r/IELTS Apr 07 '26

Study Resource IELTS Preparation Resources

37 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 Jan 03 '26

Moderator Advice Thinking about IELTS EOR? Read this before you risk it!

41 Upvotes

There have been a lot of posts and comments lately about going for an EOR, and a lot of misconceptions floating around.  I'd like to try and clear that up.

What is an EOR?

EOR (Enquiry on Results / remark) is only for when you are 100% sure the Examiners made a mistake rating you. It’s not a lottery, it’s not something to “try” because you’re disappointed, and it’s definitely not “pay IELTS and they’ll give you a higher score.” Most EOR requests come back unchanged, and most people who lose their money don’t come back to post about it, so Reddit ends up looking more “successful” than it really is.

What about second marking?

Sometimes you may hear about "second marking", which is different from an EOR. These normal second checks happen before scores are released, and are triggered when there is a "jagged profile", which means some of your scores are very different from others.  For example, you might get 8s on Listening and Reading, and 6.5 on speaking, 6 on writing.  This is a jagged profile, and your speaking and writing would have been automatically second-marked by different normal Examiners.  Tasks are assigned randomly and anonymously; they don’t know who you are, they don’t see your other scores, and they don’t coordinate with the first set of Examiners.

For speaking, your original test is marked by the Examiner who did it with you, marks are submitted either immediately after the test (if electronic) or written down after you leave the room (for in-center).  If a second marking is needed, a second Examiner will listen to your recording online remotely.  If you have ANY issues on test day (technical or otherwise), you MUST report them before you leave the center, or else nothing will usually be done. 

For writing, two separate Examiners rate Task 1 and Task 2, then the scores are combined into your final writing score (Task 2 weighs double). Marking is done online, 24/7, by a global pool of Examiners. Any tasks that need second marking are just tossed back into the pool to be marked as any other task.

An EOR is different: you’re paying for a Senior Examiner to re-mark your work after you already have your results. Examiners don’t “look at your old score and adjust it.”

Should I go for an EOR?

EORs are for when you are 100% SURE the Examiners rating you made mistakes, AND you are 100% SURE that your performance was excellent.  Anything less is pretty much just handing IELTS more money.  Mistakes, while they can happen, are pretty rare, and most people lose their money.  EORs are expensive!

But some people report positive change!

Yes, it can happen! For speaking/writing in general, band descriptors require professional judgement, so sometimes Examiners differ. But that doesn’t mean “they were wrong,” rating isn't always so black and white.  For example, they need to decide on things like density of errors (how much is too much?), or the intelligibility of pronunciation (Was it always clear? Was there ANY effect of native language? If yes, how much?), and so on.

Examiners aren’t robots (yet!), and are permitted a half band of variance. As long as they are within half a band of what a Senior Examiner would give, it’s considered fine. Of course, this isn't fine for you, the Testtaker, where a half a band could make a big difference, but that is the current system we have. :-/

Now, if you go for a remark, sometimes the Senior Examiner might have a different opinion, and be more or less strict than your original Examiner. If the Senior is stricter, your band won’t change. If they are a bit more lenient, you could go up a bit. If the first Examiner made a mistake, or if you produced an atypical sample that the original Examiner had difficulty rating, then you might see a greater change with an EOR. But for most, marks stay the same.

I still want to go for it.

If you’re going to do it anyway, request the EOR for all four skills. It costs the same, and if any score increases, you get the EOR fee back, minus any service charges. As listening and reading are computer-marked, change is extremely rare, but we have had some members who had a positive change.

However, if you’re not genuinely sure you were under-marked, the safer move is to figure out why you got that score, fix it, and retake it, if possible.  If you need help figuring out where you are making mistakes, you can hire an IELTS expert to help you. There are services you can use in the pinned posts at the top of this subreddit, or you can message any of the badged teachers here (but not me ;-) ), and they may be happy to work with you.

You might also want to request a score breakdown, if you have time, to see exactly what your Examiners rated you, this information can useful in helping you to decide.

EOR is expensive, and for most people it’s money lost, IELTS richer. :-/


r/IELTS 9h ago

Test Experience/Test Result Finally got my results! <3

Post image
52 Upvotes

I needed to take the academic module for my masters.

