How many sections are there in a general module IELTS exam? What is the weightage of each section? -

How many sections are there in a general module IELTS exam? What is the weightage of each section?

March 5, 2023 No Comments

A general module IELTS exam consists of four sections:

1.Listening IELTS Test Format

The IELTS Listening examination has been carefully crafted to appraise a broad spectrum of aural acumen, which encompasses one’s ability to:

-Grasp and discern primary concepts and particular factual details
-Identify and perceive the viewpoints, attitudes, and intentions of the orator
-Track the progression and evolution of an argument, tracing its logical and rhetorical path

In essence, the test aims to evaluate the auditory proficiencies of the test-taker, gauging their aptitude for comprehending complex and nuanced auditory cues. From apprehending key ideas to interpreting the underlying motives and sentiments of the speaker, the IELTS Listening test endeavours to capture the full spectrum of listening skills.

The IELTS Listening test consists of four recordings that feature native English speakers. After listening to each recording, the test-taker must respond to a series of questions. Here is a more detailed breakdown of each recording:

Recording 1: This recording involves a conversation between two individuals in a casual, everyday setting. The dialogue might centre on topics such as hobbies, work, or personal interests. The purpose of this recording is to evaluate the test-taker’s ability to comprehend and follow a conversation between two speakers.

Recording 2: The second recording features a monologue in a similar social context, such as a speech about local amenities or public events. The speaker might be describing a local attraction, giving instructions or providing information on a specific topic. The goal of this recording is to assess the test-taker’s capacity to understand and interpret spoken information in a social context.

Recording 3: This recording depicts a conversation among up to four individuals in an educational or training environment. For example, it might feature a university tutor and a student discussing an assignment or a group of colleagues brainstorming on a work-related topic. The purpose of this recording is to evaluate the test-taker’s ability to follow and understand more complex conversational exchanges that take place in a formal setting.

Recording 4: The final recording comprises a monologue on an academic subject, such as a university lecture. The speaker might discuss a particular topic or theme, provide an analysis or critique, or present research findings. The goal of this recording is to assess the test-taker’s ability to comprehend and interpret advanced academic language and concepts.

Timing: The IELTS Listening test takes around 30 minutes to complete, during which you will listen to the four recordings and answer the questions based on each. After completing the test, you will have an additional 10 minutes to transfer your answers from the question booklet to the answer sheet.

Number of Questions: There are a total of 40 questions on the IELTS Listening test, with each recording having 10 questions associated with it.

Task Types: The test features a variety of question types, which may include multiple choice, matching, plan/map/diagram labeling, form/note/table/flow-chart/summary completion, and sentence completion. These tasks are designed to assess a range of listening skills, from comprehension to interpretation.

Marks: Each correct answer is awarded one mark, and the overall scores range from 0 to 40, with scores being converted to the IELTS 9-band scale. The scores are reported in whole and half bands, allowing for a more precise assessment of the test-taker’s listening ability.

2.Reading IELTS Test Format

The IELTS Reading test is a timed test that requires you to read three passages and answer related questions. The test assesses a range of reading skills, including reading for the

-General sense of a passage

-Identifying the main ideas

-Understanding details

-Recognizing a writer’s opinions, attitudes, and purpose

-Understanding inferences and implied meanings, and following the development of an argument.

The content of the Reading test differs for the IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training tests.

In the Academic test, the passages are taken from books, journals, magazines, and newspapers, and the questions are designed to assess your ability to understand and analyze complex texts.

The General Training test, on the other hand, features passages that are taken from everyday materials, such as advertisements, company handbooks, and job descriptions, and the questions are designed to assess your ability to understand and use basic texts in an English-speaking environment.

To perform well on the Reading test, you will need to read quickly and efficiently while managing your time effectively. The test is divided into three sections, and you will have 60 minutes in total to complete all three passages and answer the questions. The questions may include multiple choice, matching, sentence completion, summary completion, diagram labeling, and short-answer questions.

Format:
- Consists of three lengthy texts that vary in style from descriptive and factual to discursive and analytical.
- Texts are sourced from books, journals, magazines, and newspapers, and chosen for a general audience rather than experts in the field.
- Appropriate for individuals who are looking to enroll in university programs or seeking professional registration.
Timing:
- Test takes a total of 60 minutes, including transfer time.
Number of Questions:
- A total of 40 questions will be asked.
Task Types:
- Fill in missing information in a passage of written text or in a table.
- Match headings to written text, diagrams, or charts.
- Complete sentences with missing information.
- Provide brief responses to open-ended questions.
- Answer multiple-choice questions.
Marks:
- Each correct answer is given one mark.
- Scores are reported in whole and half bands.
- The total score out of 40 is converted to the IELTS 9-band scale.

