IELTS Question Papers, IELTS Test Papers - Download Sample Test PDF

Types of IELTS Question Papers

A common suggestion and recommendation made by experts across the globe on excelling in this standard test are to practice as many IELTS question papers and practice tests. Through this activity, test-takers will be able to enhance their knowledge and skills of the test, including understanding the exam pattern. Listed below are the different types of IELTS Question papers that candidates can choose from:

IELTS Academic Module: The IELTS Academic has been desired to evaluate a candidate’s English language proficiency, particularly in the academic context. The objective of this type of IELTS Question papers is to gauge the readiness of a candidate for academic learning in an English-speaking environment.

Candidates should take this test if they wish to:

• Study at the undergraduate or postgraduate level.

• Seeking registration as a doctor or nurse.

• Work for a reputable organisation in a nation where English is a native language.

IELTS General Training Module: The IELTS General Training Test has been designed to assess the English Language proficiency of a candidate, keeping all the non-academic aspects in mind. Here, the test will evaluate the social and professional English language communication abilities of the candidate through a series of sections and tasks. The test is usually used by those looking to migrate to an English-speaking country like the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia or New Zealand, etc, for the purpose of work.

Candidates should take this test if they wish to:

• Study or train at a lower level than a bachelor's degree.

• Get a new job in their native country.

• Emigrate to a country where English is the primary language.

• Employment in an English-speaking country or pursuing job-related training.

So, these are the two types of IELTS question papers where the test-takers are for two different objectives. If you are confused about which one you should take then, read IELTS Academic vs IELTS General: What's the Difference?

Why Practice IELTS Question Papers?

There are several reasons why it is important to practice IELTS Question Papers, which vary from understanding the exam pattern to enhancing your speed and accuracy for the test. Experts from across the globe often recommend practising as many IELTS question papers to ensure the best possible result.

As stated above, the reasons to practice IELTS Question Papers are multifold, some of which have been outlined here:

• Better understanding of the exam pattern: Practicing question papers is one of the best ways to understand the exam pattern of the test. From figuring out the total number of questions asked to the different types of questions and the difficulty level of the tests, the IELTS question paper can highlight several crucial details.

• Enhance Speed and Accuracy: The best way to improve your speed and accuracy for the test is to attempt the IELTS question papers and sample papers. However, this will only be effective if the candidates time themselves while practising the question papers. The more attempts a candidate takes up, the better their speed and accuracy will be for the final test day.

• Understand Topics: Being an English test, the IELTS test can pick up topics from a varied range of subjects and fields. Therefore, practising IELTS question papers can highlight some of the commonly used topics and common subjects and fields that are often asked in tests.

While attempting the IELTS question papers is important, it is equally important to evaluate their responses and essays as per the answer sheet that will be provided with the practice papers. This will help the students find their strengths and weaknesses. Subsequently, allows them to allocate more time to the weaker sections of the test.

IELTS Listening Question Paper Sample

The IELTS Listening section is the same for both the Academic and General Training forms of the IELTS exam. There are four recorded monologues and conversations that make up the listening test. The following table outlines the test format for the IELTS Listening Section:

Here are the type of questions asked in the IELTS Listening Section:

• Matching

• Note/ Form/ Table/ Summary completion/ Flow-chart

• Multiple choice

• Sentence completion

At the end of the test, the test-takers will write their responses on the question paper in the allotted 10 minutes. Candidate writing should be meticulous because errors in language and spelling will be penalised.

IELTS Reading Question Paper Sample

As discussed in the beginning, the IELTS Reading section is different for both the IELTS Academic and IELTS General formats of the test. 

IELTS Academic Reading Question Paper

Three lengthy texts, ranging from factual and descriptive to discursive and analytical, are part of the IELTS Academic Reading test. The texts have been gathered from publications including newspapers, periodicals, and books. Although they have been chosen for a general audience, they are suitable for those beginning university coursework or looking to register for a profession. The test runs for 60 minutes and the total number of questions asked is 40 where one mark is given for each question.

IELTS General Training Reading Question Paper

This test contains excerpts from books, periodicals, newspapers, announcements, ads, and company manuals and policies. These are resources that you will probably come across every day in an English-speaking society.

The following table outlines the topics asked in the IELTS Academic Reading Question Paper vs IELTS General Training Reading Question Paper:

IELTS Writing Question Paper Sample

The IELTS Writing question paper varies for both the IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training. In both modules, there will be task 1 and task 2 which have been explained below:

IELTS Academic Writing Question Paper

The duration of this test is 60 minutes and the total number of questions asked is two. Answers must be fully completed and written in answer sheets. Answers cannot include notes or bullet points. Although test takers are allowed to make notes on the question paper, the examiner cannot access these notes outside of the testing facility.

