IELTS test format and timing: the four sections explained
IELTS has four sections: Listening (about 30 minutes), Reading (60 minutes), Writing (60 minutes) and Speaking (11–14 minutes). Listening, Reading and Writing are taken back-to-back on the same day; Speaking is a face-to-face interview held on the same day or within a few days.
Section by section
- •Listening: 40 questions, four recordings, about 30 minutes (on paper, plus 10 minutes to transfer answers).
- •Reading: 40 questions on three long texts, 60 minutes, with no extra transfer time.
- •Writing: two tasks, 60 minutes; spend about 20 minutes on Task 1 and 40 on Task 2.
- •Speaking: a three-part interview with an examiner, 11–14 minutes.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the IELTS test in total?
The Listening, Reading and Writing sections take about 2 hours 45 minutes together; Speaking adds another 11–14 minutes, often on the same day.
Is the Speaking test on the same day?
It can be on the same day or up to a few days before or after the other three sections, depending on the test centre.
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