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Updated IELTS Syllabus 2024 for Academic & General (Sections Wise)

If you’re planning to take the IELTS exam in 2024, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the IELTS exam syllabus and pattern in 2024. Understanding the IELTS syllabus can help you prepare for the exam more effectively and improve your chances of getting the score you need for your academic or professional goals. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the IELTS syllabus in 2024, including its different sections and what you can expect from each one. Let’s begin!

What is the IELTS Exam?

The IELTS Exam, which stands for the International English Language Testing System, is an internationally recognized standardized test of English language proficiency. It’s designed for non-native English speakers who want to study, work, or migrate to an English-speaking country.

AspectDescription
PurposeTo assess English language proficiency for study, work, and migration purposes.
Test ComponentsFour main components: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.
Test TypesAcademic (for academic purposes) and General Training (for work and immigration purposes).
Test DurationApproximately 2 hours and 45 minutes to 2 hours and 55 minutes, depending on the test format.
Scoring ScaleScores range from 0 to 9 for each of the four components.
Overall Band ScoreAn average of the four component scores, rounded to the nearest half-band.
Test ValidityValid for up to 2 years.
Test FrequencyOffered multiple times a month at test centers worldwide.
Test FeeRs. 16,250
RegistrationOnline registration through the official IELTS website or in-person at authorized test centers.
Test LanguageConducted in English.

The Purpose and Importance of IELTS

The IELTS exam aims to assess the language ability of individuals who wish to study or work in a country where English is the communication language. It measures your ability to read, write, speak, and understand the English language. The IELTS exam is important as universities and colleges widely accept it as evidence of language proficiency, and it is often a requirement for immigration or work visa applications.

For example, if you are an international student who wants to study at a university where English is the primary language of instruction, you may be required to take the IELTS exam to demonstrate that you have the necessary language skills to succeed in your academic program. Similarly, if you are applying for a work visa, your employer may require you to take the IELTS exam to prove your language ability.

Types of IELTS Tests

There are two types of IELTS tests:

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Academic Test

The Academic test is designed for those who aspire to pursue higher education or obtain professional registration in an English-speaking environment.

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General Test

The General test is designed for those who want to migrate to an English-speaking country for work or other purposes.

IELTS Syllabus 2024: Academic vs General

The IELTS test comes in two versions: Academic and General Training, each with a different syllabus for the Reading and Writing sections while the Listening and Speaking sections remain the same. Let’s break down the key differences:

FeatureIELTS AcademicIELTS General Training
PurposeStudying at university or college in an English-speaking countryWorking, migrating, or training in an English-speaking country
Score InterpretationUniversities set specific score requirements for different programsImmigration authorities and employers set score requirements
Preparation MaterialsFocus on academic topics and vocabularyFocus on everyday English and practical situations
Reading Syllabus3 academic passages (science, history, arts)3 passages on work, social, and training topics
Writing SyllabusTask 1: Describe graph/chart/diagram (technical language), Task 2: Essay with analysis/argumentationTask 1: Formal/Informal letter, Task 2: Essay expressing opinions/presenting information
Listening SyllabusSame
Same
Speaking SyllabusSameSame

Purpose:

  • Academic: Intended for those seeking entry into higher education in English-speaking countries.
  • General Training: Intended for those aiming to migrate to or work in English-speaking countries.

Reading:

  • Academic: Includes three passages on academic topics like science, history, and the arts. Requires understanding complex vocabulary and argument structure.
  • General Training: Features three sections with texts relevant to everyday life, including work, social aspects, and training manuals. Less technical vocabulary compared to the Academic version.

Writing:

  • Academic:
    • Task 1: Describes a graph, chart, diagram, or table using technical language and appropriate formats.
    • Task 2: Writes an essay on a specific topic, demonstrating advanced argumentation and analytical skills.
  • General Training:
    • Task 1: Writes a letter in a formal or informal style depending on the situation.
    • Task 2: Writes an essay on a general topic, expressing opinions and presenting information clearly.

