Free online test for IELTS preparation
To effectively begin your free online test for IELTS preparation, it’s wise to take a closer look at our IELTS sample questions. This will help you get a better idea of the questions you might encounter on test day. Make sure to add these free sample questions to your IELTS study plan as they are designed to help you prepare effectively.
There are significant benefits to practicing IELTS with our free tests. You’ll get familiar with the IELTS test format, allowing you to feel more comfortable on the actual exam day. You can test yourself and get used to real test time conditions, which is crucial for pacing yourself. These tests also allow you to experience tasks similar to actual test tasks. Finally, you can review your answers by comparing them to the model answers, giving you valuable feedback on your progress in your IELTS preparation online mock test journey.
The IELTS Academic Reading Test
The Academic Reading test includes three long texts, each varying in style, which range from being descriptive and factual to more complex styles like discursive and analytical. It’s important to know that the texts presented are authentic and are taken from credible sources such as books, journals, magazines, and newspapers. These selections have been specifically selected for a non-specialist audience, meaning you don’t need prior knowledge of the subject matter to understand them.
However, the content is still appropriate for people entering university courses or seeking professional registration, reflecting the level of English proficiency required in academic and professional settings. Therefore, when preparing for your IELTS online mock test, focusing on reading comprehension of various text types is crucial. Practicing with authentic materials like those found in academic publications will help you get accustomed to the language and structure you’ll encounter in the actual Academic Reading test. Remember that the questions will test your ability to understand the main ideas, specific details, the writers’ opinions, and your ability to follow arguments within these long texts.
Free Online IELTS General Training Reading Practice
You’ll find some excellent resources best free online site for IELTS preparation get ready for the IELTS General Training Reading test without any cost. Remember that you will be allowed 1 hour to complete all 3 sections of this test. Many platforms offer practice Reading tests that mimic the real exam format.
- These three parts of the practice Reading test are often presented over three separate web pages.
- Make sure you move swiftly from one page to the next so that your practice is as realistic as possible.
- It’s crucial to Time yourself and allow just one hour to complete all three parts, just like in the actual test.
- You’ll typically find that there are 40 questions in this practice test, and each question carries one mark.
If you prefer to work offline, many websites allow you to download the test paper and a blank answer sheet. It’s essential to follow the Instructions to candidates carefully, just as you would in the actual test. These instructions often include guidelines like 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 the page, and Read the instructions for each part of the paper carefully. Always remember to answer all the questions and write your answers on the answer sheet.
You must complete the answer sheet within the time limit. At the end of the test, you will be asked to hand in both the question paper and your answer sheet. Look for IELTS General Training Reading practice tests labeled as Section 1, Section 2, and Section 3, and sometimes even IELTS General Training Reading practice test 2 with its respective sections, for more IELTS preparation online, free for general training. Remember that while this focuses on the General Training module, those preparing for IELTS academic preparation online will find similar free practice resources tailored to the Academic Reading test.
Free Online IELTS Academic Writing Practice Tests
The IELTS Academic Writing test, with a duration of 60 minutes, is made up of two tasks. The topics in these tasks are related to areas of general interest and are suitable for test takers entering undergraduate and postgraduate studies, or seeking professional registration. Consequently, responses to both tasks must be written in a formal style. You will be presented with a graph, table, chart, or diagram and asked to describe, summarise, or explain the information in your own words.
Furthermore, you may be asked to describe and present data, describe the stages of a process, how something works, or describe an object, plan, or design. Subsequently, you will be asked to write an essay in response to a point of view, argument, or problem, and in doing so, you will support your point of view with relevant examples from your knowledge and experience.
Ultimately, you will be allowed 1 hour to complete two tasks in the IELTS Academic Writing test, and the two parts of this practice Writing test are presented on two separate web pages, so make sure you move swiftly from one page to the next so that your practice is as realistic as possible. If you prefer to work offline, you can download the test paper, but remember that in the actual test, you will do your writing in an answer booklet. Regarding Timing, the total time allowed for the IELTS Academic Writing test is 60 minutes, so time yourself and allow just one hour to complete both parts of the test.
