IELTS Band Academy

Learning hub

Everything the test asks of you, one skill at a time

Each path explains the format, walks through every question type, and ends with a timed practice task.

Listening

4 parts · 40 questions · recording plays once

Four recordings that move from an everyday conversation to an academic lecture. On the computer test you type answers as you listen, then get two minutes to check them.

Open the listening guide
  1. 1Numbers, dates and spelling drills 15m
  2. 2Form completion: predicting the gap 20m
  3. 3Multiple choice distractors 25m
  4. 4Following a map description 20m
  5. 5Part 4 lectures: note-taking at speed 30m

Reading

3 passages · 40 questions · no extra transfer time

Three long passages taken from books, journals and newspapers. Answers are typed or selected on screen, and the clock includes everything — there is no transfer time.

Open the reading guide
  1. 1Skimming and scanning in 5 minutes 15m
  2. 2TRUE, FALSE or NOT GIVEN? 25m
  3. 3Matching headings without panic 25m
  4. 4Paraphrase spotting 20m
  5. 5Timing a full Academic paper 60m

Writing

Task 1 (150 words) · Task 2 (250 words)

Task 1 describes a chart, table, map or process. Task 2 is a discursive essay and is worth twice as much. On the computer the word count updates as you type.

Open the writing guide
  1. 1Task 1: writing the overview 20m
  2. 2Language of change and comparison 25m
  3. 3Task 2: building a clear position 30m
  4. 4Cohesion without overusing linkers 25m
  5. 5Band 8 sample essays, annotated 30m

Speaking

3 parts · face-to-face with an examiner

An 11–14 minute conversation with an examiner: questions about you, a two-minute talk from a cue card, then a deeper discussion.

Open the speaking guide
  1. 1Part 1 topics: extending answers 15m
  2. 2Part 2 cue cards: the 1-minute plan 20m
  3. 3Part 3: abstract ideas 25m