Task 1: A table, chart, graph, or diagram will be presented to the candidate, and they will be asked to summarise, describe, or explain the given information in their own words. Candidates can also be asked to explain information, the steps in a process, how something operates, or describe an artefact or an event. In IELTS Writing Task 1, candidates are required to write 150 words in a given time of 20 minutes.

Task 2: The applicant will be required to respond in writing to a point of view, claim, or issue. Both tasks require responses to be presented in a formal manner. In IELTS Writing Task 2, candidates are required to write 250 words in a given time of 40 minutes.

IELTS Academic Writing Question Paper

The duration of this test is 1 hour and the total number of questions asked is 40. The exam takers will write their responses in the answer booklet. Notes or bullet points, in whole or in part, will not be allowed. Test takers may scribble on the question paper, however, this cannot be taken from the testing room.

Task 1: A problem will be presented to the candidate, and they will be required to compose a letter requesting information or describing the circumstance. The letter might be informal, semi-formal, or formal in tone.

Task 2: The candidate will be required to write an essay in response to a point of view, argument, or topic. The style of the essay could be personal.

IELTS Speaking Question Paper Sample

As the name suggests, an oral interview will be taken for this examination between the test-taker and the examiner. The Speaking section consists of three parts for a total time period of 11-14 minutes. Candidates should be aware that the entire discussion will be videotaped.

Part 1: The examiner will ask basic questions about the test taker regarding their family, work, studies, and interests. This section lasts four to five minutes.

Part 2: Candidates will be handed a card on which they will be asked to speak on a specific topic. They will have one minute for preparation before speaking for a maximum of two minutes. The examiner will next ask one or two follow-up questions on the same subject.

Part 3: Candidates will be quizzed further on the subject discussed in Part 2. These will present the candidate with the chance to speak on more ethereal concepts and problems. This section of the test takes four to five minutes.

How Can I Practice for the IELTS at Home?

Once you have learned the format, familiarise yourself with the key topics you will need to learn in order to be prepared for the test. Prepare by taking practice tests along a realistic timeline. Ensure your answers match the questions. If you want a decent IELTS score, make sure you practice as much as possible. You can maintain your general English level at home by doing some of these simple things.

1. Take a Computer-Based IELTS Test

In the event that you are not planning on taking a computer-delivered IELTS test, there are a number of online resources that are very helpful. Neither your computer nor your paper test will differ, so this activity you do will help you.

2. Test Your Knowledge With Practice Questions

During your practice sessions, alternate between doing timed practices and allowing yourself to thoroughly understand the question and text. You can analyze your own work using model answers and examiner comments found in the IELTS Authentic Practice Tests.

3. Take a Look at Your Bookshelf

View your bookshelf to see if you still have any old textbooks. Maybe now is the right time to finally complete that grammar book you got when you were 16 but never finished! The text itself is a very valuable resource that is filled with vocabulary that you can learn, even if you have already completed a reading comprehension task.

4. Record Yourself Speaking in an IELTS Exam

Taking turns being the examiner and the candidate may be fun if you have a friend who is available to practice with you. Be sure to listen back, observe, and evaluate your own performance.

5. Get to Know All About the IELTS Test

Check out the Official Guide for Candidates and make sure you read it carefully. Join some social media groups, get feedback by sharing comments, asking questions, doing tasks, or just feeling like a part of a broader learning community. Perhaps you will meet new people along the way who will help you prepare by giving exceptional tips for the IELTS.

How is the IELTS Paper-Based Question Paper Different from the Computer-Delivered Test?

If you are taking the IELTS test on paper, an examiner will provide you with a pencil and an answer sheet. Answers must be entered into the answer sheet before the time runs out.

During computer-delivered IELTS, you type your answers into boxes that appear on your screen. Also here, you will get a pencil, pen, and paper to make notes even if you are taking IELTS digitally. For more, check out the salient differences between IELTS on Computer vs IELTS on Paper. 

If, however, you are worried you are not typing fast enough, you can relax since the computer test is designed for people with normal typing skills. It is as simple as this: if you are capable of sending an email, you can handle a computer-delivered test with ease.

Note: On paper and on the computer, the Speaking Test is administered in front of an examiner. In IELTS' view, this is an excellent course of action to calculate candidates' speaking skills, since it takes a more realistic approach to simulate the conversation of an examiner.

Is It Possible to Become an IELTS Examiner?

Yes, it is possible! IELTS examiner candidates should possess the following skills:

• A relevant certificate/qualification in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (or equivalent).

• Must possess an IELTS band score of 9 in both the IELTS Speaking section and IELTS Writing section or candidates must be native English speakers.

• Post-qualification experience that is relevant to teaching.