The Top 10 Resources in the IELTS Prepare Hub and Who Should Use Them

If you’re preparing for IELTS, you’ll know there’s no shortage of study materials online. The challenge isn't finding resources; it's finding the ones that are right for you.

You need tools that help you understand if you’re ready to take the test, show you what areas you need to improve and build the skills you need to achieve your target band score. You also want resources and activities that match your learning style and fit into your schedule.

We know that the right preparation materials can make a real difference to your IELTS results.

That’s why we’ve created this guide to the top 10 preparation resources in our IELTS Prepare Hub. You’ll discover how each resource can help you prepare for IELTS and which ones are best suited to your study needs.

What it is

Are you ready to take the IELTS test? Our free English self-assessment tool is like a mini IELTS mock test that you can use to check your Reading and Listening skills. It takes about 20 minutes to complete, and you’ll receive an instant score and feedback on your answers.

Before you start, you’ll be asked why you need IELTS. You’ll receive either IELTS Academic or IELTS General Training test questions, depending on your goals.

How it helps

The English self-assessment tool helps you get familiar with some of the question types that appear in the Reading and Listening sections of the IELTS test. It also helps you identify your strengths and weaknesses before you take your test.

Once you’ve answered the questions, the tool recommends relevant IELTS test study materials to help you improve. Find out what you need to focus on to succeed on test day.

Best for

We’d recommend the English self-assessment tool to:

• Anyone who is considering taking the IELTS test and wants a taster.

• Anyone who wants to check how ready they are for their IELTS test.

• Busy learners who want IELTS study resources that target their specific gaps.

What it is

Our IELTS familisation test helps you prepare for your test by allowing you to complete a full online practice test that covers the Listening, Reading and Writing sections of the IELTS Academic test.

How it helps

You’ll experience the test screens and question types, so you know what to expect on test day.

Unlike the real IELTS test, this practice test is untimed, allowing you to explore different parts of the test at your own pace as you build confidence. If you'd like to practise your time-management skills, you can also choose to time yourself.

It’s also a great way to check which areas need the most attention during your preparation.

Best for

• Anyone planning to take the IELTS Academic test.

• Anyone who wants to feel more confident navigating the computer test screens before test day.

What it is

The IELTS Preparation Library is a searchable collection of articles, videos, podcasts and practice tests to help you get ready for test day.

How it helps

It puts you in control of your IELTS preparation, allowing you to search for materials by test skill, topic and target band score. Our resources include grammar guides, sample answers, score-specific tips, question walkthroughs and strategies to help you build key skills.

You can also find resources that match your preferred learning style, whether that’s watching videos, reading articles, listening to podcasts or applying what you’ve learnt with practice questions.

Best for

The IELTS Preparation Library contains study resources for all IELTS tests: IELTS Academic, IELTS General Training, IELTS for UKVI and IELTS for UKVI Life Skills A1, A2 and B1. It’s especially useful for:

• Independent learners who want to create their own study plan.

• Those who want to target specific skill gaps or improve their band score.

What it is

Our IELTS Masterclass is a free 90-minute online webinar run by an IELTS Expert. You can sign up to watch a live or recorded session. You can find recordings of some of our previous webinars in the video section of the IELTS Preparation Library. Some test centres also offer face-to-face masterclasses.

How it helps

During the class, you’ll learn about the IELTS test format and how it’s scored. You’ll get tips on how to prepare, strategies for approaching different questions and common mistakes to avoid. There will also be an opportunity to ask questions at the end.

Best for

• Anyone who taking the IELTS Academic or General Training test for the first time.

• Learners who enjoy classroom-style instruction and want to ask questions.

What it is

Our 10-part IELTS video podcast covers everything you need to know about the test. Each episode is 20-30 minutes in length and includes an interview with a different IELTS Expert, who answers common questions and provides valuable advice on how to approach the test.

How it helps

During the series, you’ll learn:

• how to choose the right IELTS test for your goals.

• how the IELTS test is structured.

• how the test is scored.

• how to prepare.

• what to expect on test day.

• what you can do with your IELTS results.

