Full exam sims

Mock Tests

Fifteen original Academic papers, in the published shape and in our own words. Listening rises through four sections of ten: a form, a plan, a seminar, then a lecture. Reading is three passages that get harder, forty questions, sixty minutes. Writing is a graphic for about twenty minutes and an essay for about forty. The essays rotate through opinion, both views, problems and solutions, advantages, and two-part questions. Speaking is a short interview, a cue card with one minute to prepare, then a discussion of that same topic. Recordings, answer keys, and the Listening and Reading band tables are included.

Before you start: time-saving tips

⏱ Time-saving tips · Listening: keep moving
  • Missed an answer? Don't stay stuck on it. Guess, then move straight to the next question, the recording will not wait for you.
  • Read the next two or three questions before the audio reaches them, and underline the key word (a name, number or place).
  • Watch for changes of mind: “we planned Saturday… but it's Sunday”. The final choice is the answer.
  • Check spelling and plurals as you type: the computer test has no extra transfer time. Never leave a blank, a guess can score.
⏱ Time-saving tips · Reading: read smart, not every word
  • Read the first and last line of each paragraph first. They usually give the main idea, which is often enough for headings questions.
  • Then scan for key words from the question (names, dates, numbers) instead of reading everything slowly.
  • Spend about 20 minutes per passage. If one question takes more than 90 seconds, guess and move on.
  • True/False/Not Given: if the passage says nothing about it, it's Not Given, don't use your own knowledge.
⏱ Time-saving tips · Writing: structure wins marks
  • Task 2 shape: introduction (paraphrase + your position) → 2 body paragraphs (topic sentence, reason, example, link back) → conclusion.
  • Conclusion: restate your opinion in new words and summarise the two main reasons. Never add a new idea in the conclusion.
  • Avoid repeating the same word: use synonyms and pronouns (it, this, these people). Repetition lowers your vocabulary score.
  • Do Task 2 first (it's worth double), spend ~40 min on it and ~20 min on Task 1. Keep 2 minutes to check grammar.
⏱ Time-saving tips · Speaking: it's a language test
  • It's a language test, not an academic test. The examiner marks your English, not your ideas, a simple, true answer is fine.
  • Focus on fluency: keep talking, extend with “because…” and “for example…”. Small mistakes cost less than long silences.
  • Don't know a word? Paraphrase it (“the thing you use to…”) and keep going.
  • Part 2: use the one minute to write 4–5 key words, not full sentences, and speak until the examiner stops you.