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IELTS Academic

IELTS Academic Simulators

Choose a module below. Each simulator mirrors the real computer-delivered exam with instant feedback and a band-style estimate.

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FREE ATTEMPT

Writing Simulator

Both timed tasks back-to-back — Task 1 (charts, graphs, process or map) and Task 2 (opinion essay). Get grammar corrections and a band-style estimate.

Write under exam timing, then get a band-style score breakdown
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FREE ATTEMPT

Reading Simulator

All 3 passages and 40 questions in one timed sitting on the real split-screen layout. See an explanation for every right and wrong answer.

Answer under timed conditions, then get a band-style breakdown
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FREE ATTEMPT

Listening Simulator

A complete 4-part, 40-question test with the real no-pause audio flow. After submitting, read the full transcript and see what you missed.

Listen once, answer all 40 questions, then get your band estimate
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FREE ATTEMPT

Speaking Practice

Record answers to Part 1, 2 and 3 questions. Get an instant band score estimate with AI feedback on fluency, vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation.

Read the question, record your answer, then get instant AI feedback
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Understanding IELTS Band Scores

IELTS uses a band score from 1 to 9. Most universities and immigration programmes require a band between 6.0 and 7.5.

8.0 – 9.0
Expert / Very Good
6.5 – 7.5
Good / Competent
5.0 – 6.0
Modest / Limited
4.0 – 4.5
Basic

About the IELTS Academic Test

The IELTS Academic test is the world's most widely recognised English proficiency qualification for higher education and professional registration. More than 11,000 organisations in over 140 countries — including universities in Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and the United States — accept IELTS Academic scores as proof of English language ability.

The test covers all four language skills. Listening (40 questions, approximately 30 minutes) tests your ability to follow conversations, monologues, and academic lectures. Reading (40 questions, 60 minutes) uses three long academic passages sourced from books, journals, and magazines; question types include True/False/Not Given, matching headings, sentence completion, and multiple choice. Writing (60 minutes) requires you to describe a graph, chart, table, or diagram in Task 1 (at least 150 words) and argue or discuss a position in Task 2 (at least 250 words). Speaking (11–14 minutes) is conducted face-to-face with a trained examiner across three structured parts.

Band scores range from 1 (non-user) to 9 (expert). Most undergraduate programmes require an overall band of 6.0–6.5, while competitive postgraduate programmes and medical or legal registration bodies typically require 7.0–7.5. Every half-band improvement matters, which is why consistent timed practice — with accurate feedback on grammar, vocabulary, and task achievement — is the most effective way to raise your score.

Bandleep gives you a free trial on all four IELTS Academic modules — no account is required to get started. Each Writing submission is analysed against the official band descriptors and returned with highlighted corrections, vocabulary suggestions, and an estimated band score in seconds. Reading and Listening tests include full answer explanations, and Speaking recordings receive AI feedback on all four scoring criteria. Sign up free for one more attempt per module, or go Pro for unlimited practice.

IELTS Academic — Common Questions

What is IELTS Academic Writing Task 1?
In IELTS Academic Task 1 you describe visual information — a graph, chart, table, or diagram — in at least 150 words. You have approximately 20 minutes and it is worth one third of your writing score.
Who should take IELTS Academic?
IELTS Academic is for people applying to undergraduate or postgraduate programmes at universities, or for professional registration (medicine, nursing, law, engineering) in English-speaking countries. It is also accepted for skilled migration to many countries.
What band score do I need for university admission?
Most universities require IELTS Band 6.0–7.0 overall, with some top institutions requiring 7.5. Some departments have higher requirements for specific skills such as Writing.
How is the IELTS Academic test structured?
IELTS Academic has four components: Listening (30 minutes, 40 questions), Reading (60 minutes, 40 questions across three passages), Writing (60 minutes, Task 1 + Task 2), and Speaking (11–14 minutes, three parts with a human examiner). The total testing time is approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes.
What is the difference between IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training?
IELTS Academic is designed for university entry and professional registration. IELTS General Training is for secondary education, work experience, and migration (especially to Canada, Australia, and the UK). The Listening and Speaking modules are identical; Reading and Writing differ significantly between the two versions.
How long are IELTS Academic scores valid?
IELTS results are officially valid for two years from the date of the test. After two years, most universities and immigration bodies will not accept the scores, and you will need to retake the test.
Can I practise IELTS Academic Reading on this site?
Yes. The IELTS Academic Reading module on Bandleep provides real-style academic passages with multiple choice, True/False/Not Given, short-answer, matching headings, matching information, and summary completion questions. The real exam also includes a couple of other formats, such as sentence completion and diagram labelling, which this site doesn't cover yet. After submitting, you receive a band score estimate and a full explanation for every answer.
Is IELTS Speaking the same for Academic and General Training?
Yes — the IELTS Speaking test is identical for both Academic and General Training. It consists of three parts: a personal interview (Part 1), a long turn on a cue-card topic (Part 2), and an abstract discussion (Part 3). It is scored on fluency and coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation.