IELTS Academic Exam Pattern
Understand the exact structure of the IELTS test, including task types and time limits for each section.
Exam Pattern for IELTS Academic
An overview of the tasks and typical number of questions you can expect in each section of the IELTS test.
| Question Type & Tasks | Questions / Tasks | |
|---|---|---|
Listening | Multiple Choice, Matching, Plan/Map/Diagram Labeling, Form/Note/Table/Flow-chart/Summary Completion, Sentence Completion | 40 |
Reading | Multiple Choice, Identifying Information (True/False/Not Given), Identifying Writer's Views/Claims (Yes/No/Not Given), Matching Information/Headings/Features/Sentence Endings, Sentence Completion | 40 |
Writing | Task 1 (Describe visual information: graph, table, chart, or diagram) | 1 |
| Task 2 (Write an essay in response to a point of view, argument, or problem) | 1 | |
Speaking | Part 1 (Introduction and Interview) | 1 |
| Part 2 (Long Turn - speak for up to 2 minutes on a topic) | 1 | |
| Part 3 (Discussion - answer abstract questions related to Part 2) | 1 |
About the IELTS Academic Test & Syllabus
IELTS Academic measures whether your level of English language proficiency is suitable for an academic environment. It reflects aspects of academic language and evaluates whether you're ready to begin studying or training. The IELTS syllabus covers Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking - see the pattern table above for the exact task types and question counts.
IELTS Exam Sections and Question Types
The test is divided into four sections: Listening (30 minutes), Reading (60 minutes), Writing (60 minutes), and Speaking (11-14 minutes). The total test time is 2 hours and 45 minutes.
Unlike some other tests, IELTS sections are clearly separated. You will complete Listening, Reading, and Writing on the same day with no breaks in between. The Speaking test can be completed up to a week before or after the other tests.
How to Prepare for IELTS with a Free Mock Test
Familiarize yourself with the various question types, particularly for the Reading and Listening sections, such as True/False/Not Given or Matching Headings. Time management is crucial, especially in the Reading and Writing sections.
Practet offers a free IELTS mock test and IELTS practice test online for every section, so you can master every task type, improve your timing, and use our IELTS band score calculator to track progress toward your target band score.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the IELTS Academic exam pattern.
IELTS stands for International English Language Testing System. It's the world's most widely accepted English test for study, work and migration.
The IELTS syllabus covers four sections - Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking - testing everyday and academic English. The task types and timing haven't changed for 2024; see the pattern table above for the full breakdown.
IELTS is offered as Computer-delivered (CD IELTS) at test centres and as IELTS Online for the General Training version taken remotely. Practet's platform simulates the CD IELTS interface so you can practice in the same format.