Similarities:

  • Both versions test your ability to understand information and communicate effectively in English.
  • Both have the same Listening and Speaking sections, assessing your ability to comprehend spoken English and engage in conversations.
  • Both have a 60-minute time limit for the Writing section.

IELTS Exam Pattern in 2024

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Reading Section

  • Duration: 60 minutes
  • Number of questions: 40
  • Text types: Three long texts (approximately 800-1000 words each) from academic sources like journals, books, and magazines. Topics cover a wide range of subjects.
  • Question types: A wide variety of question types are used, including multiple choice, true/false/not given, matching, sentence completion, summary completion, table completion, and short answer questions.
  • Marking: Each correct answer receives 1 mark. Your final score is given as a band score from 1–9 in whole or half bands, e.g. 4 or 6.5.

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Writing Section

  • Duration: 60 minutes
  • Two tasks: You must complete both Task 1 and Task 2.
  • Task 1 (Report Writing): You will be presented with a visual information like a graph, chart, diagram, or table. You need to describe the information in your own words, highlighting the key features and trends. Avoid simply writing a list of data points.
  • Task 2 (Essay Writing): You will be given a statement, opinion, or problem to discuss. You should take a clear position and support your arguments with examples and evidence. Organize your essay into paragraphs with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion.
  • Marking: Task 2 contributes twice as much as Task 1 to the Writing score.

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Listening Section

  • Duration: 30 minutes (plus an additional 10 minutes to transfer your answers to the answer sheet)
  • Number of questions: 40
  • Number of recordings: 4
  • Marking: Each correct answer receives 1 mark. Your final score is given as a band score in whole or half bands, e.g. 5.5 or 7.0.

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Speaking Section

Duration: 11-14 minutes

The IELTS Speaking test format is quite simple, but involves three distinct parts with different goals and approaches. Here’s a breakdown:

Part 1: Introduction and Interview (4-5 minutes)

Part 2: Individual Long Turn (1-2 minutes)

Part 3: Discussion (4-5 minutes)

IELTS Syllabus in 2024

In this section, we will break down the IELTS course syllabus in 2024 into Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking and provide you with a comprehensive overview of what to expect in each section.

IELTS Syllabus: Listening Section

The IELTS listening syllabus covers a wide range of topics that are relevant to both academic and general contexts. Here is a summary of the key areas that you can expect to be tested on:

  • Recording 1: A social situation, such as a conversation between two friends or colleagues.
  • Recording 2: A monologue on a general topic, such as a description of a place or a lecture on a current event.
  • Recording 3: A conversation between two or more people on an educational or training topic.
  • Recording 4: A monologue on an academic topic, such as a lecture or a presentation.

The recordings will be made by native speakers from a variety of English-speaking countries, and you will be expected to be able to understand different accents and speaking styles.

IELTS Listening free practice questions: https://ielts.idp.com/prepare/article-free-listening-practice-questions

 

IELTS Syllabus: Reading Section

The IELTS Reading syllabus is largely similar for both Academic and General Training versions, but there are some key differences in the types of texts and themes you’ll encounter. Here’s a breakdown:

Similarities:

  • Number of passages: Both versions have 3 long passages (approximately 700-1000 words each)
  • Number of questions: Both have 40 questions to answer in 60 minutes
  • Question types: Both use a variety of question types including multiple choice, sentence completion, short answer, matching lists/headings, and identifying information/writer’s opinion
  • Reading skills tested: Both assess your ability to understand main ideas, supporting details, logical flow, writer’s purpose, and vocabulary in context

Differences:

  • Academic:

    • Texts are more academic and specialized, sourced from journals, books, and research papers
    • Topics cover a wider range of academic disciplines like science, history, technology, and social sciences
    • Vocabulary is more technical and complex
  • General Training:

    • Texts are more general and practical, sourced from newspapers, magazines, brochures, advertisements, and manuals
    • Topics cover everyday life situations like work, housing, health, and social issues
    • Vocabulary is more everyday and familiar

New IELTS practice tests: https://ielts.idp.com/prepare/practice-tests/new-practice-tests

IELTS Syllabus: Writing Section

Here is a comparison of the IELTS Writing syllabus for the Academic and General Training tests:

IELTS Academic Writing Syllabus:

  • Task 1: Requires you to describe a graph, table, chart, or diagram in a formal, objective style. The data could be from a variety of academic disciplines, such as science, social science, or economics.
  • Task 2: Requires you to write an essay in a formal style on a topic related to academic study. The essay should be well-organized, with a clear thesis statement, supporting evidence, and a conclusion.

