How to prepare

To have the best chance at doing well on IELTS, it’s important that you prepare for the test. We have put together the following materials to help you get ready and know what to expect on your test.

Understand the test format

Familiarise yourself with the format of the test by reviewing the test content, as well as the question and task types for each section. It’s also important to read through the IELTS rules and regulations. These are laid out in the Notice to Candidates and Declaration which are included in the application form.

Review the test format

IELTS sample questions

Practicing with sample questions can help you familiarise yourself with the format of the test. We have provided sample questions to help you prepare for your IELTS test. This will give you an idea of what to expect in the Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking tests.

Sample test questions

IELTS Progress Check - official practice test

Know where you stand before your IELTS test. IELTS Progress Check is an official IELTS online practice test, marked by IELTS trained and qualified markers. Take a timed or untimed test, receive feedback including an indicative overall band score and individual band scores for each section: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. Helping you prepare and understand the areas you need to improve or focus on.

Find out more

Official IELTS practice materials

We have developed a series of practice materials. These are designed to help you understand the IELTS test format and the types of test questions you may be asked.

Vol. 2 Official IELTS Practice Materials (with DVD)

The book contains: practice tests for Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing (both Academic and General Training); Listening, Reading and Writing answer sheets; Listening and Reading practice test answer keys and Listening tapescripts; sample candidate Writing responses and examiner comments; sample candidate Speaking tests and examiner comments. The DVD contains a Listening test for candidates to practise and film footage of three students taking the Speaking test.

You can purchase official IELTS sample materials from Cambridge University Press (click on the links above), or from an IELTS test centre.

Purchase from your test centre

Consider a preparation course

If you would like assistance with test preparation, IELTS centres and language schools around the world offer IELTS preparation courses. You don’t have to attend a preparation course, but many test takers find that doing so helps them improve their performance. Talk to your local IELTS test centre to find out more.

Find your local test centre