The IELTS test at a glance
What IELTS is, the four sections, how long each takes and what each one tests — so nothing on test day is a surprise.
In this lesson you will
- Name the four sections and their order
- Know the number of questions and timing of each section
- Understand how paper and computer versions differ
Learn
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is an English test used for study, work and migration. There are two versions: Academic and General Training. Listening and Speaking are the same in both; Reading and Writing are different.
Listening — about 30 minutes, 4 parts, 40 questions. You hear each recording once. The parts move from everyday conversations (Parts 1–2) to academic situations (Parts 3–4).
Reading — 60 minutes, 3 sections, 40 questions. There is no extra time to transfer answers, so write them in the right place as you go.
Writing — 60 minutes, 2 tasks. Task 1 (at least 150 words) is a description of visual data (Academic) or a letter (General Training). Task 2 (at least 250 words) is an essay and is worth twice as much as Task 1.
Speaking — 11–14 minutes, a face-to-face conversation with an examiner in three parts: short questions, a two-minute talk, and a deeper discussion. It may be on a different day from the other sections.
Formats and rules can change. Always check the official IELTS website for the latest information before you book.
| Section | Time | Parts / tasks | Questions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Listening | about 30 min | 4 parts | 40 |
| Reading | 60 min | 3 sections | 40 |
| Writing | 60 min | 2 tasks | — |
| Speaking | 11–14 min | 3 parts | — |
Examples
- Task 2 carries twice the marks of Task 1, so spend about 40 minutes on it.
- In Reading, there is no extra transfer time — answer directly on the answer sheet or screen.
- Listening recordings are played only once.
Vocabulary
section
one of the four parts of the test
band
a score level from 0 to 9
transfer
copy answers from the question paper to the answer sheet
examiner
the person who conducts and marks the Speaking test
version
one form of the test (Academic or General Training)
Practice
How many questions are there in IELTS Listening?
Speaking
Explain to a friend, in one minute, what the four IELTS sections are and which one you find hardest.
Lesson quiz
Which sections are different in Academic and General Training?
Review
Key points
- Listening ~30 min, 4 parts, 40 Qs, heard once.
- Reading 60 min, 3 sections, 40 Qs, no transfer time.
- Writing 60 min: Task 1 (150+), Task 2 (250+, double weight).
- Speaking 11–14 min, 3 parts.
What you learned
- ✓ I know the structure of IELTS.
- ✓ I know how long each section takes.
- ✓ I know which task carries more marks.