IELTS Sample Papers 2025Free Practice with Answers

Sample questions for every IELTS module - with answer keys, explanations, and AI-scored Writing and Speaking practice. Everything a PDF can do and more.

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IELTS Sample Paper PDF vs Online Practice - What's the Difference?

Both have their place. Here's when to use which.

PDF Sample Papers

  • Printable - practise pen-on-paper for paper-based exam
  • Good for Reading familiarisation
  • Official authority versions (British Council, IDP, Cambridge)
  • ✗No automatic scoring
  • ✗No AI feedback on Writing or Speaking
  • ✗No real-time timer enforcement

Online Practice (mockDe)

  • Instant Reading and Listening scoring with answer explanations
  • AI Writing band score in 60 seconds - all 4 criteria
  • AI Speaking evaluation with transcript + fluency score
  • Automatic timer - real exam conditions
  • Cambridge-calibrated difficulty
  • No sign-up required · 100% free for first attempt

Best approach: Use Cambridge IELTS Books 6–18 for authentic PDF papers (especially for handwriting practice). Use mockDe for AI-scored Writing and Speaking practice and for full-length timed mock tests.

Sample Questions by Module - Format & What to Expect

Each section below explains exactly what appears in the real exam. Click the practice button to try it interactively with instant scoring.

Listening Sample

4 sections · 40 questions · 30 minutes

Test format

  • ›Section 1: Dialogue in everyday social context
  • ›Section 2: Monologue in everyday social context
  • ›Section 3: Academic conversation (up to 4 speakers)
  • ›Section 4: Academic lecture or talk

Question types / criteria

Note completion · Multiple choice · Diagram labelling · Matching

Practice Listening Free

Reading Sample

3 passages · 40 questions · 60 minutes

Test format

  • ›Academic: 3 texts from journals, books, magazines (2,500–3,000 words)
  • ›General Training: Practical texts + workplace texts + longer discursive text

Question types / criteria

True/False/Not Given · Matching headings · Multiple choice · Sentence completion

Practice Reading Free

Writing Sample

Task 1 + Task 2 · 60 minutes

AI-Scored

Test format

  • ›Academic Task 1: Describe a graph, chart, table, map, or diagram (150+ words)
  • ›General Training Task 1: Write a formal / semi-formal / informal letter (150+ words)
  • ›Task 2 (both types): Argumentative essay responding to a viewpoint (250+ words)

Question types / criteria

Scored on: Task Achievement · Coherence & Cohesion · Lexical Resource · Grammatical Range

Practice Writing - AI Scored

Speaking Sample

3 parts · 11–14 minutes

AI-Scored

Test format

  • ›Part 1: Personal interview - familiar topics (4–5 min)
  • ›Part 2: Cue card - prepare 1 min, speak 1–2 min (3–4 min)
  • ›Part 3: Abstract discussion related to Part 2 topic (4–5 min)

Question types / criteria

Scored on: Fluency & Coherence · Lexical Resource · Grammar · Pronunciation

Practice Speaking - AI Scored

Cambridge IELTS Books - The Gold Standard for Sample Papers

Cambridge IELTS books contain actual past exam papers - the closest thing to the real test. Each book includes 4 complete tests with answer key, audio script, and examiner comments on Writing samples.

BookTests includedBest for
Cambridge IELTS 184 Academic + 2 General TrainingMost recent papers - highest priority
Cambridge IELTS 174 Academic + 2 General TrainingCurrent difficulty level
Cambridge IELTS 164 Academic + 2 General TrainingModern question format
Cambridge IELTS 14–154 Academic + 2 General Training eachGood variety
Cambridge IELTS 11–134 Academic + 2 General Training eachExtra practice
Cambridge IELTS 6–104 tests eachOlder format - Reading most useful
Full Cambridge IELTS books guide - which to buy, in what order

Free IELTS Answer Sheet (Printable)

If you're practising paper-based IELTS, download the official IELTS answer sheet format from IDP or British Council. Practice writing answers into an answer sheet (not just circling in a book) - the transfer time in Listening and the handwriting pressure in Writing are trainable skills.

Official answer sheet sources

  • IDP India official website: idp.com/india (practice materials section)
  • British Council UK: britishcouncil.org/exam/ielts (free sample test materials)
  • Cambridge Assessment English: cambridgeenglish.org (free IELTS materials)

IELTS Sample Papers - FAQ

Practice Beats Reading About Practice

Start a free interactive IELTS practice test now. All modules. AI scoring on Writing and Speaking. No PDF required.

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IELTS Exam Guide · Best IELTS Books · Exam Fee