British Council IELTS Preparation Program | Free IELTS Resources

What is IELTS?

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is the world’s most popular English language proficiency test for higher education and global migration.

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Why is IELTS important?

More than 11,000 organisations globally trust IELTS, so when you take the test you can be confident that it is recognised by educational institutions, employers, governments and professional bodies around the world.

As one of the pioneers of four skills English language testing 30 years ago, IELTS continues to set the standard for English language testing today. Governments in Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United Kingdom use IELTS to process immigration applications.

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How does IELTS work?

IELTS has been developed by some of the world’s leading language assessment experts and will test the full range of English skills needed for success in your new job or study placement abroad. 

Choosing the right test

There are two IELTS tests available – IELTS Academic or IELTS General Training. The test you choose should be based on what it is you want to do.

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IELTS Academic – measures whether your level of English language proficiency is suitable for an academic environment. It reflects aspects of academic language and evaluates whether you’re ready to begin training or studying.

IELTS General Training – measures English language proficiency in a practical, everyday context. The tasks and tests reflect both workplace and social situations.

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If you are taking the IELTS test to support a UK visa application to work, live or study in the UK, you may need to take the IELTS for UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) Academic or General Training or the IELTS for Life Skills test.

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Prepare for IELTS

Prepare for your test with a range of free IELTS study materials and resources from the British Council. 

The first step making sure you are ready to take IELTS is to prepare for it so you know what to expect on the test day.

Our IELTS learning materials will get you acquainted with the test format and also improve your confidence when writing, speaking, reading and listening in English.

Even if you believe you are a proficient user of English, we still recommend that you prepare thoroughly for your test with our helpful IELTS training resources.

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Road to IELTS

As the British Council’s most popular online preparation course, Road to IELTS will help you to get ready for a great IELTS score!

The course includes:

• IELTS Academic and General Training – online materials available for both tests
• Practice zone – prepare Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening questions just as you would find in the test
• Sample videos – get advice and learn from previous test takers
• Teacher Tutorials – learn exactly what to do (and what not to do) from experts
• Timed practice tests – both IELTS on paper and computer tests available
• “My Progress” section – meet your targets using planning and tracking tools
• “Resource Bank” section – gain access to the score calculator, test countdown, and other resources to improve your planning.

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How Road to IELTS will help you

• Advice from IELTS experts: Learn the tips and tricks that will give you the best chance of getting the band score you need – all from British Council teachers.
• IELTS mock papers: When you’re ready, try some timed IELTS practice papers, specially created by the British Council. Print them out and do them in test conditions or do them on the IELTS on computer simulator so they’re exactly like the real thing. 
• Plan and track: With so many IELTS study materials to get through, use the Study Planner to prepare for the test efficiently. Then, track your progress and make sure you’re meeting your targets.
• Interactive exercises: Get to know the IELTS question types and task types with over 300 online interactive. These come with instant marking and feedback.   

Course: Introduction to Finance and Accounting Specialization by University of Pennsylvania

Which test should I take?

There are two IELTS tests available – IELTS Academic or IELTS General Training. The test you choose should be based on what it is you want to do.

IELTS can help you with a variety of life choices, like moving abroad, getting the job you’ve always wanted or even just improving your English language skills. So before you book your test, be sure to check which one is right for you.

IELTS Academic

IELTS Academic measures whether your level of English language proficiency is suitable for an academic environment. It reflects aspects of academic language and evaluates whether you’re ready to begin training or studying.

Course: Introduction to Finance and Accounting Specialization by University of Pennsylvania

Take this test if you want to: 

• study at an undergraduate level or postgraduate level anywhere in the world
• apply for Student Route visa (Tier 4) at a university that is a Student route (Tier 4) Sponsor in the UK
• work in an English-speaking country for a professional organisation.

IELTS General Training

IELTS General Training measures English language proficiency in a practical, everyday context. The tasks and tests reflect both workplace and social situations.

Take this test if you would like to:

• study or train below degree level
• work or undertake work related training in an English-speaking country
• emigrate to an English-speaking country
• get another job in your own country.

IELTS Indicator

IELTS Indicator is our new online test that you can use to measure your English language level and keep your educational goal on track during the Covid-19 shutdown.

Looking to work or study in the UK?

If you are taking the IELTS test to support a UK visa application to work, live or study in the UK, you may need to take the IELTS for UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) Academic or General Training or the IELTS Life Skills test.