IELTS Module Hub

Official structure references, band descriptors, and module-specific guidance for Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.

Quick Start

  • WritingTask 1, Task 2, four criteria, band 6-7 gaps
  • SpeakingParts 1-3, criteria, fluency and coherence
  • ReadingThree sections, 60 minutes, question types
  • ListeningFour parts, about 30 minutes, question formats

Overview

IELTS at a glance

Four skills

Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking receive separate band scores and combine into an overall band.

Two modules

Academic and General Training share Listening and Speaking, but differ in Reading and Writing tasks.

Band descriptors

Writing and Speaking are assessed through public criteria; Listening and Reading convert raw marks to bands.

Section Blocks

Skill structure and task demands

Listening

Parts
4 parts, 40 questions.
Timing
About 30 minutes, plus transfer/checking time depending on delivery mode.
Task types
Completion, multiple choice, matching, short answer, map/diagram/plan labelling.
Skills tested
Gist, detail, speaker purpose, attitude, sequencing, and accurate spelling under audio pace.

Reading

Parts
3 sections, 40 questions.
Timing
60 minutes with no separate answer-transfer time.
Task types
Multiple choice, True/False/Not Given, Yes/No/Not Given, matching, completion, short answer.
Skills tested
Skimming, scanning, inference, writer stance, cohesion, detail location, and paraphrase recognition.

Writing

Parts
2 tasks: Task 1 and Task 2.
Timing
60 minutes total; many candidates plan about 20 minutes for Task 1 and 40 minutes for Task 2.
Task types
Academic data/process/map summary or General Training letter, plus an essay response.
Skills tested
Task response, argument, overview selection, paragraphing, vocabulary control, grammar range and accuracy.

Speaking

Parts
3 parts: interview, long turn, and abstract discussion.
Timing
11 to 14 minutes.
Task types
Familiar questions, cue-card talk, follow-up discussion, opinions and examples.
Skills tested
Fluency, coherence, lexical resource, grammar range and accuracy, pronunciation and interaction.

Scoring / Criteria

Assessment framework

Writing assessment criteria

  • Task Achievement / Task Response: answers the prompt and develops relevant ideas.
  • Coherence and Cohesion: organizes paragraphs and links ideas clearly.
  • Lexical Resource: uses precise, flexible vocabulary with accurate spelling.
  • Grammatical Range and Accuracy: controls sentence variety with limited errors.
Writing guide

Speaking assessment criteria

  • Fluency and Coherence: sustains speech and connects ideas logically.
  • Lexical Resource: uses suitable range, precision, and paraphrase.
  • Grammatical Range and Accuracy: balances range with control.
  • Pronunciation: remains intelligible with appropriate stress, rhythm, and intonation.
Speaking guide

Listening and Reading use raw marks converted to band scores. See Scores for descriptor PDFs and score interpretation.

EduZMS Workflow

How EduZMS uses this

Criteria

Module pages explain what examiners assess and how public descriptors apply.

Weakness patterns

Diagnostics identify common candidate pitfalls and targeted fixes.

Evaluation mapping

AI feedback can align writing and speaking practice to the same public criteria.

Next Steps

Mock tests and Pathway

Pathora AI connects IELTS preparation with exam-focused AI feedback aligned to official IELTS criteria, teacher workflows, and LMS progress on EduZMS.

Study Platform Pathora AI app Platform Study Plans

Preparation resources

Format Scores Study Plans Books

Common questions about IELTS format, registration, and preparation are collected in the FAQ.

Browse FAQ

Official examination websites

For registration, dates, and official test information, refer to the following sources.

IELTS (ielts.org) China IELTS (chinaielts.org)

IELTS is a registered trademark. This content is for informational purposes only and is not affiliated with the test owners.