Free Resources · IELTS & PTE
These are the free resources I point my own students to, for both IELTS and PTE. Used properly, they're enough for a lot of people to improve without me. That's genuinely what I want for you.
Everything below is free and high quality. Start with the official band descriptors so you understand exactly how Writing is scored, then work through the trusted websites and video lessons, and use the free feedback tools to check your essays.
If you have the discipline and time to work through all of this yourself, do it. But if you'd rather learn how to study well, save time, and have someone reassess and steer you along the way, that's where I come in. More on that at the bottom of the page.
Start Here · IELTS
Always begin with the official material, it's the ground truth for format and scoring.
The official site: free sample questions, the test format explained, and downloadable Writing band descriptors for both Academic and General Training.
Visit IELTS.orgSign up free for six official practice tests plus a familiarisation test. The best way to get a realistic starting band before your diagnostic with me.
Take a free mock testLearn & Practise · IELTS
Clear strategies and model answers from respected IELTS teachers.
One of the most popular free IELTS sites. Sample answers, vocabulary, and easy-to-follow strategy guides from a UK-qualified teacher and former examiner.
Visit IELTS LizFamous for simple, practical advice. Daily lessons, model essays and a "clarity over complexity" approach, exactly the mindset that lifts Writing bands.
Visit IELTS SimonA large library of sample questions and model answers for both Academic and General Training, with band descriptors and section-specific tips.
Visit IELTS MentorFree, well-structured writing lessons and colour-coded model texts from the British Council, great for seeing how a strong answer is built.
Visit LearnEnglishA free tool from the University of Cambridge that instantly checks your writing against the CEFR and shows your progress over time. Brilliant for self-checking drafts.
Try Write & ImproveA plain-English breakdown of the four marking criteria for Writing Task 2. Understand these and you'll know exactly what the examiner is looking for.
Read the descriptorsStart Here · PTE
Preparing for PTE Academic? Start with Pearson's official material, then practise with free tasks.
The official PTE prep hub: free short courses, a study planner, and Smart Prep content inside your free myPTE account. Start here to learn the test format.
Visit Pearson PTEExactly how the PTE Speaking & Writing section works, task by task, including the 200 to 300 word essay you have 20 minutes to write.
See the formatFree PTE Academic writing practice questions and exam information, a useful no-signup way to rehearse the essay and summarise tasks under timed conditions.
Practise PTE writingNote: Pearson's full scored practice tests are paid, but the preparation hub, format guides and study planner are free.
Watch & Learn
Two of the most trusted IELTS channels on YouTube.
2M+ subscribers and the #1 free IELTS channel. Her Writing Task 2 formula videos have helped thousands go from Band 6 to 7+. Open channel →
A global IELTS prep leader with detailed Academic and General Training lessons, taught by experienced instructors. Open channel →
Tip: to embed a specific video, replace the src with that video's "Embed" link from YouTube (Share → Embed).
Quick Wins
Small habits that consistently lift my students' Writing scores. None of them require a teacher, but they're easier to apply with feedback.
Two Paths
Both can work. The right choice depends on your time, your discipline, and how you learn best.
If you have the discipline, motivation and time to work steadily through everything above, you can absolutely improve on your own. Many learners do, and I'm glad to point you to the best material to make that happen.
Use the free resourcesIf time is short, or you'd rather learn how to learn, to study effectively, fix the right things, and prepare with a coach who reassesses and guides you, then working together will get you there faster. Not everyone works the same way, and that's exactly the point.
Book a Session With MeSend me a Writing essay from your real IELTS or PTE test or a mock, and I'll show you exactly which of these resources to focus on, and where a coach will save you the most time.
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