Free IELTS Preparation at Home with Lessons, Tips & Authentic Practice Tests

IELTSz offers comprehensive Free IELTS Lessons, Tips, Authentic Online Practice / Mock Tests and information about IELTS, covering Academic, General Training, and UKVI Tests, along with free IELTS Preparation Resources.

What is IELTS?

The IELTS exam checks your English ability in four parts: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Each part looks at a different skill to see how well you understand and use English. There are two main versions of the IELTS test: IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training. In addition, IELTS for UKVI is a version approved for UK visa and immigration, and IELTS Life Skills is a simple test for some UK visa applications.

IELTS Academic or AC

The IELTS Academic test is for individuals who plan to study at universities or higher education institutions around the world.

IELTS General Training or GT

The IELTS General Training test is for people who plan to immigrate, work, or receive training in English-speaking countries.

IELTS UKVI ( UK Visas and Immigration ) / LIfe Skills

The IELTS UKVI / Life Skills test is a special version of IELTS approved by UK authorities for visa and immigration purposes, including both study and work applications.

IELTS Writing Test

These are the main differences between the IELTS Academic, IELTS General Training, and IELTS for UKVI Writing tests.

• IELTS Academic Writing
  • Task 1: Write a report describing visual data (charts, graphs, tables, or diagrams). Explain the main features and trends in your own words.
  • Task 2: Write an essay responding to a question or topic with clear arguments and 2-3 examples.
• IELTS General Training Writing
  • Task 1: Write a letter based on a given situation (e.g., requesting information, explaining a problem or making a request).
  • Task 2: Write an essay responding to a question or topic, presenting your opinion with 2-3 supporting examples.
• IELTS for UKVI Writing
  • Follows the same format as the Academic or General Training tests you choose.
  • Task 1 and Task 2 mirror the respective Academic or General Training tasks, but the test is approved by UK authorities for visa and immigration applications.

IELTS Reading Test

These are the main differences between the IELTS Academic, IELTS General Training, and IELTS for UKVI Reading Tests.

• IELTS Academic Reading
  • Content: Three long passages taken from books, journals, magazines or newspapers.
  • Purpose: Tests how well you can understand complex academic texts.
  • Question types: Includes matching headings, multiple choice, identifying information, summary completion, and more.
• IELTS General Training Reading
  • Content:
    1. Section 1: Two or three short texts about everyday life (e.g., notices, advertisements).
    2. Section 2: Two texts about workplace or social situations (e.g., job descriptions, official letters).
    3. Section 3: One longer text on a general interest topic (e.g., a magazine article).
  • Purpose: Checks your ability to understand everyday and workplace English.
  • Question types: Includes matching, true/false/not given, short‑answer questions, and more.
• IELTS for UKVI Reading
  • Content & Format: Exactly the same as either the Academic or General Training test you choose.
  • Purpose: Approved by UK Visas & Immigration for visa or immigration applications.
  • Notes: If you need to meet UK visa requirements, select the UKVI version; otherwise, the test content remains identical.

IELTS Listening Test

These are the main differences between the IELTS Academic, IELTS General Training, and IELTS for UKVI Listening Tests.

• IELTS Academic & General Training Listening
  • Same test for both Academic & General Training: You listen to four recordings (conversations and monologues), then answer 40 questions.
  • Recordings:
    1. A conversation in a social context
    2. A monologue in a social context
    3. A conversation in an educational or training context
    4. A monologue on an academic topic
  • Purpose: Measures your ability to understand a range of English accents and daily to academic language.
• IELTS for UKVI Listening
  • Identical in content and format to the Academic or General Training Listening test you choose.
  • Difference: This version is officially approved for UK visa and immigration applications.

IELTS Speaking Test

These are the main differences between the IELTS Academic, IELTS General Training, and IELTS for UKVI Speaking Tests.

• IELTS Academic & IELTS General Training Speaking
  • Same format for both Academic & General Training: It consists of three parts.
    1. Introduction & Interview: You answer questions about yourself (e.g., your home, studies, work).
    2. Long Turn: You speak for 1–2 minutes on a given topic, after 1 minute of preparation.
    3. Two‑Way Discussion: You discuss more abstract ideas related to the long‑turn topic with the examiner.
  • Purpose: Assesses your ability to communicate clearly and fluently in everyday and academic situations.
• IELTS for UKVI Speaking
  • Content & format: Exactly the same three-part structure as Academic or General Training.
  • Difference: Officially approved by UK Visas & Immigration for visa and immigration applications.

In other words, the Speaking test itself does not change between Academic, General Training, or UKVI—you choose the UKVI option only if you need a version endorsed for UK visa purposes.

Cambridge IELTS Books 1-20 Official Practice Tests, Free Lessons and Tips

Cambridge IELTS Books 1-20 are key resources for your IELTS preparation, available in both Academic and General Training versions. Most students—around 95%—use these official Cambridge practice tests because they are EXACTLY like the real test. Each book includes:

• Four full practice tests that match the actual IELTS format. There are 80 practice tests in total.
• An introduction explaining the test structure and how scoring works
• Audio recordings for all Listening tests (downloadable or via QR codes)
• Sample Writing answers with extra explanations (see inner front cover)
• Example Speaking test videos to show you what to expect

Using Cambridge IELTS books helps you become familiar with the real exam format, improve your test techniques, and build confidence before test day.

Tips for IELTS Academic and General Training Preparation

Study Routine

• Commit to 3–4 hours of focused study every day.
• Divide your time between grammar, vocabulary, and module practice.

Core Language Skills

• Strengthen your English grammar fundamentals.
• Build an IELTS‑specific vocabulary list and review it daily.

Understand Test Format

• Learn the structure of Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking modules.
• Study the official band descriptors to know what examiners expect.

Practice with Authentic Materials

• Complete full Cambridge IELTS practice tests under timed conditions.
• Use downloadable audio and QR‑code speaking videos as in the real exam.

Review & Feedback – Writing Tips

• Read sample writing answers and examiner comments to see top‑band responses.
• Post questions in IELTS Facebook groups for free tips and guidance.

Tips for Speaking Practice

• Speak aloud in front of a mirror or with a partner to practice and build fluency.
• Record yourself and compare against sample Speaking videos.

Listening and Reading Tips

• Watch English documentaries, series, or movies with subtitles to sharpen your listening skills and adapt to different accents and speaking speeds.
• Read English newspapers, magazines, or books on topics you enjoy to boost your reading speed, vocabulary, and comprehension for the IELTS exam.

Targeted Improvement

• After each practice session, identify your weaknesses.
• Focus your next study on correcting those mistakes.

Free IELTS Study Plan

This 60-day IELTS Academic and General Training Free Study Plan is carefully designed to help you achieve your best possible score. It offers a balanced mix of lessons, pro tips and free practice tests.

You will steadily improve your skills and confidence for test day by following these free lessons, tips and strategies.

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