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IELTS Practice Test

updated at

Updated on Oct 07, 2024, 08:46

There are two main modules for IELTS

 

  • IELTS Academic is for those planning to study for higher education or for professional and job applicants.
  • IELTS General Training is for those who want to enter English-speaking countries for general immigration.

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1. Reading Test

You've got 60 minutes for the Reading test, whether you're taking the Academic or General Training module. You'll have three passages in both, each followed by 40 questions.

 

In the Academic module, these passages cover various topics – descriptive, factual, and analytical. You might even come across diagrams, graphs, or illustrations. These texts are sourced from books, newspapers, journals, and more.

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2. Writing Test

You've got 60 minutes to attempt the Writing section in both modules. 

 

In the Academic module, Task 1 involves writing about a table, graph, chart, or diagram in at least 150 words. Task 2 is about essay writing, with a minimum word count of 250.

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3. Listening Test

The Listening test is a 30-minute test that's the same for both the IELTS Academic and General Training tests.

 

In this test, you'll listen to four recordings featuring a mix of conversations from many native English speakers. 

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4. Speaking Test

This face-to-face interview with an IELTS trainer lasts for about 11 to 14 minutes in both the Academic and General Training modules.
 

The Speaking Test is split into three parts:

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1.

IELTS Practice Test: Reading

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You've got 60 minutes for the Reading test, whether you're taking the Academic or General Training module. You'll have three passages in both, each followed by 40 questions.

 

In the Academic module, these passages cover various topics – descriptive, factual, and analytical. You might even come across diagrams, graphs, or illustrations. These texts are sourced from books, newspapers, journals, and more.
 

Now, in the General Training module, things are a bit different. While it consists of three sections, the types of texts in this case differ from the Academic versions. The first section has short texts, while the second has two short work-related texts. 
 

The Final section presents one long text about a general interest topic. The passages will be taken from genuine notices, company handbooks, advertisements, books, official documents, magazines, or newspapers.

 

 

How about trying out a sample paper to get the hang of the IELTS Reading test?
2.

IELTS Practice Test: Writing

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You've got 60 minutes to attempt the Writing section in both modules. 

 

In the Academic module, Task 1 involves writing about a table, graph, chart, or diagram in at least 150 words. Task 2 is about essay writing, with a minimum word count of 250.
 

Responses to Task 1 and Task 2 should be written in an academic, semi-formal, or neutral style.
 

For the General Training module, it's the same setup. Task 1 is about writing a letter in at least 150 words, and Task 2 revolves around essay writing, again requiring a minimum of 250 words. 
 

In this module, you have the flexibility to write in a semi-formal or formal style, depending on the nature of the letter or essay you are asked to compose.

 

Check out these IELTS Writing practice papers – perfect for honing your skills!
3.

IELTS Practice Test: Listening

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The Listening test is a 30-minute test that's the same for both the IELTS Academic and General Training tests.

 

In this test, you'll listen to four recordings featuring a mix of conversations from many native English speakers. 
 

Here's the catch: you'll only hear each recording once. For each part of the Listening test, you'll have 10 questions to answer. This means you'll have a total of 40 questions in this test.
 

Now, what are these questions? Well, they're all about testing your skill for:
 

  • Catching the main ideas and the facts.
  • Tuning into the opinions and attitudes of the speakers.
  • Understanding the purpose behind what's being said.
  • Keeping up with the flow of ideas as they evolve.
     

Let's break down the specifics of each recording:

 

  • Recording 1: A chat between two folks, just your everyday social conversation.
  • Recording 2: A one-person giving a speech in an everyday social setting or monologue – like a speech about local hangouts. 
  • Recording 3: You will listen to a monologue on any academic subject. For instance, a college lecture.
  • Recording 4: A conversation between up to four people, all set in an educational or training vibe – imagine a university tutor and a student hashing out an assignment.

 

Here you go! We've got some IELTS Listening practice samples ready for you.
4.

IELTS Practice Test: Speaking

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This face-to-face interview with an IELTS trainer lasts for about 11 to 14 minutes in both the Academic and General Training modules.
 

The Speaking Test is split into three parts:

 

Part 1 (4–5 minutes): It starts with an introduction and interview. The IELTS examiner starts things off by introducing themselves and asking you to do the same while ensuring you're really you. Then, they'll throw everyday questions, like family, studies, work, and what tickles your fancy.
 

Part 2 (3–4 minutes): In this round, it's your turn to shine. The examiner hands you a card with a topic and key points to discuss. You have a minute to gather your thoughts and scribble down some notes on a handy piece of paper. Then, it's showtime! You have one to two minutes to spill the beans on the topic; afterwards, the examiner might ask a few more questions about it.
 

Part 3 (4–5 minutes): The final stretch is a two-way discussion. The examiner keeps the ball rolling with more questions about the topic from Part 2. This is your chance to dive deeper into the ideas and share your thoughts.