The series makes it easy to continue learning outside formal study sessions, with episodes available as both videos and podcasts, so you can build your IELTS knowledge while commuting, exercising or going about your daily routine.

Best for

• Anyone who is taking the IELTS Academic or General Training test for the first time.

• Anyone who is looking for flexible study options.

• Auditory-visual learners.

What it is

IELTS Community by IDP is online space where you can get trusted answers to IELTS questions from IELTS experts.

How it helps

When you visit IELTS Community, you’ll have instant access to our expert-answered question bank. You can search for answers to frequently asked questions about every aspect of your IELTS journey.

It’s a useful place to find answers to specific questions that might come up when you’re preparing such as “What’s the difference between a discussion essay and an opinion essay in IELTS Writing Task 2?” or “What is the best way to handle matching heading questions in IELTS Reading?”

Best for

• Anyone with specific questions about the IELTS test.

What they are

Understanding how you will be scored is an important part of IELTS preparation. For the IELTS Listening and Reading tests, you will receive one mark for each correct answer, with the total number of marks determining your band score.

The IELTS Speaking and Writing tests are assessed by qualified IELTS examiners. You can read how they score your performance in the IELTS band descriptors.

How it helps

The IELTS band descriptors show you what examiners are looking for at each band score. You can use them as a checklist when you’re doing practice tasks. They help you identify what you’re already doing and what areas you need to improve.

Best for

• Anyone taking the IELTS Academic or General Training test for the first time.

• Anyone who is retaking IELTS and wants to improve their score in Writing or Speaking.

What it is

How your IELTS Writing test is marked is a 7-part video series, which explains the IELTS Writing band score descriptors to help you better understand the marking criteria. Each video is approximately 5 minutes.

How it helps

The series breaks down the IELTS Writing band descriptors in clear, simple language with examples and sample responses at different band levels. You’ll learn exactly what you need to include in your writing to get the result you need to move forward with your new life.

Best for

• Anyone who is taking the IELTS Academic or General Training test for the first time.

• Anyone who wants to improve their IELTS Writing score.

• Visual learners.

What it is

E2 Test Prep is an IDP-approved learning platform that offers IELTS test preparation online. You can access a 14-day free trial of their self-study platform via a banner in our IELTS Prepare Hub or through our IELTS by IDP app.

How it helps

The free trial gives you access to an IELTS score estimator to help you assess your skills. It also helps you create a personalised study plan with video lessons and practice questions. There’s an option to attend live online classes with expert teachers that cater for different time zones. If you pay for the upgrade, you get access to expert feedback and a short online IELTS preparation course.

Best for

• IELTS General Training test takers.

• Anyone who likes structured learning.

• Learners who enjoy classroom-style instruction and want to ask questions.

• Anyone who wants feedback on their Writing and Speaking.

What it is

While not technically part of the IELTS Prepare Hub, the IELTS by IDP app is a great companion resource for continuing your IELTS preparation on the go. The app lets you book, prepare and view your test results all in one place. It’s free to download from both the Apple store and in Google Play.

How it helps

The IELTS by IDP app gives you access to many of the same resources available in IELTS Prepare Hub directly from your phone, including the IELTS Prepare by IDP vodcast, the English self-assessment tool and IELTS Community by IDP.

You can also use the app to find and register for an IELTS Masterclass in your area. One feature exclusive to the app is our IELTS Quiz section, which includes flashcards, multiple-choice questions and matching games designed to build your grammar and vocabulary skills. The app also features interactive articles with in-built quizzes, allowing you to explore a range of topics and check your understanding as you learn.

Best for

• Busy learners who like to learn in short sessions.

• Mobile learners who prefer studying anytime, anywhere.

• Anyone who enjoys learning through games, quizzes and challenges.

Quiz in the IELTS by IDP app

To save you time and help you choose the right IELTS prep materials, we've put together a quick reference table showing which study resources may suit you best.

As a co-owner of IELTS, we’re committed to providing trusted study materials, developed or endorsed by IDP.

Your IELTS success starts with a learning path that works for you. Personalise your study experience with IELTS study resources that match your goals, learning style and target band score.

Explore the IELTS Prepare Hub.