Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to common questions about IELTS Online and the IELTS exam

About IELTS Online

What is IELTS Online?

IELTS Online is a comprehensive preparation platform for the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) exam. We offer practice tests for the Reading and Writing modules, complete with AI-powered evaluation, performance tracking, and targeted study resources.

Is IELTS Online affiliated with the British Council or IDP?

No. IELTS Online is an independent preparation platform. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to the British Council, IDP Education, or Cambridge Assessment English, the organizations that manage the official IELTS test. Our content is designed to mirror the real exam format for practice purposes.

Is IELTS Online free to use?

We offer free practice tests and features for all registered users. Some advanced features and premium content may require a paid subscription. Pricing details are available on our Pricing page.

Do I need to create an account?

Yes. An account is required to take practice tests, receive AI-powered writing feedback, and track your progress over time. Registration is quick and free.

Reading Module

How realistic are the reading tests?

Our reading tests are designed to closely match the format, difficulty level, and question types of the actual IELTS exam. We include all standard question types: True/False/Not Given, matching headings, sentence completion, multiple choice, summary completion, and more.

Are the tests timed?

Yes. Each reading test has a 60-minute timer, just like the real IELTS exam. You can see the time remaining at all times during the test. We recommend practicing under timed conditions to build the pacing skills you need for test day.

Can I highlight text and take notes during a reading test?

Yes. Our platform includes highlighting and note-taking tools. You can highlight important passages and add notes to help you organize information as you read. These annotations are visible only during the current test session.

How is the reading score calculated?

Your reading band score is calculated based on the number of correct answers out of 40. The conversion from raw score to band score follows the official IELTS scale, with slight differences between Academic and General Training. Visit our Band Descriptors page for the full conversion table.

Writing Module

How does the AI writing evaluation work?

When you submit a writing response, our AI examiner analyzes your essay across the four official IELTS criteria: Task Achievement, Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource, and Grammatical Range and Accuracy. It provides a band score estimate for each criterion along with detailed feedback, strengths, weaknesses, and an improved sample.

How accurate is the AI scoring?

Our AI scoring provides a reliable estimate that is useful for practice and progress tracking. However, it is not a substitute for an official IELTS examiner. We recommend using AI scores as a guide alongside other preparation methods. The scores are most useful for identifying areas of improvement rather than predicting your exact exam score.

What writing tasks are available?

We offer both Task 1 and Task 2 prompts for Academic and General Training. Academic Task 1 focuses on describing graphs, charts, and diagrams. General Training Task 1 involves letter writing. Task 2 is an essay question for both test types.

Can I save my writing and revisit it later?

Your submitted essays and AI feedback are saved to your test history. You can review past submissions, compare scores over time, and track which areas are improving. Draft essays that have not been submitted are not saved if you leave the page.

Account and Technical

How do I delete my test history?

On the Reading page, you can delete individual test results or clear all history using the delete buttons available on each history card and the "Clear All" button in the history section header.

Is my data secure?

Yes. We use industry-standard security measures including encrypted connections, hashed passwords, and secure session management. Your essay submissions are processed by AI providers solely for generating feedback and are not used for training. See our Privacy Policy for full details.

What browsers are supported?

IELTS Online works best on modern browsers including Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge. We recommend using the latest version of your preferred browser for the best experience. The platform is fully responsive and works on desktop, tablet, and mobile devices.

What if the page refreshes during a test?

We show a browser confirmation dialog if you try to refresh or leave the page during an active test. Your current screen position (test selection, reading type, etc.) is preserved in the URL, so you will return to the correct section. However, individual answers and essay text are stored in memory and will be lost on a full page refresh.

IELTS Exam General

What is the difference between Academic and General Training?

Academic IELTS is for those applying to universities or professional registration. General Training is for those migrating to English-speaking countries or applying for secondary education or training programs. The Listening and Speaking modules are the same for both. Reading passages and Writing Task 1 differ between the two types.

What band score do I need?

This depends on your purpose. Universities typically require Band 6.0-7.0 overall, with some programs requiring 7.5 or higher. Immigration requirements vary by country. Check the specific requirements of the institution or immigration program you are applying to.

How often can I take the IELTS exam?

There is no limit to how often you can take the official IELTS exam. Test dates are available throughout the year. However, we recommend preparing thoroughly before each attempt to avoid unnecessary costs. Use our platform to practice as often as you need before booking your official test.

Still have questions?

Visit our Contact page to get in touch with the IELTS Online team. We typically respond within 24-48 hours.