IELTS Exam Syllabus: What to Know About the IELTS Exam

Do you plan to live, study, and work in Canada? Knowing English at a certain level is the first and primary thing that should come to your mind. To achieve the required level according to the institution you enrol in and to adapt more quickly in a country where English is the primary language of communication, you should consider the globally recognized English test, IELTS.

This article will provide a comprehensive overview of the IELTS exam syllabus, structure, and format, including the various sections on listening, reading, writing, and speaking. Most importantly, you'll learn the most effective test preparation strategies, including self-study methods, practice materials, and tips for success.

What is IELTS?

One of the world’s most trusted English tests is IELTS, an English Language proficiency test developed by the British Council in partnership with IDP Education and Cambridge Assessment English. It’s structured to empower and help you study, work, and live in an English-speaking country. It also lets you demonstrate your English language proficiency and pursue your academic and professional goals in Canada.

IELTS is recognized by over 10,000 organizations worldwide, including universities, colleges, employers, immigration authorities, and governments when processing immigration applications.

The test evaluates the four language skills: listening, reading, writing, and speaking.

This test is commonly used by international students who want to immigrate to Canada. Of course, there are others, like PTE or TOEFL, and which one you will take depends on several factors. For example, TOEFL or IELTS for Indian students may be essential for admission to a particular DLI.

As with other requests, there are certain fees. Let's say IELTS fees for Indians are specially determined.

What are the Types of IELTS

The test is divided into two formats: academic and general training.

The academic version is slightly higher and more professional-level and intended for you if you want to study at the undergraduate or postgraduate level and are looking for professional registration in an English-speaking country.

The general version of the training is suitable if you plan to attend courses, gain work experience, use everyday communication, or learn for immigration purposes.

Academic Training

The academic version of the IELTS test is specifically designed for individuals who wish to pursue higher education at universities or colleges in English-speaking countries. When it comes to professional English, which is very necessary for doctors, nurses, lawyers, and IT specialists, this test will be an important requirement when applying, and the test result will count as a measure of eligibility to study in Canada.

The types of institutions that typically require Academic IELTS scores are:

• Universities and faculties for undergraduate and postgraduate programs
• Professional registration bodies for certain professions, such as medicine
• Multinational companies and employers in English-speaking countries who require proof of English language skills for job applications
• Government departments and immigration authorities

How those scores are calculated in the first place and what is a passing grade are all questions of general interest when it comes to taking the IELTS test. To gain insight, take a look at the IELTS score explainer, which will provide you with more information.

General Training

The General Training version of the IELTS test is intended for you if you plan to migrate to Canada for secondary education, work experience or a training program. Unlike the academic version, which focuses on academic skills, the general training test assesses a wider range of language skills needed for social and workplace contexts.

Examples of situations or goals for which IELTS for General Training is suitable:

• Migration to an English-speaking country for secondary education (below degree level)
• Gaining work experience by attending training programs
• Immigration purposes

Check with the specific organization about what test they require you to take, e.g., IELTS Academic or IELTS General Training. They may have specific rules about who can take the test for immigration purposes.

Existing IELTS Syllabus Sections

The IELTS test covers sections such as listening, reading, writing, and speaking. Whether you’re applying for university, a visa, or a professional association, a test is required for your application. Each section is designed to assess different aspects of your English language skills and is scored separately.

Each of these sections has its own purpose.

• Listening: It usually consists of four recorded monologues and conversations, and the purpose is for you to answer a series of questions based on the recordings
• Reading: It is important to understand the context and separate the important from the irrelevant. It usually includes some texts focusing on descriptive and factual elements to a discursive and analytical moment. You need to answer questions about what you have read, the purpose of which is to assess your level of understanding of the most essential information in the text
• Writing: It usually involves tasks such as essay writing, where your vocabulary is assessed, the phrases you use, grammar, your writing style and whether your sentences are correctly structured. Another part of the test may relate to describing and explaining information presented in a chart, table, graph or diagram
• Speaking: It consists of a face-to-face interview with an examiner where you talk about a specific topic, answer general questions, or lead a discussion. You always have a certain amount of time to prepare and think about what you are going to talk about

IELTS Listening Syllabus

The listening section consists of 40 questions in four sections. You have 30 minutes to complete the test. You will listen to conversations, monologues, or discussions in an academic or social context.

Outlining the structure of the listening section usually includes the types of recordings and tasks. 

1. Conversation (two speakers): Social context; everyday topics
2. Monologue (one speaker): Social context; everyday topics
3. Conversation (up to four speakers): Academic context; educational or training-related topics

Tips for improving listening skills specific to the IELTS format:

• Practice listening as much as possible so that you are familiar with pronunciation, different accents and speech patterns
• Listen to podcasts, news, and audiobooks to improve your listening comprehension
• Take notes while listening to the recordings to help you remember key words
• Focus on context, main ideas and key points instead of trying to understand every word.

IELTS Reading Syllabus

For Academic IELTS, you must answer 40 questions based on three or more passages and several shorter texts on various topics for General Training IELTS. You are guided to complete this task in one hour. This test assesses your reading comprehension, identifying main ideas, understanding specific details, recognising opinions and attitudes, inferring and summarizing

Academic IELTS usually contains three passages from books, journals, magazines, and newspapers on history, culture, science, or environmental issues.