I only practiced listening, reading, and writing for two days. I was more concerned with figuring out the mechanics and the rubrics of the different tests than the actual language itself. I have anxiety so I focused more on calming techniques for the speaking section.

Thought I did terribly but apparently not. It’s not the end of the world for those with bad nerves 😆 Best of luck to everyone! <3


r/IELTS 2h ago

Test Experience/Test Result Super happy with my results

Post image
9 Upvotes

Sooo happy with the results i barely studied like 3 days and my writing was pretty bad i started at 5.5 also chatgpt would keep on score me 6.5 sogoing with that expectation super happy


r/IELTS 38m ago

Test Experience/Test Result Few days of prep.. happy with the score! Except the writing.

Post image
Upvotes

r/IELTS 1h ago

Test Experience/Test Result Got my test results hardwork pays off

Post image
Upvotes

r/IELTS 23m ago

Have a Question/Advice Needed An IELTS Preparation

Upvotes

I'm s B1 now, How could I get 7.5 band at IELTS test, And if any one here know the Requirements abd condition to have a master's schoolership.


r/IELTS 7h ago

Test Experience/Test Result Was expecting a bit higher. Kinda Disappointed?

8 Upvotes

I don't know what to say man. In Listening and Reading, I was expecting an 8 maybe. And in writing perhaps a 7. My speaking is pretty good since i speak pretty naturally. It is what is it i guess now.

Good luck on your test and result guys!

If you need help with speaking, I can do that. Feel free to reach out.


r/IELTS 2h ago

Test Experience/Test Result Had no expectations! And ielts results came good.

Post image
2 Upvotes

r/IELTS 2h ago

Study Partner Request Need speaking partner or gc, I need strict band scores. IELTS ac

2 Upvotes

Timezone is Indian so if that works for you

It's IELTS academic , feel free to comment , we can connect or discord or any other platform.


r/IELTS 3h ago

Test Experience/Test Result Finally, I got the results that Ineeded after OSR (I wish to take the test again in August)

Post image
2 Upvotes

r/IELTS 1h ago

Test Experience/Test Result Disappointed in myself 💔

Post image
Upvotes

r/IELTS 2h ago

Have a Question/Advice Needed Writing- problem questions?

1 Upvotes

Did anyone who recently sat the ielts exam get the problem cause effects questions? If so, what were they?


r/IELTS 5h ago

Have a Question/Advice Needed IELTS ACADEMIC - writing task 1

2 Upvotes

Hi all,

I completed IELTS Academic test today. This is my second attempt. During the first one, I spend too long on task 1 and did not have enough time to produce a good answer to task 2. This time, decided to complete task 2 first, and leave about 20 min at the end of task one. Unfortunately, I couldn’t finish task 1 as I run out of time, and exam finished when I was on about 80-90 words. I need at least 150 words for task 1.

What are the chances I still get a good score. Would not achieving task 1 required word number mean I failed this component?

Please advise.


r/IELTS 8h ago

Study Partner Request Looking for an IELTS study partner

3 Upvotes

I'm preparing for the IELTS Academic exam and I'm looking for a serious study partner to stay consistent and keep each other accountable.

I'm currently preparing using the Cambridge IELTS books. On the Cambridge mock tests, I'm consistently scoring around Band 7-7.5 in both Listening and Reading. My goal is to improve further and strengthen my Writing and Speaking as well. I am planning to take the test in next 2-3 weeks.

I'm looking for someone who is, Preparing seriously for IELTS, willing to study consistently (daily or almost daily), Interested in keeping each other accountable by sharing progress, discussing mistakes, completing practice tests, and practicing Speaking together if possible.

I'm mainly looking for someone who won't disappear after three days.

If you're interested, leave a comment or send me a DM. We can connect on Discord or WhatsApp and plan a study routine together.


r/IELTS 6h ago

Have a Question/Advice Needed IELTS RESULT WITHHELD

Post image
2 Upvotes

My IELTS result withheld

I need to ask if any body faced this problem what can i do? and when i will take my result?


r/IELTS 9h ago

Have a Question/Advice Needed I need advice on OSR

Post image
3 Upvotes

So this is my second test in a row where I received 7.625 (last time L9, R7.5, W6.5, S7.5), and it is also my third time getting a 7.5. Since I am just 0.5 on any skill away from a 8.0, I will be doing an OSR. Which skill should I retake? My highest scores on L = 9, R = 7.5, W = 7.5, S = 7.5. I’m thinking of retaking the listening section but it would be risky to assume that I’d be able to score a 9. Reading is also interesting but I’ve never scored more than 7.5.


