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IELTS is recognised by over 12,500 organisations worldwide, and has helped many people meet their goals both at home and abroad. But how can you prepare for it?

Preparing well for IELTS is an important step towards achieving your score. A good plan includes familiarisation with the test format, lots of practice questions and time spent speaking English.

If you are preparing for the IELTS test alongside work or study, you might have limited time to attend an IELTS class. So, if you’re wondering how to prepare for IELTS at home, here are some practical ideas to help you when you’re studying for the test.

When you’re preparing for your IELTS Reading test, you might find words you don’t understand – and that’s perfectly normal. One of the most powerful skills you can learn is to use context clues. Learning how to recognise and use these effectively can dramatically improve your reading comprehension. 

One of the biggest challenges in your English learning journey – especially when preparing for the IELTS test – is grasping subtle variations in vocabulary. For example, what’s the difference between homonyms and homographs? It can be confusing – even proficient English speakers sometimes get mixed up – but it’s necessary to understand the nuance.

Every learner has different strengths and weaknesses when it comes to their English skills. However, there are some mistakes in IELTS that a lot of test takers make. When you’re preparing for the test, it’s a good idea to try and develop an awareness of these common mistakes in IELTS to help you avoid them and achieve the highest band score possible. 

Get all the preparation material you need for your IELTS test

These short videos cover useful tips and hints to help your IELTS online test experience run smoothly.

Useful tips for you to plan and take the IELTS Academic reading test.

Discover expert resources to help you prepare for your IELTS Academic test

Discover expert resources to prepare for your IELTS General Training test

Everything you need to know about booking and IELTS test with British Council

Get fully personalised, one-to-one preparation support with British Council’s EnglishScore Tutors. Our online IELTS preparation tutors work with you one-to-one to help you achieve IELTS success.

Explore test topics and skills with live online preparation sessions from the British Council. Led by expert IELTS teachers, we offer test guidance and advice to help you prepare with confidence.

Get to know the IELTS test with IELTS preparation videos from the British Council. Led by expert IELTS teachers, our videos offer valuable insights and tips to put you at ease for test day.

Prepare for your IELTS Academic Speaking test with free practice tests from the British Council.

Everything you need to know about IELTS for work and skilled migration