2023 IELTS mock test resources + my computer-delivered IELTS experience in Taipei

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In this post I'll share some online mock test resources and my experience with the computer-delivered test. I recommend trying these online mock tests before your exam, especially for listening and writing, where the computer and paper versions of IELTS differ the most, so you can judge whether the computer test suits you!

Seven IELTS mock test websites

British Council – recommended for beginners to learn the question types

It has complete listening, speaking, reading and writing practice tests, two sets each with answers, good for beginners to practice and get familiar with the question types. This site is not a computer-test simulation! Every question type opens in a new page (the 3 reading sections are three separate pages), and the passages and questions aren't laid out in two columns, so you have to keep scrolling up and down to find answers. I suggest printing the pages and practicing on paper, otherwise the experience isn't great.

IELTS computer-delivered mock test – full tests and free scores

A free online mock of the computer-delivered IELTS with complete listening, reading and writing tests! Listening and reading also get free scores. You can use this platform to get used to the computer test interface, practice, and see roughly where your score lands. It's very practical for test takers. Highly recommended!!!

IELTS Online Tests – the most generous site

Highly recommended, a generous, high-quality site! It has a huge amount of "free" mock test material (writing scoring costs US$20)! Besides lots of resources, it has detailed explanations for reviewing your mistakes. It's intuitive to use and similar to the computer-delivered IELTS interface.

Mini IELTS – practice by question type, extra listening and reading work

This site only offers IELTS listening and reading mock tests, with lots of short quizzes. There are also real past tests (Recent Actual Tests), but the listening ones were only updated through 2019 (a bit thin), while the reading ones are still being updated!

The upside is that you can pick questions by type (matching, multiple choice, T/F/NG, etc.) and drill your weakest types.

Road to IELTS – a free set of practice questions from the British Council

Made by the British Council. The free version includes 30 interactive exercises, 4 instructional videos and 1 set of mock practice questions.

Official IELTS online mock test – paid

It's paid (US$49.95 each), but it's the official one so I have to mention it: graded by IELTS examiners, with results within 5 days.

雅思哥 (Yasi Ge) – universally praised, question predictions

Besides practicing questions online, its predicted recent test questions are quite useful too, especially for speaking: most of the questions are included.

KMF 考满分 IELTS computer test site – complete Cambridge question bank, a great tool for reading practice

As well known as Yasi Ge, and both are very useful.

Advantages of the computer-delivered IELTS in each section!

Computer test advantages in IELTS listening

Make good use of the Review function on the computer test. In listening, if you forget how to spell a word and want to come back to it in the last 2 minutes, press Review and the question number turns into a circle. Besides the Beats headphones, another advantage of the computer listening test is that you can drag options straight into the blanks on matching questions. The used options disappear, so the remaining ones are clearer and you won't miss or repeat a choice.

Matching question page

So on the computer listening test, should you copy your answers onto paper?

The safer approach is to note down your answers to fill-in-the-blank questions (no need for matching or multiple choice), then transfer them to the computer, in case you run short of time, and to help you remember the whole conversation. But opinions differ on this, so go with whatever habit you build during mock tests. Typing answers in directly is also an option.

Computer test advantages in IELTS reading

The passage is on the left and the questions on the right, perfect for skim and scan, and much easier to cross-check!

In an earlier post 👉🏻 A super-efficient strategy for a 9 in IELTS reading, I mentioned that the computer test gives reading a boost you shouldn't underestimate!

True/False/Not Given (T/F/NG): on the computer test you just tick a box, which saves the hassle of writing the answer. If you want to Review a question later, you can easily find it in the bar at the bottom.

Computer test advantages in IELTS writing

Back when I took the paper test, I had to spend a while drafting before I dared start writing. Now with the computer test you can quickly restructure, fix mistakes and even copy and paste, and you get more flexible test dates and times. The copy-paste function deserves a mention: I write the opening of each paragraph separately first, then rearrange the structure with copy and paste, which leaves me more time to answer.

The prompt is on the left and you write directly on the right, very intuitive. The word count also shows live at the bottom, so it's easy to manage your time.

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