The General Training IELTS Section includes two to three short texts in the first section, two texts in the second section, and one long text in the third section. Topics may relate to social context, workplace context, or general reading

Strategies for effective time management and comprehension during the reading section:

• Skim the passage to get a general idea of the content
• Look for keywords or phrases related to the questions to help you find specific information in the passage
• Read the questions carefully before you start answering
• Manage your time wisely, especially if you encounter a more difficult question
• Leave some time at the end to review your answers

Academic vs General: Reading

Academic IELTS Reading

Longer texts are taken from books, magazines, journals and newspapers

The texts are academic in nature, with an emphasis on facts or analytical data, for example

It tests the ability to understand and analyze complex academic texts

General Training IELTS Reading

Texts taken from notices, advertisements, company manuals and guidelines

Texts on topics from everyday life or the usual work environment

It tests the ability to understand practical information and reasoning in everyday contexts

IELTS Writing Syllabus

You need to solve two tasks within 60 minutes. For Academic IELTS, task 1 involves describing a graph, table, chart, or diagram, while task 2 is an essay on a specific topic. For IELTS General Training, task 1 requires writing a letter, and task 2 is an essay on a given topic.

The Academic Writing section of IELTS consists of two tasks. In task 1, you are presented with a graph, table, chart, or diagram that you need to describe in your own words. In Task 2, you are presented with a point of view, argument, or problem and asked to write an essay focusing on an organized structure, including an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

General Training IELTS also consists of two tasks. The first requires you to write a letter responding to a given situation, and the second requires candidates to write an essay.

Critical tips for structuring answers and improving coherence and cohesion in writing:

• Use paragraphs
• Use linking words such as however, in addition, yet
• Use different sentence structures, simple and complex
• The information must be accurate and relevant
• Pay attention to grammar, punctuation and spelling

Academic vs General: Writing

This is the difference between the writing tasks in the Academic and General Training tests. 

Academic Writing Task 1

You should describe, summarize, or explain the information in a graph, table, chart, or diagram. It usually involves writing a report.

General Training Writing Task 1

You should write a letter responding to a given situation, usually asking for information, explaining the problem, or making a complaint.

Academic Writing Task 2

You should write an essay formally responding to a point of view, argument, or problem.

General Training Writing Task 2

You should write an essay responding to a point of view, argument or problem using a semi-formal or formal writing style.

IELTS Speaking Syllabus

The Speaking section is divided into three parts and lasts up to 15 minutes. The first part involves answering general questions about everyday life, such as background, interests and experiences. The second part requires the candidate to speak on an agreed topic for up to 2 minutes. The third part is an abstract discussion of the topics presented in the second part.

Here are bits of advice on how to practice speaking skills:

• If you know someone whose native language is English, practice with them
• Record yourself speaking to identify what's wrong with your communication and find ways to improve
• Try to think non-verbally daily, listen as much as you can or even practice speaking on specific topics that interest you

 This is what examiners are looking for:

• Fluency and coherence
• Scope Vocabulary
• Application of grammar rules, including tenses and sentence structures.
• Clarity and accuracy of pronunciation
• Ability to engage in conversation, ask and answer questions

How to Prepare for IELTS Success

If you have a study plan, your results are more likely to be outstanding. Be organized, focused, and motivated during your preparation; this is the key to success. If something is not working for you, devote more time to it. Setting yourself up realistically increases your confidence.

Preparation methods:

• Use IELTS preparation books, online resources and exercises
• Enroll in an IELTS preparation course, either online or in person, for study materials and expert advice
• Take regular mock exams to simulate a testing environment and gauge your progress
• Join a study group to collaborate with other students, share resources, and motivate each other

Key Takeaways

• IELTS is divided into two formats: academic (more at the professional level) and general training (used for social and workplace contexts)
• The IELTS test assesses for syllabus sections: listening, reading, writing, and speaking
• To achieve the best possible result, use efficient preparation methods, such as using preparation books or online resources, taking mock exams, practising every day on your own, learning new phrases, and regularly practising segments you may possibly fail

To approach the IELTS exam confidently, you must constantly study and practise the language. Although learning a language is challenging, it is not difficult if you keep practising.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Can I Prepare for IELTS by Myself?

The best self-study strategies for IELTS you can apply:

• Familiarize yourself with the IELTS test format and question types
• Regularly practice writing, reading, speaking and listening using
• official IELTS practice materials, including sample questions and practice tests
• Devote yourself more to the areas that you are less good at
• Learn new words and phrases every day
• Improve your grammar skills
• Practice completing tasks within time constraints

Are There Any Pass Marks for IELTS?

IELTS doesn’t have a pass or fail. Test results are graded using scores from 1 to 9 for each part of the test: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. Your results from the four parts then add up to a total score.

What is the minimum IELTS Score to Study in Canada?

That's a 6.0 overall. However, certain institutions and programs may have higher thresholds.

• Undergraduate programs require a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 overall
• Postgraduate programs require up to 6.5 overall and 6.0 per module
• Colleges may require a minimum GPA of 6.0
• Language schools may require a minimum score of 5.5 or 6.0 for English language programs.
• Immigration programs like Express Entry may require a minimum overall score of 6.0 or 7.0, depending on the specific program and immigration stream.