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United Kingdom · English test

Official IELTS sample test questions

The official place to practise is ielts.org. It has free sample questions for Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking, for both Academic and General Training, with answer keys. Use them to learn every question type before test day. Then move on to full timed practice tests.

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Updated October 2026 · Written from official sources, listed at the bottom of this page

What’s in the official samples

  • Listening: every question type, with recordings, transcripts and answer keys.
  • Reading: Academic and General Training questions in each official type, with answer keys.
  • Writing: sample tasks and real candidate answers, with band scores and examiner comments.
  • Speaking: sample tasks for all three parts, with recordings and transcripts.
  • Computer-delivered practice tests, so you can see how the real screen works.

Reading question types to know

Academic Reading uses 11 question types and General Training uses 8. Yes/No/Not Given and matching sentence endings only appear in Academic.

  • Multiple choice
  • Identifying information (True/False/Not Given)
  • Identifying the writer’s views or claims (Yes/No/Not Given), Academic only
  • Matching information, headings and features
  • Matching sentence endings, Academic only
  • Sentence, summary, note, table and flow-chart completion
  • Diagram labelling and short-answer questions

How to use them

  1. Try each question type once, untimed, and check the answer key.
  2. Read the transcripts for any Listening answers you missed.
  3. Compare your writing with the sample answers and examiner comments.
  4. Then do full sections under time: 60 minutes for Reading, 60 for Writing.

Looking for past papers?

The samples on ielts.org are free, but they’re not full past papers. Cambridge publishes books of authentic IELTS papers with answers, such as Cambridge IELTS 21 Academic, which we compare on the where to learn page.

Where to prepare for IELTS →

Want timed practice with feedback?

The free IELTS Trial Test runs at participating centres for Listening, Reading and Writing. An IELTS examiner marks it and you get feedback in about 13 days. The scores aren’t official and can’t be used for applications.

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Everything else, in one place

OverviewIELTSQuestions and pass markHow many questions are on IELTS, and what’s the pass mark?ScoringHow IELTS band scores workBook IELTSHow to book your IELTS test in the UKCostHow much does IELTS cost in the UK?What to bringWhat to bring to your IELTS testOnline testCan you take IELTS online?ResultsIELTS results: when they come out and how to check themWriting testIELTS Writing: Task 1 and Task 2Speaking testIELTS Speaking: the three parts and the cue cardListening testIELTS Listening: four parts, 40 questionsReading testIELTS Reading: Academic and General TrainingAcademic or General Training?IELTS Academic vs General TrainingIELTS for CanadaIELTS for Canada: CLB levels and Express EntryTest dates and centresIELTS test dates and test centresLife Skills (A1, A2, B1)IELTS Life Skills: A1, A2 and B1One Skill RetakeIELTS One Skill Retake: resit just one sectionPractice testIELTS practice testWhere to learnWhere to prepare for IELTSStudy plannerIELTS study planner
Sources: IELTS and 7 more. Checked October 2026.

Rules and fees can change, so check the official site before your test.