October 2, 2020

IELTS General Test Format: Here’s All You Should Know about the IELTS Exam

The IELTS Test is in high demand in today’s times as more and more people are setting up their careers abroad. This IELTS Test not only provides you with career opportunities but gives you self assurance along the way. Before you apply for the IELTS general test, it’s always good to look at the IELTS general format so you can prepare beforehand.

IELTS is divided into four major sectors which are Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking. Both the IELTS general and IELTS academic tests are assessed in the same way exactly.

Structure of the IELTS Reading Test

  • The number of sections– There are three large chunks of text in total. Section 1 consists of 2-3 shorter texts focusing on everyday topics. You will be asked to identify crucial information from newspapers, notices, or advertisements. Section 2 is based on work-related topics such as job listings, contracts, job requirements, etc. Section 3 is focused on the topic of general interest. In this part, the text will be lengthy and intricate.
  • Time– There will be 60 minutes to answer 40 questions. So reading texts quickly and managing time is the key.
  • Assessment criteria– It will be based on how well you can grasp the general idea behind the text, can identify the author’s purpose, tone, views, or attitude.
  • Type of questions– Matching headings/features, completing sentences, diagram labeling, multiple-choice questions.

Structure of the IELTS Writing Test

  • Writing tasks– There are two types of writing tasks. Task 1 involves you writing a letter usually responding to the given situation. Task 2 deals with asking your views, judgments on a specific issue.
  • Time & word limit– For Task 1, you have 20 minutes to write at least 150 words whereas, for Task 2, you have 40 minutes to write at least 250 words.
  • Assessment criteria– You will be judged on coherence, grammatically accuracy, range of vocabulary, and how well you form your arguments or fulfill the purpose of texts.
  • Task types– For task 1, it is a type of situation such as writing to a college about the scarcity of water. For task 2, it is a letter asking for facts or opinions.

Want to know more about IELTS general Test Format, click here