IELTS Syllabus for Reading Section
The IELTS syllabus 2023 for the Academic Reading section includes three reading passages which should be completed within 60 minutes. The passages are generalised and are taken from books, journals, newspapers and magazines. Since this is a standardised test which assesses a candidate’s proficiency in the English language, the syllabus for IELTS reading section will primarily highlight the different types of questions and passages you may see on the day of the test.
One of the ways you can ensure a higher band score in the section is by thoroughly understanding the IELTS exam syllabus for this year. Particularly for this section, candidates need to read the passages and answer the questions related to them to demonstrate their reading skills. Check out the following points to get an in-depth understanding of the IELTS exam syllabus for the reading section of the test.
IELTS Reading Section Format
Let us first understand the exam pattern for the section before we delve deeper into the IELTS syllabus for the reading section:
Particulars
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Details
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Parts
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3 Passages
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No. of Questions
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40
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Marks
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1 mark for each correct answer
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Duration
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60 minutes
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Type of Questions in IELTS Reading Section
Following are the details of the types of questions asked in the IELTS Reading Section and the full IELTS exam syllabus for the Reading section:
Multiple Choice Questions: These are questions in which you must choose the proper answer from a list of options that begin with the letters ABC and end with D. This sort of inquiry assesses your ability to comprehend particular, detailed information.
Information Matching: These questions ask you to identify particular information and place it where it belongs. You must have a thorough understanding of the text and be able to identify each paragraph and the information it includes.
Information Identification Questions: These are questions in which you must determine whether the information provided is genuine or untrue, or whether it is not provided at all. This question assesses your ability to comprehend the content of the text.
Sentence Completion: You will notice an unfinished sentence in this kind of question. It is up to you to fill in the blanks with words from the text. As a result, in order to get the correct answer, you must rapidly map the partial text to a specific point in the text.
Head Matching: You must choose a heading from the list and insert it in each of the paragraphs in order to answer these questions. Generally, you should be able to build a header out of each paragraph if you have thoroughly absorbed the offered material.
Summary Completion: You will be provided with a summary of the text. You must complete it by selecting words from the text within a certain amount of words.
Matching Sentence Endings: This is a straightforward question. A sentence fragment is chosen from a line of text. All you have to do here is find where it was derived from and finish the phrase, and you'll have the perfect answer!
Features Matching: These are the sorts of questions that demand you to identify and match precise information about supplied features. For example, you may be assigned to several persons who found various things at various periods. You must now match who found what and at what time. As a result, while matching, you must be very careful.
Matching Information: All you have to do now is make sure you don't get this question wrong. All that is expected of you is to locate any provided data and place it where it belongs.
Short Answer Questions: You must exercise extreme caution in this situation! This is a question that requires you to respond based on the information provided in the text. You should also double-check the number of words because you have a restriction. There is always a limit on the number of words that may be used.
General Rules and Guidelines for IELTS Reading Section
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All candidates must read three texts ranging in length from 2,150 to 2,750 words.
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The texts and questions become more difficult.
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Within 60 minutes, all answers should be recorded on the answer sheet. (There is no score.)
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No transfer time is given or allowed.
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Each question carries one mark.
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There is no penalty/negative marking for incorrect answers.
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Spelling is important; you can use both British and American spelling.
Now that you have a better understanding of the IELTS syllabus for the reading section of the test, check out the following links to get detailed information to help you effectively and efficiently prepare for the section.
IELTS Syllabus for Writing Section
The syllabus for IELTS Academic writing sections outlines the possible topics for the two tasks that you may be asked to write appropriate responses. With a total time limit of 60 minutes, the topics under the writing section of the test often include topics of general interest for students enrolling in Bachelor’s or Master’s courses in English-speaking countries. This section of the page outlines the IELTS exam syllabus for the writing section, highlighting the different types of questions and possible responses you can give.
IELTS Writing Section Format
In order to understand the IELTS syllabus for the writing section, it is important to understand the format of the section as depicted below:
Particulars
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Details
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No. of Tasks
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2
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Duration
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60 minutes
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Detailed below are the tasks allocated in the IELTS exam syllabus for the writing section for both the Academic and the General Training tests:
IELTS Writing (Academic)
The topics as per the syllabus of IELTS Academic writing section will vary according to the two tasks that you will need to attempt, as outlined below:
Task 1: On a related topic, you will be asked to describe data or numbers that are shown in one or more graphs, tables, or charts. You may also be given a diagram of a machine, equipment, or process and asked to explain how it operates.