Notably, Task 2 contributes twice as much as Task 1 to the Writing score. For Writing task 1, you should spend about 20 minutes on task 1 and write in a formal style, ensuring you write at least 150 words. Conversely, for Writing task 2, you should spend about 40 minutes on task 2, again write in a formal style, and aim to write at least 250 words.
The Instructions to candidates state that 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, read the instructions for each task carefully, answer both of the tasks, write at least 150 words for task 1, write at least 250 words for task 2, write your answers in the answer booklet, write clearly; you may make alterations, but make sure your work is easy to read.
At the end of the test, hand in both the question paper and your answer booklet. This comprehensive approach to IELTS academic test preparation online course materials ensures you are well-prepared for all aspects of the writing exam.
Which is the best free website for IELTS preparation?
Here’s a list of the Best free online sites for IELTS Preparation. Excellent free online resources for your IELTS preparation, which I have found to be incredibly helpful for many students:
- IELTS Online Tests: For a vast collection of free online practice tests, including full-length exams, head over to ieltsonlinetests.com. This site is excellent for test-taking practice.
- British Council: Visit their official IELTS preparation section at takeielts.britishcouncil.org for free practice tests, videos, and study guides directly from one of the test makers.
- IDP IELTS: IDP also provides valuable free resources on their site, which you can access via idpielts.me. They offer practice tests and helpful tips.
- IELTS.org: This is the official global IELTS website. You’ll find comprehensive information about the test, sample questions, and preparation materials directly at ielts.org.
- IELTS Buddy: A very popular third-party site offering a wide range of free lessons, practice tests, and tips for all sections of the IELTS exam. You can find it at ieltsbuddy.com.
- IELTS Liz: IELTS Liz (ieltsliz.com) is an incredibly well-regarded resource for free lessons and tips, often praised for its clear explanations.
- Magoosh IELTS Blog: Magoosh is known for its paid courses, but their IELTS blog at ielts.magoosh.com offers a wealth of free articles, lessons, and strategies.
The IELTS Listening Test
The Listening test in IELTS shares the same format and duration of 30 minutes for both the IELTS Academic and the IELTS General Training tests. During this section, you must answer 40 questions in response to four recordings. These four recordings are carefully designed as a mix of monologues and conversations featuring a range of native speakers, and importantly, you will only hear each recording once, emphasizing the need for focused listening. For each of the four parts of the Listening test, there are 10 questions.
These questions are specifically designed to test your ability to understand various aspects of spoken English, including Main ideas and detailed factual information, allowing you to grasp both the overall message and specific details. Furthermore, the test assesses your comprehension of the opinions and attitudes of speakers, requiring you to infer their feelings and perspectives.
You’ll also be tested on understanding the purpose of an utterance, identifying why something is being said, and the ability to follow the development of ideas, tracking the progression of the conversation or monologue. The Listening part details reveal the format of each recording: Recording 1 features A conversation between two people set in an everyday social context, while Recording 2 presents A monologue set in an everyday social context, e.g., a speech about local facilities.
Recording 3 involves 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. Finally, Recording 4 is A monologue on an academic subject, e.g., a university lecture. This variety ensures a comprehensive assessment of your listening skills in different scenarios.
The IELTS Speaking Test
The Speaking test is designed to assess your use of spoken English and typically has a duration of 11 to 14 minutes. During this time, you will discuss a variety of topics with an IELTS examiner. Your test will take place in a quiet room with an examiner who is trained to encourage you to keep speaking. Unlike an AI test, an IELTS examiner will be able to make you feel relaxed and confident. They’re also able to understand your accent to ensure you get the best possible score. The Speaking test has 3 parts.
In Part 1, the examiner will ask you general questions about yourself and a range of familiar topics, such as home, family, work, studies, and interests. This part lasts between 4 and 5 minutes. For Part 2, you will be given a task card, and the examiner will ask you to talk about a topic. You will have 1 minute to prepare before speaking for up to 2 minutes. Following your talk, the examiner will then ask one or two questions on the same topic to finish this part of the test. Finally, in Part 3, you will be asked further questions connected to the topic in Part 2.
These questions will allow you to discuss more abstract ideas and issues, and this part of the test lasts between 4 and 5 minutes. For effective IELTS academic preparation online and to familiarize yourself with the format, consider exploring resources offered by the British Council IELTS preparation online, as they often provide insights into the speaking test structure and what examiners look for.
