IELTS Pattern

IELTS Academic

Study, work, and migration in English-speaking countries

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Quick facts

Conducted by: British Council, IDP, Cambridge
Country / Region: United Kingdom / Global
Test fee: USD 215–250 (varies by country)
Frequency: Up to 4 times per month, 48 dates per year
Results: Available 3–5 days after test (computer-delivered) or 7 days (paper)

Accepted by

11,000+ organizations worldwide including universities, employers, and immigration authorities

Scoring

Each section scored on a 0–9 band scale in 0.5 increments. Overall band = average of four sections. Most universities require 6.0–7.0; top institutions 7.5+.

Purpose

Study, work, and migration in English-speaking countries

Pattern

Section breakdown

Each section follows the official IELTS Academic format exactly.

Listening

Four recorded monologues and conversations. 10 questions per section. Task types: multiple choice, matching, plan/map/diagram labeling, form/note/table/flow-chart completion, sentence completion, short-answer questions. Computer-delivered has ~2 min review time per section instead of the 10-min paper transfer.

Duration

30 min (computer: +2 min review) · 10 min transfer (paper only)

Questions

Academic Reading

Three long academic passages from books, journals, magazines, newspapers. Task types: multiple choice, identifying information (True/False/Not Given), matching headings, matching features, sentence completion, summary completion, short-answer questions.

Duration

60 min

Questions

Academic Writing

Task 1: describe, summarize, or explain a graph/diagram/process (150+ words). Task 2: write an essay in response to a point of view, argument, or problem (250+ words). Task 2 carries twice the weight of Task 1.

Duration

60 min

Questions

Speaking

Face-to-face interview with a certified examiner. Part 1: introduction and familiar topics (4–5 min). Part 2: long turn on a cue card topic with 1 minute preparation (3–4 min). Part 3: two-way discussion linked to Part 2 topic (4–5 min).

Duration

11–14 min

Questions

Why practise on PassPilot

Real IELTS Academic pattern.

Every IELTS Academic paper on PassPilot follows the official structure — sections, time, item types, and scoring all match. We randomise questions on every retake so you can never memorise the bank.