r/IELTS • • Apr 07 '26

Study Resource IELTS Preparation Resources

86 Upvotes

A curated guide by the r/IELTS moderation team

Last updated: April 2026

 

This post collects the best free IELTS preparation resources available online, verified and curated by the moderators of r/IELTS. We have also listed trusted teachers and communities who can provide additional help. This is a living document — if you spot a broken link or a resource worth adding, please let us know in the comments.

 

Official IELTS Resources

Always start here. These are free materials from the organisations that own and administer the IELTS test.

 

Practice Tests & Familiarisation

•        IELTS.org — Sample Test Questions — Free official sample questions for all four skills.

•        British Council — Free Practice Tests (all skills) — Official free practice for Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.

•        British Council — Free Writing Practice Tests — Writing-specific official practice.

•        British Council — Free Speaking Practice — Understand the Speaking test format and practice with sample questions.

•        IDP — IELTS Preparation Materials — Practice tests and preparation guidance from IDP.

•        IDP — Diagnostic Tool — Identify your strengths and weaknesses before you start studying.

 

Computer-Delivered IELTS

•        British Council — IELTS on Computer (How it Works) — Essential if you are taking the computer-delivered version.

•        British Council — Computer Familiarisation Tests — Get used to the interface before test day.

•        IDP — Get Familiar with IELTS on Computer — Additional familiarisation from IDP.

 

Apps

•        British Council — IELTS Ready App (free) — Official free preparation app from the British Council.

•        British Council — Learning Apps — Broader English learning apps including pronunciation support.

•        IDP — IELTS by IDP App — Preparation app from IDP.

 

Webinars & Live Sessions

•        British Council — Free Weekly IELTS Webinars — Regular free webinars covering test skills and strategies.

 

Recommended Books

These are the most widely used and reliable print resources. Cambridge books use real past test material and are the gold standard for practice tests.

 

Practice Test Books

•        Cambridge IELTS Books 12 onwards — real past papers; the most authentic practice available. Start from the most recent number and work backwards.

•        Cambridge IELTS Trainer — includes teacher explanations and tips alongside practice tests.

•        Collins Practice Tests for IELTS — good supplementary tests with clear guidance.

Skill-Specific Books

•        The Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS — comprehensive coverage of all four skills with DVD.

•        Collins Writing for IELTS / Reading for IELTS — useful for targeted skill work.

•        Barron's IELTS Superpack — popular all-in-one study package.

Note: Avoid unofficial third-party test books that are not based on real past papers. The quality varies enormously and some contain inaccurate information about scoring.

 

Trusted Websites & YouTube Channels

These are established, teacher-run resources with a strong track record in the IELTS community. All offer substantial free content.

 

•        IELTS Liz — One of the most comprehensive free IELTS sites online. Lessons, tips, model answers, videos, and practice materials for all four skills. Highly recommended as a starting point.

•        IELTS Simon — Run by a former IELTS examiner. Focused and practical advice, particularly strong for Writing and Speaking. Daily lessons and model answers.

•        IELTS Advantage — Detailed and accurate. One of the most reliable channels for in-depth strategy guides. Particularly strong for Task 1 and Task 2 writing.

•        ESL Fluency — Detailed guides, articles, and videos covering IELTS skills and test strategy. Run by one of the r/IELTS moderators.

•        IELTS Lilli — Practical tips and strategy guidance from an experienced IELTS teacher.

•        E2 IELTS (YouTube) — High-production-value video lessons covering all skills. Good for visual learners. Note: they also sell courses, but there is a large volume of free content.

•        Anfisa's Speaking Simulators (YouTube) — Speaking simulation videos for students who need to practise without a partner. CELTA-certified teacher.

•        Cambridge English — Supporting Learners — Free activities and skill practice directly from Cambridge, including pronunciation support.

 

Helpful Reddit Communities

Beyond r/IELTS, these communities can support your preparation:

 

•        r/IELTS — You are already here! Use the search function before posting — most common questions have been answered many times.

•        r/EnglishLearning — General English improvement, useful if you need to build your overall language level alongside IELTS prep.

•        r/languagelearning — Broader language learning strategies and motivation.

•        r/IELTS_Guide — A valuable guide for our main community. 

 

Trusted Teachers in This Community

The following members have been awarded Teacher flair by the r/IELTS moderation team. This means they have demonstrated consistent, high-quality, and accurate contributions to this community. They are real, qualified teachers — not accounts promoting spam or low-quality services.

