IELTS Introduction - How does the test look like?

I skimmed through my prep book (Barron's IELTS super pack) to get an idea of how the test will look like.

Basically, there are two versions of the test: an academic and a general version. You need the former to apply for universities, summer schools and so on, while the latter is immigration, work permission, etc. Both versions differ in tasks, while the test structure remains the same. I'll only look at the academic IELTS, since my goal is to apply for masters in finance.

The IELTS test takes 2h 45min. There are four modules: listening, reading, writing and speaking. You do the listening, speaking and writing in one sitting without breaks, however you are permitted to go to the restroom. The speaking section takes a few days for or after the test, it's even possible to have it on the same day, but I don't have enough information on this. I guess, you'll get more accurate information when you register for the test.

There are 10 band scores: from 0 (not attempting) to 9 (expert user). Most universities want you to have a 6.5 to 7.5 (competent to good user), which corresponds to a B2 to C1 European language level.

The test results are valid for two years and the test costs like 200-250€ depending on the country, and so on. You'll get the results in about 14 days after the test.

Let's look at the modules and go more into detail:

Listening: 

The Listening module consists of four listenings with 10 questions each, making 40 questions altogether. The whole section lasts 30 minutes. The listenings cover everyday and school or training-related topics. On two listenings just one person will speak, while on the other two there will be a conversation of two or more people.

Unlike the TOEFL test, there is a great variety of question types: multiple choice, short answers, labelling diagrams, tables, matching, summarizing, sentence completion, etc.

Reading:

The reading module lasts 60 minutes and consists of three passages. You have to answer 40 questions altogether. The topics covered are of general interest for a general audience from sources like journals, books, newspapers and magazines. You can mark the text, re-read it, etc.

Again, the variety of question types is great. The question types are similar to the listening module, except for true/false/not given and yes/no/not given which are unique in the reading module and the most difficult types.

Writing:

The writing module takes 60 minutes and consists of two tasks. Task 1 is about describing or summarizing facts, figures, charts, graphs, diagrams or tables. You have 20 minutes for the first task and you need to write at least 150 words. Task 2 is about expressing your opinion and arguments, discussing a topic and giving examples to support your ideas. You have 40 minutes for the second task and you have to write at least 250 words. Task 2 is worth twice as much as Task 1.

Speaking:

On the speaking module, you will talk between 11 to 14 minutes and the conversation will be recorded. It's more like an interview, you'll talk to one examiner alone in a room. The first 4-5 minutes are about yourself and your activities, you introduce and talk about yourself. 3-4 minutes are about a topic presented on a task card with some questions on it. Topics could be about friends, trips, places, etc. You have 1 minute to prepare, then you'll speak for 2 minutes and then there will be 1 minute of follow-up questions out of the 4 minutes. The last 4-5 minutes will be a discussion of the task card topic, but in a more general context.

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That's it, all four modules of the test. If you need more information, visit the official IELTS website. I use Barron's IELTS Superpack to prepare, and all information I have about the test, is explained in the book with lots of useful information and tips. It's a great prep pack so far and I can really recommend it!

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