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IELTS Syllabus and Pattern 2024 (Section Wise): Download PDF Here!

IELTS Syllabus and Pattern 2024 (Section Wise): Download PDF Here!

Edited By M Anusha | Updated on Sep 12, 2024 10:15 AM IST | #IELTS

The IELTS syllabus for 2024 has not changed from previous years. The IELTS 2024 exam syllabus consists of four major sections: Reading, Speaking, Writing, and Listening. The IELTS exam has two formats namely IELTS Academic and IELTS General training. The syllabus content for IELTS is similar for both formats. Candidates who are planning to apply for this exam in 2024 must understand the IELTS exam syllabus and pattern to get a good score for top study-abroad universities.

The total IELTS duration is 2 hours and 45 minutes. The listening and reading components of the IELTS syllabus and pattern for both the IELTS General Training and IELTS Academic exam remain the same. However, the IELTS exam 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.

IELTS Syllabus for the Academic section

The IDP IELTS syllabus includes questions like multiple-choice, matching, sentence completion, summary completion, short answer, and essay writing.

  • Reading: The IELTS reading syllabus includes 3 lengthy reading comprehension passages that include multiple choice, matching, identifying information, identifying the writer's opinion, and summarising information.
  • Listening: The IELTS listening section consists of 40 questions on a wide range of topics, including social welfare, education, and work.
  • Writing: In the IELTS 2024 writing section, there are 2 short essay questions based on a visual prompt or a situation.
  • Speaking: The IELTS exam speaking section includes 3 questions in a one-on-one conversation format.
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IELTS 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 is 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. 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 and books like the "Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS" that guide IELTS preparation.

IELTS 2024 Writing Task 1 & 2 - Study Materials
Aspirants who are appearing for IELTS exam can download this eBook which have complete study material for academic writing task 1 (Data Interpretation) and academic writing task 2 (Essays) sections.
Download EBook

IELTS Syllabus 2024 Overview

IELTS Test Component

Brief Description

Time Allotted

Listening

Four sections, 40 questions

30 minutes

Reading

Three sections, 40 questions

60 minutes

Writing

Two tasks

60 minutes

Speaking

Three-part one-on-one conversation

11-14 minutes

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Listening: IELTS Syllabus

The course syllabus for the IELTS listening has four sub-sections. The first one in the IELTS syllabus for listening 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

ParticularsDescription

Timing

Approximately 30 minutes (plus 10 minutes of transfer time).

Number of questions

40

Task types

The following types of tasks are included in the section: multiple choice, matching, plan/map/diagram labelling, form/note/table/flowchart/summary completion, and sentence completion.

Answering

Test takers will have to write their answers on the question paper as they listen. At the end of 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.

Check here: IELTS Listening Practice Test

Reading: IELTS exam Syllabus

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 several 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.

IELTS Academic Reading Syllabus

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.

IELTS General Training Reading Syllabus

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 for IELTS syllabus for reading section part. These are things that one can encounter daily in an English-speaking environment.

Practice here:

IELTS Exam Writing Syllabus

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.

IELTS Academic Writing Syllabus

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.

IELTS General Training Writing Syllabus

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.

Practice here:

IELTS Speaking Syllabus 2024

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 syllabus 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. 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

The IELTS test pattern is the same for the computer-based and paper-based, with the same IELTS exam subjects in both formats. Knowing both the pattern and IELTS syllabus helps target the exam meticulously. Candidates can read the below information related to the same:

IELTS Exam Pattern 2024

IELTS Test Component

Duration

Total Questions

Listening

30 minutes

40 (4 sections for 4 recorded monologue speeches and conversations)

Reading

60 minutes

40 (3 long reading comprehension passages)

Writing

60 minutes

2 (short essays of 150-200 words each)

Speaking

11-14 minutes

3 (3 part one-on-one conversation)

As per the IELTS 2024 exam pattern, 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 before 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 the test syllabus and pattern. The next step is to allow enough time to cover the total syllabus of IELTS. However, completing the IELTS 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 sample papers, and syllabus books, and referring to IELTS preparation books and materials during their study for the exam. This will help them get a good IELTS score.

