IELTS Academic | Preparation materials

IELTS on computer: How it works

Watch these videos, they will help you understand how the listening, reading and writing sections appear on the computer. Also, you will see how to use the help option, make notes or highlight text during the test.

New: IELTS Online test – take your English exam wherever you are!

Just like the traditional IELTS Academic test, it includes listening, reading, writing, and a speaking section. The speaking section is conducted online through a video call with a certified IELTS examiner.

Learn more about IELTS Online test!

IELTS Academic – free sample test questions by IELTS

Find a wide variety of sample questions for each part of the test.
See the computer sample tests for listening, Academic reading, and Academic writing.

Using these free IELTS preparation materials will enable you to:

• Familiarise yourself with the IELTS exam format
• Experience the types of tasks you will be asked to undertake
• Test yourself under timed conditions
• Review your answers and compare them with model answers.

More free online IELTS practice tests by the British Council

Take a free practice test for all parts of the test:

• Listening practice tests: 30 minutes + an extra 10 minutes for transferring your answers down to the answer sheet
• Reading practice tests: 1 hour to complete all 3 sections
• Writing practice tests: 1 hour to complete 2 tasks
• Speaking practice tests: 11-14 minutes and consists of 3 parts

Get extra help with the online IELTS preparation tool – Road to IELTS Academic

More than 5 million IELTS candidates have already used Road to IELTS. You will find English practice tests here. Visit the practice zone with over 300 interactive activities.

Take the free British Council online course, Road to IELTS

IELTS Ready: Comprehensive IELTS test preparation offer

IELTS Ready is an extensive study package featuring various IELTS preparation materials, mock exams, and expert-led masterclasses. IELTS Ready offers two options:

• IELTS Ready Member providing free access to study tools and practice exams upon subscription
• IELTS Ready Premium including a tailored study plan, webinars for students and over 40 practice tests, available at no extra cost when you schedule your test via us with the British Council.

Book your exam and gain access

IELTS test tips

Take a look at blog articles with plenty of useful and interesting tips on how to succeed in IELTS exams.
Find more speaking tips, writing tips, and vocabulary tips.

Video resources

Check out the official IELTS Youtube Channel! Find plenty of explanation videos for each part of the test to help you improve.

British Council mobile apps

Learn English flexibly – wherever you are and whenever you want to! Have more fun with learning English. The British Council has created a list of easy-to-use prep apps. They give you instant access to English tests, grammar tips, exercises, quizzes, and more.