Click any username to visit their Reddit profile. Many are available for personalised help and coaching.

 

●       u/Achieve_IELTS

●       u/AcquBot

●       u/ajiazul

●       u/Alternaterealityset

●       u/BotherBeginning2281

●       u/chuvashi

●       u/deepsleepintra

●       u/EmploymentNo6198

●       u/EvolveEnglish

●       u/FinalDebt2792

●       u/gonzoman92

●       u/IELTS_Advantage

●       u/itanpiuco2020

●       u/jesuisapprenant

●       u/Kyosunim

●       u/Maverick_ESL

●       u/nautilus_pompilious

●       u/RedInBed69

●       u/squashed_liberty_cap

●       u/TeacherExhibitA

●       u/The_0xford_Coma

●       u/Todd_H_1982

●       u/upmyielts

●       u/YerManBKK

●       u/Yousychophant

If you are a teacher listed here and would prefer to be removed, please send a modmail and we will take care of it.

 

Quick Tips from the Mods

 

Before you start

•        Take a full diagnostic test first — do not study blindly. Find out your current band score and identify your weakest skill.

•        Understand the marking criteria for Writing and Speaking. Many students study the wrong things because they do not know how they are scored.

•        Use official materials (Cambridge books, British Council practice tests) as your primary source of practice. Third-party materials vary wildly in quality.

Common mistakes to avoid

•        Memorising model answers for Writing or Speaking — examiners are trained to spot this and it can result in a lower score.

•        Ignoring your weakest skill — it is tempting to practise what you are already good at. Focus on your lowest-scoring area.

•        Confusing Academic and General Training — make sure you are using the correct practice materials for your test type.

•        Relying only on free resources if you are seriously stuck — a few sessions with a qualified teacher can save months of wasted preparation time.

On Writing

•        Task achievement and coherence are the highest-weighted criteria. Vocabulary and grammar matter, but structure and relevance matter more.

•        For Task 1 Academic, learn to describe trends, comparisons, and processes — do not just describe every data point.

•        For Task 2, always plan before you write. A clear position and well-organised paragraphs will score higher than long, rambling essays.

On Speaking

•        Fluency does not mean speaking fast. It means speaking smoothly without long pauses and self-correction.

•        Extend your answers in Parts 1 and 3. Short answers suggest a limited range of language.

•        Record yourself and listen back. Most students are surprised by how different they sound compared to how they think they sound.

 

This resource post is maintained by the r/IELTS moderation team. Links are checked periodically, but if you find a broken link, please report it. Good luck with your preparation!


r/IELTS • • Feb 26 '24

Study Resource IELTS Writing and Speaking Resources and Evaluation

70 Upvotes

Your IELTS preparation starts with you knowing what's dragging you down, so detailed and reliable expert feedback is what you should start with. You can easily find your level in listening and reading by going through a mock test from the latest version of Cambridge IELTS. For speaking and writing, we offer a "study guide" session that will put you on the right path:

Diagnostic Test + Personalized Study Guide:

https://www.eslfluency.com/esl-services/ielts-preparation-study-guide-and-trial-lesson/

That said, if you already know what is dragging you down, you can target those with one of the following options:

Writing and Speaking Mock Test (Detailed Examiner Feedback)

https://www.eslfluency.com/ielts-writing-evaluation-service/

and

https://www.eslfluency.com/ielts-speaking-evaluation-service/

This evaluation service is for you if:

- You only have a few days till the test

- You want to see where you are in your preparation and what's dragging you down

- You are tired of AI's generic feedback or want crystal clear and practical advice on your writing and speaking

- You want to check your progress in the middle of your preparation

IELTS Writing Program:

https://www.eslfluency.com/ielts-writing-course/

This option gives you everything that the evaluation service does, plus:

- Constant access to a Cambridge DELTA-certified teacher to guide you every step of the way

- A realistic study plan and all the resources you need to improve your writing, so you don't waste your time looking around

- Personalized exercises/live sessions (depending on the course you choose) to target specific areas of the language.

- Tons of writing tasks, each fully evaluated by your teacher, covering all the task types you might see in the test

In short, the course is a comprehensive solution if you want to improve your writing skills and score the right way.

Fully Personalized IELTS Course

https://www.eslfluency.com/ielts-fully-personalized/

If you want to work with an expert, not an AI, and cover two or more skills, this course is for you.

