IETLS Language Preparation Classes
Free access to IELTS preparation course
Learn about each IELTS question type in each test section with our free IELTS preparation course.
The IELTS preparation course will take you through each IELTS test section and question type in your preparation on the road to IELTS. Just like the actual test, the preparation course is divided into four sections: Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking.
In each section you will:
learn about the test section format – how many questions & how much time you should spend on each question
learn what question types to expect
see examples of questions and sample answers
get tips on how to improve your band score.
You can also choose from our range of practice materials to assist you in your IELTS journey.
Free Practice Tests
Free online IELTS practice tests
Prepare for IELTS with our free practice tests and answers. Use these tests to carry out timed practice sessions and develop your test technique.
We strongly advise test takers to practice IELTS. By taking our free practice tests, you will get to know the test format, experience the types of tasks you will be asked to undertake, test yourself under timed conditions and review your answers and compare them with model answers.
Remember, you will take the Listening, Reading and Writing tests on the same day with no breaks in between, so it’s important to practise under similar conditions.
When taking the tests, remember that each test is presented over a number of web pages. Make sure you answer all the questions and carry out the tasks on each page in the correct order.
Free online IELTS Listening practice tests
The IELTS Listening test will take about 30 minutes, and you will have an extra 10 minutes to transfer your answers to the answer sheet.
The four parts of this practice Listening test are presented over four separate web pages. Make sure you move swiftly from one page to the next so that your practice is as realistic as possible.
Download the question paper and blank answer sheet before you start, and write your answers on the question paper while you are listening. Use a pencil.
Listen to the instructions for each section of the test carefully. Answer all of the questions.There are 40 questions altogether. Each question carries one mark.
For each part of the test, there will be time for you to look through the questions and time for you to check your answers.When you have completed all four parts of the Listening test you will have ten minutes to copy your answers on to a separate answer sheet.
We can make special arrangements for test takers with disabilities. If you require a modified version of the test, for example, in Braille, contact your test centre three months in advance to discuss your requirements.
Instructions to test takers
In the actual test you will be given the following instructions:
- do not open this question paper until you are told to do so
- write your name and candidate number in the spaces at the top of this page
- listen to the instructions for each part of the paper carefully
- answer all the questions
- while you are listening, write your answers on the question paper
- you will have 10 minutes at the end of the test to copy your answers onto the separate answer sheet; use a pencil
At the end of the test you will be asked to hand in the question paper.
Free online IELTS Speaking practice tests
There is just one version of the IELTS Speaking test for both IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training.
As the Speaking questions and topics are the same for both tests, you can be sure that the practice material provided here is suitable for you, whichever version of the IELTS test you are taking.
What to expect
In the IELTS Speaking test, you will have a discussion with a certified examiner lasting between 11 and 14 minutes. This will be interactive and as close to a real-life discussion as possible.
The test has three parts:
- In Part 1 – you will answer questions about yourself and your family.
- In Part 2 – you will speak about a given topic, which will be introduced by the examiner on the day.
- In Part 3 – you will have a longer discussion with the examiner about the topic introduced in Part 2.
How to practise
This practice material is designed for two people working together, so you’ll need to find a study partner to help you. This might be a teacher or a friend.
You should take all three parts of the test one after the other without a break to make sure that your practice session is as realistic as possible.
Remember to speak clearly and accurately. It is important to say as much as you can (without rushing) and to be spontaneous. Do not prepare answers in advance as you will not have this option when it comes to the real-life IELTS Speaking test. The more natural and authentic you can be, the better the test is likely to go.
It’s a good idea to record yourself (e.g. via your smartphone or laptop) so that you can go back and check your performance. If you can’t record yourself, ask your study partner if they can do so.
There are two practice tests below. Each test includes questions for your study partner to ask you as well as a sample topic for you discuss.
If you need more guidance, you can also listen to real-life audio recordings of a candidate taking the test.
How to review your Speaking test
Listen to your own recordings (if possible) and review your performance with your study partner. You may want to discuss the following:
- Think about how you spoke. Were you fluent? Did your speech sound natural? Were you able to express yourself clearly?
- Did anything prevent you from doing your best? Is there anything you might approach differently next time?
IELTS Speaking test samples
If you wish to hear samples of the Speaking test, you can listen to the recordings and read the audio transcripts for each part of the test. These are designed to give you an understanding of the format of the test, and they do not represent model answers so you should not try to imitate them.