The IELTS Test (International English Language Testing System) is one of the most popular English language exams worldwide, accepted by over 11,000 organizations in more than 140 countries. For students planning to study in the UK, Australia, Canada, as well as at many universities in the USA and Europe, IELTS is a crucial component of their university application.
Unlike traditional language tests, the IELTS Academic exam assesses not only grammar and vocabulary knowledge, but primarily the practical application of English in an academic context. The test evaluates four key competencies: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.
IELTS Academic Exam Structure
The IELTS test lasts approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes and consists of four sections:
- Listening (30 minutes + 10 minutes transfer time) - 4 recordings, 40 questions
- Reading (60 minutes) - 3 academic texts, 40 questions
- Writing (60 minutes) - Task 1 (describing a graph/table, 150 words) + Task 2 (essay, 250 words)
- Speaking (11-14 minutes) - interview + presentation + discussion
Scores are given on a scale of 1 to 9 (band scores). Most prestigious universities require a minimum score of 6.5-7.0, with top institutions often expecting results of 7.5 or higher.
Start Our IELTS Academic Practice Test
Our IELTS practice test has been designed according to the official IELTS Academic exam format. It includes authentic question types, realistic tasks, and detailed instructions to help you familiarize yourself with the test format and assess your current level of preparation.
Remember, the key to success on the IELTS exam is regular practice and familiarity with the specifics of each section. Start your preparation today by taking our practice test!
Below you will find the full IELTS Academic practice test with all four sections.
Full IELTS Academic Practice Test
What is a Good IELTS Score?
The IELTS scoring system uses band scores from 1 to 9:
- Band 9.0 - Expert user
- Band 8.0-8.5 - Very good user
- Band 7.0-7.5 - Good user - required by most prestigious universities
- Band 6.0-6.5 - Competent user - required by many universities
- Band 5.0-5.5 - Modest user
University Requirements
Most universities require a score of:
- Band 6.5-7.0 - most universities in the UK, Australia, Canada
- Band 7.5+ - top universities (Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College)
- Band 6.0-6.5 - some universities, especially for undergraduate programs
How to Interpret Your Score?
After completing our practice test, you can estimate your level:
- 35-40 correct answers (Listening/Reading) ≈ Band 8.0-9.0
- 30-34 correct answers ≈ Band 7.0-7.5
- 23-29 correct answers ≈ Band 6.0-6.5
- 16-22 correct answers ≈ Band 5.0-5.5
Keep in mind that Writing and Speaking are assessed according to different criteria and require an examiner’s evaluation.
How to Prepare for IELTS?
- Understand the format - familiarize yourself with the structure of each section
- Practice regularly - take practice tests
- Build academic vocabulary - learn words from various fields
- Work on your skills - read academic texts, listen to lectures
- Practice Writing - write essays and graph descriptions
- Speak English - practice Speaking with native speakers or a teacher
Differences Between IELTS Academic and General Training
There are two versions of IELTS:
- IELTS Academic - for those applying to universities
- IELTS General Training - for immigration and professional purposes
For university applications, IELTS Academic is always required.
Next Steps
After taking the practice test:
- Assess your level - check how many questions you answered correctly
- Identify weaknesses - determine which sections require more work
- Plan your preparation - create a study schedule
- Enroll in a course - consider professional preparation
- Register for the exam - when you feel ready
Good luck with your IELTS exam preparation! 🎓