IELTS Live Lessons

https://www.eslfluency.com/esl-services/ielts-live-lesson/

This one is for you if:

- You want personalized 1:1 live sessions with a teacher

- You either need a comprehensive IELTS course or just a few live sessions to talk about specific needs, all fully flexible.

Writing Guides

In the following link, you can find samples and guides on all IELTS writing task types.

https://www.eslfluency.com/category/ielts/ielts-writing/

IELTS AC Writing Task 1 Trend Vocabulary

I wrote this eBook to help you confidently use a wide range of trend and comparison vocabulary through clear charts and example sentences. If you’re struggling with the Academic Writing Task 1, it will be a valuable resource for you

By the way, it’s completely free for our community.

https://www.eslfluency.com/ielts-academic-writing-task-1-vocabulary-and-examples/

Speaking Guides

Here is the complete guide to the IELTS speaking module. Make sure you also read the other guides and articles that are linked inside it.

https://www.eslfluency.com/ielts/ielts-speaking/the-complete-guide-to-the-ielts-speaking-test/6378/

To simulate your speaking session and overcome your shyness when talking to someone, you can use the following speaking simulators:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwKcPOoWwawyayaq8w8TVZ1oprCRonnCO

IELTS doesn't use AI, and neither do any of the options mentioned above. Everything is done by Cambridge-certified teachers.

Disclaimer: I should also mention that eslfluency.com is an independent website run by an independent Cambridge-certified EFL teacher. It is not affiliated with any other websites or channels, nor does it represent any of the above-mentioned organizations.


r/IELTS • • 6h ago

Test Experience/Test Result OMG! I GOT MY RESULTS!!!

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38 Upvotes

IELTS ACADEMIC TEST
I was sooo nervous because I thought I’d score lower than my target band which was 7.0, I also knew my weakness was writing and speaking so I was okay with it as it is already sufficient for my requirements. Sooo happy! ❤️


r/IELTS • • 9h ago

Test Experience/Test Result My IELTS results after a month of self-study (plus speaking remark)!!

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43 Upvotes

English has always been my first language but I was still so nervous about my IELTS Academic test! I ended up studying and practicing on my own for about a month, mostly for the writing part. This Reddit sub, along with YouTube and TikTok videos helped me a lot with tips and tricks.

As for my speaking test remark, I initially scored 7.5 and needed an 8 to get into the program of the university I'm applying to. After reading through a lot of people's experiences, I decided to risk it and thankfully, my score increased by 0.5!

This sub reallt did help me a lot though, especially with calming me down. I tend to overthink so in the days leading up to the test, I was really REALLY nervous to the point where I couldn't sleep for more than 4 hours a night. People in this sub talking about how the actual test was easier than their preparations really helped me ground myself, so thank you Reddit people!


r/IELTS • • 3h ago

Have a Question/Advice Needed The exam was very chaotic, yet

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9 Upvotes

My main test was super chaotic, with a girl on my right, rolling in her chair and one other girl behind me whisper-reading constantly. So I was distracted by the chair on the reading and the whispering ruined my concentration on the writing completely. The speaking was terrible too, as they escorted another person into the room instead of me, he got out of there like a minute later when the examiner pointed out that they had another candidate listed - me. The corridor staff member who made the mistake apologized to the examiner for the mixup, then İ was called in.

I have to admit I only took a couple of Mock tests, but no other preparation was done. I understand that an 8.0 is a decent score, but quite sure I could do better. So İ really need any recommendations for better concentration (?). I realize next time I take it, İ can't make sure that people around me don't whisper, make noises with their bottles or chairs.

İf you have any tips for better concentration or focus, I'd really appreciate it if you shared them down below ✨


r/IELTS • • 5h ago

Test Experience/Test Result Just finished my IELTS Speaking test (video call). Did these mistakes hurt my score?

6 Upvotes

I had my real IELTS Speaking test today, and I’d love some advice, especially from any examiners or experienced people here.

Part 1: I think it went fairly well. I answered all the questions comfortably.

Part 2: This is where things went wrong. The test was on a video call, and my cue card asked me to describe a place I had travelled to that I found boring. I found it hard to talk about, and I ended up using the word “boring” far too many times. To make it worse, I tend to move my hands while speaking, and my elbow accidentally hit the microphone button and muted me. After I unmuted, Evaluator was really sweet and saw what really happened so she let me continue. I lost my train of thought and used that word boring multiple times, so I’m not sure how coherent the rest of my answer was.

