Background of IELTS Academic

 Background of IELTS Academic

The IELTS Academic test assesses whether you're ready to begin studying in an English-speaking environment at a university level.

Four Modules

1.      Listening (30 minutes + 10 min transfer)

2.      Reading (Academic) (60 minutes)

3.      Writing (Academic) (60 minutes)

4.      Speaking (11–14 minutes)

---

1. IELTS Listening (30 minutes + 10 min transfer)

Format

• 4 Sections
• Section 1: Social conversation (e.g., booking a hotel)
• Section 2: Monologue (e.g., city tour, guide)
• Section 3: Academic discussion (students + tutor)
• Section 4: Academic lecture (e.g., science topic)

Question Types

• Multiple choice
• Matching
• Sentence completion
• Summary/note/diagram completion
• Map/plan labeling

Tips & Techniques

• Read questions before audio starts
• Underline keywords
• Predict the type of answer (name/number/place/verb/etc.)
• Be aware of distractors (e.g., change of mind)
• Don’t leave blanks — guess if needed
• Spelling matters in the final answer sheet
• Practice listening to different accents

---

2. IELTS Academic Reading (60 minutes)

Format

• 3 long texts from journals, books, newspapers
• 40 questions total

 Question Types

• True/False/Not Given
• Multiple choice
• Matching headings
• Sentence completion
• Summary/Note/Table completion
• Diagram labeling

Tips & Techniques

• Skim for main idea (read fast for general meaning)
• Scan for keywords/phrases
• Don’t read everything word-by-word
• Pay attention to synonyms and paraphrasing
• Watch out for "Not Given" traps
• Practice timed tests — aim for 20 minutes per passage
• Learn academic vocabulary

---

3. IELTS Academic Writing (60 minutes)

Task 1: Describe visual data (20 minutes, 150 words minimum)

• Graphs, charts, tables, diagrams, maps, or processes

Task 2: Essay (40 minutes, 250 words minimum)

• Opinion/discussion/problem-solution/advantages-disadvantages, two-part essay

---

Writing Task 1 Tips

Structure

1.      Introduction: Paraphrase the question

2.      Overview: Highlight main trends/features

3.      Body Paragraphs: Specific details with comparisons

Tips & Techniques

• Don’t give your opinion
• Use accurate vocabulary (e.g., increase, decline, peak)
• Group similar trends together
• Focus on big picture, not every tiny detail

---

Writing Task 2 Tips

Structure (4 paragraphs)

1.      Introduction (Paraphrase + Thesis)

2.      Body 1 (1 main idea + explanation + example)

3.      Body 2 (1 main idea + explanation + example)

4.      Conclusion (Summary + restate opinion)

Tips & Techniques

• Clearly state your position
• Use linking words (However, In contrast, Furthermore)
• Use complex sentence structures
• Avoid informal language
• Address all parts of the task

---

4. IELTS Speaking (11–14 minutes)

Format

• Part 1 (4–5 mins): Introduction & basic questions (e.g., hobbies, hometown)
• Part 2 (3–4 mins): Long turn — Cue card (1 min prep, 2 mins talk)
• Part 3 (4–5 mins): Discussion — abstract questions linked to Part 2

---

Speaking Tips & Techniques

General Tips

• Speak clearly and confidently
• Don’t memorize answers
• Avoid long pauses — think aloud if needed
• Extend answers (3–4 sentences)
• Use natural English expressions

---

Part 1 Tips

• Be friendly and fluent
• Add reasons and examples
• Use a mix of past, present, and future tenses

Q: What do you like to do in your free time?
A: I enjoy reading, especially self-help books. They help me relax and learn something new at the same time.

---

Part 2 Tips

• Use the 1-minute wisely: jot down 5–6 keywords
• Follow the bullet points on the card
• Use linking phrases: To begin with, Another point is, In conclusion

Cue Card Example: Describe a place you visited.
A: One of the most memorable places I’ve visited is Pokhara... (then continue using past tense + sensory details)

---

Part 3 Tips

• Give your opinion + reason + example
• Use formal tone and abstract thinking
• Be ready to discuss broader ideas like society, education, environment, etc.

Q: Do you think people travel more than in the past?
A: Yes, definitely. With the rise of affordable flights and travel blogs, people are more inspired to explore...

---

Final Preparation Tips for All Modules

General Strategies

• Take regular full practice tests
• Build strong vocabulary & grammar range
• Record yourself speaking
• Analyze sample answers and model essays
• Improve time management — finish each section on time
• Join a study group or take mock tests with feedback