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IELTS tips and guides

IELTS tips that make a difference

Practical IELTS tips for all four skills, from band score tables to exam-day tactics. Written by an IELTS teacher with 10 years' experience.
IELTS Listening band score: 30 correct answers out of 40 give band 7, with the four numbers IELTS publishesListeningLatestIELTS Listening band score: how many correct answers you need for band 6, 7 and 8IELTS Listening band score chart for 2026: the band for every score out of 40, what IELTS publishes, when your result comes, and 6 ways students lose marks.27 October 2026 · 9 min readRead the article
IELTS Reading band score: the same 33 correct answers out of 40 give band 7.5 in Academic and band 6.5 in General TrainingReadingIELTS Reading band score 2026: the Academic and General Training charts, and what your score out of 40 means25 October 2026 · 10 min readTrue False Not Given in IELTS Reading: the proof highlighted in the text, and a statement marked FALSE because the text says the oppositeReadingTrue, False or Not Given in IELTS Reading: a simple method, the traps and practice questions21 October 2026 · 10 min read
IELTS Speaking Part 3: the examiner's question and an answer built from four blocks, answer, reason, example and other side, in 4–5 minutesSpeakingIELTS Speaking Part 3: question types, a simple answer method and band 7 samplesIELTS Speaking Part 3 explained: how the discussion works, 7 question types, a 4-step answer method, useful phrases and band 7 sample answers.20 October 2026 · 13 min readIELTS Writing Task 2: an essay map from the question to the position, two body paragraphs with examples and the conclusion, 250 words in 40 minutesWritingIELTS Writing Task 2: the 5 question types, a simple essay plan and band 7 samplesIELTS Writing Task 2 step by step: the 5 question types, a 4-paragraph essay plan, how to use your 40 minutes, and 3 band 7 sample essays.19 October 2026 · 16 min readComputer-delivered IELTS: the Reading test on a laptop screen, with the timer, highlighter and question buttonsExam dayComputer-delivered IELTS in 2026: know the screen before test dayComputer-delivered IELTS explained: the real screen, every tool on it, what changed in 2026 and how to practise on the same layout for free before test day.19 October 2026 · 9 min readIELTS Writing Task 1: a line graph on graph paper with its overview on a sticky note, 150 words in 20 minutesWritingIELTS Writing Task 1 (Academic): how to describe a graph, chart or map, with band 7 samplesIELTS Writing Task 1 (Academic) step by step: the 4-paragraph plan, the overview, key language and band 7 samples for a graph, a chart and a map.18 October 2026 · 12 min readIELTS Speaking Part 2 cue cards: a printed task card, the 4-box notes and a pencil, with one minute to prepareSpeakingIELTS cue cards for September–December 2026: Speaking Part 2 topics and sample answersIELTS cue cards for September–December 2026: 18 Speaking Part 2 topics reported by test takers, a 1-minute note plan and 3 sample answers.17 October 2026 · 11 min readIELTS Writing band descriptors: a marked essay with a red pen, leading to band 7 and the four marking criteriaWritingIELTS Writing band descriptors explained in simple English, with examplesIELTS Writing band descriptors in simple English: the 4 criteria, what changes from band 5 to band 8, example sentences and one paragraph improved.16 October 2026 · 11 min readIELTS Speaking Part 1 questions: a hand of question cards and an answer built as answer, reason and exampleSpeakingIELTS Speaking Part 1 questions: September–December 2026 topics and sample answersIELTS Speaking Part 1 questions for September–December 2026: the topics test takers report, practice questions, band 7 sample answers and tips.15 October 2026 · 9 min read