Cambridge Practice Tests for IELTS 12 - Academic and General Training Test Format

Sep 30, 2026

Uploaded by dawugda

Cambridge Practice Tests for IELTS 12 provides official-style examination papers with answer support and practical materials for candidates preparing for IELTS. The introduction explains IELTS as a reliable English proficiency assessment for study or work in English-speaking contexts, outlines the ownership of the test system, and describes the test format and timing. It details listening, reading, writing, and speaking structures, including component order, question types, and task requirements for both Academic and General Training modules.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages131

Reading Time5 h 30 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

What is the test format?

Academic test format

Listening

Reading

Writing

CAMBRIDGEUNIVERSITY PRESS Cambridge English OFFICIAL ACADEMIC WITH ANSWERS AUTHENTIC EXAMINATION PAPERS Cambridge University Press www.cambridge.org/elt Cambridge English Language Assessment www.cambridgeenglish.org Information on this title:www.cambridge.org/9781316637821 C Cambridge University Press and UCLES 2017 It is normally necessary for written permission for copying to be obtainedin advance from a publisher.The sample answer sheets at the back of thisbook are designed to be copied and distributed in class. The normal requirements are waived here and it is not necessary to write toCambridge University Press for permission for an individual teacher to make copiesfor use within his or her own classroom.Only those pages that carry the wording‘◎UCLES 2017 PhotOKKpiaole ’may be copied First published 2017 Printed in A catalogue record for this publication is available from the British LibraryISBN 978-1-316-63782-1 Academic Student's Book with answersISBN 978-1-316-63786-9 Academic Student's Book with answers with AudioISBN 978-1-316-63783-8 General Training Student's Book with answersISBN 978-1-316-63787-6 General Training Student's Book with answers with AudioISBN 978-1-316-63784-5 Audio CDs(2) The publishers have no responsibility for the persistence or accuracy of URLsfor external or third-party internet websites referred to in this publication,anddo not guarantee that any content on such websites is,or will remain,accurateor appropriate.Information regarding prices,travel timetables,and other factualinformation given in this work is correct at the time of first printing but thepublishers do not guarantee the accuracy of such information thereafter. Contents Introduction 4Test 5 10Test 6 30Test 7 53Test 8 74Audioscripts 95 Listening and Reading Answer Keys 116Sample answers for Writing tasks 124Sample answer sheets 132Acknowledgements 136 # Introduction The International English Language Testing System (IELTS)is widely recognised asa reliable means of assessing the language ability of candidates who need to studyor work where English is the language of communication.These Practice Tests aredesigned to give future IELTS candidates an idea of whether their English is at therequired level. IELTS is owned by three partners,Cambridge English Language Assessment,part ofthe University of Cambridge,the British Council and IDP Education Pty Limited (throughits subsidiary company,IELTS Australia Pty Limited).Further information on IELTS canbe found on the IELTS website www.ielts.org. # WHAT IS THE TEST FORMAT? IELTS consists of four components.All candidates take the same Listening and Speakingtests.There is a choice of Reading and Writing tests according to whether a candidate istaking the Academic or General Training module. | Academic
For candidates wishing to study at
undergraduate or postgraduate levels,
and for those seeking professional
registration. | General Training
For candidates wishing to migrate to an
English-speaking country (Australia,Canada,
New Zealand,UK),and for those wishing to
train or study at below degree level. | | --- | --- | The test components are taken in the following order: | Listening
4 sections,40 items,approximately 30 minutes | | --- | | Academic Reading
General Training Reading
3 sections,40 items
or
3 sections,40 items
60 minutes
60 minutes | | Academic Writing
General Training Writing
2 tasks
2 tasks
or
60 minutes
60 minutes | | Speaking
11 to 14 minutes | | Total Test Time
2 hours 44 minutes | # ACADEMIC TEST FORMAT Listening This test consists of four sections,each with ten questions.The first two sections areconcerned with social needs.The first section is a conversation between two speakers andthe second section is a monologue.The final two sections are concerned with situationsrelated to educ

FAQs

What test components does IELTS include and in what order?

IELTS includes Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Candidates take Listening and Speaking tests for both modules, while Reading and Writing depend on Academic or General Training. The components are taken in the order shown in the format section.

How does Academic reading differ from General Training reading?

Both use three reading sections with 40 questions, but the module type determines the reading test content category. The overall structure and timing remain 60 minutes for both.

What are the writing task requirements for Academic and General Training?

Writing has two tasks. Task 1 requires at least 150 words (about 20 minutes) and involves describing information from a diagram or data. Task 2 requires at least 250 words (about 40 minutes) and contributes twice as much to the writing score.

Sep 30, 2026

Uploaded by dawugda