IELTS Syllabus 2024 (Sections Wise) - Listening, Speaking,

Reading, Writing

Updated on Dec 11, 2023 - 12:46 p.m. IST by M Anusha

IELTS Syllabus 2024 - The IELTS exam has two formats namely the IELTS Academic and IELTS General
training. Candidates must take the IELTS exam syllabus and the exam format into account when they
approach their IELTS preparation. The syllabus for the IELTS exam consists of four parts- Listening,
Reading, Writing, and Speaking.

The listening and reading components of the IELTS exam syllabus and pattern for both the IELTS
General Training and IELTS Academic exam remain the same but the syllabus of the speaking and
listening sections will be different. The IELTS syllabus 2024 is designed to evaluate a candidate's
proficiency with the English language in academic, professional, and social settings. Read the
complete article to learn more about the IELTS exam-related information like syllabus, pattern and
preparation tips

Overall IELTS 2024 Exam Syllabus

While there are IELTS exam subjects specified, the candidates must know that there is no exact
answer to what is IELTS exam syllabus topic-wise. Topics for individual sections are chosen randomly
from popular resources. So, students must focus on developing skills rather than narrowing down
their preparation. In fact, the IELTS exam syllabus is a broad term that refers to the areas where
prospects must strengthen their skills. There are plenty of IELTS syllabus pdf's and books like the
"Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS "that guide IELTS preparation.

IELTS Syllabus Overview

Time
IELTS Test Component Brief Description
duration

Listening (Same for Academic and 30

Four sections, 40 items
General Training) minutes

Reading (Different for Academic and 60

Three sections, 40 items
General Training) minutes
 Writing (Different for Academic and 60
Two tasks
General Training) minutes

Speaking (Same for Academic and 11-14

Three-part one-on-one conversation
General Training) minutes

IELTS Syllabus 2024 for Listening Section

The course syllabus for the IELTS listening has four sub-sections. The first one in the listening
syllabus for IELTS exam features a dialogue between two people that takes place in a typical social
setting. A speech or monologue comprises the second section and the third is a conversation of up to
four persons in an academic atmosphere. The last segment of this section is a monologue on an
intellectual subject, such as an academic lecture. Every part can be heard only once. Candidates are
permitted to take notes while listening to the discussions and lectures, which they can then use to
guide their responses to the questions.

IELTS 2024 Listening Test Pattern

Approximately 30 minutes (plus 10 minutes of

Timing
transfer time).

Number of questions 40

The following types of tasks are included in the

section: multiple choice, matching, plan/map/
Task types diagram labelling, form/note/table/flowchart/
summary completion, and sentence
completion.

Test takers will have to write their answers on

the question paper as they listen. At the end of
Answering the test, they are given 10 minutes to transfer
their answers to an answer sheet. Poor spelling
and grammar are penalised.

Marks Each question carries one mark.

IELTS 2024 Reading Section

The IELTS reading test syllabus for the IELTS computer-based and IELTS paper pattern are the same.
The IELTS exam pattern consists reading section that evaluates a test taker's proficiency by having
them respond to questions after reading passages (the questions include multiple-choice, sentence
completion, summary writing, matching information, short answers, etc.).

There are 13–14 questions for each passage, among a total of 40 questions in this section. A wide
range of reading abilities is tested using a number of question types, including reading for gist,
reading for major ideas, reading for detail, skimming, grasping the logical argument, and recognising
writers' perspectives, attitudes, and purpose. IELTS for academic and general training has different
reading passages and question types. However, there is no set IELTS test syllabus for passage topics.

Reading Section Syllabus for IELTS Academic

The IELTS syllabus 2024 for the IELTS Academic version of the reading section includes three long
texts where the subject matter ranges from descriptive and factual to discursive and analytical. The
texts in IELTS academic syllabus are authentic and are taken from books, journals, magazines and
newspapers. While there is no pre-determined IELTS syllabus for topics in the reading section, these
are selected for a non-specialist audience but are appropriate for candidates entering university
courses or seeking professional registration abroad.

Reading Section Syllabus for IELTS General Training

According to the IELTS exam syllabus 2024 for the General Training IELTS reading test , candidates
are required to read extracts from books, magazines, newspapers, notices, advertisements, company
handbooks, and guidelines to cover syllabus for IELTS reading section part. These are things where
one can encounter on a daily basis in an English-speaking environment.

Related links:

• IELTS exam dates 2024

• IELTS selection procedure 2024

• Minimum IELTS scores required for top B schools

• How to send IELTS scores to universities

IELTS Exam Syllabus for Writing Section

The IELTS 2024 writing section, again, is different for the two versions (Academic and General
Training). In each version, the section consists of two tasks.
Writing syllabus for IELTS Academic

The writing component of IELTS Academic includes two tasks. However, there is no specified IELTS
writing syllabus. Topics are of general interest and suitable for candidates planning undergraduate
and postgraduate studies abroad or seeking professional registration.

Task 1: Candidates will be presented with a graph, table, chart, or diagram and asked to describe,
summarise or explain the information in their own words. Test takers may be asked to describe and
explain a given data, describe the stages of a process, a flowchart of how something works, or
describe an object or event.

Task 2: Candidates will be asked to write an essay in response to a point of view, argument, or
problem. Responses to both tasks must be in a formal and academic style. Arguments should be
supported by relevant examples.

