How to prepare

To have the best chance at doing well in IELTS, it is important that you prepare for the test. We have put together the following materials to help you get ready and know what to expect in 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.
Review the test format
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IELTS sample questions

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

IELTS Progress Check - official practice test

IELTS Progress Check is an official IELTS practice test that you take online. It is designed to help you prepare and understand the areas you need to improve or focus on.

IELTS Progress Check is marked by trained and qualified Examiners. Take a timed or untimed test, and receive feedback including an indicative overall band score and individual band scores for each section: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking.

Find out more
Official IELTS Practice Materials

Official IELTS practice materials

Our official practice materials are designed to help you understand the IELTS test format and the types of questions you may be asked.

This book contains official practice test material covering all four skills and is suitable for both IELTS Academic and General Training.

It comes with a DVD of the Listening test audio and three sample Speaking test answers. Examiner comments for Writing and Speaking sample answers will help you improve your score.

Purchase now from Cambridge.org or from an IELTS test centre.

Purchase from your test centre

IELTS Official Facebook and Instagram

Our Facebook and Instagram pages are regularly updated with test quizzes, hints and tips to help you prepare for your test.

Helpful resources

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Book your test

Find your local test centre and start your IELTS journey.

Book your test

IELTS assessment criteria

Learn more about how IELTS is scored and download the band descriptors which describe written and spoken performance at each of the nine IELTS bands.

IELTS scoring in detail
IELTS classroom - learning the four language skills

A test of four skills

IELTS is a task-based test covering the four language skills (listening, reading, writing and speaking).

A test of four skills