagram labeling

3. Writing (60 minutes)

Academic Module:

• Task 1: Describe and analyze visual data (graphs, charts, maps, diagrams).

• Task 2: Write a formal essay expressing an argument or opinion.

General Training Module:

• Task 1: Write a formal, semi-formal, or informal letter.

• Task 2: Write an essay similar to Academic but simpler in tone and style.

4. Speaking (11–14 minutes)

A face-to-face interview divided into three parts:

1. Introduction & Interview – personal questions about home, work, studies, etc.

2. Long Turn (Cue Card) – speak for 1–2 minutes on a given topic.

3. Discussion – deeper questions related to the cue-card theme.