IELTS Exam Syllabus 2024 (Section-Wise): Listening, Reading, Writing & Speaking

In this section, we are going to be looking at the IELTS exam syllabus in detail. As informed earlier, the IELTS syllabus contains a total of four sections, i.e. Reading, Speaking, Writing and Listening. Check out the IELTS exam syllabus section-wise in the following table:

This is the blueprint of the IELTS exam syllabus. The section-wise IELTS syllabus has been discussed in the following sections. 

The Listening module on IELTS is divided into four sections. The questions tested in the IELTS Listening section follow the chronological order of the recordings played. Let us understand the syllabus of the Listening section on Academic IELTS:

IELTS Listening Section (Academic) Key Points

Based on all the sections tested on the IELTS Listening section, applicants should know the following:

IELTS Listening Module - Part 1 and Part 2 

• Recording 1: The first recording would have a conversation between two people set in an everyday social context.
• Recording 2 – The second recording would happen to be a monologue set in an everyday social context.

IELTS Listening Module - Part 3 and Part 4 

• Recording 3 – The following recording would be a conversation between four people set in an educational or training context.
• Recording 4 – The final recording would be a monologue on an academic subject.

Candidates who take IELTS exam  an academic writing module. Responses to the academic writing module are short essays or general reports, addressed to an educated non-specialist audience. There are two compulsory tasks. Task 1 and Task 2 on IELTS Academic Writing section syllabus.

IELTS Acadeic Writing Syllabus

IELTS Academic Writing Syllabus Key Points

• IELTS Writing syllabus includes two tasks wherein the topics are of general interest and relatable for candidates applying for an undergraduate or postgraduate program.
• For the first task, applicants will be given a paper which will contain either a diagram, table, or graph. The applicants will then be required to recapitulate and define the given data in their own words.
  • They may be asked to explain a certain data entry, process the given information, or a flowchart to logically conclude.
  • Ideally, applicants should spend only 20 minutes on the first task of IELTS Academic Writing.  
• In the next task, applicants need to write an essay as a response to the deduction from the given data and support an argument with relevant examples, through the given data.
  • Applicants should plan their Task 2 for 40 minutes as this is lengthier than the previous task. 
  • Applicants must note that the writing style should be strictly formal.

To practice, check out the following topics:

IELTS Reading Section Syllabus: The reading module consists of three texts of general interest dealing with issues that are appropriate for candidates entering postgraduate or undergraduate courses. Check out the IELTS Reading Section (Academic) details in the following section: 

Key Points for IELTS Reading Syllabus – Academic 

• Usually, the passages tested on the IELTS Reading section are sourced from books, journals, magazines, newspapers and online resources (written for a non-specialised audience). 
• There are 11 question types which can be tested on any given passage for IELTS Reading testing. These include:  
• For each section on IELTS Reading, applicants will have to read the given passage and answer the questions that follow.
• In the majority of the cases, the passages tested in IELTS Reading (Academic) are of common interest to students irrespective of the level of study they are applying for.
• The passages given in this section can include diagrams, graphs, or illustrations which may be required to be analysed by the applicants.

There are three passages in this section and applicants have to answer questions based on the passages. The question types can be any of those mentioned in the table above.

Speaking: The Speaking part is like a structured interview with an emphasis on general speaking skills. It assesses whether candidates have the required knowledge and skills to communicate effectively with native speakers of English. Read: IELTS Speaking Topics 
Total no. of questions: 3 parts – Personal Interview, Little Speech, and a Discussion
Total time: 11 to 14 minutes

Part 1 introduction and interview (4–5 minutes)

For the first five minutes, you will be asked some mundane questions about yourself such as family, home, studies, hobbies and interests, and so on. 

Part 2 long turn (2–3 minutes)

Next, the examiner will hand you a flashcard that would contain a certain topic. You will be given a minute or two to familiarize yourself with the topic as you would need to speak on that topic for about two minutes. Post your speech, the examiner might ask a few questions based on your understanding of the topic.

Part 3 discussions (5–6 minutes)

Deeper questions and abstract discussions would take place based on the given topic and your speech. You will get the opportunity to explore your given topic and delve into deeper issues. You can expect this part to last for five-six minutes.

There are two ways to prepare for IELTS: one is self-study and another is attending coaching classes. Which way you will choose depends on your language proficiency and comfort level. If you are already fluent in English, you need not attend coaching classes, you can prepare for the exam on your own. You just need to figure out when to start preparing for IELTS.

Also Read: FAQs for IELTS Exam

Still, have doubts? Check out IELTS frequently asked questions and learn more about the exam and IELTS Syllabus.