IELTS Syllabus: A Comprehensive Guide 2023

Reading Time 9 minutes/Updated on 06-12-2024

Are you taking IELTS in 2024? Understanding the IELTS syllabus is key to success whether you want to study abroad, register for a profession or migrate. The IELTS (International English Language Testing System) tests your English language skills in four main areas: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. Each section tests specific skills for academic, professional or everyday use.

This blog will guide you through the IELTS syllabus 2024, section by section and give you tips to prepare.

IELTS Syllabus 2024 Overview

The IELTS exam format includes four sections, each with a unique focus and time allocation. Here’s an overview:

Section	Time Duration	Description
Listening	30 minutes	Four recorded conversations or monologues, followed by 40 questions to test your listening skills.
Reading	60 minutes	Three reading passages with various question types to assess your reading comprehension.
Writing	60 minutes	Two writing tasks to evaluate your ability to present ideas clearly and logically.
Speaking	11–14 minutes	A face-to-face interview with an examiner to test your spoken English skills.

Each section has specific requirements, whether you’re taking the Academic or General Training version of the IELTS.

IELTS Syllabus 2024: Listening Section

The Listening section tests your ability to understand spoken English in different contexts. You’ll hear 4 recordings: 2 conversations and 2 monologues. After each recording, you’ll answer questions based on what you heard.

The conversations could be either dialogue or monologue lasting 3 minutes long. You can listen to the conversations once. There will be different types of questions like MCQs, short-answer questions, sentence completion, note completion, labelling a diagram etc.

Number of Questions: 40+

Duration: 30 minutes

Recording 1: Two people discussing every social context.
Recording 2: A monologue based on an everyday social context.
Recording 3: Four people discussing an educational or training context.
Recording 4: A monologue based on an academic subject.

Key Points for IELTS Listening Syllabus

You’ll listen to a conversation between two people set in an everyday social context.
A monologue about a general topic, such as a lecture, is also included.
Questions may include multiple-choice, matching, and sentence completion tasks.
Pay attention to accents, as speakers may have British, Australian, or North American accents.

IELTS Syllabus 2024: Writing Section

In the Writing section, you will complete two tasks. Task 1 involves interpreting and describing a graph, chart, or diagram (Academic) or writing a letter (General Training). Task 2 requires you to write an essay.

Number of Questions: 2

Total Time: 60 minutes
Writing Section for IELTS Academic

There are two tasks on general topics for undergraduate and postgraduate candidates:

Task 1: Write 150 words based on a table, diagram or dataset.
Task 2: Write 250 words on a point of view, problem or argument with factual information, solutions, opinions, ideas and evidence.

Writing Section for IELTS General Training

General Training has two tasks but is easier than Academic.

Task 1: Write a formal, semi-formal or personal letter to a relevant authority. You may need to ask for something, explain details or present an argument.
Task 2: Essay on the same topic as Task 1.

Key Points of the IELTS Writing Syllabus

IELTS Writing Topics in Task 1 focus on describing trends, comparing data, or explaining processes.
Task 2 includes essay topics on current social issues, requiring well-structured arguments.
Time management is crucial: Spend 20 minutes on Task 1 and 40 minutes on Task 2.
Focus on grammar, vocabulary, and coherence.

IELTS Syllabus 2024: Reading Section

The Reading section has 3 passages with 40 questions. The texts are taken from books, journals, newspapers and magazines. If you’re taking the Academic IELTS, the topics are more complex and related to academic context.

Number of Questions: 40
Allotted Time: 60 Minutes

Key Points of the IELTS Reading Section

IELTS Reading Topics include arguments, data interpretation, and detailed information.
Question types include matching headings, identifying true/false statements, and summarising passages.
Skimming and scanning techniques are essential to manage time effectively.
The IELTS exam duration for this section is 60 minutes.

Also read: Collecting as a Hobby Reading Answers: IELTS Reading Test Practise.

IELTS Syllabus: Speaking Section

The Speaking section is an in-person interview designed to assess your spoken English skills. It’s divided into three parts:

Introduction and Interview: Questions about familiar topics like hobbies, family, and work.
Cue Card: Speak for 1–2 minutes on a specific topic.
Discussion: Answer more abstract questions related to the cue card topic.

Key Points of the IELTS Academic Speaking Section

Confidence and fluency matter more than perfect grammar. The scoring is also determined by this factor.
The examiner may ask follow-up questions based on your answers.
Practice speaking on a variety of IELTS subjects, such as culture, technology, or travel.
The test is interactive, allowing candidates to demonstrate natural communication skills through conversation.

Also read: IELTS Speaking Test: Describe a Law on Environmental Protection

IELTS Exam Pattern 2024

The IELTS exam pattern is consistent for both Academic and General Training versions, with slight variations in the Reading and Writing sections.

The IELTS exam total marks are calculated on a scale of 0 to 9, with 9 being the highest band.
You will take the Listening, Reading, and Writing sections on the same day. The Speaking test may be scheduled up to a week before or after.
The IELTS exam duration is approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes.

Here’s a quick summary:

Sections	Total Questions	Duration	Description
Listening	40	30	4 recorded monologues and conversations
Writing	2	60	Task 1: Candidates must write at least 150 words to describe, summarise, or explain a table, graph, chart, or diagram. Task 2: Essay Writing (min 250 words)
Reading	40	60	3 long passages with task
Speaking	3	11-14 minutes	Face-to-face interview

Download the above IELTS syllabus PDF here

IELTS Syllabus 2024 Preparation Tips

To score well in IELTS, you need to put in consistent effort and planning. Here’s what to do:

Know the Format: Get to know the IELTS syllabus and pattern for each section.
Practice Regularly: Solve sample papers and take mock tests to improve your timing and accuracy.
Build Vocabulary: Use flashcards or apps to learn words used in IELTS writing topics and reading passages.
Focus on Weaknesses: Spend more time on areas you struggle with like listening to accents or writing essays.

IELTS Syllabus 2024 FAQs

Q1. What is the IELTS exam structure?

A1. The IELTS consists of four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Each section evaluates specific language skills.

Q2. What is ‘General Training’ and ‘Academic’ in IELTS?

A2. The Academic version is for students seeking higher education, while the General Training version is for those migrating or applying for vocational training.

Q3. How to crack IELTS in the first attempt?

A3. Understand the IELTS syllabus, practise regularly, and take mock tests to get used to the format.

Q4. Can I prepare for the IELTS without coaching?

A4. Yes, with the right resources, such as official guides and sample tests, you can prepare independently.

Q5. Are the reading and writing topics different for Academic and General Training?

A5. Yes, the Academic version focuses on more complex and academic topics, while the General Training version uses everyday contexts.

Author: Deepak Shukla