IELTS Syllabus 2025 – Complete Section-Wise Breakdown

If you are planning to take the IELTS in 2025, understanding its syllabus is the most important part to begin with. 

The exam is divided into 4 parts: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Each section examines your English proficiency level.

Though the IELTS Exam assesses your English Proficiency, grammar is not the only concern in IELTS. It tests your ability to understand meaning, tone, accent, and daily communications. There are two variants of the test. First is IELTS  Academic, which is for students applying to study abroad. The other one is General Training for those who are moving abroad for work, training, or migration.

This blog helps you in understanding the IELTS syllabus, including the details about the requirements of the sections, types of questions, marking techniques, and tips that help. 

IELTS Syllabus – Overview

The IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is conducted by the International Development Program (IDP). The IELTS exam consists of two formats, Academic and General Training, both of which consist of 4 common sections that differ slightly in terms of their structure and intent. 

What Are the Different Sections of the IELTS Exam?

The IELTS exam has four main sections:

• Listening
• Reading
• Writing
• Speaking

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Academic vs General Training Syllabus – What’s Different?

The IELTS Academic format is meant for students applying to universities or professionals like doctors and engineers seeking licensure abroad.

The General Training format is suited for people migrating to English-speaking countries or applying for secondary education or work experience.

Below is a brief syllabus breakdown for both versions:

IELTS Academic Syllabus

Section	Details
Listening	4 recordings (conversations + monologues) with increasing difficulty; questions test comprehension of main ideas, opinions, and specific facts.
Reading	3 long texts from books, journals, newspapers; includes descriptive, analytical, and factual texts. 40 questions based on headings, summaries, and factual details.
Writing	Task 1: Describe visual data (chart, graph, diagram). Task 2: Essay response to a point of view or problem.
Speaking	3-part oral interview: Introduction, Cue card topic, and follow-up questions. Covers personal experiences and general topics.

IELTS General Training  Syllabus

Section	Details
Listening	Same format as Academic – 4 recordings, a mix of conversations and monologues.
Reading	3 sections with everyday topics: ads, notices, instruction manuals, and workplace documents. 40 questions covering locating information, matching headings, etc.
Writing	Task 1: Write a letter (formal/semi-formal/informal). Task 2: Essay on a viewpoint or problem – simpler than Academic.
Speaking	Same format as Academic – 3-part conversation testing fluency, grammar, and coherence.

Key Difference:

The main difference between the Academic and General Training syllabus exists due to the Reading and Writing sections. An academic examines lengthy and more formal content. On the other hand, General Training includes more practical and daily-use questions.

Want to know more about IELTS Academic vs General Training? Explore More!

Which IELTS Format is Easier – Academic or General?

Officially, there's no difference in the difficulty level between the Academic and General Training modules. Both test your English proficiency fairly across all four sections.

However, many students find General Training slightly easier due to these factors:

• Reading passages are based on everyday situations and simpler texts.
• Writing Task 1 involves informal or semi-formal letter writing.
• Vocabulary is more common and less academic in tone.
• Topics are often familiar and practical, not subject-specific.
• Question formats feel more straightforward for some test takers.

Now, let us understand the section-wise syllabus breakdown for IELTS.

IELTS Listening Syllabus

The IELTS Listening section is the same for both Academic and General Training. It checks how well you can understand spoken English in different real-life and academic settings. 

You’ll hear four recordings and answer 40 questions based on them.

What Types of Questions Appear in IELTS Listening?

You’ll face different question formats that test your attention and understanding. 

These include:

• Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
• Form, note, or table completion
• Sentence completion
• Match the following
• Map or diagram labeling
• Short-answer questions

Are maps and diagrams common in Listening?

Yes, especially in Section 2. You might be asked to label a map or floor plan using the audio. It's common and tests your ability to follow directions.

How Many Sections and Questions Are There?

The test has 4 recordings, and each is slightly more difficult than the last.

• Recording 1: A conversation in a social setting (e.g., booking a hotel)
• Recording 2: A monologue in a daily context (e.g., a guided tour)
• Recording 3: A group discussion in an academic setting
• Recording 4: A lecture or academic talk

There are 40 questions in total, and you’ll get 30 minutes to listen, plus 10 minutes to transfer answers.

