IELTS Sample Paper 2022: Download Sample Test PDFs

IELTS Sample Paper 2022: The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test is one of the most important exams for candidates aiming for universities or job opportunities in foreign countries. The IELTS score is calculated as an aggregate of all sections of the question papers on a scale of 1 to 9. The aspirants can practise using the IELTS sample papers to understand the types of questions, exam pattern, duration and scoring tips as well.

The IELTS exam is conducted in India by IDP Education Limited which is based in Australia and has more than 100 offices across 31 countries. IELTS is aimed at testing the language proficiency of individuals belonging to non-English speaking countries. In this article, candidates can find the IELTS sample paper PDFs, expected questions, marking scheme, and more.

Check the latest dates: IELTS test dates 2022

IELTS Sample Question Paper 2022

In order to practice IELTS exam sample papers, candidates should understand the exam pattern of the exam. IELTS exam will turn out to be difficult if an applicant does not know the paper pattern well. The IELTS exam pattern tests the candidate’s capability in four different parameters – listening, reading, writing, and speaking.

IELTS Exam Pattern

IELTS Exam Sample Paper

There are two types of IELTS tests available for candidates. One is IELTS Academic, and IELTS General Training. The first one is chosen by candidates for getting admission to foreign colleges or universities across the world, and the second one is selected by candidates who need a score for a particular organisation, etc. All the test takers of IELTS take the same Listening, and Speaking tests. What is different between the two kinds of tests are the reading and writing tests.

By using IELTS sample question paper PDF, candidates will be able to:

• Familiarise himself/ herself with the format of the test
• Experience the types of tasks he/ she will be asked to perform
• Test themselves under timed conditions
• Review one’s answers and compare them with model answers

IELTS Sample Question Paper: Listening

The listening test is the same for the two kinds of IELTS tests i.e. Academic and General Training tests. The listening test consists of four recorded monologues and conversations. The following IELTS sample paper online contains the listening sample tasks that can be practised by the candidates in order to score good marks in the IELTS exam 2022.

Test Format:

Four Recordings of IELTS Sample Questions and Answers

Following are the details regarding the recordings.

• Recording 1: A conversation between two people set in an everyday social context.
• Recording 2: A monologue set in an everyday social context, e.g. a speech about local facilities.
• Recording 3: A conversation between up to four people set in an educational or training context, e.g. a university tutor and a student discussing an assignment.
• Recording 4: A monologue on an academic subject, e.g. a university lecture.

IELTS Sample Test Questions for Listening 

Listening Sample Test 1

IELTS Question Paper: Academic Reading

The Academic Reading test includes three long texts which range from descriptive and factual to discursive and analytical. The texts are taken from books, journals, magazines and newspapers. They have been selected for a common audience but are appropriate for people entering university courses or seeking professional registration. 

Test Format:

IELTS Sample Paper PDF for Academic Reading

The sample tests for Academic Reading are given below.

IELTS Exam Sample Paper: General Training Reading

This test includes extracts from books, magazines, newspapers, notices, advertisements, company handbooks and guidelines. These are materials candidates are likely to encounter on a daily basis in an English-speaking environment.

Test Format:

IELTS Sample Test Questions Links for General Training Reading

The sample tests for General Reading are,

IELTS Sample Paper Writing: Academic Writing 

Task 1 – The candidate will be presented with a graph, table, chart or diagram and asked to describe, summarise or explain the information in their own words. He/she may be asked to describe and explain data, the stages of a process, and how something works or describe an object or event.

Task 2 – The candidate will be asked to write an essay in response to a point of view, argument or problem. Responses to both tasks must be in a formal style. 

Test Format:

IELTS Sample Tests Links for Academic Writing 

The links for sample tests of Academic Writing are given below.

IELTS Sample Paper With Answers: General Training Writing

• Task 1 – The candidate will be given a situation and asked to write a letter requesting information, or explaining the situation. The letter may be personal, semi-formal or formal in style.
• Task 2 – The candidate will be asked to write an essay in response to a point of view, argument or problem. The essay can be fairly personal in style.

Test Format:

Sample Tests Links for General Training Writing

The samples for Writing tests are given below.

IELTS Sample Paper Speaking

This test will consist of an oral interview between the test taker and the examiner. Candidates, please note that the complete conversation will be recorded.

• Part 1 – The examiner will ask general questions about the test taker and a range of familiar topics, such as home, family, work, studies, and interests. This part lasts between four and five minutes.
• Part 2 – Candidates will be given a card after which asks he/she will be supposed to talk about a particular topic. He/she will have one minute to prepare before speaking for up to two minutes. The examiner will then ask one or two questions on the same topic.
• Part 3 – Candidates will be asked further questions about the topic in Part 2. These will give the candidate an opportunity to discuss more abstract ideas and issues. This part of the test lasts between four and five minutes.

Test Format:

Sample Tests Links for Speaking

The sample tests for Speaking are as follows.

How Is IELTS Writing Test Marked?

The writing test will be marked on the basis of the candidate’s performance in the areas of ‘task response’, ‘coherence and cohesion,’ ‘lexical resource,’ and ‘grammatical range and accuracy’. The assessment will be done based on the answers provided by the candidate on the answer sheet. 

• Click Here to know the writing band descriptors: Task 1
• Click Here to know the writing band descriptors: Task 2

How Is IELTS Speaking Test Marked?