Task 2: A subject will be provided for you to write on in an academic or neutral/semi-formal tone.
IELTS Writing (General Training)
The topics for the two tasks, as per the IELTS exam syllabus for the General Training writing section, will include topics as described below:
Task 1: You will be given a circumstance to explain or request information, and you will be required to write a letter. The letter's style can be informal, formal, or personal.
Task 2: You will be required to respond in writing to a point of view, claim, or issue.
Note: Candidates must write the answers in a formal format for both tasks.
Types of Questions in IELTS Writing Section Task 1
As part of the IELTS exam syllabus, candidates should know the different types of questions they will be asked during the scheduled test. When practising for the test, it is advisable to understand these questions and how you can effectively and efficiently answer the questions. Outlined below are the different types of questions you may have to answer during the test this year.
Line Graph
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You will be presented with one or more graphs in this type of question. An item is represented graphically in a line graph.
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A line connecting points and representing the object's changes through time will be drawn for each object. It will be much easier to express if there is only one line. When the number of lines grows, however, it becomes more difficult since you must both describe and compare lines.
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IELTS Writing uses a lot of line charts since they are so adaptable. You'll be expected to write at least a 150-word paragraph describing, contrasting, or highlighting the graph's trend.
Pie Chart
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The pie chart is frequently split into several sections, each of which shows data (in percentages) for a certain factor.
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All of these pieces combined represent components of a larger and more comprehensive thing.***
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Each variable is represented by a distinct colour. In a remark beside or below the chart, the name and colour will be provided.
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In a 150-word paragraph, you must describe, contrast, and compare the facts.
***For example, in February 2016, the dietary ratio of Vietnamese persons in different age groups was 15-20, 20-25, 25-30, and 30-35. As a result, this type of chart is used to study and compare items in general, calculating how much of the overall object each factor occupies. As a consequence, you will be able to evaluate the significance or dominance of these aspects.
Map
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Maps in the IELTS occur less frequently than the other sorts of questions listed above. However, just because it's uncommon does not mean it would not appear on your exam. Take precautions.
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You will create a 150-word text to explain the map in this type.
There are two primary types of formats:
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One Map: You have been given the task of drawing a map of an unknown location, generally in the current day. In fact, because there is only one map to compare and contrast, this style appears infrequently in IELTS Writing Task 1.
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Two Maps: This format is more likely to succeed. You will be provided two maps of the same location, but maybe with two different project schedules.
Multiple Charts
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Sometimes in IELTS Writing Task 1, you will be asked to compose a paragraph of at least 150 words discussing two or more distinct types of charts and graphs. For example, a pie chart and a bar chart, as well as a line graph and a pie chart.
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Test takers may be perplexed and apprehensive when confronted with this job in some situations. However, there is no need to be concerned because the charts will be connected.
Bar Chart
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The question of a bar chart is whether there will be one or more charts with data shown in vertical or horizontal bars. It's typically used to accentuate a contrast between two things.
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The vertical or horizontal bar will represent the data and compare items depending on the bar chart. Still following the same guidelines, you must write at least 150-word paragraphs to discuss, compare, or highlight the changes or trends in the bar chart.
Table
There will be one or more tables giving data on a certain topic. Your task is to produce a 150-word paragraph analyzing and comparing the data in the tables (or describing patterns and changes through time, etc.).
Process
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The test will include a visual of a process; this process might be natural, such as an animal's lifespan, or artificial, such as manufacturing or nurturing. You need to write a 150-word paragraph describing the procedure.
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You must list all of the stages or phases in order, without skipping any; the steps will be represented by arrows.
General Rules and Guidelines for IELTS Writing Section
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Candidates are given approximately 20 minutes for Task 1.
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Approximately 40 minutes is given for Task 2.
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Task 2 is worth more marks than Task 1.
