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

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. 

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 Listening is 30 minutes. Reading and Writing are exactly 60 minutes each without any break. The Speaking is very fast, it takes only 11 to 14 minutes to finish.

Yes, the Listening and Speaking sections are same for both Academic and General Training. Only Reading and Writing are different.

To get good marks in IELTS listening, you need to practice daily. You can hear English news, podcast, or people talking. Try to write notes when you listen and guess what they will say next. Also learn new English words from daily topics. If you do this daily, your listening score will go up slowly.

Yes, each recording is played only once, so candidates must listen carefully and take notes during the playback.

Getting band 9 in IELTS writing is very hard. You need almost perfect English. You should also explain big ideas in simple and correct way. Taking help from IELTS teachers is good, because they can tell you where you make mistakes and how to improve.

Yes. The Reading and Writing sections differ between the two formats of IELTS Academic and General, while Listening and Speaking are the same in both format.

To get good band scores in IELTS Reading test, applicants should prepare well and practice a lot. Some tips to prepare for IELTS Reading module includes:

• Understand the pattern of the Reading module and take IELTS Reading mock test to understand where the applicant stands.
• Once applicants take the IELTS Reading mock test, create a schedule. 
• Read regularly - books, newspapers and magazines for academi purposes (like Outlook, Business Today).
• Learn new words maybe five each day with their meanings and using them in conversations.
• Attempt different types of passages with a mix of various question types. Try to solve 2-3 everyday.
• Ensure that IELTS Reading practice covers all topics that are tested on the module.
• Apply techniques of skimming and scanning and answer all questions when attempting IELTS Reading practice.
• Consider trying the new, 1-month free online IELTS course to aid students prepare for their IELTS Exam with certified British Council trainers.
• Finally, be consistent with IELTS Reading mock tests, and practice so that there is no break in the flow of preparation.

Want to try some IELTS Reading practice tests? Try and solve these IELTS Reading passages with answers:

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

To talk for two minute in IELTS speaking part 2, you need to do some practice. First make small notes of main points you will say. Try to tell details and small stories from your life. Use simple linking words like “and” or “because” to join ideas. If you forget, you can say “hmm that is a nice question” and then start. Practice with watch or timer.

The IELTS Speaking test is about 11 to 14 minute long. It is a face to face interview with an examiner. The test has three parts:

• Part 1 (Introduction & Interview): This is 4 to 5 minute. The examiner ask simple questions about you, your home, family, work, study, and hobbies.
• Part 2 (Long Turn): You get a task card with a topic. You have 1 minute to prepare and then you speak for 1 to 2 minutes. This part takes about 3 to 4 minute.
• Part 3 (Discussion): This is 4 to 5 minute. You talk with examiner on bigger and more complex questions related to Part 2 topic.

The speaking test will be taken on the same day of test when you are taking IELTS on computer. The sequence of IELTS speaking test might vary, either before, or after the other three parts of the test.

Mostly, Academic IELTS is little more difficult, because Reading and Writing topics are harder. General is more simple and for daily life use.

The Listening and Speaking sections are same in both tests. No change in questions or format. You will do same type of listening audio and face-to-face speaking in both.

In IELTS Academic Reading, you will read 3 long and hard passages from books or magazines. On the other hand, in General Reading, you get shorter and simple texts like ads, emails, notices, etc. It's easier than Academic.