IELTS

Real English

What is IELTS, by the way?

Based on The Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS, this test is used to both Academic Training
and General Training.
They both are going to test your capability in mastering four skills in using English naturally.
The test itself are divided into four different sections, which are; listening, reading, writing
and speaking.
The overall result is translated into a score on the IELTS nine-band score.
e.g. Band 7 is a GOOD USER. Has operational command of the language, though with
occasional inaccuracies, inappropriacies and misunderstandings in some situations.
Generally handles complex language well and understands detailed reasoning.

Listening Section
This consists of four separate sec-
tions and a total of 40 questions. In
IELTS Listening, you will hear the
text ONCE ONLY. Each section is
gradually more difficult and the test
is divided up as follows.
It takes approximately 30 minutes
(plus an additional 10 minutes to
transfer your answers).
There are 10 questions for each sec-
tion in the listening test.
Section What kind of text will I hear?
1 A conversation between two people about a genera topic with
a transactional purpose (e.g. finding out information about trav-
2 A monologue or prompted monologue on a general topic with
a transactional purpose (e.g. giving information about events in
the community)
3 A conversation between two or three people in an academic
context (e.g. student and tutor discussing an academic prob-
lem)
4 A monologue in an academic context (e.g. lecture)

Reading Section
It need exactly one hour including the time needed to transfer your answer to an answer sheet. There is no extra
time for this.
The Reading paper consists of three different texts and a total of 40. The texts are authentic and academic in na-
ture, but written for a non-specialist audience. The three texts are graded from easiest to most difficult. Each text
will have 12-14 items.
IELTS
Real English

Writing Section Task What kind of text will I write?

There are two tasks. The instruc-
tions specify the minimum number
of words for each task and also rec-
ommend the amount of time you
should spend on each one. It’s im-
portant weight in marking than Task
1, and you will need to give appro-
priate time to each part in order to
get good marks. You will lose
marks if you write less than the re-
quired number of words.
1 You are given a diagram or data of some kind and you have to
present the information in your own words. You have to write
at least 150 words for Task 1 and you are recommended to
spend 20 minutes.
2 You are given brief details of an opinion, an argument or a
problem, and you have to write an essay in response. You may
be asked to provide a solution, evaluate a problem, compare
and contrast different ideas, or challenge an idea. You have to
write at least 250 words for Task 2 and you are recommended
to spend 40 minutes on it.

Speaking Section
The interview is in three parts.

Part Timing What will I need to talk about?

1 4-5 minutes Questions on familiar topics (e.g. hobbies, likes and dislikes, etc.)

2 3-4 minutes You will be given a booklet with a topic (e.g. describe a good friend)
and some suggestions. You need to talk about the topic for 1-2 minutes.
You have about one minutes to write notes before you begin

3 4-5 minutes The examiner will ask you more detailed and more abstract questions
about topic in Part 2 (e.g. How important is friendship?)

Reference:
1. The Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS
2. Focus in IELTS
3. IELTS Resource Pack