IELTS Practice Test

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IELTS guides

Plain answers to the questions our students in Melbourne ask most: how the test works, how band scores are worked out, what Australia asks for, and how to move up half a band. Written by the AIL teaching team.

Test format and scores

IELTS test format explained: the four sections, timing and question typesThe four sections, how long each takes and what you actually do in them.How IELTS band scores are calculated (with the rounding rules)The averaging and rounding rules, with worked examples you can check your own scores against.IELTS Listening band scores: how many correct answers you needRaw score to band, and where candidates usually drop their marks.IELTS Reading band scores for Academic and General TrainingWhy GT needs more correct answers than Academic, and the raw scores for each band.IELTS on computer: what is different and how to practise for itScreen tools, review time, typing and the habits worth building before test day.

Australia and requirements

IELTS Academic or General Training: which one do you need?Who needs which test, what is different, and which one to choose when you are not sure.IELTS score requirements for Australia: visas, study and registrationThe scores Home Affairs uses for each English level, and what changed in August 2025.IELTS One Skill Retake: how it works and when it is worth itThe rules, the 60-day window, Australian visa use and when a full test is the better choice.What IELTS score do nurses need in Australia?7 overall, 7 in Listening, Reading and Speaking, 6.5 in Writing. How the two-sitting rule and One Skill Retake work, with worked examples.

Writing

IELTS Writing Task 2: a structure that works, with a band 7 sampleFour paragraphs, five question types, a 40-minute plan and a sample essay.IELTS Academic Writing Task 1: how to describe charts, tables, maps and processesWhy the overview matters most, how to group data and a sample answer.IELTS General Training Writing Task 1: how to write the letterTone, the three bullet points, openings and closings, and a sample letter.IELTS Writing band descriptors in plain English: what moves you from 6 to 7The four criteria in plain English and the specific gap between 6 and 7.How to structure an IELTS opinion essay (agree or disagree)Pick a position you can defend, then use one of three four-paragraph plans. With a full sample essay.IELTS Academic Task 1 line graph: how to describe trendsFind the two big trends, group the lines, then report selected figures. With a full sample answer.IELTS "discuss both views" essays: structure and exampleExplain each view fairly, then say which you support. Two paragraph plans and a full sample essay with comments.IELTS Academic Task 1 process diagrams: how to describe each stageCount the stages, find the two phases, then describe them in order. A sample answer on olive oil production with comments.

Speaking

IELTS Speaking test: the three parts, how it is marked and sample answersWhat happens in each part, how it is marked, and answers that show the difference.IELTS Speaking Part 2: how to talk for two minutesA one-minute note plan, a story structure that fills two minutes, and a full sample answer with comments.

Listening and Reading

IELTS Listening tips: question types, traps and how to stop losing easy marksHow distractors work, spelling rules and a method for each question type.IELTS True, False, Not Given: how to tell False from Not GivenA three-step method and worked examples that show the line between False and Not Given.IELTS Reading time management: a 60-minute plan that gets you to the last questionA minute-by-minute plan, plus matching headings and what to do when you get stuck.

Preparation

How to get IELTS band 7 when you are stuck at 6.5Why 6.5 is a common plateau and the specific changes that move each skill to 7.A 4-week IELTS study plan (for people who work or study full time)About an hour on weekdays, a practice test each weekend, and a focus on your weakest skill.IELTS practice tests: how accurate they are and how to get the most from oneWhat a good practice test looks like and how to review one so your score moves.IELTS Test Day: What to Expect, What to Bring and How to PrepareArriving, check-in, what you can bring, the order of the sections and your Speaking time.

Reading

IELTS Reading matching headings: a step-by-step methodRead the paragraph, say its point in five words, then match. A method, a worked example and the traps that cost marks.

Listening

IELTS Listening map and plan labelling questionsFind where you are standing, follow the route, and listen for the place words. A method, an original practice map and the traps that cost marks.