IELTS Test Preparation Resources, Practice Materials & Tips
International English Language Testing System ( IELTS )
The IELTS exam is a test where they check your listening, reading, writing and speaking. If you want good marks and a high IELTS band score, you must do good IELTS preparation. You can follow easy IELTS tips and use the right study material for every part.
First you must know the IELTS exam pattern and how the test is. Then you should try to make your english better, do practice questions, and also you can join some IELTS classes or study from online IELTS resources. Make your own plan, do timed practice test, and check if you are getting better.
For IELTS preparation, you can study at home by using internet or you can go to IELTS coaching center with teacher. If you want online, you can join Free IELTS classes by Shiksha.com. These classes are teached by British Council and Cambridge trainers.
This article will tell you simple things about how to prepare IELTS for every section and also which IELTS books and materials you need.
The IELTS exam syllabus can be checked from below.
IELTS Academic Sections | Section Description |
|---|---|
Test takers will have to listen to recorded texts and answer questions accordingly. On this section, there are:
| |
Test takers would be given lengthy passages to read and answer corresponding questions. There are:
| |
Candidates would be required to attempt two tasks addressing topics of broad relevance:
| |
Divided into 3 parts, the Speaking Section will require the candidates to:
|
There is no pass or fail in IELTS. But students want a good IELTS band score to go to top universities. To do well in first try, you should know the test format and practice all parts – Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking.
You can prepare for the IELTS exam at home by first learning the exam pattern. Practice listening with English news or podcasts, improve reading by doing newspapers and articles, write essays and graph reports for writing, and practice speaking English daily for the speaking test. Using free online IELTS practice tests will also help.
- How to prepare for IELTS Exam?
- Free IELTS Coaching by Shiksha.com
- IELTS Mock Test Online
- IELTS Exam Pattern
- IELTS Exam Band Criteria
- How to Prepare for IELTS at Home?
- How to prepare for IELTS Exam in one month?
- IELTS Study Materials 2025
- IELTS Practice Test 2025
- IELTS Preparation Tips FAQs
How to prepare for IELTS Exam?
The IELTS test 2025 comprises four sections Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking. We have given preparation tips for every section of the IELTS exam preparation.
IELTS Reading Preparation
IELTS Reading section evaluates your reading skills. You need to read lengthy articles along with multiple-choice questions, short answers, matching information, and sentence completion. The Academic Writing test can be harder than the General Training test.
- If you are not able to solve a question, skip to another one. Come back later to finish it
- Carefully go through the graphs, images, or any figures while solving the questions. Focus on minor details
- Try to understand the passage questions carefully and find answers from the passage itself
- Use capital letters for answers
- Make sure you are to the point and grammatically correct
IELTS Writing Preparation
The Writing section comprises two subsections. Here, you need to write an essay expressing your point of view, and describe a diagram, chart, or graph.
- Give a limited time to every task like 40 minutes for a lengthier task and 20 minutes for task 1
- Try to write more than 150 words for the first task and more than 250 words for the second task
- Make sure you give a conclusion for task 2
- Avoid repeating words and phrases
- Avoid passive voice and use active voice
- Write to the point and avoid writing lengthy sentences
- Proofread before submitting
IELTS Listening Preparation
The listening section evaluates how well you understand the language. It has four sections and includes 40 questions. Ensure your headphones are working properly, if not then inform the examiner and change them with a working one.
- Utilize the allotted time to read the questions before the recording starts
- Make notes on the question paper when listening to the recording
- Listen to the recording carefully and try to focus on the answers. The recording will be played only once
- Give answers within the word limit
- Use capital letters for all answers
- Proofread for grammar errors and spelling mistakes before submitting
IELTS Speaking Preparation
In the IELTS Speaking section, you need to interact live with an examiner. This section analyses how well you spoke the English language. Here, you need to interact with the examiner, so, you need to be spontaneous. It is divided into three parts.
- Listen to the questions carefully and answer directly
- Try to speak slowly (so, the examiner can listen to you) and fluently
- Be confident while speaking
- Make sure your answers remain relevant
- Avoid long pauses
| IELTS test format 2025 | IELTS preparation books | study plan for IELTS |
Commonly asked questions
If you study about 2 to 3 hours daily, it's enough. Give time to all 4 parts: Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking. You can change subjects every day so it don't feel boring.
To start IELTS at home, you need a mobile or laptop, internet, some free IELTS books or videos, and a quiet space. Also get a notebook to note your mistakes and new words.
