IELTS stands for International English Language Testing System, which checks the ability of a student to communicate in English effectively. In simple language, we can say IELTS is a Language Proficiency Test. This exam includes four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Note that the Writing, Listening and Reading modules (mentioned in order) are conducted on one day, and Speaking is conducted on a separate day (it could be in a week).
The IELTS Band Score ranges from 0-9, including 0.5 as well. For example, 5.5, 6.5, 7.5 or 8.5. For each module, you will get a band score, and the overall result will be calculated after rounding to the nearest whole score.
In this blog, we will explain to you the format of the IELTS test in a simple way to clear your doubts. Along with this, we will let you know the latest changes in the exam pattern.
Types of IELTS Exam
- IELTS Academic (AC): Students who have decided to study abroad for higher education have to go for the AC exam to secure a seat in an authorised educational institute, as this test proves the English ability of an aspirant.
- IELTS General Training (GT): Those who want to gain work experience from an English-speaking country, or who want to visit abroad for migration purposes, have to go for the GT exam as evidence of language proficiency skills.
- UKVI: UKVI stands for UK Visas and Immigration. This exam is for those students who want to visit, study, work and stay in the UK.
- LIFE SKILLS: The purpose of this exam is to check the eligibility of the candidate in Speaking and Listening skills for the UK visa, which includes A1, A2 or B1 level.
IELTS Exam Format in 2025
The exam pattern consists of four components: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking (LRWS). It will always remain the same, but yes, the sequence of modules in the exam has changed from 2022. Earlier, it was listening, reading and writing for the written exam, and after 25th June 2022, the sequence is Writing, Listening and Reading. There is no change in the time allotted.
Note: From 22nd February 2025, it is mandatory for all candidates to use a Black Pen instead of pencils, and it will be provided to the aspirants at the test centre.
| Test Component | IELTS Academic | IELTS General | TIME Allotted |
| Listening | 4 parts, a total of 40 questions | 4 parts, a total of 40 questions | 30 minutes approx.( 10 minutes to transfer answers) |
| Reading | 3 passages, a total of 40 questions | 3 passages (the first 2 passages are subdivided), total of 40 questions | 60 minutes ( no extra time to transfer answers) |
| Writing | Task 1: Report writing (pie chart, bar graph, table, line graph, process chart, multiple charts, etc.)
Task 2: Essay writing |
Task 1: Letter Writing
( Formal, Semi-formal and Informal) Task 2: Essay Writing |
60 minutes ( Manage accordingly,15 minutes for Task 1, 40 minutes for Task 2 and 5 minutes for proofreading) |
| Speaking | 3 parts (Introduction, Cue card, Follow-ups) | 3 parts (Introduction, Cue card, Follow-ups) | 11-14 minutes |
IELTS Syllabus (2025)
1. Listening Section
| Duration | Number of Questions | Types of Texts | Skills Tested |
| 30 minutes approx.
(10 minutes extra for transferring answers to the answer sheet). Note: Answers should be written in capital letters. |
40 questions
Section 1: 1-10 questions Section 2: 11-20 questions Section 3: 21-30 questions Section 4: 31-40 questions |
Section 1: A normal conversation between two people based on social situations.
Section 2: A monologue or information provided by a single person in an everyday social context. Section 3: A conversation between more than two people in an academic context. Section 4: A monologue on an academic subject related to a research topic. |
Ability to comprehend main ideas and specific details. Ability to recognise the opinions, attitudes, and purpose of the speaker. Ability to listen to exact words and their synonyms. Ability to understand different situations, such as lectures, conversations, etc. |
2. Reading Section
The reading section is different for the Academic and General Training modules:
2.1. Academic Reading
| Duration | Number of Questions | Types of Texts | Skills Tested |
| 60 minutes
Note: Unlike Listening, no extra time will be provided to transfer the answers. |
40 questions
Passage 1: 1-13 questions Passage 2: 14-26 questions Passage 3: 27-40 questions |
The module includes three long texts with increasing complexity, and the texts are taken from books, journals, newspapers, or magazines, which include different types of questions. | Identifying main ideas and keywords.
Recognising the writer’s opinion and purpose, like in question type: LIST OF HEADINGS. Ability to SKIM and SCAN the passages. Time Management skills. |
2.2. General Training Reading
| Duration | Number of Questions | Types of Texts | Skills Tested |
| 60 minutes (including transfer time)
|
40 Questions
Passage 1: may contain 2-3 short texts. Passage 2: two texts Passage 3: one long text, like Academic reading.
|
Section 1: Based on factual texts, such as advertisements, notices, and instructions.
