Free IELTS Guides 2026
Every guide here is original Band Ready material: score charts, Writing and Speaking samples, Listening and Reading techniques, and test information. Each guide links to the free practice tests where you can use the skill straight away.
Free practice tests and mock tests
- Free IELTS Mock Test Online: Full Timed Test with AnswersTake a free IELTS mock test online: four full Band Ready tests with Listening audio, Academic and GT Reading, Writing tasks, answer checking and band guide.
- Free IELTS Listening Mock Test: 6 Full Tests with AudioSix free IELTS Listening mock tests with audio and all 40 questions. Tests 1 to 4 have online answer checking; Tests 5 and 6 are on YouTube. Topics and tips.
- IELTS Speaking Mock Test with Band Score GuideA free, original IELTS Speaking mock test: a full examiner script for Parts 1, 2 and 3, a cue card, a sample answer and a self-assessment band guide.
Scores and band calculations
- IELTS Band Score Chart: Listening and Reading Marks out of 40IELTS band score chart for Listening, Academic Reading and General Training Reading. See how many correct answers out of 40 you need for bands 4 to 9.
- IELTS Band Score Calculator (Listening, Reading and Overall)Free IELTS band score calculator. Enter Listening and Reading marks out of 40 plus Writing and Speaking bands to estimate each band and your overall score.
- How the IELTS Overall Band Score Is CalculatedLearn how the IELTS overall band score is calculated: average your four skill bands and round to the nearest half band. Worked examples and rounding table.
- How Many Correct Answers for Band 7 in IELTS Listening?How many correct answers do you need for band 7 in IELTS Listening? About 30 out of 40. See the approximate chart, mistakes allowed and tips to reach it.
Writing: samples and essay types
- IELTS Writing Task 2 Topics with Answers (2026 Practice List)16 original IELTS Writing Task 2 topics for 2026 practice, grouped by theme, with two full model answers over 250 words and answer plans for more questions.
- IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Sample AnswersThree original IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 sample answers: line graph, bar chart and pie charts, each with full data tables, word counts and clear structure.
- IELTS General Training Letter Samples (Formal, Semi-formal, Informal)Original IELTS General Training letter samples: formal, semi-formal and informal, with tasks, word counts, opening and closing phrases and a simple structure.
- What Happens If You Write Under 150 or 250 Words in IELTS?What happens if you write under 150 or 250 words in IELTS Writing: how short answers affect your score, whether there is a maximum, and how to count words.
Speaking: topics and sample answers
- IELTS Speaking Topics with Answers (Part 1, 2026)Original IELTS Speaking Part 1 topics with sample answers for 2026 practice: work, home, hometown, phones, food and more, plus tips on answer length.
- IELTS Cue Cards with Sample Answers (Original 2026 Set)Four original IELTS cue cards with two-minute sample answers, example notes and tips for using your one minute of preparation in Speaking Part 2.
- IELTS Speaking Rules: Can You Ask the Examiner to Repeat?Can you ask the IELTS Speaking examiner to repeat a question? Yes. See what official sources say, how it differs by part, useful phrases and if it costs marks.
Listening and Reading skills
- IELTS Listening Tips and Tricks That Raise Your ScorePractical IELTS Listening tips: read ahead, predict answers, catch paraphrase, avoid distractors, spell correctly and keep within the word limit. With examples.
- IELTS Listening Spelling Rules: Do You Lose Marks?Do spelling mistakes lose marks in IELTS Listening? Yes. Learn the official rules on spelling, capital letters, British vs American English and plurals.
- "No More Than Two Words and/or a Number" ExplainedWhat does "no more than two words and/or a number" mean in IELTS? See which answers count, how numbers and hyphens are counted, and worked examples.
- IELTS Reading Tips and Tricks (Academic and General)IELTS Reading tips for Academic and General Training: skim and scan, match paraphrase, handle True/False/Not Given, follow word limits and manage 60 minutes.
- IELTS True False Not Given: 10 Worked ExamplesMaster IELTS True False Not Given with an original passage, 10 worked examples and clear explanations of FALSE vs NOT GIVEN. Includes a step-by-step method.
- How to Split 60 Minutes in IELTS ReadingA practical plan to split 60 minutes in IELTS Reading for Academic and General Training, with minute-by-minute timings, skip rules and a practice drill.
Ready to practise? Take a full Listening, Reading or Writing paper for free.