IELTS General Writing Syllabus:

  • Task 1: Requires you to write a letter in a variety of formats, such as a request letter, a complaint letter, or a letter to a friend. The letter should be clear, concise, and appropriate for the recipient.
  • Task 2: Requires you to write an essay in a more flexible style on a topic of general interest. The essay should be well-organized, with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

Free online IELTS Writing practice tests: https://takeielts.britishcouncil.org/take-ielts/prepare/free-ielts-english-practice-tests/writing

IELTS Syllabus: Speaking Section

The IELTS speaking test is a face-to-face interview with an examiner that lasts for 11-14 minutes. It is divided into three parts:

Part 1 (4-5 minutes)

  • The examiner will ask you general questions about yourself, such as your job, studies, hobbies, and interests.

Part 2 (3-4 minutes)

  • You will be given a cue card with a topic to talk about for 1-2 minutes. You will have 1 minute to prepare your talk.

Part 3 (4-5 minutes)

  • The examiner will ask you follow-up questions about the topic you spoke about in Part 2. These questions will be more challenging and will require you to think more deeply about the topics.

Free online IELTS Speaking practice tests: https://takeielts.britishcouncil.org/take-ielts/prepare/free-ielts-english-practice-tests/speaking

Tips for IELTS Preparation

Preparing for the IELTS exam can be challenging, but with the right strategies, you can maximize your chances of success. Below, we will share valuable tips and techniques to help you excel in your IELTS preparation. 

  1. Understand the IELTS Syllabus and Test Format
    Familiarize yourself with the IELTS test format, including the different sections – Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Understand the types of questions, time limits, and scoring criteria for each section.
  2. Develop Test-Taking Strategies
    Practice effective test-taking strategies such as time management, skimming and scanning techniques for reading, note-taking for listening, and structuring your writing and speaking responses.
  3. Build English Language Skills
    Improve your English skills by reading newspapers, articles, and books, listening to English podcasts or watching English movies, and engaging in conversations with native English speakers to enhance your vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation.
  4. Practice with Sample Tests
    Practice with sample IELTS tests to familiarize yourself with the test format and timing. Review your performance, identify your strengths and weaknesses, and work on improving your skills accordingly.
  5. Enhance Speaking Skills
    Practice speaking English regularly with a language partner or tutor. Focus on fluency, pronunciation, and coherence in your responses. Record yourself to analyze and improve your speaking skills.
  6. Seek Professional Guidance
    Consider enrolling in an IELTS preparation course or seeking guidance from a qualified English language tutor who can provide personalized feedback and tips to improve your performance.
  7. Stay Calm and Confident
    You need to Stay calm and confident during the exam. Manage your time effectively, read the instructions carefully, and review your answers before submitting. Keeping a positive mindset and staying confident can boost your performance.Remember, consistent practice, dedication, and perseverance are key to success in the IELTS exam. Don’t be afraid to seek help or guidance when needed, and keep a positive attitude toward your preparation. Good luck with your IELTS preparation!

Step by Step IELTS Registration Process for 2024

To register for the IELTS exam, you can follow these steps:

  1. Visit the official IELTS website and select the “Register for test” option.
  2. Choose the type of IELTS test you want to take (Academic or General Training) and your preferred test date and location.
  3. Choose how you want to take IELTS exam (IELTS on Paper or IELTS on Computer).
  4. Select the city, date, and time for the IELTS test.
  5. Complete the online registration form and pay the test fee.
  6. Review and confirm your registration.

Once you have registered for the IELTS exam, you will receive a confirmation email with your test details. Be sure to print out this email and bring it with you to the test center on the day of the exam.

