IELTS exam format: the four sections explained
IELTS tests four skills in about two hours and 45 minutes. Knowing what each section asks, and how long you have, removes a lot of the stress on test day.
The exam at a glance
Listening, Reading and Writing are taken on the same day with no breaks between them. Speaking may be on the same day, or up to a week before or after, depending on your test centre.
| Section | Time | Structure |
|---|---|---|
| Listening | About 30 minutes | 4 parts, 40 questions |
| Reading | 60 minutes | 3 sections, 40 questions |
| Writing | 60 minutes | 2 tasks |
| Speaking | 11 to 14 minutes | 3 parts |
Academic or General Training
Listening and Speaking are the same in both versions. Reading and Writing differ. Academic is usually needed for university study and professional registration. General Training is usually for work, training or migration, so check what your institution or visa route asks for.
Listening
You hear four recordings once each. The first two are set in everyday situations, and the last two are in education or training contexts. Spelling counts, and answers over the word limit are marked wrong.
Reading
Academic Reading has three long passages from books, journals and newspapers. General Training uses shorter everyday and workplace texts in the first sections, followed by one longer text. In the paper test, no extra time is given to transfer your answers.
Writing
In Academic Task 1 you describe visual information in at least 150 words. In General Training Task 1 you write a letter of at least 150 words. Task 2 is an essay of at least 250 words in both versions, and it counts for twice as much as Task 1.
Speaking
Part 1 is a short interview on familiar topics. Part 2 is a long turn: you get one minute to prepare, then speak for up to two minutes. Part 3 is a discussion of more abstract ideas linked to Part 2.
Put it into practice
Try a test or an essay check and see where you stand today.
Related practice
- IELTS mock testsTake a full IELTS mock test online with the same format and timing as the Academic exam. See your band for each skill and what to work on next.
- IELTS Listening practicePractise IELTS Listening online with real question types and exam timing. Your answers are marked instantly, with the right answer next to yours. Start free.
- IELTS Speaking practicePractise IELTS Speaking Parts 1, 2 and 3 online. Read a transcript of your answer and get a score for fluency, vocabulary, grammar and pronunciation.