What are the Common Topics in IELTS Listening

The audio clips and questions often focus on:

• Travel and tourism
• Education and training
• Work and career
• Health and fitness
• Everyday services (e.g., banks, hotels)
• Environmental issues
• Academic lectures on topics like biology or history

These topics help test your ability to follow both everyday and academic conversations.

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Tips for Scoring High in IELTS Listening

Here’s how to boost your Listening score:

• Read the questions before the audio starts
• Practice listening to different accents
• Watch for synonyms and paraphrased phrases
• Focus on keywords and transitions
• Avoid spelling mistakes in your answers
• Use all 10 minutes wisely to transfer answers accurately

How can I avoid spelling mistakes?
Practice writing common words quickly and clearly. Misspellings can cost you marks, even if the answer is correct.

How is the IELTS Listening Section Scored?

Each correct answer gives you 1 point. There’s no negative marking. Your raw score out of 40 is converted to a band score.

Check this table for your estimated band score as per the Raw Score.

Raw Score	Band Score
39–40	9.0
37–38	8.5
35–36	8.0
32–34	7.5
30–31	7.0
26–29	6.5
23–25	6.0

This scoring method is the same for both the Academic and General Training tests.

Now, let us move on to the Reading Section Syllabus. 

Find the upcoming IELTS 2025 test dates and plan your exam. Check out IELTS Exam Dates 2025. 

IELTS Reading Syllabus

The IELTS Reading section focuses on your ability to understand and comprehend English. It consists of 40 questions that have to be answered in 1 hour. The format of the Academic and General Training modules is the same, but the topics and difficulty level are different.

Academic Reading includes more difficult, lengthy, subject-based texts. On the other hand, General Training is more practical and everyday based like advertisements, documents and notices.

What are the types of Questions in the IELTS Reading Exam?

You’ll face around 12–14 questions per passage, testing different skills like identifying key points, understanding opinions, and reading for detail. Here are some common question types with examples:

• Matching Headings
  Match a list of headings to paragraphs in the text.
   Example: Match the heading “Causes of climate change” to the correct paragraph.
• True / False / Not Given
  Test your ability to identify factual accuracy.
   Example: “All mammals can live in water.” (Passage says only some – Answer: False)
• Yes / No / Not Given
  Focuses on the writer’s opinions or claims.
   Example: “The author believes organic food is better.” (If it’s clearly stated – Yes)
• Sentence Completion
  Fill in the blanks using exact words from the passage.
   Example: “The study found that _______ improves memory.”
• Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
  Choose the correct option based on passage details.
   Example: A/B/C/D questions asking what the writer meant in a specific line.
• Diagram or Table Completion
  Fill missing info in diagrams or tables using passage content.
• List Selection / Summary Completion / Flow-chart Completion
  These check your ability to connect ideas and scan for details efficiently.

Is IELTS Reading More Difficult in Academic Format?

Yes, the Academic Reading section uses lengthy and dense texts from articles, textbooks, or journals. Vocabulary is formal and difficult. 

Although the number of questions and time limit are the same, General Training Reading concentrates on daily-use language and includes easy texts like notices, documents, instructions, etc. On the other hand, academic texts need stronger comprehension skills and fast reading skills.

Common Problems Students Face in IELTS Reading

• Time Management – Many students struggle to finish all 40 questions in 60 minutes.
• Misreading Instructions – Especially in T/F/NG vs Y/N/NG.
• Losing Focus – Long passages can lead to fatigue.
• Paraphrased Answers – Matching the passage and question wording can be tricky.
• Guessing Under Pressure – Especially when skipping questions or reading too fast.

How is the IELTS Reading Section Scored?

The IELTS Reading test consists of 40 questions with one mark each.Your obtained score out of 40 is converted into a scale of 1 to 9.The final band is adjusted to the nearest half or whole band.

The conversion varies slightly between General Training and Academic due to different difficulty levels,although the scoring format is the same.

