Original BandLadder material
Along the way you get before-and-after fixes that show why the first version loses marks, a one-page visual summary, a quick check to test yourself and a recap of the rules to remember. Each card holds one idea, so you can read it on a phone between practice sessions.
Reading it online is free: create a free BandLadder account and the whole lesson opens in our study reader, on the web and in the app. Downloading the PDF to keep needs a plan; the free reader has every card.
The first 3 of 9 cards
check what each test is for
Some learners call General Training the easy IELTS. What ielts.org gives you is what each test is for, and which papers they share.
I'll book General Training. Everyone says it's the easy one.the rumour
Choose by your goal, then look at the papers.
Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking
| Paper | Time | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Listening | About 30 min | 4 parts, 40 questions |
| Reading | 60 min | 3 sections, 40 questions |
| Writing | 60 min | 2 tasks |
| Speaking | 11–14 min | 3 parts, live examiner |
Listening, Reading and Writing run in one sitting, with no breaks between them.
GT is short for General Training
| Paper | Academic | GT |
|---|---|---|
| Listening, Speaking | Same test | Same test |
| Reading | Books, journals, news | Everyday, work and general texts |
| Writing 1 | Chart or diagram | Letter |
| Writing 2 | Essay | Essay |
ielts.org: Academic suits degree study or registration. GT suits migration or study below degree level.
Card 4 of 9 onwards
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Questions
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The PDF download comes with any BandLadder plan. Free accounts read the lesson online in the study reader, on the web and in the app.
The BandLadder team wrote and checked it. It is original BandLadder material, not copied from books or other websites, and its exam facts are checked against the official IELTS and PTE pages.
Both versions of the test: it covers what they share and says where they differ.
IELTS is a registered trademark of the University of Cambridge, the British Council and IDP Education Australia. PTE is a trademark of Pearson. BandLadder is not affiliated with either.
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