IELTS Preparation Resources
A curated collection of official preparation materials from the three organisations that own and administer IELTS — Cambridge University Press & Assessment, British Council, and IDP. All free PDFs link directly to their official source.
Free Official PDFs
Published directly by ielts.org and cambridgeenglish.org — no registration required.
IELTS Listening Sample Tasks 2023
Complete set of official listening task types with answer key and audio transcripts. Covers all 7 question formats used in the real exam.
IELTS Academic Reading Sample Tasks 2023
Official sample reading passages and questions covering all task types: multiple choice, True/False/Not Given, matching headings, sentence completion, and more.
IELTS Academic Writing Sample Tasks 2023
Official sample Task 1 (data description) and Task 2 (essay) questions with model answers and examiner commentary.
IELTS General Training — Sample Test Questions
Free official sample tests for General Training Reading and Writing, including letter writing tasks and everyday reading passages.
IELTS Guide for Test Takers
The official guide explaining the test format, what to expect on test day, scoring criteria, and preparation tips from Cambridge English.
IELTS Academic — Free Sample Test Questions
Access the official paper-based sample test for IELTS Academic on the Cambridge English preparation page, including all four sections with answer keys.
Listening Task-Type Samples
Individual sample PDFs for each listening question type — each includes the question sheet, answer key, and recording transcript.
| Task Type | Questions | Answer Key | Transcript |
|---|---|---|---|
| Listening — Multiple Choice (one answer) | |||
| Listening — Multiple Choice (more than one answer) | |||
| Listening — Note Completion | |||
| Listening — Table Completion | |||
| Listening — Sentence Completion | |||
| Listening — Short Answer Questions | |||
| Listening — Plan/Map/Diagram Labelling | |||
| Listening — Flow-chart Completion |
Cambridge IELTS Practice Test Books (Volumes 1–19)
The only official practice test books written by the same teams who write the real IELTS exam. Each volume contains 4 complete authentic tests with audio and answer keys.
Official Coursebooks & Study Guides
Comprehensive preparation books written by Cambridge English and British Council experts.
The Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS
2025 Edition
The definitive all-in-one IELTS study guide written by Cambridge English experts. Contains 8 complete practice tests, detailed skills development for all four sections, test-taking strategies, and model answers with examiner commentary. Covers both Academic and General Training.
Mindset for IELTS (Levels 1–4)
Multi-level course
A 4-level preparation course developed by Cambridge English. Blends print and online content to build all the skills and strategies needed for the exam. Ideal for structured classroom use or self-study over several months.
Official IELTS Practice Materials Vol. 1
British Council / Cambridge
Created by leading English language specialists from the British Council. Includes sample tests for all four skills, a recording transcript, and practical preparation exercises. Widely available at British Council test centres.
Official IELTS Practice Materials Vol. 2
British Council / Cambridge
The most comprehensive official study guide. Contains additional sample tests, sample answers with examiner comments, and a DVD featuring a practice listening test and footage of three candidates taking the speaking test.
Official Online Preparation Platforms
Free and paid digital resources from the official IELTS partner organisations.
IELTS Ready (British Council)
Free all-in-one preparation platform from the British Council. Access practice tests, webinars, videos, personalised feedback, and a full suite of preparation materials in one place.
IELTS.org — Official Sample Tests
The official IELTS website provides free sample tests for Academic, General Training, and UKVI Life Skills. Includes computer-delivered practice experience to simulate the real test environment.
Cambridge English Shop — IELTS Test & Train
Digital self-study resource from Cambridge English for targeted skills practice. Ideal for identifying weak areas and drilling specific question types.
IDP IELTS Prep Hub
Official preparation hub from IDP, a co-owner of IELTS. Offers a personalised learning plan, free practice tests, masterclasses, podcasts, and expert articles.
Cambridge English — Free Sample Paper
Download the official paper-based sample test directly from Cambridge English. Includes all four sections with answer keys.
Disclaimer
IELTS Practice Hub is an independent preparation platform and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or officially connected to the British Council, IDP Education, or Cambridge University Press & Assessment. All external links on this page point to official sources. IELTS is a registered trademark of the British Council, IDP IELTS, and Cambridge University Press & Assessment.