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Understanding the IELTS Test Format

For IELTS test-takers, a good rule of thumb is to understand the IELTS test format before starting the exam preparation. Here are the different sections and types of questions of the IELTS exam you should be aware of:
Test-takers are required to answer 82 questions spread across 4 sections, viz, Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking sections.
IELTS Exam Sections
Candidates are allotted a total of 2 hours and 45 minutes to answer all the questions across the 4 sections in the IELTS exam.
IELTS Exam Duration
Test-takers must answer different types of questions in each IELTS exam section such as MCQs, identification, and descriptive questions.
Types of Questions in IELTS
The Listening section has 40 questions such as MCQs, sentence completion, matching, table/flow chart questions, and more to be attempted within 40 minutes.
IELTS Listening Section Exam Pattern
This 60-minute section comprises a total of 40 questions such as identification, MCQs, matching information, table completion, short-answer questions, etc.
IELTS Reading Section Exam Pattern
Within 60 minutes, you must write your response to two descriptive questions which may include diagrams, bar graphs, or other infographic materials.
IELTS Writing Section Exam Pattern
Divided into 3 parts, the section is designed to test your ability to communicate properly, speak at length on a topic and express or justify your opinions.
IELTS Speaking Section Exam Pattern