IELTS Test Online – Practice Free Sample Papers In 2023

The English Language Testing System is a proficiency test that students must appear for if they want to pursue higher education abroad or migrate for employment. It has primarily two formats: computer-delivered and paper-based. In addition, there are two types of IELTS: Academic and General Training. 

In addition, candidates can choose the test they wish to appear for after filling out the registration form and payment.  However, candidates must practise the mock tests and engage in self-studying to nail IELTS with ease. This will help them develop a stronghold over the four sections of the IELTS test online. 

IELTS Detailed Exam Pattern 

IELTS contain four primary sections: 

1. Reading

Candidates are required to answer 40 questions, and the allotted time is 60 minutes in which they must complete each section. The Academic module includes three long texts: factual, descriptive, and analytical. However, the General Training constitutes three sections. 

2. Writing 

For writing task 1, candidates must write an essay responding to a given statement within 150 words. It usually involves charts, graphs, tables, or diagrams. In this case, one needs to state the key features, identify the developments, and compare data. On the other hand, in writing task 2, the candidate must respond to the problem presented. These essays are opinions, discussions, advantages and disadvantages, and double questions. Here, they must present their opinion or may be asked to discuss opposing views. 

3. Listening 

Candidates will hear the recordings of four native speakers. These will be played only once.

• Recording 1:

A conversation between two people in everyday social situations. This is the easiest. 

• Recording 2:

This is a conversation based on an everyday social setting. For example, it can also be a speech on the local amenities. 

• Recording 3:

It can be a conversation between four people in an educational context. For example, a university tutor and a student discussing the assignment. 

• Recording 4:

It is a monologue on academics. For instance, it can be a university lecture. It assesses the candidate’s ability to understand the speaker’s perspective, analyse the information and critical ideas, the intent behind an utterance, and develop ideas. However, they should answer the forty questions within 30 minutes. In the last 10 minutes, they must transfer their answer. 

4. Speaking 

The speaking test is the same for Academic and General and assesses whether the candidate can communicate in English properly with the native English speakers. The test is for 11-14 minutes, and the IELTS Speaking syllabus is underlined below: 

• Part 1- Introduction and interview 

Here, the interviewer and the candidate will first introduce themselves. Here, questions are based on topics such as education, family, hobbies and professional life. This session spans for 4-5 minutes. 

• Part 2– Talking on topics from cue cards 

Here candidates must select the cue cards and talk on the topic for 2 minutes. The test-taker can make notes on the subject and must do so within two minutes. After this, follow-up questions are asked. This is done to assess whether the candidate is able to communicate without any pause, along with the usage of language. This session is generally 3-4 minutes. 

• Part 3– In-depth Discussion 

The candidate must explain in-depth the topic given in cue cards. Generally, abstract issues will be discussed, and the examiner may ask questions such as: 

• Why is this subject important? 
• Questions associated with the topic 

 This task assesses whether the candidate can justify their position and if they can talk in-depth on the issue. This session spans for 4-5 minutes. While taking the test, candidates must time themselves accordingly. Furthermore, they can study from resources such as the British Council and IDP. 

Importance of IELTS Practice Test

Candidates need to take the IELTS practice test online. It will help them be conversant with the exam pattern and questions. In addition, it will help them understand their strengths and weaknesses. These are the reasons for taking the IELTS online test that is given below: 

• Polishes your time management & multitasking skills 

An IELTS practice test will polish your time management skills. With the help of this test, candidates will be able to complete each of the above sections in the stipulated time. Furthermore, one will be able to develop multitasking skills. In addition, one will refine their communication, reading, writing and listening skills. 

• Familiarising with question patterns & structure 

Candidates with the IELTS online can acquaint themselves with the question pattern and structure of the exam. One will learn about the number of questions that come in each section and the marks allotted to it. Many times, candidates are unable to answer specific types of questions. However, with this, one will understand which types of questions are problematic and can improve in working on them. 

• Practice equals perfection 

Practice makes a man perfect, and this saying goes correct for IELTS. Furthermore, it is essential for securing good marks. Although a high score may be difficult to attain at first, this will be a more effortless endeavour with practice. Once one knows their strengths and weaknesses, one can work on those sections. 

Self Study Guide on IELTS Mock Test 

Candidates can practice IELTS mock tests. They must design a structure for preparing for the IELTS test like this: 

Morning	Lunch	Afternoon	Evening	Time
Hearing podcasts for 30 minutes.	Learning vocabulary and reading books and resources	Practising writing tasks	Understanding the types of questions that come in IELTS listening	Monday
Reading English books	Researching and practising common essay topics	Practising speaking and recording oneself	Practising both the writing tasks	Tuesday
Listening to podcasts for 45 minutes and noting down new words	Reading the topics and online resources	Speaking on common topics	Practising essay topics	Wednesday
Listening to audio & YouTube	Reading blogs of different types	Familiarising with different reading question types	Online classes with a study guide	Thursday
Reading articles and newspapers	Practising vocabulary and marking them	Writing opinion essays and graphs	Practising speaking with a partner	Friday
Listening to audios, watching English movies	Reading books and online resources	Practising a mock test with all the sections	Reviewing all of the above done and revising	Saturday
Complete revision of the sections	Practising on worksheets	Writing Task 1 and 2 and timing oneself	Reviewing the vocabulary	Sunday

Underlined below are the Tactics for a Self-Study Plan: 

• Spending 30 mins on the Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking sections.  
• Practice each type of question in the worksheets. 
• Look at online portals to get the study material. 
• Learn new words by reading books, and magazines
• Watching English movies and YouTube to grasp the pronunciation. 

Number of Practice Tests to Take 

Candidates must practice multiple numbers of tests for IELTS online training. However, it depends on the preparation of the individuals. They can check out sample papers for each section. They can attempt sample questions that are underlined below: 

Listening 

Reading 

• Academic
• General

Writing 

• Academic 
• General 

Listening 

• Part 1 
• Part 2 
• Part 3 

IELTS Mock Tests from British Council & Cambridge 

Individuals to ensure a good band score can turn to British Council, which jointly owns the IELTS. They provide a wide range of resources and study material to help individuals ace the test. Moreover, Cambridge Assessment English and Cambridge University Press also offer the same. Candidates must use videos and lectures to prepare for the IELTS test online. In addition, however, they must use high-quality books and online audio to ramp up their IELTS practice from home. Taking the help of the right resources is vital in attaining a good score. Further, you can consider turning to Leap Scholar for guidance and amplify your IELTS preparation.

Frequently Asked Questions