IELTS tips and tricks
71 practical tips based on how the test is marked, in plain English. Start with the module you find hardest: raising your weakest score lifts your overall band the most.
Listening tips
Read the questions before each part starts and guess what kind of word is missing.
Read 18 tips →Reading tips
Spend no more than 20 minutes on each passage. Move on when time is up.
Read 17 tips →Writing tips
Do Task 2 first if you tend to run out of time. It's worth twice as much.
Read 19 tips →Speaking tips
Extend every answer: answer, give a reason, add an example.
Read 17 tips →
Tips for the whole test
Know the format
Take at least one full mock test for each module before the real exam, so nothing surprises you.
Paper or computer?
Practise on the same format you'll take. The computer test shows your word count in Writing; on paper you count yourself.
Sleep well the night before
A tired brain reads and listens more slowly. Last-minute studying rarely helps.
Arrive early with your ID
Bring the same passport or ID you used to register. Without it you can't take the test.
Keep your focus between sections
Forget the last section as soon as it ends. Every module is scored separately.
Target your weakest skill
Your overall band is the average of all four. Raising your lowest skill by one band lifts the average most.
Ready to try them?
Take a free mock test and see your band straight away.
Browse free mock tests