IELTS General Training Practice Test: How to Prepare and Succeed
IELTS General Training Practice Test: How to Prepare and Succeed
6th Aug 2021 |
Prepare for your IELTS General Training Practice Test with support from the British Council. Our extensive range of free online learning materials will help you get ready for the exam.
Still haven’t booked your test? Book it here!
How to Prepare for the IELTS General Training Practice Test (Step-by-Step)
The IELTS General Training Test is for those applying to an immigration program, such as Express Entry in Canada, and even the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). To help you prepare, the British Council offers a wide range of free online resources, including the IELTS General Training Practice Test.
While the General Training Test is the official exam, the Practice Test is a simulation tool that helps you experience the test format and strengthen your skills before exam day.
Visit our Prepare for IELTS page, and sign up to the IELTS Ready platform to access the following study materials for your IELTS General Training Test:
IELTS Ready study packs and general training practice tests, where you can access:
- Six free practice tests covering all four skills.
- One on-computer familiarization test.
- Videos, exercises and tips from teachers.
Free IELTS General Training Practice Test with the British Council
Prepare for your IELTS General Training Test with British Council’s free online practice tests. Practice all four sections—Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking—to boost your confidence and get ready for test day.
IELTS Reading Practice Test:
Free online IELTS Reading Practice Test.
IELTS Listening Practice Test:
Free online IELTS Listening Practice Tests.
IELTS Speaking Practice Test and IELTS Speaking Topics with Answers
Free online IELTS Speaking Practice Tests.
IELTS Writing Practice Test:
Free online IELTS General Training Writing Practice Test.
Watch Our Video for More Information on Free IELTS General Training Practice Tests and Resources
How Much Preparation Should I Do Before the IELTS General Training Test?
This is a very common question! Preparation for the IELTS General Training Test varies from person to person. It is important to know what level you are at (you can take a practice test to find out your current score).
Once you know your approximate level, you may feel ready to take the test or will need to start working on areas to improve.
Make sure you prepare thoroughly so that you are ready for the test day. The number of practice tests or preparation time needed for the IELTS General Training Practice Test depends on your starting level, study habits, and learning speed, and it can help you know what to expect on test day.
Can I Fail the IELTS Test?
The IELTS test is not a pass-or-fail test, so you cannot fail the exam. You are simply given a score based on your English language ability. The only way you can achieve 0 is if you fail to turn up or attempt the test.
Making sure you dedicate enough time to your IELTS General Training Practice Test and understanding what to expect in each section can help you achieve a higher score.
If you don’t get the score you require, it is important to identify your areas of weakness and practice before retaking the test.
Additionally, you could invest in an online tutor to help with this. The British Council provides an excellent online tutoring service to help you get the score you need.
Start Your IELTS General Training Test Journey Today
To start your journey in Canada, book your IELTS General Training Test online today. At the British Council, we have over 150 test locations across Canada, making it easy for you to find one near you.
Book online by clicking here, then select the province you live in to find your nearest test center. Our simple-to-use booking platform means that you can book your test in just a few simple steps!
How Is the IELTS General Training Test Scored?
An average is taken from each of the four sections of the test (listening, speaking, reading and writing), then you are provided with your final score. You can see a description of each IELTS band in the table below:
| Band score | Skill level |
Description
|
|---|---|---|
| 9 | Expert use | Full operational command of the language. You show complete understanding of English. |
| 8 | Very good user | You have a fully operational command of the language with only occasional unsystematic inaccuracies and inappropriate usage. |
| 7 | Good use | You have an operational command of the language, though with occasional inaccuracies, inappropriate usage, and misunderstandings in some situations. |
| 6 | Competent user | Generally, you have an effective command of the language despite some inaccuracies, inappropriate usage and misunderstandings. |
| 5 | Modest user | You have a partial command of the language, and cope with overall meaning in most situations, although you are likely to make many mistakes. |
| 4 | Limited user | Your basic competence is limited to familiar situations. You frequently show problems in understanding and expression. |
| 3 | Extremely limited user | You convey and understand only general meaning in very familiar situations. There are frequent breakdowns in communication. |
| 2 | Intermittent user | You have great difficulty understanding spoken and written English |
| 1 | Non-user | You have no ability to use the language except a few isolated words. |
| 0 | Didn’t attempt the test | You did not answer the questions |
FAQs
What is the best way to prepare for the IELTS General Training Test?
We recommend you prepare for your IELTS General Training Test by understanding the test format, creating a realistic study plan, and practice regularly using official resources. Taking full mocked tests while being timed can be beneficial during your preparation process. Find more tips here.
How can I take a free IELTS General Training Practice Test Online?
The British Council offers a wide range of resources to help you prepare for your test. You can find free online practice tests here.
How many practice tests should I take before my IELTS exam?
The amount of practice tests you should take before your IELTS exam depends on your current English proficiency level and your target score. Start by taking one or two full practice tests per week to identify your weaknesses, and then adjust accordingly.
Can the IELTS General Training Practice Test predict my real score?
If you take the IELTS General Training Practice Test under exam conditions, your practice score may be a good predictor of your real score, especially for listening and reading. However, writing and speaking sections outcomes may vary a bit more. Remember to take enough practice tests and prepare yourself as best as you can to raise your chances of achieving your target score.