For section-wise IELTS preparation tips, check

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the syllabus for IELTS?

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.

2. Is an IELTS score of 7.5 good?

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

3. What are the questions in the writing section of the IELTS Academic?

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.

4. What is the average IELTS score required by universities?

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.

5. What is the syllabus of the IELTS listening section?

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

6. Are IELTS preparation books based on the IELTS syllabus?

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.

7. Is IELTS very difficult?

The difficulty level of the IELTS test is completely different for individual candidates. Many students find it difficult due to its tricky exam pattern and high cut-off scores. However, familiarity with the test pattern can definitely help in decreasing the difficulty level of the exam for the test-takers.  

8. How can I prepare for IELTS at home?

A few important preparation tips to prepare for IELTS at home are as follows:

  1. Read books, journals, ads, and newspapers written in English.

  2. Listen to music, podcasts, radio, and audiobooks in English.

  3. Communicate in English with friends, family, and coworkers.

  4. Every day or every week, pick up a new word and practise putting it in a phrase.

9. What subjects are there in IELTS?

The IELTS subjects are: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. It assesses the English language skills of the candidates using a range of topics based on everyday and academic situations in English. The IELTS syllabus includes questions like multiple-choice, matching, sentence completion, summary completion, short answer, and essay writing.

10. Can I crack IELTS in 3 months?

Yes, it is possible to prepare for the IELTS exam in three months. Success is determined by your starting level of English proficiency and the amount of time and effort you put into preparation. It entails consistent practice, familiarity with the test format, and possibly seeking help from preparatory courses or study materials.

11. How many attempts for IELTS?

There are no restrictions on IELTS attempts. You can take it as many times as you want. However,  work on improving your English and consider the cost of each attempt.

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Questions related to IELTS

Have a question related to IELTS ?

If you have completed a master's degree in the UK, you might still need to take the IELTS test to qualify for a Permanent Residency (PR) or Work Visa in Australia. While your degree from an English-speaking country like the UK may demonstrate your proficiency in English, Australian immigration authorities typically require a standardized English language test score, such as IELTS, to assess your language skills formally.

For better guidance, Invicta Institute can provide you with detailed information and assistance regarding the specific English language requirements for Australian PR or Work Visa applications. Invicta's experienced counselors can help you navigate the process and determine if your UK degree suffices or if you need to take the IELTS test.


Since you're currently in the first year of your Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com), planning ahead for your MBA abroad is a wise decision. The ideal time to take your IELTS exam is during your third year of B.Com. This timing ensures that your IELTS score, which is valid for two years, will still be valid when you apply for MBA programs.

Hello,

It is very highly unlikely to obtain a legitimate IELTS certificate without taking the exam. Any claims suggesting otherwise are likely scams. It is essential to take the exam through authorized testing centers to ensure the validity and credibility of the certificate.

Hope this helps you ,

Thank you

The IELTS General and IELTS Academic tests serve different purposes, so their difficulty levels can vary depending on your strengths and background. The IELTS Academic is generally considered more challenging, particularly in the Reading and Writing sections. It focuses on language skills needed in an academic setting, including understanding complex texts and writing essays on abstract topics. The IELTS General, on the other hand, is designed for everyday use, such as for immigration or work purposes, and involves more practical tasks like writing letters and understanding basic articles. If you're comfortable with academic English, the Academic test might be manageable, but for most people, the General test is slightly easier due to its more straightforward content.

The IELTS results are typically released 13 days after the test date, but the exact time of release can vary depending on the test center. While some test centers might release results at noon on the 13th day, others might have different schedules. For specific guidance and precise information regarding the release of your IELTS results, it is advisable to contact your test center directly. Additionally, for personalized assistance and expert advice on navigating the IELTS process and studying abroad, you may consider reaching out to Invicta Career Consultancy, which can provide tailored support based on your individual needs and goals, While there are other options available, hence you can pay a visit to their website (icclearning.com) and get consult with them for better guidance. All the best to you.

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