You can use Shiksha Free IELTS Classes, IDP official website, and British Council practice tests. Also, on YouTube, many free videos are there with IELTS tips, tricks, and sample answers.
Free IELTS Coaching by Shiksha.com
Shiksha Study Abroad has introduced a new, 1-month free online IELTS class to help students prepare for their IELTS Exam. Students associated with Shiksha get complementary free IELTS training for a month. This program aims to help students prepare to study abroad without additional costs.
The Free IELTS Classes by Shiksha.com have attracted over 3,000+ participants. Shiksha Study Abroad reports impressive results: 80% of students have achieved their goals, with the average participant achieving an IELTS score of 7.0.
Key Features of Free IELTS Training by Shiksha.com
Some of the key features of the Shiksha Study Abroad Free IELTS Training program typically include:
- Live online classes are accessible from anywhere and on any device
- 1 Month Free Training option to choose from Weekend and Weekday Batches
- Learn from experienced British Council and Cambridge-certified trainers
- All IELTS module: Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking
- Option for students to retake classes if needed at 0 cost
- Mock Tests for the students to practice before the exam
How to Join Free IELTS Classes by Shiksha Study Abroad?
Commonly asked questions
After you've signed up the consent. You'll get a link to join the free IELTS class. Also you be alloted a personal counsellor who will guide you with every detail about your class — from the schedule to what you should prepare before your first lesson. It’s like getting a personalised roadmap to IELTS success.
IELTS Mock Test Online
Commonly asked questions
IELTS question papers do not repeat exactly, but similar topics and question types may appear. It is important to practice a wide range of questions from IELTS mock test PDF to prepare for different scenarios.
The IELTS question paper format remains unchanged in terms of sections. There are four section, Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. One can check the number of questions asked in each section of IELTS from below.
- The listening section have 40 questions which need to be done in 30 minutes.
- Reading section is for 1 hour and also have 40 questions.
- Writing section is of 60 minutes where you need to complete 2 tasks (Task 1 report/graph, Task 2 essay).
- Speaking section takes around 11–14 minutes and is a face-to-face interview with examiner.
After learning the complete format familiarize yourself with all the topics that you need to cover while preparing for the test. You can get online practice tests and make sure to do it while following the time. Prepare for the Listening test by listening to the audio recordings. Similarly, prepare for the Reading and Writing sections accordingly. Make sure you do as much practice as possible in order to get a decent IELTS score.
IELTS Exam Pattern
IELTS test comprises four sections Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking. We have given the IELTS exam pattern below for reference:
| Sections with Duration |
Total Questions |
Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS Listening Section |
40 |
30 minutes |
| IELTS Reading Section |
40 |
60 minutes |
| IELTS Writing Section |
2 |
60 minutes |
| IELTS Speaking |
3 |
11-14 minutes |
Commonly asked questions
The IELTS Speaking section monitors the spoken English of the candidate. Every test is recorded. Check out the format of the IELTS Speaking section below:
| Parts on IELTS Speaking | Description |
|---|---|
| IELTS Speaking Part 1: General Questions about the Candidate | The examiner will ask the test taker general questions about you and familiar topics like work, studies, or home. The first part is of four to five minutes. |
| IELTS Speaking Part 2: Cue Card + Follow-up Questions | The test taker will be given a card that asks him about a specific topic. Here, you will be given one minute to prepare before speaking for two minutes. The examiner will then ask one or two questions on the selected topic. |
| IELTS Speaking Part 3: Discussion with the Examiner | The test taker will be asked questions about the topic selected in Part 2. Here, you will get the opportunity to discuss more about the ideas and issues. This part lasts for four to five minutes. |
Applicants can prepare for the Speaking section on IELTS based on the above mentioned format.
The IELTS Listening section format is designed in the following manner:
Candidates listen to four recordings of native English speakers and then write their answers to the list of questions.
- Recording 1 - a conversation between two people set in an everyday social context
- Recording 2 - a monologue set in an everyday social context
- Recording 3 - a conversation between up to four people set in an educational or training context
- Recording 4 - a monologue on any academic subject
Types of IELTS Listening Questions
- Matching
- Multiple-choice questions
- Sentence completion
- Short answer questions
To improve your vocabulary check out: Vocabulary for IELTS
Three long texts range from factual and descriptive to discursive and analytical. The texts are selected from magazines, journals, newspapers, and books for those looking to enter universities. Apart from the IELTS format, we have also given the types of questions below.
