Table of Contents
1. How is the IELTS Structured?
1.1 Reading
1.2 Writing
1.3 Listening
1.4 Speaking
2. How Long is the IELTS Test?

How is the IELTS Structured?

The IELTS test structure is divided into four phases. Each of these phases helps students get mastered the English Language. The test structure includes Reading, Listening, Writing, and Speaking. Let’s find out more about each of these phases of the IELTS Structure.

1. Reading

In this IELTS test, you will learn to manage your time by reading three passages of the English Language quickly and efficiently. You will have to respond to the questions asked after completing the reading task. 

Format of this test: Three passages from books, journals, newspapers, magazines, and other literature exist here. 

Number of Questions:

  • 40 Questions

Timing: 

  • 60 Minutes

Types of Task: 

  • Complete sentences
  • Fill in the gaps
  • Multiple choice questions
  • Short answers to questions
  • Match headings of texts and charts, etc. 

2. Writing

The writing test helps candidates respond to questions appropriately, use grammar and vocabulary, etc. 

Format of this test: 

The first writing tasks include a chart, table, graph, diagram, etc. You will be asked to summarize the topic or describe the topic. What you need to do here is you have to give answers to the questions in your tone. 

The second task of writing i.e. IELTS writing task 2 structure includes a task for writing an essay. The tone of the essay must be interesting and easy to read. 

Timing: 

  • 60 minutes- the first task takes 20 minutes, while the second task takes 40 minutes. 

Number of Questions: 

  • 2 Questions

Types of Task:

For two tasks, the first task will be asked to write about 150 words, while the second task will be asked to write up to 250 words. 

3. Listening

It’s a great place to hone your listening abilities across the board. Recognizing the speaker’s intent, attitude, and perspective, as well as grasping the topic’s essential ideas and facts, are all part of this.

Format of this test: 

In this part, you will be asked to listen to four recordings of native English speakers. You will be asked to write answers from each recording as asked. 

  • Recording 1 includes a conversation between two native English speakers. 
  • Recording 2 includes a speech about facilities in your city or area. 
  • Recording 3 includes a conversation between four native English speakers. 
  • Recording 4 includes a lecture at a university by a native English speaker. 

Timing: 

  • Up to 30 minutes

Number of Questions: 

  • 40 Questions

4. Speaking

The test will be administered by a qualified professional. Each part of the exam, in which you are required to give a verbal account of events, will be recorded for later review. This exam prepares participants to communicate effectively with native English speakers in the workplace and in higher education.

Format of this test: 

The speaking test includes three different parts. 

  • The first part, this part includes the introduction of the examiner to the candidate and the same will be asked to candidates to introduce themselves. 
  • In the second part, the task card will be given to you. You will be asked to explain the task in your own words. 
  • In the third part, the examiner will ask you a few questions from the second part. You just have to give appropriate answers to each of the questions asked by the examiners. 

Timing: 

  • Up to 15 minutes

How Long is the IELTS Test?

The IELTS Exam Structure includes four phases i.e. Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking. The Reading test takes up to 60 minutes, the Writing test takes up to 60 minutes, the Listening test takes up to 30 minutes, and the Speaking test takes up to 15 minutes. The total IELTS test duration takes up to 2 hours and 45 minutes.

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