The IELTS test has four parts: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. Altogether it takes 2 hours and 45 minutes. Listening and Speaking are the same for Academic and General Training; Reading and Writing are different. Here is exactly what happens in each part, so nothing on test day surprises you.
The four parts at a glance
| Part | Time | What you do |
|---|---|---|
| Listening | 30 minutes | 4 parts, 40 questions: two conversations and two monologues. You hear each recording once. |
| Reading | 60 minutes | 40 questions. Academic: 3 long passages. General Training: shorter everyday and work texts. |
| Writing | 60 minutes | 2 tasks. Task 1: at least 150 words (Academic: a chart, map or process; General Training: a letter). Task 2: an essay of at least 250 words. |
| Speaking | 11–14 minutes | 3 parts: interview, a 2-minute talk, then a discussion. Face to face with an examiner, and recorded. |
On the day
Listening, Reading and Writing are taken on the same day, one after another, with no breaks between them. Speaking may be on the same day or on a different day, within 7 days before or after the other parts, depending on your test centre.
Timing details that cost marks
- Listening transfer time. On paper you get 10 minutes at the end to copy your answers onto the answer sheet. On computer you get 2 minutes to check your answers.
- No transfer time in Reading. In IELTS Reading no extra time is given to transfer answers, so write your answers on the answer sheet as you go.
- Writing Task 2 counts double. Task 2 contributes twice as much as Task 1 to your Writing score. Spend about 20 minutes on Task 1 and 40 on Task 2. See our Writing time management guide.
- Speaking Part 2. You get 1 minute to prepare, with paper and a pencil, then speak for up to 2 minutes. See our Part 2 guide.
Writing length: you aren't penalised for writing more than 150 or 250 words, but if your answer is too short there may not be enough evidence of your language to award higher bands. Writing that doesn't relate to the topic is penalised.
How your band is worked out
Each of the four parts gets a band from 1 to 9, in whole or half bands. Your overall band is the average of the four, rounded to the nearest half band. Try different combinations with our IELTS score calculator.
Where to start practising
Most people's lowest score is Writing or Speaking, because they're the hardest to practise alone. Check a Task 2 essay with the free BandIQ Band Check, and practise answering out loud with BandIQ Speaking practice.
Test details can change. Always confirm the current format with your test centre or on the official IELTS website before you book.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the IELTS test?
2 hours and 45 minutes in total: Listening 30 minutes, Reading 60 minutes, Writing 60 minutes and Speaking 11 to 14 minutes.
Is there a break in the IELTS test?
There are no breaks between Listening, Reading and Writing, which are taken one after another on the same day. Speaking may be on the same day or within 7 days before or after.
Do I get extra time to transfer answers in IELTS Reading?
No. In IELTS Reading no extra time is given to transfer answers, so write them on the answer sheet as you go. Listening on paper does give you 10 minutes at the end.
Is Listening the same for Academic and General Training?
Yes. Listening and Speaking are the same for both. Reading and Writing are different.
Is Writing Task 2 worth more than Task 1?
Yes. Task 2 contributes twice as much as Task 1 to your Writing score.