The speaking test is not that tough if a candidate is well versed in spoken English and is fluent. The test is basically like a conversation between two people. During this test, candidates will be made to sit in a private, quiet room with a qualified examiner who will engage them in a conversation. As the conversation with a stranger can be difficult sometimes, the examiner can slow down for the candidates, speed up or even repeat or rephrase a question if the candidate asks. The speaking skills are marked against a number of criteria, including ‘fluency and coherence’, ‘lexical resource’, ‘pronunciation’, ‘grammatical range’ and ‘accuracy’.

Click here to know the speaking band descriptor. 

How Is IELTS Reading Test Marked?

IELTS reading test will be based on the spoken and reading attributes of the candidate. The candidate will be assessed on the answers he/she selects. The questions will be basically in the form of true/false. Here is the table for candidates to know the Band Score:

Academic Reading:

General Training Reading:

How Is IELTS Listening Test Marked?

In this test, candidates will have to answer 40 questions based on the audio clips. The answers will be either right or wrong. Thus, the marking scheme will be different from speaking and writing tests. 

Listening 

How Is IELTS Overall Band Score Calculated?

The overall score of all the tests is the average of the four components i.e. Writing, Reading, Listening and Speaking. The average score will be rounded to the nearest whole or half band. The component scores are weighted equally. 

If the average of the four components ends in .25, the Overall Band Score is rounded up to the next half band, and if it ends in .75, the Overall Band Score is rounded up to the next whole band. If the average ends with a fraction below .25 or .75, the overall score is rounded down. 

Examples:

• Reading 6.5 + Writing 5 + Speaking 7 + Listening 6.5 = 25: 

Divide 25 by 4 = 6.25
Ends in .25 so round up to the next half band
Overall band score = 6.5

• Reading 6.5 + Writing 5.5 + Speaking 6.0 + Listening 6.5 = 24.5:

Divide 24.5 by 4 = 6.125
Ends with a fraction below .25 so round down to the next whole band
Overall band score = 6.0

• Reading 3.5 + Writing 4.0 + Speaking 4.0 + Listening 4.0 = 19.5:

Divide 19.5 by 4 = 3.875
Ends with a fraction above .75 so round up to the next whole band
Overall band score = 4.0

IELTS Exam Sample Paper: IELTS 0-9 Band Scale

Each of the tests i.e. Writing, Reading, Listening, and Speaking will be marked, and the candidate will receive a band score from 0-9. The average of this score will form the overall IELTS band score. The table below rates each band score against an English skill level. 

Band Score (9): Expert User

Candidates getting a 9-band score are considered to have fully operational command of the language. Their use of English is appropriate, accurate and fluent, and shows complete understanding. 

Band Score (8): Expert User

Applicants getting an 8-band score are considered to have fully operational command of the language with only occasional unsystematic inaccuracies and inappropriate usage. They may misunderstand some things in unfamiliar situations. They handle complex and detailed argumentation well. 

Band score (7): Good User

Candidates getting a 7-band score have operational command of the language, though with occasional inaccuracies, inappropriate usage and misunderstandings in some situations. They generally handle complex language well and understand detailed reasoning.

Band score (6): Competent User

Applicants getting a 6-band score have an effective command of the language despite some inaccuracies, inappropriate usage and misunderstandings. They can use and understand fairly complex language, particularly in familiar situations.

Band score (5): Modest User

Candidates getting a 5-band score have partial command of the language and copes with overall meaning in most situations, although they are likely to make many mistakes. They should be able to handle basic communication in their own field.

Band score (4): Limited User

Applicants getting a 4-band score have basic competence that is limited to familiar situations. They frequently show problems in understanding and expression. They are not able to use complex language.

Band score (3): Extremely Limited User

The candidate getting a 3-band score conveys and understands the only general meaning in very familiar situations. There are frequent breakdowns in communication.

Band score (2): Intermittent User

Aspirants getting a 2-band score have great difficulty understanding spoken and written English.

Band score (1): Non User

Candidates getting a 1 band score have no ability to use the language except for a few isolated words.

Band score (0): Did Not Attempt the Test

Candidates getting a 0 band score did not answer the questions.

FAQs on IELTS Sample Paper PDF

Below are the frequently asked questions on the IELTS exam sample paper:

Q.1: Why is it important to practice the sample papers?
Ans: It is important as it provides an idea about the exam and helps candidates to work in a limited time span.

Q2: Is IELTS difficult to pass?
Ans: It is neither difficult nor easy. Like any other exam, it needs thorough preparation too.

Q3: How much percentage is required for IELTS?
Ans: There is no percentage criterion for appearing in IELTS.

Q.4: What is the total duration of the IELTS exam?
Ans: The total duration of the listening section is 30 minutes, writing section is 60 minutes, reading section is 60 minutes and the speaking section varies from 11 to 14 minutes.

Q.4: What is the maximum number of attempts to take the IELTS exam?
Ans: There is no limit on the number of times an individual can take the IELTS exam. The exam will be held 4 times in a month, and aspirants can take the exam any number of times they wish to.

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We hope this article on IELTS Sample Paper has provided you with sufficient sample papers to prepare for the examination. Stay tuned to Embibe for latest updates related to the IELTS Exam 2022.