Here's a sample conversion guide:

Band Score	Academic Reading	General Training Reading
9	39–40	40
8.5	37–38	39
8	35–36	37–38
7.5	33–34	36
7	30–32	34–35
6.5	27–29	32–33
6	23–26	30–31
5.5	19–22	27–29
5	15–18	23–26
4.5	13–14	19–22

Note: These ranges are based on official data from ielts.org and may vary slightly between test sessions.

Also Read: IELTS Exam Results

How is General Training Reading Syllabus Different from IELTS Academic Syllabus?

Here’s a breakdown of key differences between the two modules:

• Text Type
  • Academic: 3 long academic texts from journals, books, or reports
  • General: 3 sections – everyday English, work-related documents, and one long text
• Complexity
  • Academic: High-level vocabulary and concepts
  • General: More straightforward language
• Purpose
  • Academic: Tests ability to handle university-level reading
  • General: Reflects English used in daily or workplace scenarios
• Scoring Sensitivity
  • Academic: Fewer correct answers needed for higher bands
  • General: Requires more correct answers due to easier text

Next, let us explore the Writing Section Syllabus. 

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IELTS Writing Syllabus

The IELTS Writing section focuses on how a student can describe their ideas in English with correct grammar, efficient vocabulary, and structure. It consists of two tasks and has a time limit of 60 minutes.

Task 1 examines your ability to express visual or factual information. Task 2 examines your ability to present and back an opinion or statement in essay form. Writing is marked based on your task response, vocabulary, and grammar.

What Are the Types of Questions in IELTS Writing Task 1?

Academic Module:

You’ll need to describe or summarize visual data in at least 150 words. These are the common formats:

• Bar charts
• Line graphs
• Pie charts
• Tables
• Maps
• Process diagrams

Sample Question:
 “The chart below shows the percentage of adults using the internet in five countries from 2000 to 2020. Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features.”

Your goal is to compare trends, highlight changes, and organize your response clearly.

General Training Module:

You’ll write a letter based on a situation. It could be:

• Formal (e.g., to a company or manager)
• Semi-formal (e.g., to a neighbor or colleague)
• Informal (e.g., to a friend)

What Essay Types Appear in IELTS Writing Task 2?

You’ll need to answer 12–14 questions per passage that assess your skills in spotting main ideas, understanding opinions, and interpreting written information.

Here are some most asked question types with examples:

1. Opinion Essays (Agree/Disagree)
State your view and defend it.
Example: “Do you agree or disagree that social media has improved human communication?”

2. Advantage/Disadvantage Essays
Talk about both the positives and negatives of an issue.
Example: “What are the advantages and disadvantages of living in a big city?”

3. Problem/Solution Essays
Identify a problem and suggest ways to solve it.
Example: “What are the causes of youth unemployment and what solutions can you suggest?”

4. Two-Part Questions (Direct Questions)
Answer two related questions in one essay.
Example: “Why do some students take a gap year? What are the benefits and drawbacks of doing so?”

In each type, you must organize your ideas clearly, use linking words, and include examples to support your points.

Is the IELTS Writing Exam Difficult for Indian Students?

Many Indian test-takers find Writing challenging because of:

• Limited exposure to formal English writing
• Weak grammar or vocabulary
• Time pressure during the exam

Writing essays and letters regularly can help to improve your command on the language. Learn to structure before writing,and emphasize on clarity and coherence. Sample tests and rubrics can also help you understand the expectation of the examiner.

How is the IELTS Writing Section Scored?

Your writing is marked by certified IELTS examiners using four criteria:

Scoring Criteria	What It Checks
Task Achievement	Did you answer the question fully and clearly?
Coherence and Cohesion	Are ideas organized logically with proper linking?
Lexical Resource	Is your vocabulary wide, accurate, and well-used?
Grammatical Range	Do you use correct grammar with variety and accuracy?

Each criterion is scored from 0–9. The average of all four is your final writing band score.

How is General Training Writing Syllabus Different from IELTS Academic Syllabus?

The IELTS Writing Syllabus is different from the IELTS Academic in the following ways: 

Feature	Academic IELTS	General Training IELTS
Task 1	Describe graphs, charts, maps, etc.	Write a formal or informal letter
Task 2	Formal essay	Formal essay (same topics)
Focus	Academic writing style	Everyday situations and tone

Note: Both tests have the same timing and scoring system. However, the Academic Test expects a more formal tone and structured presentation, especially in Task 1.