3.Writing IELTS Test Format

The IELTS Writing test is designed to assess a wide range of writing skills, including how well you

write a response appropriately
organise ideas
use a range of vocabulary and grammar accurately

Academic Writing

IELTS Writing Format	In the IELTS Academic Writing test, it is crucial to use a formal style of writing. The test consists of two tasks. Task 1 requires you to interpret and communicate information presented in a graph, table, chart, or diagram. You must use your own words to describe, summarise, or explain the information provided. This could include describing data, processes, or events. Task 2 requires you to write an essay in response to a prompt that presents a point of view, argument, or problem. It is important to find the topic engaging and easy to understand to effectively develop your argument. It is recommended to allocate approximately 20 minutes for Task 1 and 40 minutes for Task 2. To score well, it is essential to organise your thoughts, present a clear argument, and use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures.
Timing	The IELTS Writing test takes 60 minutes. Spend 20 minutes on Task 1, and 40 minutes on Task 2. You will need to manage your own time, so make sure you move on to Task 2 after 20 minutes.
Number of Questions	2 questions
Task Types	Two tasks: Task 1 and Task 2. You will be asked to write at least 150 words for Task 1 and at least 250 words for Task 2
Marks	Your Writing test will be marked by a certificated IELTS examiner. Task 2 is worth twice as much as Task 1 in the IELTS Writing test. Scores are reported in whole and half bands

General Training Writing

IELTS Writing Format	The IELTS General Training Writing test covers topics that are relevant to everyday life. Task 1 requires you to compose a letter that either requests information or explains a given scenario. The letter can be written in a personal, semi-formal or formal style depending on the instructions given. Task 2 requires you to write an essay in response to a point of view, argument or problem. The essay can be written in a personal style, and you are encouraged to express your own thoughts and opinions. Both tasks are designed to evaluate your writing skills and ability to communicate effectively in English.
Timing	The IELTS Writing test takes 60 minutes. Spend 20 minutes on Task 1, and 40 minutes on Task 2. You will need to manage your own time, so make sure you move on to Task 2 after 20 minutes.
Number of Questions	2 questions
Task Types	Two tasks: Task 1 and Task 2. You will be asked to write at least 150 words for Task 1 and at least 250 words for Task 2
Marks	Your Writing test will be marked by a certificated IELTS examiner. Task 2 is worth twice as much as Task 1 in the IELTS Writing test. Scores are reported in whole and half bands

4. Speaking IELTS Test Format

In the IELTS Speaking test, you will communicate with a certified examiner in an interactive and realistic setting. The examiner may speak in various accents, and the test will be recorded for evaluation purposes. The content of the speaking test is identical for both IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training tests.

The speaking test evaluates a broad range of skills, including your ability to express your thoughts and opinions coherently, use appropriate grammar and vocabulary, and maintain a fluent and natural conversation. The test is structured to assess your overall proficiency in English communication, both in terms of accuracy and fluency.

The examiner will want to see how well you can

The IELTS Speaking test requires you to communicate opinions and information on everyday topics and common experiences.
To do this, you will need to answer a range of questions asked by the examiner.
You will be required to speak at length on a given topic using appropriate language, which includes using correct grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation.
It is important to organize your ideas coherently and in a logical sequence so that your answers are easy to follow and understand.
You will also need to express and justify your opinions on different topics using relevant examples and reasoning.
In addition to expressing opinions, you should be able to analyze, discuss and speculate about issues related to the given topic to showcase a broader understanding of the topic at hand.

Make sure that you relax and talk fluently. You will need to speak naturally.

IELTS Test Format

Part 1:

In the first part, the examiner will introduce themselves and confirm your identity.
They will ask you general questions on familiar topics like family, work, studies, interests, and home.
The goal of this section is to help you relax and speak naturally.

Part 2:

In the second part, the examiner will give you a task card that contains a specific topic to talk about.
You will have one minute to prepare and make notes, after which you will be asked to talk about the topic for 1-2 minutes.
It is important to keep talking during this time as you will not be interrupted. The examiner will ask one or two follow-up questions on the same topic.

Part 3:

In the third and final part, the examiner will ask further questions that are connected to the topic you spoke about in Part 2.
These questions are designed to give you an opportunity to discuss more abstract issues and ideas related to the topic.
The goal of this section is to evaluate your ability to express opinions, analyze issues, and speculate about abstract concepts.

Timing

11-14 minutes

Marks

The IELTS examiners will evaluate your performance in the test based on four criteria: fluency and coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation. These criteria reflect your ability to communicate effectively in English. Scores are reported in whole and half bands, with a score ranging from 0 to 9 for each criterion. The examiners will assess your abilities in these areas throughout the test to give you an overall score.

-Listening: In the listening section of the IELTS exam, test-takers are required to listen to a recording of a conversation or a monologue, and answer a series of questions related to it. The recording is played only once, so it is important to listen carefully and take notes. The questions may be multiple-choice, matching, or completion type. The section lasts for 30 minutes, and is worth 40 total points.

-Reading: The reading section of the IELTS exam tests a test-taker’s ability to read and comprehend written English. The section consists of three reading passages, each with a series of questions to answer. The passages are taken from academic and general interest sources, and cover a range of topics. The questions may be multiple-choice, matching, or completion type. Test-takers have 60 minutes to complete this section, which is also worth 40 total points.

-Writing: The writing section of the IELTS exam tests a test-taker’s ability to write in English. There are two tasks in this section: Task 1 is a letter or report, and Task 2 is an essay. Test-takers are given 60 minutes to complete both tasks. Task 1 is worth 20 points, and Task 2 is worth 20 points, making this section worth a total of 40 points.

-Speaking: The speaking section of the IELTS exam tests a test-taker’s ability to speak in English. It is a face-to-face interview with an IELTS examiner, and is designed to assess the test-taker’s spoken English skills. The interview consists of three parts: Part 1 is an introduction and general conversation, Part 2 is a brief talk on a topic given by the examiner, and Part 3 is a discussion related to the topic in Part 2. The interview lasts for 11-14 minutes, and is worth a total of 40 points.