Listening is the first module in the IELTS test, and takes 30 minutes. It consists of four sections of increasing difficulty, and there is a total of 40 questions to answer.

The test is played ONCE only. As you listen to each section you will be given time to read the questions, write your answers on the question paper, and then check them. At the end of Section 4 you will be given 10 minutes to transfer your answers to the Listening Answer Sheet. So, the Listening Test will last 40 minutes in total.

There are three parts in a Speaking Test:

• Part 1: (4–5 minutes) Introduction and interview. The IELTS examiner will introduce him/herself and will ask you to also introduce yourself, besides confirming your identity. The examiner will ask you generic questions on topics like family, studies, work, and your interests.
• Part 2: (3–4 minutes) Individual long turn. The examiner will give you a task card with a topic written on it, with some points you may cover in your speech. You will have one minute to think and prepare upon the topic; a paper and pencil will be provided to jot down your notes. Once done ideating, you will have a time of one to two minutes to speak on the subject followed by some questions on the same by the examiner.
• Part 3: (4–5 minutes) Two-way discussion. The examiner will ask more questions related to the topic provided in Part 2 of the Speaking test. You can use this opportunity to talk about more ideas.

In your Reading test (Academic), you will find three sections, each having one long text. These texts are excerpts borrowed from either books, magazines or newspapers. These are usually around topics of general interest, and so you need not be specialist to answer them. These excerpts can range from being factual and descriptive to analytical and discursive. They may also have non-verbal elements like graphs, diagrams or illustrations. If in case, there are jargons or technical terms used, a glossary will be provided.

The General and Academic Training Writing tests are usually graded to the same level. While IELTS Academic Writing test comprises topics suitable for undergraduate and postgraduate students, IELTS General Training module consists of excerpts on general topics from books, magazines, notices, company handbooks and guidelines that you are likely to face on a regular basis in an English speaking environment.

Test duration: 60 minutes (for both Academic and General tests)