IELTS Pattern Changes – January 2020

Apr 17 2022

There seems to be only one news that seems to be more popular now than the changes in the IELTS test – and that is news about Coronavirus. Since we are more in tune with the first and not with the latter, we will now talk about the changes in IELTS.

TL;DR (Too Long, Didn’t Read) Version: The Changes Do Not Matter!

If you still want to know what those changes are, continue reading.

????Only in Listening!

There are changes only in the listening section of the test. All other sections remain untouched.

We are guessing that these changes have been made to make the listening module in the computer delivered IELTS test and the paper test more uniform.

????Change #1: There will be no example.

The listening section of the IELTS test so far used to start with an example answer. This helped in listeners getting used to the accent and check the volume and all. This has now been removed. This is probably the only important change that you need to know about.

The outcome: You must start listening carefully right from the start of the test.

????Change #2: Sections will now be called parts

Really? Does this even classify as a change? Most test takers will not even notice such a thing. The fact that this has been listed goes on to say one of two things: there are people somewhere who are very thorough, and take even the most minor changes seriously, or these people are… well… let us not get there.

The outcome: You twiddle your thumbs and the world goes on as if nothing has happened! Relax!

????Change #3: There will be no mention of page numbers.

Well, not that we were really worried about page numbers… This is why we suspected the changes were to accommodate the newly introduced Computer Delivered IELTS test.

The outcome: Nothing changes. Move on. There’s nothing to see here!