IELTS Exam Syllabus 2025 (Section-Wise): Listening, Reading, Writing & Speaking

IELTS subject means the 4 component of the test. The IELTS test is divided into four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.

Yes, it is possible to clear the IELTS exam in the first attempt. Many test takers achieve their desired scores in their initial attempt with proper preparation, study, and understanding of the exam format. Success in the IELTS exam depends on various factors, including your existing English language skills, familiarity with the test format, preparation strategies, and overall test-day performance. By dedicating sufficient time and effort to study, practising with sample questions and mock tests, and familiarizing yourself with the test structure and timing, you can increase your chances of achieving your target score.

It is important to note that individual results may vary, and success in the IELTS exam depends on personal factors and preparation. Some test takers may require multiple attempts to reach their desired scores. Regardless of the outcome, treat each attempt as a learning opportunity and use the experience to identify areas for improvement. Seeking guidance from experienced tutors or attending preparatory courses can also be beneficial in enhancing your preparation and performance in the exam.

The difficulty of the IELTS exam varies from person to person, largely depending on individual English proficiency and preparation. Many test-takers find the IELTS Writing section to be the most challenging due to the need for precise grammar, vocabulary, and structured responses. The IELTS Listening section can also be difficult because it features various accents and does not allow for repeated listening. The IELTS Reading section poses its own challenges with lengthy passages and a strict time limit, while the Speaking section may be daunting for those uncomfortable with face-to-face interviews. Overall, while some candidates may find IELTS challenging, with adequate preparation and practice, many can manage the exam effectively

Conducted by IDP, the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is one of the world’s most popular English language proficiency tests for candidates looking to pursue higher education abroad and global migration. The IELTS exam is available in two formats. The IELTS Academic and the IELTS General.

The IELTS Academic test is designed for candidates looking to pursue higher education across universities and colleges abroad. The IELTS General Test is for candidates who are looking to migrate to an English-speaking country such as Australia, Canada, New Zealand or the UK among others.

The IELTS exam evaluates the English speaking, writing, listening and reading skills of the candidate. Your total IELTS score will be a combination of the band scores from the four sections. You will receive IELTS scores based on each of the four skills on a band of 1 – 9, and you will also be awarded an overall band score. You can score whole (example 5.0, 6.0, 7.0) or half (example 5.5, 6.5, 7.5) bands in each part of the test.

3 months might not be the ideal span of the duration required for adequate preparation, but it can still be worked out with proper planning and prioritizing the topics based on your strengths and weakness. You need to break down your topics and reach weekly targets. In order to do this, you can either get some professional help to get the results or plan it out on your own.

The IELTS exam syllabus has been divided in four section. The time duration for each section of IELTS are:

• Listening: 30 minutes
• Reading: 60 minutes
• Writing: 60 minutes
• Speaking: 11-14 minutes

The IELTS Writing module is an important part of the IELTS exam, testing candidates' ability to express ideas clearly and effectively in written English.

The IELTS writing part is divided into tasks: Task 1 and Task 2.

In IELTS Writing Task 1, candidates in the Academic test are required to describe, summarise, or explain visual data, such as graphs and charts. For General Training, Task 1 focuses on writing different types of letters, including formal, semi-formal, and informal letters. Meanwhile, IELTS Writing Task 2 is an essay question where candidates must present a clear and organised response to a given prompt.

In the IELTS Speaking test there is a face-to-face interview between the test taker and the examiner. The Speaking test includes 3 parts which are mentioned above. Here, candidates are assessed on the following parameters:

• Grammar
• Pronunciation
• Lexical resource
• Fluency

The Speaking test is recorded and marked based on the applicant's performance. Applicants should be careful how they attempt this section. Confidence, diction, pronunciation and the use of correct words is important to ace this section. 

The Reading module includes 3 sections having 40 questions. It includes general interest topics. The texts can be from books, magazines, online resources, or newspapers. Also, candidates should attempt questions carefully as they will lose marks for incorrect grammar and spelling.

IELTS Listening test has 4 parts including 10 questions in every part. Part one and two of the test includes everyday social situations whereas part three and four includes educational situations. The questions are in sequence as the information provided in the recording, therefore, the answer for the first question will be before the second.

The IELTS Listening test is designed to assess a variety of listening skills, including how aptly the applicant:

• Understands the main ideas and identify the factual information.
• Recognise given opinions and purpose of the speaker.
• Follows the development of the given argument.
• Finally, how the applicants can accurately or closely answer the questions based on the recordings they have heard.

Thus, applicants who give the Listening section on IELTS should have an eye for detail and listen to the recordings carefully to answer questions correctly. 

There are two tasks on IELTS Writing section, syllabus of which is as follows:

Task 1 (Report Writing): IELTS Wrtiting Syllabus

This is report writing tested on Task 1. Applicants have to describe in 150 words for a given graph, diagram, table, cycles (or maps) or data sets. 

Task 2 (Essay): IELTS Writing Syllabus

Here, applicants have to write a 250 words long essay on a given point of view, argument or, problem.

Applicants should practice writing section by analysing and describing different types of data sets, diagrams (maps) or table types for task 1. While, the second task's syllabus requires applicants to prepare on the lines of elaborating on a given point view (right or wrong with strong statements), problem (how to solve them) and arguments (which require a specific and strong response).

In order to score band 8.0 on IELTS in the Writing section is by:

• By reading regularly and building a good vocabulary.
• Read books, newspapers, journals and other material helpful for acing the IELTS Writing section. 
• Time each question, assess the requirements and then attempt the question.
• Ensure that there is a logical flow of information and there is coherence in writing.
• Avoid grammatical or spelling mistakes, recheck what is written.
• Choose the right kind of words and be precise with your writing tasks.
• Apprach each Task based on the requirement, avoid using non-popular or offensive opinions and be neutral with the responses.

At the end, it is all about practice, time management and the right strategy to score an 8.0 band on the IELTS Writing section.

Reading section on IELTS Academic can be challenging because there are just 60 minutes to comprehend three passages and answer 40 questions. But with a lot of timed practice, applicants can ace this section easily. The Reading section can be difficult if the applicants do not:

• Practice multiple passages 
• Not time their speed for the section
• Also not practice on different types of passages
• Approach different question types on the passages tested
• Finally, give enough attention to reading newspapers and build vocabulary.

Applicants should ideally begin preparing for the Reading section earlier and give regular time to reading and building vocabulary. 

The subject of IELTS Reading section on the Academic IELTS is based on common topics of interest. These topics are mostly academically sourced topics that make up the three passages on this section. The topics on which the IELTS Readin section are tested can be from different subjects of:

• Science & Engineering
• Social Science
• Technology
• Business
• Humanities
• Environment
• Education
• Psychology
• Economics
• Agriculture

The list is endless and the topics can vary at large for IELTS Academic - Reading section. Thus, applicants can prepare for the IELTS Reading section and can find material at: IELTS Reading: Practice Test with Answers