Everything you need to know about the IELTS practice test

You have begun your preparation for the IELTS exam. You have been mugging up grammar rules, watching endless English documentaries, and reading novels to improve your scores. However, something seems to be missing. You are unable to gauge your progress or understand where your strengths and weaknesses lie. The best way to unleash this side of you is by attempting the IELTS practice tests. 

IELTS practice tests are designed to ask you questions as an actual IELTS exam would. While the internet is loaded with different versions of the IELTS practice test, there isn’t anything like attempting the official one. So instead, the creators of the IELTS exam have published their IELTS practice tests, accessible to all students wanting to prepare for the exam. 

This blog talks about everything there is to know about the IELTS practice tests. 

A closer look at the IELTS practice test

The IELTS practice test – just like the actual IELTS test – is structured and designed to test your four core communication skills. The four communication skills include listening, reading, writing, and speaking. You are provided 3 hours to attempt all questions provided under these four sections. Following are the sections that the IELTS practice test covers –

• Listening
• Academic reading
• General training reading
• Academic writing
• General training writing
• Speaking

The IELTS practice test is a handy guide to winning the actual exams. Initially started only for students in the States, it is now available widely. The practice test holds students in good stead by providing an overview of what structure and format to expect in the exam. You can find additional information about the official IELTS practice test on their website.

Benefits of taking the IELTS practice test 

Let us just say that how well you do in your IELTS exam entirely depends on how well you do in your official IELTS practice tests. Yes! That is the significance attempting IELTS practice should hold in your life if you wish to pass with flying colors. 

Following given are vital benefits of taking the IELTS practice test –

• Get a bird’s eye view of what to expect in the exam

The IELTS practice test provides an overview of the structure and format of the exam. When you are well aware of the structure and format of the exam, you are not met with any nasty surprises. You enter the examination hall feeling undeterred and confident. 

You remember your responses better when you know what to expect in the following exams. Knowing what structure the exam paper will follow is advantageous as the chances of you feeling confused are far fewer. 

• Learn efficient time management

Thanks to the IELTS practice test that gives you the feeling of an actual examination, you learn efficient time management. Students can use the opportunity to time themselves and understand just how long they take to attempt each question. With each IELTS practice test they attempt, they may get better. 

This will also give them an idea of their strengths and weaknesses, for example, which question takes up the most time. Saving up on time is crucial because you only receive 3 hours to attempt all questions under four sections, which can be hectic. 

• Access to the same test questions and answers 

The IELTS practice test consists of sample test questions and answers, giving you an idea of what your questions will most possibly be related to. It is doubtful that the same questions will be repeated in your upcoming exam. However, you will know what kinds of questions are included. Therefore, you can use your preparation time to search for other similar questions and begin preparing. 

• Includes audio clips for listening and reading tests

The IELTS reading practice test includes links to audio clips online so that you may prepare for the listening and reading test. Access to the audio clip reveals several vital details. For example, the accent of the individual conversing will sound like, etc. 

Furthermore, suppose they include a discussion in the audio. In that case, another crucial benefit is hiding beneath this, and you can make mental notes of the type of concepts discussed. 

• The IELTS practice test includes questions and answers 

Besides questions, you will also have access to answers on the spot. You can end up creating a mock test for yourself. You can time yourself while depending on this mock test. Once the test is completed, you can mark yourself against the answers provided in the IELTS practice test. You will receive their results quickly, saving you enough time to work on questions where you score less. 

Begin your IELTS practice test today

So what are you waiting for? Download the IELTS practice test available on the official website and start your journey to success today. You will also receive the option of downloading blank answer sheets to get real-life experience of attempting the test. 

Regarding the listening tests, please note that the listening tests will automatically be timed, so be mindful that you will only receive 30 minutes to complete the test. 

Key takeaways

• The best way to prepare for your upcoming IELTS exam is by attempting the IELTS practice test. It gives you a basic idea of what kind of questions to expect and helps you understand your progress. 
• The internet will provide you with many options when it comes to the IELTS practice test. However, the best one will be the one that comes straight from the creators of the IELTS exam. Refer to the ones available on their official website. 
• The total time you will receive to attempt the IELTS exam is 3 hours. We suggest you create a mock exam at home using the IELTS practice test and time yourself accordingly to get a real-life experience. 

FAQs

1. When are IELTS exams held throughout the year?

The IELTS exams are held on numerous dates throughout the year. Refer to their website to book your seat for the next exam. 

2. What is an IELTS practice test?

The IELTS practice test is a mock test that will ask you questions similar to what will be asked in the exam. 

3. Why should I attempt the IELTS practice test?

There are many benefits to attempting the IELTS practice test. However, chief among them all is that it will help you be better prepared on the day of the exam.