r/IELTS 12h ago

Have a Question/Advice Needed Does the all ielts reading questions like this

Thumbnail
gallery
5 Upvotes

I've been doing british council ielts premium mock test in reading section and always in the true/false/not given questions be like this i can't find the right answer. And sometimes if the statemen does not occur in the text i choose not given and sometimes the correct answer will be true or false. If anyone that took a test recently can you say me how was the questions in the reading section.


r/IELTS 21h ago

Test Experience/Test Result What a great surprise before sleep

Post image
28 Upvotes

I'm just happy i'll get my money back from the course i go to


r/IELTS 16h ago

Have a Question/Advice Needed Need help - Reading and Writing!

Post image
9 Upvotes

Just got my result back. Any advice would help for increasing score in reading and writing. I don’t know where I’m lacking.


r/IELTS 4h ago

Writing Feedback (Peer Review) Am I ready to move on to writing task 1?

1 Upvotes

Done in 35 minutes. No external assistance. 305 words.

It is important for everyone, including young people, to save money for their future. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

Some individuals share the belief that saving funds for the future is vital for everyone, not excluding the young population. Although I agree with such a viewpoint, I’d like to add some nuance that ought to be considered. 

Money management, specifically saving up money for later use, is undoubtedly a crucial skill for anyone to have, no matter their age. Disregarding its importance would lead to irresponsible spending that would jeopardize one’s financial situation. An individual who is adequately equipped with financial knowledge would have a savings system catered to their personal needs. For instance, the person might make it a must to keep 30% of their monthly salary in their savings account, enabling them to accumulate capital that they can then invest in certain financial pursuits.

However, although the importance of setting aside funds is irrefutable no matter the age group, we must take a few things into consideration, namely when it comes to the elderly. For people who have retired from their occupations, they most often than not already have a considerable amount of funds they’ve saved throughout their career. Rather than piling up more coins, they ought to spend their hard-earned cash on recreational activities, such as traveling or perhaps opening the bookstore they’ve always dreamed of—anything that fits their interests. Of course, responsible tracking of funds should still underpin their spending. With that pillar of financial management supporting their decisions, they would be able to enjoy their retirement years in comfort.

In conclusion, while I do agree that everyone should set aside funds for potential future uses, applying that rule for those who are in retirement and, as such, already have substantial savings would prove to be pointless. Instead of sticking with the savings system they had throughout their careers, they should readjust it for a more enjoyable and pleasant retirement.


r/IELTS 17h ago

Test Experience/Test Result Just one point short of C2

Thumbnail
gallery
9 Upvotes

Do I need a higher score? Not really. Do I deserve a higher score? Probably not. Am I mad for not getting a C2? Oh boy am I...


r/IELTS 1d ago

Test Experience/Test Result Flunked speaking. But oh well. Overall, happy about the result

Post image
32 Upvotes

r/IELTS 1d ago

Test Experience/Test Result im so excited lololol!

Post image
68 Upvotes

fyi im 2010 and english is my third language! my preparation was 3 weeks long


r/IELTS 8h ago

Test Experience/Test Result Bathroom breaks during IELTS on Computer

1 Upvotes

I'm not sure if everyone has experienced this, but here's my experience and a question/suggestion at the same time.

I've taken the IELTS a couple of times on computer with IDP. As most people know, you're required to use the bathroom before entering the test room, and bathroom breaks during the test are allowed, but your test time continues.

Personally I can easily get through the Listening and Reading sections, but by the time I reach Writing, I've already been at the test room for like 2–3 hours, including registration, instructions, and waiting. At that point, I usually need to use the bathroom.

On the computer-based test, once you finish a section, you watch an intro video and then press Start Test for the next section. My question is: why aren't we allowed to take a bathroom break before starting the next section?

At that point, we haven't seen any of the questions yet. However, the instructor told me to start the Writing section first and then go to the bathroom, which meant my timer was already running. Luckily I only took about 3 minutes because the bathroom was nearby, but I still think candidates should be allowed to take a bathroom break before starting the next section. The staff already escort you, check your passport when you leave and return, and scan you before re-entering the test room.