General Training IELTS Layout
General Training
Listening
Speaking
Writing
Reading
Listening
- 30 minutes + 10 for checking answers
- 4 sections / 10 questions each
- Recordings are played ONCE
- 40 questions, 1 mark each
Section 3
Section 2
Section 1
Section 4
Conversation between two people
Names and numbers
2-4 speakers in an academic situation
1 person talking
General interest
1 person speaking about an academic project
Reading
- 60 minutes
- 3 sections
Increasing difficulty
- 40 questions, 1 mark each
Section 3
Section 2
Section 1
2-3 short texts relevant to everyday-life
1 long text about a general topic
2 texts about work situations such as applying for a job, staff training, payment conditions, etc.
Types of Questions
Multiple choice
Short answer
Sentence completion
Writer's view (T/F/NG)
Match phrases
Match a heading with a paragraph
Fill in or label diagrams
Skimming
Reading in detail
Scanning
Read the text quickly in order to understand the general meaning. Headings, subheadings, topic sentences.
Reading a text quickly in order to find specific information. Key words, names, dates, synonyms, etc.
When you read the section of the text, maybe the whole paragraph, word for word to understand exactly what it says
Skimming: Title, subtitles, first paragraph, first sentence of the rest of the paragraphs, last paragraph.
Scanning: look for keywords of the question in the text. Names, dates, places and synonyms. The question normally does not have the same words that appear in the text.
Reading in detail: once I've scanned, I read the sentence(s) carefully.
Writing
- 60 minutes
- 2 tasks
Task 1: 150 words / Task 2: 250 words
Task 2 - 40 minutes
Task 1 - 20 minutes
Write a short letter (150 words at least)
- Request information
- Explain a situation
It may be formal, informal or semi-formal.
Essay-style question (250 words at least)
- Give reasons (arguments)
- Give examples
Semi-formal. A personal approach is valid.
Speaking
- 15 minutes approx.
- 3 parts
Interview style
Part 3
Part 2
Part 1
Introduce yourself. Types of questions: Where are you from? Describe yourself, Tell me about you family...
Critical questions based on part 2. Provide arguments and examples
Task card for speaking on a topic
1 minute to prepare, up to 2 minutes to present
Bands