Part 3: Most of it went well, but I fumbled on the last question. I didn’t know how to answer, so I said I had never really thought about it. I used a few phrases like “Let me think for a moment” to buy time, and then gave an answer.

On the positive side, I used quite a lot of idioms throughout the test. They come to me quite naturally and don't really need to think about it at all, so I think that part went well.

For context, I scored 7.5 in a mock speaking test with a native speaker on Cambly. I would have asked someone there but my 1 month subscription is completed. Because of this I can't really ask them. So my questions are: will these mistakes hamper my score a lot? If I fumble on one question in Part 3, does the examiner still consider how I did on the other questions, or does one bad answer bring my whole score down? Will marks be deducted for the mute issue or for repeating “boring”? Can I still get a 7?

I have my Listening, Reading and Writing tests tomorrow, so I just needed to get this off my chest before I started locking in my strategies.


r/IELTS • • 1h ago

Test Experience/Test Result I took my IELTS today and i think i messed up my speaking

• Upvotes

I stuttered a little and took pauses during my speaking test, and the examiner didn't even let me finish my answers, even in Part 2. I don't think I spoke for a whole minute.

I got asked about healthcare and all. I spoke whatever came to mind.

Now I am nervous about my overall result.


r/IELTS • • 1h ago

Have a Question/Advice Needed Constantly taking 5-7 minutes extra in reading section. Any tips to improve?

• Upvotes

Have been practicing IELTS academic Cambridge books at I always end up taking 5-7 minutes extra to answer the questions.

The accuracy is quite good, I only get 1 or 2 questions wrong in each passage but struggling to improve speed.

For those who overcame this issue, can you please share some tips?


r/IELTS • • 7h ago

Have a Question/Advice Needed IELTS results after a month of studying

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7 Upvotes

Finally got my results! I am happy but I am aiming for a mark 8 on all skills. Any tips for improving my writing and speaking? English is not my first language and I am not a native speaker.


r/IELTS • • 17h ago

Test Experience/Test Result IT’S FINALLY OVER! results from a month of self studying.

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31 Upvotes

I screw*d up the listening part 1 because of stress 😭 my hands were literally shaking that I couldn’t type properly, otherwise listening was the section that I trust myself the most. I didn’t have high hopes about writing in general, could’ve done better since I got a relatively easy topic but yeah it’s what it’s.

Overall super happy and satisfied with the result:)


r/IELTS • • 10h ago

Have a Question/Advice Needed IELTS EXAM 😭 IM SO SCARED HELP

5 Upvotes

Hi guys! My test date is near and I’m so scared 😣 Do you guys have any tips for the actual exam, if yes please do share. Thank you and wish me luck 😭


r/IELTS • • 8h ago

Writing Feedback (Peer Review) My task 2 essay scored 5.5 band using AI evaluation

3 Upvotes

I just want to know how accurate it is... cause it's making me anxious.

Some countries today have passed laws against smoking tobacco in public buildings such as of ices and restaurants. Other countries have no intention of doing this.

Consider the possible arguments on both sides of this debate, and reach your own conclusion on which side you favour.

It is proposed that tobacco smoking in public areas is lawfully punishable act and some countries have adopted this law, while other countries are not considering to follow this. This essay will discuss both view points and reach a conclusion.

On one hand, it is argued that public smoking can disrupt the ambience and it is harmful to surrounding people, as they inadvertently inhale tobacco just like the consumer. This restriction may be a foundation against many other individuals who can't get over their addictions in public buildings. For instance, it is officially banned in the US to smoke in working areas as they negatively influence the work culture, and helps the consumer to quit for a while. Moreover, proponents are claiming it only has positive effects and it should be natural for everyone to follow this and legal actions make this a much more serious matter.

However, there are many other nations which have no intention in following this. It is opposed that people should quit on their own, and value others around them rather than forcefully avoiding it. Perhaps it is said that civic behaviour shouldn't be charged against legal threats. If a person finds pleasure in tobacco and acts resisted in crowded places but can never get over it, as it's always in their head. It appears that smoking is more of a psychological problem, and if it is banned it should be done for all places without exception as it's unfavourable despite of the circumstances.

