IELTS Preparation

IELTS Preparation on Breni builds each of the four IELTS skills separately, for Academic and General Training. Its 8 courses cover the test format, Listening, Reading, Writing Task 1, Writing Task 2, grammar and vocabulary, Speaking, and timed strategy practice. Learners finish able to handle every Reading question type, plan a Task 2 essay in five minutes and speak for two minutes. Practice is written by Breni, which is not affiliated with the British Council, IDP or Cambridge. Writing precedes Speaking, as each course opens in turn.

  • 8 courses
  • 16 learning objectives
  • Level: beginner
  • Language: English
  • Price: Subscription, free trial

What you will be able to do

  • Choose between Academic and General Training and plan study around the four papers
  • Answer True, False, Not Given and matching headings questions accurately
  • Write a Task 1 overview of a chart that compares the key data
  • Plan and write a 250-word Task 2 essay with clear paragraphs
  • Speak for two minutes on a Part 2 cue card topic
  • Check writing against the band descriptors to find what to improve

Full curriculum

Part 1 · Getting ready

1. How IELTS Works: Format and Scores

Describe the IELTS format, the two versions and how band scores work. Units, in order: Academic and General Training compared; The four papers and their timing; Band scores from 0 to 9; Paper and computer-delivered tests; Making a study plan.

  • — Academic and General Training
    Learn the differences between the two IELTS test versions.
    • Choosing the Right Test
    • Academic Reading and Writing
    • General Training Tasks
  • — The Four Test Papers
    Explore listening, reading, writing, and speaking sections.
    • Listening Paper Basics
    • Reading Paper Format
    • Writing Paper Tasks
    • Speaking Paper Structure
  • — Band Scores 0 to 9
    Understand how IELTS grades your English skills.
    • The Band Scale System
    • Scoring Each Section
    • Target Band Goals
  • — Paper and Computer Tests
    Compare taking IELTS on paper or on a computer.
    • Taking Tests on Paper
    • Taking Tests on Computer
    • Comparing Results Speed
  • — Building a Study Plan
    Create a simple plan to prepare for your test.
    • Setting Study Goals
    • Practicing All Four Skills
    • Tracking Your Progress

Part 2 · Listening and Reading

2. IELTS Listening Practice

Answer the main Listening question types across all four parts. Units, in order: Form and note completion; Multiple choice while listening; Map and diagram labelling; Spelling and number traps; Following an academic lecture.

3. IELTS Reading Practice

Find answers quickly in long passages for each question type. Units, in order: Skimming and scanning; True, False, Not Given; Matching headings; Sentence and summary completion; Managing 60 minutes for 40 questions.

Part 3 · Writing

4. IELTS Writing Task 1 Practice

Describe a chart, process or letter task clearly in at least 150 words. Units, in order: Overviews for charts and graphs; Comparing data accurately; Describing a process or map; General Training letters; Language for describing trends.

5. IELTS Writing Task 2 Practice

Write a clear essay of at least 250 words that answers the question. Units, in order: Reading the question type; Planning in five minutes; Paragraphs with one main idea; Linking ideas; Common errors that lower band scores.

6. Grammar and Vocabulary for IELTS

Use a wider range of accurate grammar and vocabulary across the test. Units, in order: Complex sentences; Collocations; Academic word families; Paraphrasing; Avoiding repetition.

Part 4 · Speaking and test day

7. IELTS Speaking Practice

Answer all three parts of the Speaking test fluently. Units, in order: Part 1 familiar topics; Part 2 long turn with a cue card; Part 3 discussion; Fluency and fillers; Pronunciation and stress.

8. IELTS Strategy and Timed Practice

Put each skill together under real timing. Units, in order: Timed listening and reading sets; Writing both tasks in 60 minutes; Reviewing errors against the band descriptors; A test day routine; Deciding when to book the test.

Sample: How IELTS Works: Format and Scores

The opening tier, (Academic and General Training). Learn the differences between the two IELTS test versions.

Choosing the Right Test

Find out which IELTS test version you need for your goals.

Academic Reading and Writing

See how academic tasks test university level English skills.

General Training Tasks

Explore everyday workplace and social tasks in general training.

Questions about IELTS Preparation

How should I prepare for IELTS?

Learn the format, then practise each skill on its own before doing timed sets. Breni's IELTS Preparation path follows that order.

Is Breni affiliated with IELTS?

No. Breni is not affiliated with the British Council, IDP or Cambridge University Press & Assessment, which run IELTS.

Does the path cover IELTS Academic and General Training?

Yes. Listening and Speaking are the same for both, and the Reading and Writing courses cover where the two versions differ.

Are these real IELTS questions?

No. All practice is written by Breni in the style of the test, not taken from real papers.

Can this path get me a band 7?

No path can promise a band score. Practising against the band descriptors shows what to improve, and your result depends on the test itself.

Related learning paths

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