IELTS is an international test to check the proficiency of non-native English-speaking people. It is mandatory for those who want to migrate to a country for work, study abroad and settle where English is the native language. Cambridge Assessment English which is a non-teaching department of University of Cambridge is the producer of IELTS. They also provide IELTS tools and materials to help the learners study, plan and practice their exams.

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IELTS Test Format

• The IELTS test assesses a candidate’s abilities on four different parameters: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking.
• There are two modules of the IELTS test:
  1. Academic
  2. General
• Format of exam for listening and speaking are same for both the modules. However, the formats of the Reading and Writing section are different in both the tests.
• Mostly, test for Listening, Reading, and Writing tests are on the same day with no break during the test. While test for Speaking is either before or after one week of the test date for rest of three skills.
• Duration for the LRW (Listening, Reading, and Writing) test is 2 hours and 45 minutes while Speaking test lasts for 11-14 minutes.

Listening Test

Format	The first two components manage things set in everyday social contexts. Part 1: There’s a speech communication between 2 speakers (for example, an audio communication concerning travel arrangements) Part 2: There is a monologue (for example, a speech about local facilities). The final two pieces deal with circumstances that are set in the sense of education and training. Part 3: There is a conversation between two key speakers (for example, two university students in discussion, perhaps guided by a tutor). Part 4: There is a scholarly subject monologue.
Timing	Maximum 30 minutes of audio + 10 minutes of transfer time. Note: Candidates write their answers on the question paper as they listen and 10 minutes are given at the end of the test to transfer their answers to an answer sheet. Care ought to be taken while writing answers on the answer sheet. Poor spelling and grammar are penalized under this section.
No. of Questions	40 questions
Types of Questions	Fill in the blanks, maps/ plan/diagram labelling, multiple-choice questions, matching form/note/table/flow-chart/summary completion, sentence completion.
Scores	Each correct answer is worth 01 mark.

Reading Test

The Reading section tests the ability to read for gist, reading for key ideas, reading for detail, skimming, understanding logical argument, and recognizing writers’ opinions, attitudes and purpose.

There are three long paragraphs taken from journals, magazines, and books. The paragraphs taken in this test are meant for those who want to go abroad for higher studies.

Format	Three paragraphs to read with a variety of questions using several tasks.
Timing	60 minutes Note: Candidates are required to transfer their answers to an answer sheet during the time allowed for the test. No extra time is allowed to transfer the answers. Care ought to be taken when writing answers on the answer sheet. Poor spelling and grammar are penalized under this section.
No. of Questions	40 questions
Types of Questions	Multiple-choice, identifying information, identifying the writer’s views/claims, matching information, matching headings, matching features, matching sentence endings, sentence completion, summary completion, note completion, table completion, flow-chart completion, diagram label completion and short-answer questions.
Scores	Each correct answer is worth 01 mark.

Writing Test

This module of IELTS is divided into 2 parts: Task 01 and Task 02.

In this section, a candidate’s ability is assessed for addressing the task appropriately by using a wide range of vocabulary and grammar.

Writing task of the Academic module differs from the writing task of the General module.

Format	Task 01: Candidates will be given some visual information which have to be described in at least 150 words in approx. 20 minutes. Task 02: Candidates respond to a point of view or argument or problem in at least 250 words in approx. 40 minutes.
Timing	60 minutes Note: Candidates are required to write their tasks on the answer sheets during the time allowed for the test. There has to be a formal style to respond to both tasks.
No. of Questions	2 questions
Types of Questions	Task 01: Graph, Table, chart or Diagram Task 02: Candidates will be asked to compose an essay in response to opinions, claims or problems.
Scores	Responses/answers are assessed by certified IELTS examiners. The points for Task 2 are twice than the points of Task 1.

Speaking Test

This module of IELTS is divided into 3 parts. In this test, English speaking ability of the candidate is assessed. Every test is recorded by the test centre.

Format	Part 01: The examiner introduces him/herself and asks the candidate general questions on some familiar topics, such as work, hobbies, religion, hometown, and music. (Duration 04 to 05 minutes) Part 02: Candidate is given a card in which there is a topic along with three sub-points to speak on. The candidate is given time of one minute to think and make points if he/she wishes to, and then 2 minutes are given to speak on the topic. Part 03: The examiner discusses the cue card topic by asking some questions and the candidate should be able to speak elaborately. (Duration 04 to 05 minutes)
Timing	11 to 14 minutes
No. of Questions	Variable
Scores	Speaking ability of candidate is assessed by certified IELTS examiners.