Now that you have understood the different types of questions you have to attempt during the test, as per the syllabus for IELTS Writing section. However, to get even more detailed information about the different types of tasks and how to attempt those tasks, refer to the links provided in the table below:
IELTS Syllabus for Speaking Section
The syllabus for IELTS speaking section includes three parts, all designed to analyse the speaking capabilities of the candidate. With 11-14 minutes allotted to complete the section, the topics used for the speaking section will be generic. According to the exam pattern for the section, your responses to the different questions will be recorded for the purpose of evaluation.
IELTS Speaking Section Format
While knowing the IELTS exam syllabus 2023 for the speaking section is important, it is also crucial to understand the exam pattern of the section, as has been outlined below.
Particulars
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Details
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No. of Parts
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Oral Interview (3 Parts)
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Duration
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11–14 minutes
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Structure of IELTS Speaking Section
As stated above, the IELTS syllabus for the speaking section highlights three parts that the candidates will be asked to answer and complete. These three sections, viz, the introduction, the long turn and the discussion, have been outlined below.
Part 1: The examiner asks general questions about the candidate and things associated with him/ her like family details, studies, interests, home and work, etc.
Part 2: The examiner asks the candidate to pick up a card and speak on the topic mentioned on the card. The examiner will also ask one or two questions related to the topic.
Part 3: The examiner asks further questions related to the topics in Part 2. This gives the candidate an opportunity to discuss more and provide abstract ideas and issues.
Types of Questions in the IELTS Speaking Section
Following are the details of the types of questions asked in the speaking section, as outlined in the IELTS syllabus:
Part 1: Introduction and Questions on Familiar Topics (4 to 5 minutes)
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The examiner will ask you to state your name and provide identification as part of the first part of the examination.
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You will then be asked some general questions about yourself, such as where you reside and what you're doing right now (working or studying).
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After that, you will be quizzed on a variety of themes, such as your favourite music, food, weather, and favourite movies. In most cases, you will be quizzed on one or two subjects.
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If your answer is too brief, the examiner will push you to elaborate with a "why?" or "why not?" If your answer is too short, the examiner will ask prepared questions and listen to your answer.
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This section of the exam uses a question-and-answer style to assess your ability to convey thoughts and information on a variety of topics by responding to a series of questions.
Part 2: Individual Long Turn (3 to 4 minutes)
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The examiner will assign you a topic to talk about for one to two minutes after Part 1. You will be given a piece of paper and a pencil to take notes on the topic that will be written on a card. The speaking prompt is printed on the card, along with some ideas for topics to discuss in your presentation.
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Before you talk, you will only have one minute to prepare and take notes. When your time is up, the examiner will use a timer to notify you.
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The examiner will advise you when to begin your presentation and warn you that you will be stopped after two minutes. The points on the task card will help you come up with ideas for what to say, and you should aim to speak for the entire two minutes. Before moving on to the next portion, they may ask you a question regarding what you've stated.
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This section of the exam evaluates your ability to speak for an extended period of time about a specific topic while using proper language and organizing your thoughts logically. You can utilize your prior knowledge of the subject to assist you in completing the lengthy turn.
Part 3: Two-Way Discussion (4 to 5 minutes)
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The questions in Part 3 will be related to the broad theme that you discussed in Part 2. You will debate the issue in a more general and abstract manner, demonstrating to the examiner that you can articulate and explain your thoughts, as well as analyze, discuss, and hypothesize on the topic in greater depth.
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If your lengthy turn was about a lovely spot to visit in your city, this part may start with discussing beautiful places, and the first question could be, "Do you believe it is vital to keep beautiful places in cities?"
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In this phase, the examiner will speak with you longer and may ask you to defend your beliefs to determine how effectively you can communicate abstract ideas compared to the personal themes you discussed in Parts 1 and 2.
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Part 3 assesses your ability to communicate and explain your thoughts, as well as analyse, discuss, and hypothesize on a variety of topics related to the overall topic you discussed in Part 2.
General Rules and Guidelines for IELTS Speaking Section
When you enter the exam room, remember to do the following:
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Smile and project confidence.
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Look the examiner in the eyes.
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Introduce yourself confidently.
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Remove any nervous gestures.
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Wear appropriate attire.
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Speak clearly.
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Make your voice heard.
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Repetitive phrases should be avoided.
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Always say something other than Yes or No.
It is vital to understand the kinds of tasks in the IELTS Speaking section before your start preparing for the exam. You may refer to the details below:
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