This test is for those wishing to study at undergraduate or postgraduate levels, and for those seeking professional registration in an English-speaking country. It assesses whether you are ready to begin studying or training in an environment where English is the language of communication.
Pass mark 28/4045 minutesReal test fee approxBritish Council, IDP: IELTS Australia, Cambridge Assessment EnglishHow many can I get wrong?
About this practice. Revision Robin is built and maintained by Bloor Engineering Ltd, a UK-registered company. Our IELTS Academic questions are written and reviewed in-house to match the current syllabus, each with a plain-English worked explanation. They are original practice material, not the official exam questions and not affiliated with or endorsed by British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia, Cambridge Assessment English. Always confirm current test rules, fees and content with the official provider. See our Terms and Privacy.
Don't cram it, drill it. Ten questions a topic beats an hour re-reading.
Free practice questions
Try 3 real IELTS Academic questions
Have a go, then reveal the worked explanation. A taster from a bank of 209 original questions. Unlock for unlimited drills and full timed mocks.
Q1. Many postgraduate students find it challenging to keep ______ with the demanding reading schedule and research requirements.
A. up
B. on
C. in
D. along
Show answer & explanation
✓ Answer: A. up
The correct phrasal verb is 'to keep up with', which means to proceed at an equal pace with something or someone.
Q2. CRISPR-Cas9 technology has revolutionised genetic engineering by offering a highly precise method for ______ the DNA of living organisms.
A. replicating
B. observing
C. editing
D. preserving
Show answer & explanation
✓ Answer: C. editing
CRISPR is famously known as a 'gene editing' tool, allowing scientists to alter DNA sequences with great accuracy.
Q3. Recent research into the 'gut-brain axis' suggests a complex, bidirectional relationship. Which statement best encapsulates this scientific concept?
A. The brain has exclusive, one-way control over all functions of the digestive system.
B. A healthy diet can instantly resolve all complex psychological disorders.
C. The central nervous system and the gastrointestinal tract communicate and can mutually influence each other's functions.
D. The composition of gut bacteria is the sole determinant of an individual's mood and cognitive abilities.
Show answer & explanation
✓ Answer: C. The central nervous system and the gastrointestinal tract communicate and can mutually influence each other's functions.
The 'gut-brain axis' concept emphasizes a two-way communication pathway, where the gut can affect the brain and vice-versa.
Exam mode
Full mock exam
40 random questions, real timing, marked against the official pass mark. Different every time.
The first 8 of 40 questions are free, with your score on them. Finishing the paper, your result against the pass mark and every answer explained come with the paid version.
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Topic drills
Ten quick questions on one topic, marked instantly with explanations.
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Who has to sit the IELTS Academic
Who needs a IELTS Academic?
Those applying for higher education (undergraduate/postgraduate) or professional registration in English-speaking countries.
The real IELTS Academic: format
How many questions are in the IELTS Academic?
The real IELTS Academic has 80 questions and lasts 165 minutes. Our mock uses 40 questions in 45 minutes.
What is the IELTS Academic pass mark?
Real exam pass mark: No universal pass mark; institutions set their own minimums (Band 0-9). UKVI Life Skills is pass/fail. Our mock marks you at 28 out of 40, the threshold we mark against.
What it costs, and what a resit costs
How much does the IELTS Academic cost?
Resit fee: Same as original test fee; no discounted resit rate. One Skill Retake: £70-£250. Rebooking after a fail: No mandatory waiting period; typically 2-4 weeks due to availability. Rescheduling must be within 3 months of original date.
Why people fail it
Why do people fail the IELTS Academic?
Poor time management during the test.
Not fully addressing all parts of writing tasks or going off-topic.
Weak listening skills, especially note-taking during audio.
Figures for the real exam from google.com, vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com, checked October 2026. Fees and rules change, so confirm with the test provider before you book.
IELTS Academic: common questions
Frequently asked
How long do you get?
The test is timed at 45 minutes. Our full mock runs on the same clock so you can practise your pacing.
Are these the real exam questions?
No. Our questions are original and written to match the current syllabus, so they give realistic practice without copying the official paper. Every answer comes with a plain-English explanation. Always confirm current rules and content with British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia, Cambridge Assessment English.