The syllabus in detail:

Reading: The purpose of reading includes reading to find out information and basic comprehension. This section tests the ability of comprehension. 3 to 5 passages are given, containing 10 to 14 questions each. The score is based on the number of correct reading comprehension responses. Total number of questions varies yet it is about 40.

Listening: This section measures the candidate’s ability to understand the conversations and lectures in English. The real purpose includes listening for basic comprehension, pragmatic understanding, and connecting synthesizing information. This section gives audio recordings of academic lectures, classroom discussions, and conversations. The questions are asked based on the lectures/discussions. It has two sections. First is 3 to 4 long lectures and the second is 2 to 3 short conversations. Lectures consist of around 30 questions, about 6 to 8 questions each lecture on the other hand conversations consists of 10 to 15 questions, around 5 questions each conversation. Total number of questions varies yet it is about 40.

Speaking: This section measures the ability to speak English effectively in an academic setting. It consists of 4 tasks that mirror real-life situations encountered both in and outside of a classroom. The section starts with Independent Task that is choice-based; 15 seconds is given to prepare and 45 seconds to the response.

Second is Integrated Tasks that include Read/Listen/Speak. Third is Academic Course Topic – Preparation time: 30 seconds and Response time: 60 seconds. This section has a passage that broadly defines a term, process, or idea from an academic subject. This is a text lecture that provides examples and specific information to illustrate the term, process, or idea from the reading passage. The question asks the test taker to combine and convey important information from the reading passage and the lecture excerpt. Fourth is Academic Course Topic – Preparation time: 20 seconds and Response time: 60 seconds. The audio is an excerpt from a lecture that explains a term or concept and gives concrete examples to illustrate that term or concept. The question asks the test taker to summarize the lecture and demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between the examples and the overall topic.

Writing: It is to write responses based on reading and listening tasks. The task requires supporting the opinion. It evaluates the candidate’s ability to write in English in an academic setting. The high score requires that the essay should effectively address a topic; the response should be well-organized and well-developed using relevant explanations and detailed support. Furthermore, it should also display unity, progression, and coherence. The writing has two tasks: Task 1 is Integrated Writing. One passage is given to read and the audio to listen on the same topic. The test taker is advised to summarize the points in the passage and the lecture. Task 2 is Independent Writing that is an essay. The test taker is required to provide the viewpoints or provide a response as required for the specific task.