 

Feel free to dive into these IELTS Speaking sample papers for some practice sessions here:
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FAQs

Q. What are the two main IELTS modules?

A. IELTS offers two primary modules: IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training. The IELTS Academic module suits those pursuing higher education at universities or professional and job-related purposes. On the other hand, IELTS General Training is intended for individuals planning to move to English-speaking countries for general immigration and employment purposes. 

Q. How many parts does the IELTS test consist of?

A. The IELTS test comprises four distinct sections, each designed to assess specific language skills: 

  • Reading
  • Writing
  • Speaking
  • Listening

These parts evaluate your abilities in different contexts, making IELTS a comprehensive language proficiency test. You can take IELTS Practice test to understand the test pattern.

Q. Can I choose the date and time for the Speaking test?

A. Yes, you can select a preferred date and time for your Speaking test. IELTS provides flexibility for this section, allowing you to choose a slot that best suits your schedule. However, IELTS will automatically assign one if you do not choose a time within the given timeframe. Therefore, booking your Speaking test slot on time is important to ensure convenience.

Q. What is the duration of the Reading test?

A. Both the Academic and General Training modules have a 60-minute Reading test. During this time, you must read and respond to a series of texts and questions, assessing your reading comprehension and critical thinking skills.

Q. How many reading passages are there in the Reading test, and what types of sources are used?

A. In the Reading test, you will have three passages in the Academic and General Training modules. These passages encompass various topics, including descriptive, factual, and analytical content. They may also feature diagrams, graphs, or illustrations. The texts used in the readings are sourced from various materials such as books, newspapers, journals, and other academic or practical sources. One of the best ways to understand the IELTS Reading pattern is to include IELTS Practice test in your study plan!

Q. What is the format of the Writing test for the Academic module?

A. In the Academic module, the Writing test consists of two tasks. Task 1 involves describing visual information, such as a table, graph, chart, or diagram, in a written response of at least 150 words. Task 2 requires candidates to write an essay with a minimum word count of 250. Task 2 often addresses broader topics and issues, requiring candidates to present a well-structured argument or analysis. You can take IELTS Practice test to understand the pattern thoroughly. 

Q. How long do I have for the Writing test in both modules?

A. you are allocated 60 minutes to complete the Writing section in both the Academic and General Training modules. This time frame includes both Task 1 and Task 2, allowing you to plan and write your responses effectively.

Q. What is the main focus of the Listening test, and how long does it last?

A. The Listening test is a 30-minute assessment identical to both the IELTS Academic and General Training modules. It primarily evaluates your ability to understand spoken English, highlighting various aspects, such as understanding the main ideas and facts, discerning the opinions and attitudes of the speakers, grasping the purpose behind spoken content, and keeping up with the flow of ideas as they develop.

Q. Where can I find a free IELTS practice test online?

A. You can find the IELTS practice test online for free on the official website of IELTS. These resources offer a wide range of comprehensive practice materials including sample test questions, practice tests, and other resources to help you prepare effectively for the IELTS exam.

Q. What is the Speaking test's duration, and how is it structured?

A. The Speaking test typically lasts around 11 to 14 minutes and maintains the same format for both the Academic and General Training modules. It is a face-to-face interview with an IELTS examiner and involves a structured conversation. The Speaking test is divided into three parts, as follows:

  • Part 1 (4–5 minutes): This initial part begins with an introduction and interview. 
  • Part 2 (3–4 minutes): In this section, the examiner provides a card with key points for discussion. You will have one minute to prepare and around two minutes to speak about the topic, and the examiner may follow up with additional questions.
  • Part 3 (4–5 minutes): The final portion is a two-way discussion. The examiner continues the conversation, delving deeper into the ideas and topics introduced in Part 2. 
Q. Can I prepare notes for the individual speech in the Speaking test?

A. Yes, you are given a one-minute preparation time in Part 2 of the Speaking test. During this minute, you can gather your thoughts and make brief notes regarding the topic provided on the card. These notes can serve as a helpful reference when speaking about the topic.

Q. Is the Speaking test the same for both Academic and General Training modules?

A. Yes, the Speaking test maintains an identical format for both the Academic and General Training modules. Regardless of your module, the Speaking test consists of the same three parts and assesses your ability to communicate in spoken English effectively.

Q. How can I get IELTS practice material to prepare for the test?

A. To prepare effectively for the IELTS test, you can access a variety of practice materials for the different test sections. These include sample PDFs and practice tests for the Reading, Writing, and Speaking sections. Experts recommend incorporating mock tests into your study plan to help improve your scores. You can include our IELTS Practice tests in your study plan to familiarise yourself with the test! 

Q. Where can I find more IELTS exam sample tests for practice?

A. You can find additional sample tests for practice by clicking on the provided links on Leap Scholar's resource page. These sample tests offer additional practice materials for the IELTS Reading and Writing sections, allowing you to enhance your readiness for the test.

Q: How can I use an IELTS computer-based practice test for effective preparation at home?

A: To prepare for the IELTS at home, use computer-based practice tests to simulate real exam conditions. These tests help you familiarise yourself with the format, improve time management, and identify areas for improvement, making your home preparation more efficient and effective.