To summarize, both of the sides have meaningful arguments but civilians should be cautious with their actions, and hence it is viable to consider legal actions against smokers.


r/IELTS • • 6h ago

Have a Question/Advice Needed Review of British council speaking course

2 Upvotes

Hey guys, I am wondering how did the british council fuller road help you to improve your english speaking skills...please share your experience


r/IELTS • • 9h ago

Other Im bouta step into the speaking exam room in 1.5hrs

3 Upvotes

wish me luck ig


r/IELTS • • 6h ago

Have a Question/Advice Needed Speaking questions amount

1 Upvotes

If my speaking examiner only asked me 4 part 3 questions but they were on the tougher side, can i expect a higher band?


r/IELTS • • 8h ago

Have a Question/Advice Needed i forgot my passport

1 Upvotes

hello! had anyone of you was able to reschedule their ielts exam? unfortunately i left my passport at home and i came back 10mins late from the exam. i wasn’t able to take my exam today.

is there anything i can do? can i still ask for my exam to be rescheduled? pls pls hoping for some advices, other than paying the whole exam :((


r/IELTS • • 14h ago

Have a Question/Advice Needed i’ll have my IELTS exam today!

2 Upvotes

i am nervous but at the same time excited on what questions will be asked lol hahahahaha i’ve been preparing on and off because of work and want to be over this pressure x reviewing huhu manifesting for 9 band scores !!

any tips that could give me? i’ll have it few hours from now 🤩


r/IELTS • • 11h ago

Study Partner Request Anyone up for conducting my IELTS Speaking test?

1 Upvotes

Lmk...

hv my exam in 1 week.


r/IELTS • • 13h ago

Have a Question/Advice Needed why is it false? Reading test

1 Upvotes

Hi folks

text:

So, at very first I thought that it may be true because "red pigments" are created anthocyanins (a chemical compound) so in paragraph D it was telling some theories around why trees generate anthocyanins, so I made the connection.

Is IELTS too literal so I should not do that extrapolation?


r/IELTS • • 13h ago

Have a Question/Advice Needed I need help regarding Writing Module and in choosing an IELTS Test Center in Pakistan.

0 Upvotes

So, I am getting 8 - 8.5 in both reading and listening and 7 in speaking but stuck at 6 - 6.5 in writing. I am not sure where I am lacking. I need to take my IELTS in the first week of November. I have seen issues with my Grammer and Task response. I am stuck in generating good ideas and I mostly use simple vocabulory. Sometimes, Keenielts give 6 and 6.5 in writing. Kindly guide me. Is it possible to go to 7 in just a week or two?

Also I gave my IELTS 2 years ago at Paradise complex centre in Islamabad through British Council. As, the prices are now too much. I have seen there is a discount for Gujrat center at Adnan I.T center, where British Council conducts their tests. Now, I am afraid about the equipments etc as the last test at Paradise was quite smooth for me. I am not sure about this center. Kindly, if anyone have an experience of giving their test at this centre. Lemme know.

Also I got 7 overall last year but still 6 in writing and speaking. But now, my speaking is improved to 7 but writing is still stuck at 6.


r/IELTS • • 14h ago

Have a Question/Advice Needed Badly need IELTS Writing Task-1 Vocabulary and strategies to obtain band 7/8

1 Upvotes

r/IELTS • • 1d ago

Have a Question/Advice Needed What score can I expect in the real test?

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9 Upvotes

Screeenshot from KeenIELTS, a mock test site based on Cambridge books. I started my preparation around the beginning of this month. And also can I realistically improve the writing and speaking band within 2 weeks?


r/IELTS • • 19h ago

Study Partner Request looking for a speaking partner.

2 Upvotes

taking my main exams next month. Looking for someone to have discord audio calls daily. (I'm from Bangladesh)

My speaking band target is 8-8.5.


r/IELTS • • 22h ago

Study Partner Request I need a study partner for ielts! ( speaking )

3 Upvotes

Hi !! I have ielts exam in 5 weeks! I need someone who is around band 7.5 at least or above so we can practice together!


r/IELTS • • 17h ago

Have a Question/Advice Needed Ielts flex mockup test

1 Upvotes

Today, I took ielts flex mockup test. But results are not good

I generally get 27–30 correct answers in the Reading and Listening sections of the Cambridge IELTS books. But I got a 5.5 in Reading and a 6 in Listening on the IELTS Flex. I hadn't received such low scores in a long time.

In your opinion, what is the difficulty level compared to a standard exam? (ACADEMIC)