Types of IELTS Reading Questions
IELTS Exam Band Criteria
| Section |
Criteria |
Band 9 |
Band 7 |
Band 5 |
Band 3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Listening |
Fluency and Coherence |
Speaks easily with perfect pace and tone |
Speaks fluently but with small pauses |
Many pauses and breaks disturb flow |
Very hard to understand because of too many pauses |
| Vocabulary (Lexical Resource) |
Uses wide range of words very well |
Uses good range of words to explain ideas |
Few words, limits expression |
Very few words, almost no understanding |
|
| Grammar |
Uses complex grammar without mistakes |
Uses many grammar forms, small errors |
Many grammar mistakes, hard to follow |
Too many grammar errors, very difficult to understand |
|
| Pronunciation |
Perfect sound and natural tone |
Clear sound, small accent |
Accent noticeable, can confuse sometimes |
Strong accent, hard to understand |
|
| Reading |
Task Achievement |
Finds all main ideas, details and hidden meaning |
Finds most ideas and some hidden meaning |
Finds some ideas, weak with hidden meaning |
Only understands very basic info |
| Vocabulary / Text Range |
Understands wide and complex texts |
Understands many factual + opinion texts |
Understands only simple factual texts |
Struggles with most types of texts |
|
| Grammar |
Uses complex grammar well |
Uses many grammar types, some mistakes |
Many grammar mistakes, meaning not clear |
Too many grammar mistakes, very hard to understand |
|
| Writing |
Task Achievement |
Well-structured essay, covers all points |
Clear essay but with small issues |
Basic essay, may lack focus or order |
Very poor essay, ideas not clear |
| Vocabulary |
Wide range of words with good meaning |
Good range of words, ideas clear |
Small vocabulary, limits clarity |
Very small vocabulary, ideas not clear |
|
| Grammar |
Uses complex grammar with no mistakes |
Uses grammar range, small mistakes |
Many grammar errors, communication hard |
Too many mistakes |
|
| Speaking |
Fluency and Coherence |
Speaks smooth with perfect pace and tone |
Speaks fluent but small pauses |
Many pauses break the flow |
Hard to understand, too many pauses |
| Vocabulary |
Uses wide range of words correctly |
Uses good range of words, ideas clear |
Small vocabulary, limits talking |
Very small vocabulary, very poor talking |
|
| Grammar |
Uses complex grammar correct always |
Uses many grammar forms, some mistakes |
Many grammar mistakes, flow broken |
Too many errors, very hard to follow |
|
| Pronunciation |
Perfect sound and natural tone |
Clear sound, small accent |
Accent noticeable, can confuse sometimes |
Strong accent, very hard to understand |
Commonly asked questions
Most universities ask for IELTS Band 6.5 or 7.0 Some places may take Band 6, but they also want each section (like Writing, Speaking) not too low. Better to aim for Band 6.5 or more.
Yes, the band score system is same for both IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training. But the Reading and Writing questions are little different, so sometimes scoring feels harder in Academic.
Yes, IELTS gives scores like 6.0, 6.5, 7.0 etc. If your average is 6.25, it will be shown as Band 6.5, and if it is 6.75, then it becomes Band 7.
How to Prepare for IELTS at Home?
These tips will help you in improving the IELTS band score for the IELTS Academic test. Also, preparation can be a fun activity, even watching television discussions and chatting with your friends can be part of your preparation list.
Also, after a while, learn where you stand and do a progress check. Take IELTS Practice tests with and without the time and learn your strengths and weaknesses. You can get official IELTS practice material that will help you to give IELTS test experience with real IELTS questions. These tips will help you improve your IELTS band score for the IELTS Academic test. Also, preparation can be a fun activity; even watching television discussions and chatting with your friends can be part of your preparation list.
1. Improve Reading Skills
Sharpen your skills and develop an ability to search for details and make notes while reading. You need to manage the time limit, as you have to give answers in a limited time.
2. Enhance your Writing skills
Practice writing promptly and work to improve your speed. By developing writing skills, you will learn to handle Task 2 as it is longer and needs more time. Note down the new words and compose sentences using them. Analyze the task 2 question carefully and make sure that all parts of the question have been addressed. Work on your speed, so you get time to review what you have written.
3. Work on Listening skills
You can watch English news daily and write them later. Remember you can hear the recording only once, so, be attentive and develop your listening skills, so, you don't need to pause the recording. However, if you want to listen to the tape again then listen to the script once more and note the useful expressions. You should know what exactly has been asked and check for the instructions.
4. Learn vocabulary
For this, you need to read a lot. Note down the new words and learn how to use them in appropriate sentences. Read editorials and different magazines, so, you get exposure to new words. You need to use new words repeatedly to make them part of your regular speech.
