The International English Language Testing System commonly referred to as IELTS was introduced in the year 1989 to help universities and colleges judge the general English proficiency of candidates wishing to study or train in the native English speaking countries. IELTS Exam of 2021 and 2022 will be used for this purpose and is also used as a general test of English for immigration and employment in many countries.
If you’re willing to study or work in countries such as Canada, USA, Australia etc, chances are you’ll have to appear for IELTS exam. In this article we’ll discuss the IELTS exam along with it’s pattern, format, FAQs and other important information. We know since the IELTS exam is unlike most typical exams, it can get a bit confusing. Don’t worry, we got you covered!
IELTS Exam 2021-2022 Pattern
There are two types of IELTS: Academic and General Training. All test takers take the same Listening and Speaking tests but different Reading and Writing tests. Make sure that you prepare for the correct test type.
The Listening, Reading and Writing sections of all IELTS tests are completed within the same day, with no breaks in between them. The Speaking section, however, can be completed up to a week before or after the other tests. The total test time is 2 hours and 45 minutes.
IELTS General Training Module 2021 – 2022
The IELTS General Training test is for those persons applying to study below UG level. This includes an English-speaking school or college. It can also be taken for work experience and other employment training.
IELTS General is required if one wants to migrate to Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the UK. The candidates are tested for English language skills that you will need in the workspace as well as social settings.
| Sections | No of questions | Section Time |
| Listening | 4 Sections, 40 Items | 30 minutes (20 minutes to listen to a tape and to answer questions on what you hear, and 10 minutes to transfer your answers to Answer Sheets.) |
| General Training Reading | 3 sections, 40 items | 60 minutes (you’ve to read passages of text and answer questions according to what you have read. There are also other types of assignments ) |
| General Training Writing | 2 tasks (150 & 250 words) | 60 minutes (20 minutes are given to write a letter and 40 minutes to write an essay.) |
| Speaking | — | 11 to 14 minutes (consists of 3 parts: Personal Interview, Little Speech and a Discussion.) |
| Table | Total : | 2 hrs and 45 minutes |
IELTS Academic Training Module 2021 – 2022
The IELTS Academic test is given by candidates who desire to study in an English-speaking environment or university (higher education). You can also take IELTS Academic for professional registration purposes.
The test measures if you are ready to begin studying in English. It comprises vocabulary that is familiar within an academic sphere.
| Sections | No of questions | Section Time |
| Listening | 4 Sections, 40 Items | 30 minutes (20 minutes to listen to a tape and to answer questions on what you hear, and 10 minutes to transfer your answers to Answer Sheet.) |
| Academic Reading | 3 sections, 40 items | 60 minutes (your task is to read passages of text and answer questions according to what you have read. There are also other types of assignments ) |
| Academic Writing | 2 tasks (150 & 250 words) | 60 minutes (20 minutes to write a letter and 40 minutes to write an essay.) |
| Speaking | — | 11 to 14 minutes (consists of 3 parts: Personal Interview, Short speech and a Discussion.) |
| Table | Total : | 2 hrs & 45 minutes |
IELTS Exam 2021 to 22 – Type of Questions Asked
| Section of IELTS Exam | Type of questions asked |
| Listening | MCQ, matching,form/note/table/flow-chart/summary completion, sentence completion, labelling plan/map/diagram |
| Reading | MCQ, identifying the writer’s views and claims, matching, identifying information, information/headings/features/sentence endings, sentence/summary/note/table/flow-chart/diagram label completion, short-answer questions |
| Writing | Describe graph/chart/table/diagram, essay-writing and letter-writing |
| Speaking | Questions on general english language topics, speaking on a specific topic, questions on the specific topic |
IELTS Exam & its Pattern
The pattern of IELTS consists of multiple skills such as speaking, listening and so on. So candidates often get confused regarding it’s pattern. We’ve identified various most important frequently asked questions by candidates given below.
Q. What is the passing score of the IELTS exam?
A. The overall score is the average of all the sections combined. IELTS is scored on a scale of 0 to 9. There is nothing like passing or failing as it monitors a candidate’s language skills. Candidates can understand the complete IELTS scoring pattern here
Q. Which section of the test is most difficult?
A. A lot of students find the Listening section as the most difficult in the IELTS exam. It is because of the details they need to listen to as well as remember while answering the questions.
Q. Which section is the easiest?
A. Usually, candidates are most comfortable with the Speaking section of IELTS as they have worked on it the most.
Q. What is the difficulty level of IELTS exam?
A. There is no direct answer to this question. IELTS is designed to test how well one can use English. It assesses your English writing, reading, listening, and speaking skills. Like any other exam, you also need to prepare thoroughly for it. Also, there is no pass or fail in IELTS.
Q. Is 30 days enough to prepare for IELTS?
A. This depends on your previous skills and knowledge of the English language. If you are well versed in English then you can prepare for the IELTS exam within a month or maybe even less.
However, it takes a good amount of time to learn language skills. It also depends on the number of hours you are willing to dedicate every day. If you are dedicated for long hours then you may cover all the topics in less time. However, a few days or weeks may not be enough to master a language it can take up to a few months.
Q. How many days are enough for IELTS preparation?
A. First of all understand the exam pattern and topics you are going to cover in each of the sections for IELTS Exam 2021. Once well versed with the exam format then prepare a study plan and give at least 1 month or 2 months to follow it. After completing all the topics of syllabus go for the IELTS practice tests and attempt them in such a way that you are giving the exam
Q. Can I pass the IELTS exam without preparing for it?
A. If you are proficient in the English language then you can get a good score even with a little amount of preparation. However, you can improve your performance by preparing for the IELTS exam.
Q. What is a decent IELTS score?
A. Candidates should know about the scoring of IELTS before taking the test. However, a “good” score is 7.0 or higher.
Summing up
If you are a serious candidate and you efficiently go through the IELTS exam detailed Syllabus accordingly develop a proper strategy, half of the work is already gets done. CLICK HERE to check out the official syllabus.
CLICK HERE to find the Ultimate guide to IELTS exam. The above provided format and FAQs can help you in scheduling your preparations, but performing well in IELTS Exam 2021-2022 depends on your hard work and guidance.
Here at Filo we have more than 10,000 professional tutors at your fingertips to provide you with the world-class guidance. And to ensure that you’re consistent throughout your preparation Journey. CLICK HERE to download the Filo App and get one step closer to getting into your dream job or college.
