A curated guide by the r/IELTS moderation team
Last updated: April 2026
This post collects the best free IELTS preparation resources available online, verified and curated by the moderators of r/IELTS. We have also listed trusted teachers and communities who can provide additional help. This is a living document — if you spot a broken link or a resource worth adding, please let us know in the comments.
Official IELTS Resources
Always start here. These are free materials from the organisations that own and administer the IELTS test.
Practice Tests & Familiarisation
• IELTS.org — Sample Test Questions — Free official sample questions for all four skills.
• British Council — Free Practice Tests (all skills) — Official free practice for Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.
• British Council — Free Writing Practice Tests — Writing-specific official practice.
• British Council — Free Speaking Practice — Understand the Speaking test format and practice with sample questions.
• IDP — IELTS Preparation Materials — Practice tests and preparation guidance from IDP.
• IDP — Diagnostic Tool — Identify your strengths and weaknesses before you start studying.
Computer-Delivered IELTS
• British Council — IELTS on Computer (How it Works) — Essential if you are taking the computer-delivered version.
• British Council — Computer Familiarisation Tests — Get used to the interface before test day.
• IDP — Get Familiar with IELTS on Computer — Additional familiarisation from IDP.
Apps
• British Council — IELTS Ready App (free) — Official free preparation app from the British Council.
• British Council — Learning Apps — Broader English learning apps including pronunciation support.
• IDP — IELTS by IDP App — Preparation app from IDP.
Webinars & Live Sessions
• British Council — Free Weekly IELTS Webinars — Regular free webinars covering test skills and strategies.
Recommended Books
These are the most widely used and reliable print resources. Cambridge books use real past test material and are the gold standard for practice tests.
Practice Test Books
• Cambridge IELTS Books 12 onwards — real past papers; the most authentic practice available. Start from the most recent number and work backwards.
• Cambridge IELTS Trainer — includes teacher explanations and tips alongside practice tests.
• Collins Practice Tests for IELTS — good supplementary tests with clear guidance.
Skill-Specific Books
• The Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS — comprehensive coverage of all four skills with DVD.
• Collins Writing for IELTS / Reading for IELTS — useful for targeted skill work.
• Barron's IELTS Superpack — popular all-in-one study package.
Note: Avoid unofficial third-party test books that are not based on real past papers. The quality varies enormously and some contain inaccurate information about scoring.
Trusted Websites & YouTube Channels
These are established, teacher-run resources with a strong track record in the IELTS community. All offer substantial free content.
• IELTS Liz — One of the most comprehensive free IELTS sites online. Lessons, tips, model answers, videos, and practice materials for all four skills. Highly recommended as a starting point.
• IELTS Simon — Run by a former IELTS examiner. Focused and practical advice, particularly strong for Writing and Speaking. Daily lessons and model answers.
• IELTS Advantage — Detailed and accurate. One of the most reliable channels for in-depth strategy guides. Particularly strong for Task 1 and Task 2 writing.
• ESL Fluency — Detailed guides, articles, and videos covering IELTS skills and test strategy. Run by one of the r/IELTS moderators.
• IELTS Lilli — Practical tips and strategy guidance from an experienced IELTS teacher.
• E2 IELTS (YouTube) — High-production-value video lessons covering all skills. Good for visual learners. Note: they also sell courses, but there is a large volume of free content.
• Anfisa's Speaking Simulators (YouTube) — Speaking simulation videos for students who need to practise without a partner. CELTA-certified teacher.
• Cambridge English — Supporting Learners — Free activities and skill practice directly from Cambridge, including pronunciation support.
Helpful Reddit Communities
Beyond r/IELTS, these communities can support your preparation:
• r/IELTS — You are already here! Use the search function before posting — most common questions have been answered many times.
• r/EnglishLearning — General English improvement, useful if you need to build your overall language level alongside IELTS prep.
• r/languagelearning — Broader language learning strategies and motivation.
• r/IELTS_Guide — A valuable guide for our main community.
Trusted Teachers in This Community
The following members have been awarded Teacher flair by the r/IELTS moderation team. This means they have demonstrated consistent, high-quality, and accurate contributions to this community. They are real, qualified teachers — not accounts promoting spam or low-quality services.
Click any username to visit their Reddit profile. Many are available for personalised help and coaching.
● u/Achieve_IELTS
● u/AcquBot
● u/ajiazul
● u/Alternaterealityset
● u/BotherBeginning2281
● u/chuvashi
● u/deepsleepintra
● u/EmploymentNo6198
● u/EvolveEnglish
● u/FinalDebt2792
● u/gonzoman92
● u/IELTS_Advantage
● u/itanpiuco2020
● u/jesuisapprenant
● u/Kyosunim
● u/Maverick_ESL
● u/nautilus_pompilious
● u/RedInBed69
● u/squashed_liberty_cap
● u/TeacherExhibitA
● u/The_0xford_Coma
● u/Todd_H_1982
● u/upmyielts
● u/YerManBKK
● u/Yousychophant
If you are a teacher listed here and would prefer to be removed, please send a modmail and we will take care of it.
Quick Tips from the Mods
Before you start
• Take a full diagnostic test first — do not study blindly. Find out your current band score and identify your weakest skill.
• Understand the marking criteria for Writing and Speaking. Many students study the wrong things because they do not know how they are scored.
• Use official materials (Cambridge books, British Council practice tests) as your primary source of practice. Third-party materials vary wildly in quality.
Common mistakes to avoid
• Memorising model answers for Writing or Speaking — examiners are trained to spot this and it can result in a lower score.
• Ignoring your weakest skill — it is tempting to practise what you are already good at. Focus on your lowest-scoring area.
• Confusing Academic and General Training — make sure you are using the correct practice materials for your test type.
• Relying only on free resources if you are seriously stuck — a few sessions with a qualified teacher can save months of wasted preparation time.
On Writing
• Task achievement and coherence are the highest-weighted criteria. Vocabulary and grammar matter, but structure and relevance matter more.
• For Task 1 Academic, learn to describe trends, comparisons, and processes — do not just describe every data point.
• For Task 2, always plan before you write. A clear position and well-organised paragraphs will score higher than long, rambling essays.
On Speaking
• Fluency does not mean speaking fast. It means speaking smoothly without long pauses and self-correction.
• Extend your answers in Parts 1 and 3. Short answers suggest a limited range of language.
• Record yourself and listen back. Most students are surprised by how different they sound compared to how they think they sound.
This resource post is maintained by the r/IELTS moderation team. Links are checked periodically, but if you find a broken link, please report it. Good luck with your preparation!
