IELTS Practice Tests

Where do you take the practice tests?

You buy the IELTS practice tests on this site and take them here too, signing in with the email address and password of your IELTS Istanbul account (a TestPrep account). There are 20 full IELTS Academic practice tests, each with all four sections at real test timing. You can buy them one at a time or in packs of 5, 10 and 20, and you choose which tests go into a pack.

• The first test, a full-length IELTS diagnostic test, is free
• You get 2 attempts at each test
• The tests you buy stay open in your account for 12 months
• After each test you get a separate band estimate for each of the four skills and an explanation for every question
• You need to sign in to your account to buy and take the tests

Why do practice tests matter?

Sitting practice tests regularly takes the surprises out of test day. You get used to working under time pressure, and after each test you see your mistakes and learn not to fall into the same traps again. What you do after a test matters as much as sitting it: rather than glancing at the answer key and moving on, work out why each wrong answer was wrong, so the same trap doesn't catch you in the next test.

• Shows your estimated band score in the real format
• Measures how you perform under time pressure
• Puts a number on the skill you're furthest behind in
• Lets you track your progress throughout your preparation
• Prepares you mentally for test day

What kinds of practice do we offer?

Full practice tests give you an overall band estimate and build the stamina you need on test day. To work intensively on a weak section, the question bank and the Writing and Speaking work in private lessons are the better fit.

• Full IELTS Academic practice test: all four sections at real test timing (20 tests plus the free diagnostic test)
• Section-by-section practice: the IELTS Question Bank, with 7,890 questions for Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking; one payment, 4 months' access
• Writing assessment: your Task 1 and Task 2 responses reviewed in a private lesson against the four official criteria
• Speaking rehearsal: a three-part interview with feedback in a private lesson

The report after each test

The real value of a practice test isn't the score but the reasons behind it. After every test you get a detailed score report: a separate band estimate for each of the four skills, an explanation for every question and a study roadmap. The report shows which question types cost you marks, and why; if you're taking private lessons, you work through it with your tutor. It sets the agenda for your next stretch of study.

Which mistakes go with which band range?

Each band range comes with its own pattern of mistakes. At 5.5–6.0, time management and recognising the basic question types are usually the main problems; at 6.0–6.5, gaps in task coverage in Writing and in developing answers in Speaking stand out; moving from 6.5 to 7.5 depends on precision in vocabulary and grammar, and on consistency. Reading your practice tests with this in mind keeps your study at the right level.

When should you step up the pace?

At the start of your preparation, practice tests are for measurement and can be spaced out. As the test approaches — especially in the last 3–4 weeks — sitting them more often gets you used to the full length and order of the test. The aim is for the format and timing to feel completely familiar on the day.

Frequently asked questions

Related pages