IELTS
International English Language Testing System
There are two modules of the exam : Acadimic and General
Parts of the exam
Listening Time: 30 Minutes
Candidates listen to a number of recorded texts, which increase in difficulty as the test progresses. These include a mixture of conversations , dialogues and feature a variety of English accents and dialects. The recording is heard only once, but candidates are given time to read the questions and record their answers.
Reading
Time: 60 Minutes
There are three reading passages with tasks. Texts are taken from books, magazines, journals and newspapers, all written for a non- specialist audience. At least one of the texts contains a detailed argument.
Academic Writing
Time: 60 Minutes
[align=left]For the first task, candidates write a report of around 150 words based on material found in a table or diagram, demonstrating their ability to describe and explain data. For the second task candidates write a short essay of around 250 words in response to an opinion or a problem. They are expected to demonstrate an ability to discuss issues, construct an argument and use the appropriate tone and register.
General Writing
For the first task, candidates write a letter of about 150 words - informal or semi formal style . This task poses a problem or outlines a situation which requires a written response in letter format.
For the second task, candidates write an essay which is similar to that in academic module.
Speaking Time: 11- 14 Minutes
The Speaking Module consists of an oral interview between the candidate and an examiner. There are three main parts. In Part 1 the candidate answers general questions about themselves, their homes / families, their jobs/ studies, their interests, and a range of similar familiar topic areas. In Part 2 the candidate is given a verbal prompt on a card and is asked to talk on a particular topic. In Part 3 the examiner and candidate engage in a discussion of more abstract issues and concepts which are thematically linked to the topic prompt in Part 2.