Writing syllabus for IELTS General Training

The writing component of the IELTS syllabus 2024 for General Training includes two tasks that are
based on topics of general interest. The syllabus of IELTS writing may be practised by reading
standard English magazines, and editorials and practising writing on a daily basis.

Task 1: Candidates will be presented with a situation and asked to write a letter requesting
information or explaining a given situation. The letter may be personal, semi-formal, or formal in
style.

Task 2: Test takers will be asked to write an essay in response to a point of view, argument, or
problem. The essay can be slightly more personal in style than the Academic Writing Task 2 essay.
Opinions should be supported by relevant examples.

IELTS Syllabus 2024 Speaking Section

According to the IELTS syllabus, the speaking test will be recorded for evaluation purposes and will
consist of three parts that simulate a face-to-face oral interview with an examiner. The IELTS exam
pattern for the speaking component assesses the candidates’ use of spoken English and takes
between 11 to 14 minutes to complete. The entire IELTS speaking is recorded by the examiner. The
speaking component is delivered in such a way that it does not allow candidates to rehearse set
responses beforehand.

Part 1: The examiner will ask general questions about a candidate and a range of familiar topics,
such as home, family, work, studies, and interests them. This part lasts for about four and five
minutes.
Part 2: Candidates will be given a card that asks them to talk about a particular topic. They will have
one minute to prepare before speaking for two minutes. The examiner will then ask one or two
questions on the same topic to complete the second part of the speaking test.

Part 3: Test takers will be asked further questions connected to the topic in Part 2. These questions
will allow candidates to discuss more abstract ideas and issues. This part of the test lasts for about
four to five minutes.

The test takers should remember to use neutral English while answering questions in the speaking
section and should try not to use fake accents.

IELTS Exam Pattern

All prospective test takers need to know the IELTS test pattern, to be able to prepare accordingly.
Prospects must focus on scoring high in all IELTS subjects list as many universities decide cutoffs
based on band scores obtained in individual sections. The IELTS test pattern is same for the
computer-based and paper-based, with the same IELTS exam subjects in both formats. Knowing both
the pattern and syllabus of IELTS helps target the exam meticulously. Candidates can read the below
information related to the same:

IELTS Exam Pattern 2024

Particulars Duration

IELTS exam duration for reading 60 minutes

IELTS test duration for listening section 40 minutes

IELTS 2024 test duration for writing section 60 minutes

IELTS Speaking test duration 11-14 minutes

Total IELTS exam duration 2 hours 45 minutes

IELTS score scale Band scale (0-9)

As per the IELTS exam pattern 2023 which is now also the same for 2024, the Listening, Reading, and
Writing tests are conducted in a single day while the speaking module may be taken on the same day
or within seven days prior to or after the test.
IELTS Preparation Tips

Targeting IELTS without knowing the various techniques and tricks is not a good strategy to score
high in the exam. One of the best IELTS preparation tips is to be thorough with IELTS exam syllabus
and pattern. The next step is to allow enough time to cover the total syllabus of IELTS. However,
completing the syllabus means acquiring the necessary skills to perform well in the exam, in Reading,
Listening, Writing and Speaking. Other important tips include

• Enrolling in an online course.

• Preparing for IETLS exam consistently, according to a plan.
• Keeping up regular practice through various IELTS practice tests and online interactions.

Candidates can get familiar with the IDP IELTS syllabus by solving IELTS sample papers, IELTS syllabus
books and referring to IELTS preparation books and materials during their study for the IELTS exam.
This will help them get a good score.

For section-wise IELTS preparation tips, check

• Top Tips for IELTS Listening Success

• Top IELTS Reading tips
• IELTS Writing Task 1 Academic and General
• Tips for IELTS Writing Task 2

Frequently Asked Question (FAQs) - IELTS Syllabus 2024 (Sections Wise) -

Listening, Speaking, Reading, Writing

Question: Are IELTS preparation books based on the IELTS syllabus?

Answer:

Yes, some of the best IELTS books and study materials are based on the IELTS syllabus. Candidates
who prepare for the IELTS with these books and attempt the sample papers will get familiar with the
syllabus and will be able to get a good score.

Question: What is the syllabus of the IELTS listening section?

Answer:
The IELTS syllabus for the listening section has four sub-sections. The first one features a dialogue
between two people taking place in a typical social setting. A speech or monologue comprises the
second section and the third is a conversation of up to four persons in an academic atmosphere. The
last segment is a monologue on an intellectual subject

Question: What is the average IELTS score required by universities?

Answer:

Since the score requirement for each university is different, it is difficult to say but the average score
expectation is between 6 to 7.5 bands.

Question: What are the questions in the writing section of the IELTS Academic?

Answer:

The writing component of IELTS Academic includes two tasks. Topics are of general interest and
suitable for candidates planning undergraduate and postgraduate studies abroad or seeking
professional registration.

Question: Is an IELTS score of 7.5 good?

Answer:

A score of 7.5 is considered adequate, above average, and ultimately acceptable in nations like the
United States and the United Kingdom.

Question: What is the syllabus for IELTS?

Answer:

The IELTS syllabus is divided into four portions, i.e. Speaking, writing, listening, and reading. For the
two IELTS test categories, i.e. While the portions for Reading and Writing alter between Academic and
General, the sections for Listening and Speaking stay the same.