Section 2: Texts are related to the workplace or social context. Section 3: One longer text, which may be more descriptive. |
Identifying main ideas and focusing on given details.
Following instructions and understanding factual information. Able to understand the purpose of the text. Time management
|
3. Writing Section
The Writing section contains two tasks, and Task 2 is the same for both Academic and General Training, but Task 1 is different. Let’s have a look at these tasks.
3.1 Academic Writing
| Duration | Number of Tasks | Types of Texts | Skills Tested |
| 60 minutes
TASK 1: 15 minutes TASK 2: 40 minutes (NOTE: 10 minutes for proofreading) |
2 Tasks
Task 1: Report Writing Task 2: Essay Writing |
Task 1: A data description task (e.g., describing a graph, table, chart, or diagram).
Task 2: An essay on a current topic. Need to write according to the demand of the question. |
Ability to present information clearly and accurately.
Summarising and paraphrasing the given notion. Ability to explain points along with relevant examples. Cohesion and coherence in writing.
|
3.2 General Training Writing
| Duration | Number of Tasks | Types of Texts | Skills Tested |
| 60 minutes
TASK 1: 15 minutes TASK 2: 40 minutes (NOTE: 10 minutes for proofreading) |
2 tasks
Task 1: Letter Writing Task 2: Essay Writing |
Task 1: The letter could be formal, semi-formal, or informal depending on the scenario.
Task 2: An essay on a given topic, which could be based on personal experience, opinion, or general knowledge. |
Ability to write a coherent letter with the appropriate greeting, opening line, format and closing line.
Ability to present bullet points logically. Clear and accurate writing. |
4. Speaking Section
| Duration | Number of Parts | Types of Texts | Skills Tested |
|
11-14 minutes (It could be Online or Offline) |
3 Parts |
Part 1 – Introduction: General questions about the aspirant’s background, family, work, studies, etc.
Part 2 – Cue Card: The candidate is given a card which includes cues. One minute will be provided for preparing, and a maximum of 2 minutes to speak. Part 3 – Follow-ups: Here, the candidate is expected to express more complex ideas and opinions. |
Fluency and coherence in speaking.
Ability to provide clear, relevant answers. Use of idioms and grammar to express ideas accurately. Ability to understand the question and provide elaborate answers.
|
Key Difference Between Academic and General Training Format (2025)
In this blog, you have read all the details related to the types of IELTS exams, including types, format, timing, band score, and syllabus, along with the latest updates. Now we will have a quick look at the key difference between the two types of exam:
| Section | IELTS Academic | IELTS General Training |
| Listening | No Difference | No Difference |
| Reading | 3 long passages | Each section contains further small passages, except the last section. |
| Writing | Task 1 is report writing
Task 2 is the same |
Task 1 is letter writing
Task 2 is the same |
| Speaking | No Difference | No Difference |
How to Prepare for the IELTS Exam in 2025
- Which Test to Choose: Before preparing for the IELTS exam, it is important to understand which test is right for you.
- Assess Your Level: For this assessment, you can visit renowned centres and check your English level.
- Join The Best Institute: If you don’t know the details of how to prepare for an exam, don’t waste your time; get enrolled in an authorised coaching centre.
- Practice Regularly: Work on your weak areas every day and practice regularly, as Practice Makes a Man Perfect.
- Give Mock Tests: Mock tests are crucial for the preparation for the IELTS exam, as you will know about your strengths and weaknesses.
Why Choose Abroad Gateway for IELTS Coaching
Want to clear IELTS and still confused about what to do? Don’t worry, we are here to help you in every section. We guide our students in the following ways:
- Certified Trainers: Our Experienced trainers will explain to you the tips for all modules to achieve your desired band score.
- Small Batch Size: We will provide personal attention to clear your doubts, give a discussion and work on your weak points.
- Online/Offline Class: Abroad Gateway offers you a flexible schedule and environment, whether you study from our centre or at your home.
- Tailor-made Content: Material will be provided to students with updated content and formal vocabulary words.
- One-to-one Session: For the speaking and Writing module, students will have face-to-face interaction and evaluation.
- Extra Sessions: We provide extra classes to students so that they can improve their weaknesses and achieve the desired band score.
