IELTS full mock tests
Listening, Reading and Writing run back to back with no breaks, as in the real test: each section starts when the one before ends. Speaking follows as a timed interview, and the overall band is worked out once all four are scored. Mocks need a plan: the Speaking section uses one live speaking test from your plan, so you need one left to start a mock.
- Sections
- All 4
- Time
- About 2 h 45 min
- Speaking
- Timed interview
- Band
- Estimated
Academic mocks
IELTS Academic Full Mock 1
Academic · Listening, Reading and Writing back to back (about 2 h 35 min), then Speaking
IELTS Academic Full Mock 2
Academic · Listening, Reading and Writing back to back (about 2 h 35 min), then Speaking
What a full IELTS mock is
A full mock is the whole IELTS test in one sitting. Listening, Reading and Writing run back to back with no breaks, exactly as on test day, and then you take Speaking. It works like IELTS on Computer, which most test centres now run: paper-based IELTS is being withdrawn from mid-2026, with dates that vary by country.
Choose a mock for your module: IELTS Academic or IELTS General Training. Listening and Speaking are the same in both; Reading and Writing differ.
Real test-day timings
| Section | Time | Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Listening | About 30 minutes, plus 2 minutes to review | 4 parts, 40 questions |
| Reading | 60 minutes | 40 questions |
| Writing | 60 minutes | Task 1 (150+ words) and Task 2 (250+ words) |
| Speaking | 11 to 14 minutes | 3 parts |
In total the test takes about 2 hours 45 minutes. On the real test day, Speaking can be on the same day or within 7 days before or after the other three sections.
How to use a mock well
- Sit it like the real test. Block out 3 hours, use headphones, and do not pause between Listening, Reading and Writing.
- Do not stop the clock. Timing is part of the skill. If you run out of time, note where, and plan how to pace the next one.
- Review mistakes by question type. Group wrong answers, for example True / False / Not Given, map labelling or sentence completion, and look for the pattern.
- Fix the weakest section first. Use the section tests to practise it on its own.
- Re-test after 1 or 2 weeks. One mock tells you where you are; the next one tells you whether your practice is working.
What your estimated band means
Listening and Reading are marked instantly against the answer key and converted to a band. Writing and Speaking are scored on the four official criteria for each. The result is an estimate from our marking, not an official IELTS result, and no organisation will accept it.
Your overall band is worked out the same way as in the real test: the average of the four section bands, rounded. An average ending in .25 rounds up to .5, and one ending in .75 rounds up to the next whole band. See the IELTS exam page for what each band means.
After the mock
Drill the section that scored lowest before your next mock:
Frequently asked questions
Are these IELTS mock tests free?
No. Mocks need a plan: Speaking is part of the full test, so each mock uses one live speaking test from your plan.
Is the mock band the same as my real IELTS score?
No. It is an estimate from our marking. Use it to see your level and track progress, not as an official result.
How long does a full IELTS mock take?
About 2 hours 45 minutes: about 30 minutes of Listening plus 2 minutes to review, 60 minutes of Reading, 60 minutes of Writing, and 11 to 14 minutes of Speaking.
Can I take a break between sections?
Not between Listening, Reading and Writing. They run back to back, as in the real test, so the mock builds the stamina you need on test day.
How many mocks should I take before the real test?
There is no fixed number. Take one to find your level, practise your weak sections, then take another after 1 or 2 weeks to check your progress.
Is the real IELTS still on paper?
Mostly not. IELTS announced on 5 March 2026 that paper-based IELTS is being withdrawn from mid-2026, with dates that vary by country, so most test centres now run IELTS on computer. Some centres offer Writing on Paper, where only Writing is done by hand.