Articles
How to prepare for IELTS Academic: format, scoring and practical advice.
- IELTS Writing: format, criteria, timing and how to prepare
How the Writing section of IELTS Academic works: two tasks, word minimums, weighting, the four marking criteria, what the computer format changes, how to split the 60 minutes, how to learn vocabulary and where to get feedback.
- IELTS Writing Task 1: how to describe graphs, tables, processes and maps
A detailed guide to Task 1 in IELTS Academic Writing: seven task types, a four-paragraph structure, a 20-minute plan, verb tenses, four sentence patterns, vocabulary for trends and shares, a band 7 sample answer and typical mistakes.
- IELTS Writing Task 2: how to write an essay for band 7
A detailed guide to Task 2 in IELTS Academic Writing: the five question types and what each requires, a 40-minute plan, a four-paragraph structure, how to build a body paragraph, sample introduction and conclusion, linking words by function, formal style, a 5-minute check and typical mistakes.
- IELTS Listening: format, parts, timing and every question type
A detailed guide to computer-delivered IELTS Academic Listening: the four parts and what you hear in each, timing, how the band is calculated, every question type and how to answer it.
- IELTS Reading: format, the three passages, timing and every task type
A detailed guide to computer-delivered IELTS Academic Reading: how to split the time between passages, how the three passages differ, how paraphrase works in the questions, all 14 task types with screenshots and tactics for each, the band table and a preparation plan.
- IELTS Speaking: format, the three parts, criteria and how to prepare
A detailed guide to IELTS Speaking: how long the interview lasts, what is asked in Parts 1, 2 and 3, how to prepare a cue-card answer in one minute, the four assessment criteria and what really separates 6.0 from 7.0, plus working methods for preparing on your own.
- How to start preparing for IELTS on your own on a small budget
There is plenty of IELTS material but no clear place to start. A simple self-study plan using free resources: what to do in week one, how to structure your week and what not to cut corners on.
- Why IELTS preparation needs practice tests, not just textbooks
Good English does not guarantee a high band. What practice tests actually train, how to practise effectively, and where to find tests in the computer-delivered format.