The table shows various components of IELTS test
| IELTS TEST COMPONENT | DURATION | BRIEF DESCRIPTION |
| Listening | 30 minutes (plus 10 minutes transfer time) | 4 sections, 40 items |
| Writing | 60 minutes | 2 tasks |
| Reading | 60 minutes | 3 sections, 40 items |
| Speaking | 11-14 minutes | 3 parts (one-on-one conversation) |
You are required to prepare for all the 4 modules i.e. Listening, Writing, Reading, and Speaking. Each module carries equal importance and lack of bands in any of the modules will lead to an undesired outcome. So, stay focused and prepare for all the four modules effectively.
Listening test mainly assesses the ability of students to understand English. The listening test consists of four sections including 40 items. As per IELTS preparation, it is recommended that candidates train themselves to stay alert and listen carefully.
*NOTE*: In the actual test, all the recordings will be played once only.
Following are some tips which will assist you in preparing for the IELTS listening Test:
- One-on-one interaction- This section includes interaction between two people. The interaction can either be telephonic or in person. Under this, you will be required to answer questions based on the conversation. The best way to practice for this test is to listen to as many conversations as possible in a variety of accents especially American, British, and Australian accents.
- Monologue/ Speech- Under this, you will be made to listen to a speech which will be either in social or academic context. While listening, you must answer a series of questions. The test assesses your ability to grasp the core idea and highlights of the speech.
- Group discussion- Group discussions involve interaction between a maximum of four people. You have to make yourself comfortable for catching up with more than one flow of speech. The best way to practice this is by listening to as many group discussions/conversations in various accents as possible.
Some more tips for preparing:
- Practice listening to the audio and write the answers simultaneously.
- Correct spellings are as important as the answer because incorrect spellings result in loss of marks.
- You can save time by practicing short hand writing style.
During the actual test:
- Listen carefully and adhere to the instructions.
- Make sure to review the example to familiarize yourself with sound, head phones and the accent.
- Don’t hesitate to make a guess if you don’t know the answer. There is no negative marking for a wrong answer.
- Transfer the answers to the answer sheet on time.