Now, let us understand the Speaking Section Syllabus.

IELTS Speaking Syllabus

The IELTS Speaking test examines your ability to communicate in English in real-life situations. It a one-on-one test with an examiner and takes around 11 to 14 minutes. It consists of 3 parts and is same for both the formats: Academic and General Training

What Topics Come in IELTS Speaking Part 1, 2, and 3?

The test has 3 parts, and each one focuses on a different type of question:

• Part 1 (4–5 minutes): You answer questions about everyday topics like your job, school, hometown, hobbies, or daily routine.
   Sample topics: favorite season, weekends, food, family.
• Part 2 (3–4 minutes): You get a cue card with a topic. You have 1 minute to prepare and then speak for 1–2 minutes.
   Example cue card: “Describe a friend who made a big impact on your life.”
• Part 3 (4–5 minutes): This part includes more serious questions based on the Part 2 topic. It tests how well you share your views or opinions.
   Topics: technology, education, environment, and success.

How Is the IELTS Speaking Test Scored?

There are no raw scores (like “30/40”) in the Speaking section. Instead, the examiner scores you on four things:

• Fluency and Coherence: How well you talk without long pauses or confusion.
• Pronunciation: How clear and natural your speech sounds.
• Lexical Resource: How good your vocabulary is and how you use it.
• Grammar: How correctly and flexibly you use grammar.

Each is scored on Band 0 to 9, and your final Speaking score is the average of all four.

Do Speaking Topics Change Every Few Months?

Yes, IELTS updates its cue card topics every 3 to 4 months. But the core themes usually remain the same. You might see new questions, but the overall subject areas don’t change much.

Here are the most common cue card themes:

• People (a friend, teacher, family member, etc.)
• Places (a city, restaurant, or tourist spot)
• Events or experiences (a celebration, trip, or concert)
• Daily routines or habits (something you do regularly)
• Objects or things (a gift, book, or useful item)
• Personal opinions or preferences (likes/dislikes, values)

These topics are simple and familiar, so you can prepare by practicing common themes even if exact questions vary.

IELTS Exam Timing and Question Distribution

The IELTS test has four sections with fixed timing for each section. Many students want to know how much time they’ll get for each part and how the questions are divided. 

Here are the answers to the most asked queries. 

How Long Does Each Section of IELTS Take?

Now as we know that each IELTS section has its set time limit, so it is important to know that the time set for 1 section can not be used for the other.

• Listening: 30 minutes (plus 10 minutes to transfer answers in paper-based test)
• Reading: 60 minutes
• Writing: 60 minutes
• Speaking: 11 to 14 minutes

The total test time is about 2 hours and 45 minutes.

How Many Questions Are Asked in Total?

Here’s the number of questions you’ll get in each section:

• Listening: 40 questions
• Reading: 40 questions
• Writing: 2 tasks (Task 1 and Task 2)
• Speaking: 3 parts (with several questions in each part)

Note: Listening and Reading Section has a fixed count of numbers that is - 40 Questions each. But, the Writing and Speaking Sections does not have a fixed count of numbers as they measure the levels on the basis of parts and divisions. 

Can I Skip or Change Questions During the Test?

Yes, but it depends on the section and test format you're taking.

• In Listening and Reading, you must answer the questions in order. You cannot go back or skip ahead if you’re using the computer-based test.
• In paper-based tests, you can move between questions freely during the test time.
• In the Writing section, you can choose which task to do first, but both must be completed in 60 minutes.
• In the Speaking test, the examiner leads the conversation, so you can’t skip or go back to questions.

Plan your time well, especially for the reading and writing parts. 

Conclusion

Understanding the complete syllabus helps you plan and avoid any surprises on exam day. Make sure you're clear about the timing, structure, question types, and scoring method for each section of the test.

Practice consistently and concentrate on your weak areas. Opting for the right resources can be substantive in your final score.

If you are a complete beginner and need guidance, our team at upGrad Study Abroad is here to help. Our team will guide you through the full IELTS syllabus, provide practice material,s and clear steps to prepare.