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Personalized Approach

Transglobal’s IELTS Training Academy offers personalized coaching, taking into account your strengths and weaknesses, learning style, and pace of progress. It ensures that you receive customized training that caters to your specific needs, helping you improve in areas where you may need additional support.

Practice Material and Mock Tests

Transglobal’s IELTS Training Academy provides ample practice material and conducts mock tests to help you familiarize yourself with the actual exam format and timing. This allows you to gain confidence and practice your skills, helping you perform better in the real exam.

Tips and Strategies

Transglobal’s IELTS trainers share valuable tips and strategies for approaching each section of the IELTS exam, including time management, effective reading techniques, writing structure, and speaking tips. These strategies can help you optimize your performance and achieve a higher score on the exam.

Interactive Learning

Transglobal’s IELTS Training Academy offers interactive and engaging learning sessions that make the preparation process enjoyable and effective. You can interact with fellow students, participate in group discussions, and practice your speaking skills in a supportive environment, helping you build your confidence and proficiency in English.

Flexibility and Convenience

Transglobal’s IELTS Training Academy offers flexible training schedules, allowing you to choose a batch that suits your availability. They also provide online training options, allowing you to access the training material and sessions from anywhere, anytime.

In conclusion, Transglobal IELTS Training Academy: best IELTS coaching in Delhi can be a valuable resource for students preparing for the IELTS exam in 2024. With their expert guidance, personalized approach, ample practice material, tips and strategies, interactive learning, and flexibility, you can enhance your preparation and increase your chances of achieving a high score in the IELTS exam.

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Conclusion of IELTS Syllabus

As an aspiring test-taker, understanding the IELTS syllabus in 2024 is crucial for successful exam preparation. With the information in this article, you now have a comprehensive overview of the IELTS Exam syllabus, including its four sections: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Additionally, you have learned about the scoring system and test format, along with valuable tips and strategies to excel in the exam. Remember that thorough preparation, practice, and guidance can greatly improve your chances of achieving a high score in the IELTS exam. 

FAQs Regarding IELTS Syllabus in 2024:

What is the eligibility for the IELTS exam?

The only eligibility requirement for the IELTS exam is that you must be at least 16 years old. There are no other restrictions on age, nationality, or educational background.
However, it is important to note that some universities and other organizations may have English language requirements, which may be higher than the IELTS requirements. For example, some universities may require a minimum IELTS score of 7.0 for admission to certain programs.

You can also check our IELTS Eligibility page also.

How is the Marking Done in different Sections of IELTS?

The marking system for the IELTS exam differs depending on the section you’re taking: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Here’s a breakdown:

Listening & Reading:

  • Objective scoring: Each question has a single correct answer, and each correct answer receives 1 mark.
  • 40 questions per section: You get 1 mark for each correct answer, out of a possible 40.
  • Conversion to band score: Your raw score is converted to a band score on the 9-band scale using a published conversion table.

Writing & Speaking:

  • Subjective assessment: Trained examiners assess your performance based on specific criteria.
  • Four criteria: Each section is evaluated based on four key areas:
    • Fluency and coherence: How well your ideas flow and connect.
    • Lexical resource: Variety and accuracy of your vocabulary.
    • Grammatical range and accuracy: Correctness and complexity of your grammar.
    • Pronunciation (Speaking only): Clarity and intelligibility of your spoken English.
  • Band score for each criterion: Examiners award a band score for each area, not an overall score.
  • Final band score: The final band score is the average of the individual scores across all criteria.

Does IELTS syllabus change every year?

The IELTS syllabus does not change every year. However, there may be minor changes to the exam format or question types from time to time. For example, in 2022, the IELTS Indicator was launched, which is a new IELTS format that can be taken at home.

The best way to stay up-to-date on any changes to the IELTS syllabus is to visit the official IELTS website. You can also find information on the website about the different sections of the exam, the question types, and the overall format of the exam.

Is 5.5 bands eligible for Canada?

Yes, a 5.5 band score in IELTS is eligible for Canada, but it depends on the specific program you are applying to. Most Canadian universities and colleges require a minimum IELTS band score of 6.0, but some programs may accept a lower score, especially if you have other strengths in your application, such as relevant work experience or academic qualifications.
If you have a 5.5 band score in IELTS, it is important to research the IELTS requirements for the specific programs you are interested in. You can connect with our study abroad counsellor; they will help you in the complete study abroad process.