5. Learn the pronunciation and develop fluency
The listening section has been divided into three parts a short talk, a structured interview, and a free interview. Candidates will be asked about 2-3 brief concerns on familiar topics for 4 to 5 minutes. For this practice talk in English for a long time and focus on your pronunciation. Read and listen to different topics, so, you can learn about them and speak on different topics. Record yourself while speaking and learn your weaknesses and strengths.
Commonly asked questions
Although two weeks are less, however, with a solid strategy can help you get a decent IELTS score. Candidates should understand the IELTS test format and prepare a comprehensive study plan for the next two weeks covering all the topics. After covering all the topics in each of the sections give full-length practice tests.
One of the best books for IELTS Reading is Cambridge IELTS 16 Academic Students' Book. It has real practice tests like the real exam. This helps students know the types of questions in the test. Another good book is The Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS. It gives tips and strategies to do better in the Reading section.
The IELTS exam syllabus can be checked from below.
IELTS Academic Sections | Section Description |
|---|---|
Test takers will have to listen to recorded texts and answer questions accordingly. On this section, there are:
| |
Test takers would be given lengthy passages to read and answer corresponding questions. There are:
| |
Candidates would be required to attempt two tasks addressing topics of broad relevance:
| |
Divided into 3 parts, the Speaking Section will require the candidates to:
|
How to prepare for IELTS Exam in one month?
If you plan carefully and have appropriate IELTS preparation material then you can prepare for the IELTS exam in one month.
- Join 20 days of IELTS Preparation Training Classes by Shiksha.com
- Solve an IELTS practice test daily
- Learn how to approach IELTS questions
- Vocabulary is important
- Focus on improving your listening and developing reading skills
By being able to follow these key pointers, IELTS preparation can get easier and applicants will be able to ace the exam in one go.
Commonly asked questions
Yes, you can do IELTS preparation in one month. Many students do it. But you have to be serious and study every day. Give time to all 4 parts, Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking, and don't miss any day.
You should study around 2 to 4 hours per day. If your English is already okay, 2–3 hours may work. If you are weak, try to give more time. Make a study plan and follow it daily.
To improve IELTS writing in one month:
- Write 1 task daily.
- Read Band 7 or Band 8 writing samples, try to copy the structure.
- Use linking words, write clearly, and check grammar.
- Try to finish each writing task in time.
IELTS Study Materials 2025
Commonly asked questions
It depends on your current knowledge of the English language. If you are proficient in English then you can score well even with less preparation. One can definitely increase improve his/her score by studying for the IELTS exam.
One of the best books for IELTS Reading is Cambridge IELTS 16 Academic Students' Book. It has real practice tests like the real exam. This helps students know the types of questions in the test. Another good book is The Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS. It gives tips and strategies to do better in the Reading section.
IELTS Practice Test 2025
Commonly asked questions
Using IELTS mock test PDFs with answers can help you check your performance. You can see which areas you need to improve. Practicing with timed tests helps you understand the level of the real exam. Using past year IELTS question papers can make you more ready and increase your chance to get a good IELTS score on the first attempt.
After learning the complete format familiarize yourself with all the topics that you need to cover while preparing for the test. You can get online practice tests and make sure to do it while following the time. Prepare for the Listening test by listening to the audio recordings. Similarly, prepare for the Reading and Writing sections accordingly. Make sure you do as much practice as possible in order to get a decent IELTS score.
You can access free IELTS mock test PDFs from various online resources such as FREE IELTS Preparation Classes by Shiksha, IDP India, Cambridge, and more. These websites offer free IELTS practice materials for all sections of the IELTS exam.
Predict your IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE in just 4 steps!
IELTS Preparation Tips FAQs
Commonly asked questions
For some candidates it is important to have a mentor and a regular study plan with fixed timing to prepare for the exam. IELTS test may seem a piece of cake to many but at the same time, it can be difficult for some after knowing its complexities. Candidates can go through the exam pattern and check the topics they need to cover. If you think you need tutoring for preparation then go for coaching or else go for self-study.
There may not be a specific answer to this question as it varies from person to person. Somebody may find the Writing section the most difficult for preparation while some may find Speaking the hardest. It is better one should go through the IELTS exam pattern and understand each and every section and figure out the toughest section based on preparation and focus more on that.
Those who want to give the IELTS test without studying should take some of the IELTS practice tests and then decide whether they need to prepare for the exam or they can give it without studying.
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