IELTS stands for the International English Language Testing System, which accurately measures a candidate’s English language competence. Thousands of students enrol for the IELTS program each year to work, study, or migrate to an English-speaking country. More than 10,000 businesses, colleges, institutions, and immigration authorities worldwide recognise IELTS as the benchmark of English proficiency. The IELTS exam paper pattern is under the control of the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia, and Cambridge English Language Assessment.

About IELTS Exam

The exam mainly tests the candidates’ English language skills. IELTS exam pattern 2021 is designed to assess English language skills in four areas: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. The IELTS Exam is the only English language examination recognised by the United Kingdom’s Visas and Immigration Service (UKVI). Many students question if the IELTS exam is mandatory. No, it is not, at least not for all international universities. However, keep in mind that IELTS assesses and grades your English language competence; without proving that you won’t be able to secure your student visa. Ineffective language skills might make it difficult to obtain authorisation to dwell in another nation. So, if you want to live, study, and work in another nation, go for the IELTS.

IELTS Exam 2021

IELTS exam dates are available up to four times each month and a total of 48 test days per year. Due to changes in the requirements for Academic and General Training modules, the availability of IELTS exam dates may vary. There are 24 dates set for the general training version, whereas all 48 dates are available for the Academic version. The test is generally held on Saturdays and Thursdays for convenience and flexibility.

The regular IELTS exam costs 14,700. You can pay the fee with a debit/credit card (Master or Visa), net banking, a DD, or a bank deposit in ICICI/Allahabad bank branches using a special deposit slip.

Important Dates

The candidates should schedule IELTS exam dates based on their availability and university admission time frame. Students should schedule their exams three to four months before the application deadline. IELTS test centres are accessible in the majority of cities. To avoid last-minute mistakes, choose and schedule your exam slot ahead of time.

What is the IELTS Exam Pattern? 

Candidates should extensively review the IELTS exam format. Students are graded on four portions of the IELTS exam, and a total score of 6.5 or above is considered a decent band score. The total of the four parts’ points determines the overall score. The IELTS band scale spans from 0 to 9, with 0 being the lowest and 9 being the highest. For each test assignment, a band score conversion table is generated. The results are given in full bands and half bands.

Also Read: Previous Year IELTS Questions in Speaking Part 2: Cue Card Question with Answer

How will be the IELTS Exam Pattern?

There are four sections in the IELTS exam pattern 2021. On the very same day, you will take the reading, writing, and listening exams. On the other hand, the speaking examination can either be scheduled on the same day or seven days before or after the exam. The new exam pattern has a total duration of 2 hours and 45 minutes. Each correct answer will fetch you one mark. Poor spelling, grammatical errors, and failure to adhere to word limitations are all penalised.

Section-wise IELTS Exam Pattern

Reading Test

#. The IELTS exam pattern 2021 includes a 60-minute reading skill test.

#. Three readings and 13-14 questions based on logical reasoning will be asked. The passage questions intend to assess students’ comprehension and comprehending abilities.

#. Question types include multiple-choice, brief response, summary writing, one-word answers, matching information, and related questions.

#. The texts might be factual or descriptive. These excerpts might be from journals, periodicals, newspapers, or novels.

#. Candidates should carefully study the instructions. The solution given in more than the allowed number of words will not be eligible for evaluation.

#. For reading assessments, the IELTS band score ranges from 0 to 9.

Writing Test

#. There will be two assignments in the writing test.

#. The time limit is 60 minutes.

#. The first task is to summarise or describe the information presented in the question. For explanation, the question may include a graph, chart, or diagram.

#. The second assignment requires applicants to compose an essay conveying their thoughts on the argument or topic raised in the question.

#. The capacity to comprehend descriptive and visual representations is tested in these exercises.

#. The band score ranged from 0 to 9.

Listening Test

#. The listening session in the new exam pattern will be 30 minutes long.

#. There will be a total of 40 questions divided into four activities.

#. There are four listening items in this section.

#1. A conversation between two people in a normal setting.

#2. A monologue or a speech.

#3. A discussion between groups in an academic context.

#4. A lecture on a topic of scholarly interest.

#. Each recording will be played once, and the candidates must take notes and answer the questions based on what they hear. There are British, Australian, New Zealand, American, and Canadian accents in the recordings.

#. The band score ranges from 0 to 9.

Speaking Test

#. The speaking test is done separately and takes 11-14 minutes.

#. The test is recorded for assessment. It will be a face-to-face interview with an examiner who will evaluate your ability to communicate in English.

#. The examiner begins by asking broad questions about the test participant.

#. In the second portion, the applicant is required to give a two-minute speech on the topic specified on an interviewer’s job card.

#. The examiner asks extra questions based on the candidate’s answers in the final section to address more abstract ideas and topics. It usually lasts four to five minutes.

#. The band score ranges from 0 to 9.

How to Prepare for IELTS 2021?

Here are some pointers to help you prepare according to IELTS exam pattern 2021:

#. Enrol in a coaching facility to get expert test preparation assistance.

#. Attend classes regularly, study video lectures, and get personal coaching.

#. Get the study materials and practise mock tests regularly.

#. Mock test analyses are available from institutes to assist you in determining your current IELTS band.

#. Keep in touch with academics and coaches to expand your vocabulary and improve your speaking abilities.

#. IELTS Ninja offers a full mock exam series for professional evaluation and performance comments.

 Conclusion

Over 80,000 of our students have achieved their targeted IELTS band. Join today to receive one-on-one training from industry experts. Contact IELTS Ninja for test advice, question papers, and other resources. The program offers private online mentorship, video lectures to learn anytime and anywhere. A customised study plan for every student is prepared according to the IELTS exam paper pattern.  Prepare with us to target 8 bands in the first attempt.

Also Read: Describe a Crowded Place You have Visited: An Interesting Sample Cue Card Topic for IELTS Exam

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About the Author

Shilpa

Shilpa is a professional web content writer and is in deep love with travelling. She completed her mass communication degree and is now dedicatedly playing with words to guide her readers to get the best for themselves. Developing educational content for UPSC, IELTS aspirants from breakthrough research work is her forte. Strongly driven by her zodiac sign Sagittarius, Shilpa loves to live her life on her own notes and completely agrees with the idea of ‘live and let live. Apart from writing and travelling, most of the time she can be seen in the avatar of 'hooman' mom to her pets and street dogs or else you can also catch her wearing the toque blanche and creating magic in the kitchen on weekends.

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