What are the changes to IELTS scores in 2024?

There haven’t been any major changes to the IELTS scoring system or overall format itself in 2024.

What are the rules for IELTS exam 2024?

The IELTS exam rules can be categorized into different sections:

Eligibility:

  • Anyone over 16 years old can take the test, regardless of nationality, background, or education level. However, having at least a high school diploma is recommended.

Registration:

  • You can register online or through an authorized IELTS test center.
  • Make sure your application form matches your passport details exactly.
  • Pay the test fee using the accepted methods.

Test Day:

  • Bring a valid passport/ID proof as mandated by the test center.
  • Pencils, erasers, and a transparent water bottle are allowed.
  • All electronic devices, including mobile phones, are strictly prohibited.
  • Arrive at the test center well in advance to avoid any issues.
  • Follow all instructions provided by the invigilators.
  • Do not engage in any communication or disruptive behavior during the test.
  • Complete your answers within the allocated time limits.

Additional Rules:

  • Cheating or attempting to cheat will result in disqualification.
  • Impersonation is a serious offense and will have legal consequences.
  • You are not allowed to take any notes or materials into the exam room except those explicitly permitted.
  • Smoking, eating, and drinking are not allowed in the test room.
  • You cannot leave the test room without permission from the invigilators.

IELTS Syllabus Books

Here are some of the most popular IELTS syllabus books:

  • The Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS by Cambridge University Press
  • Barron’s IELTS Superpack by Barron’s Educational Series
  • Cambridge IELTS 14 Academic Student’s Book with Answers with Audio by Cambridge University Press
  • Official IELTS Practice Materials by Cambridge University Press
  • Road to IELTS by British Council
  • Our free copyrighted study material (you can access it by joining our IELTS coaching in Tilak Nagar, Delhi)

IELTS Grammar Syllabus

There isn’t an official syllabus for IELTS grammar, but there are definitely some key grammar topics that you’ll need to be familiar with in order to do well on the test. Here are some of the most important ones:

  • Tenses: You should be able to use all of the major tenses in English accurately, including the present, past, and future tenses, as well as the perfect and continuous tenses.
  • Modals: You should be familiar with the most common modals, such as can, could, may, might, must, should, and would.
  • Verbs: You should be able to use verbs in all of their different forms, including the infinitive, present tense, past tense, past participle, and gerund. You should also be familiar with irregular verbs.
  • Nouns and pronouns: You should be able to use nouns and pronouns correctly, including singular and plural forms, possessive forms, and object pronouns.
  • Adjectives and adverbs: You should be able to use adjectives and adverbs correctly, including comparative and superlative forms.
  • Prepositions: You should be familiar with the most common prepositions and how to use them correctly.
  • Sentence structure: You should be able to write grammatically correct sentences in a variety of structures, including simple, compound, and complex sentences.
  • Punctuation: You should be able to use punctuation correctly, including commas, periods, semicolons, colons, apostrophes, and quotation marks.

How is IELTS overall band score calculated?

The IELTS overall band score is calculated by taking the average of your scores in the four test components: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Each component is scored on a scale of 1 to 9, with 1 being the lowest and 9 being the highest. You can also receive half-band scores, such as 5.5 or 7.5.

For example, if you received the following scores:

  • Listening: 6.5
  • Reading: 7.0
  • Writing: 6.0
  • Speaking: 5.5

Your overall band score would be calculated as:

(6.5 + 7.0 + 6.0 + 5.5) / 4 = 6.25

This score would then be rounded up to 6.5, which is your final overall band score.

IELTS Exam Date 2024

You can visit this article: IELTS exam date in 2024

IELTS UKVI Syllabus for 2024

The IELTS UKVI (International English Language Testing System – United Kingdom Visas and Immigration) syllabus is the same as the regular IELTS syllabus, but with a few key differences. These differences are designed to ensure that the test is relevant to the needs of people who are applying to live, work, or study in the UK.