If you’re asking yourself how hard is academic IELTS, the answer really depends on your current English skills and how well you prepare for the test. The Academic IELTS is designed to assess your ability to use English in a formal, academic setting, which can make it harder than the General IELTS. The reading passages are more complex, and the writing tasks require a more formal structure and in-depth understanding of academic language.

For example, the reading section includes passages from books, academic journals, and research papers. These can be difficult for non-native speakers, as they often involve technical terms and detailed information. The writing section requires you to write an essay and describe data or trends, which might be challenging if you’re not used to academic writing.

The speaking section can also be tricky for some candidates, especially those who are not comfortable speaking in English or feel nervous during exams. You’ll need to answer questions about familiar topics, but also be ready to discuss more abstract ideas in part three of the speaking test.

Overall, how hard is academic IELTS depends on how much practice you put in before the exam. The more familiar you are with the test format and types of questions, the more confident you’ll feel. It’s important to focus on your weaknesses and work consistently to improve your skills.

Now, let’s go over 10 practical tips to help you succeed in the Academic IELTS.

10 Tips to Succeed in Academic IELTS

1. Know the Test Format

One of the best ways to reduce stress on test day is to know exactly what to expect. Make sure you’re familiar with the format of the IELTS, including how much time you have for each section. The test is divided into four parts: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Knowing the format will prevent surprises and help you feel more in control during the exam.

Example: If you know that the reading section includes 3 long passages with 40 questions, you can practice managing your time so that you spend no more than 20 minutes per passage.

2. Practice with Past Papers

Using past IELTS exam papers is an excellent way to prepare for the test. It gives you a clear understanding of the question types and difficulty level. You can also track your progress over time by comparing your scores on practice tests.

Example: Let’s say you struggle with the writing task that requires you to describe a chart or graph. By practicing similar questions from past papers, you’ll get better at identifying the key points and summarizing the data quickly.

3. Work on Your Timing

Timing is critical in the IELTS exam, especially for the reading and writing sections. You need to be able to answer questions or complete tasks within the given time limits. Practice under timed conditions so that you can pace yourself and avoid rushing at the last minute.

Example: If you tend to run out of time in the reading section, try doing timed practice tests where you complete each passage in under 20 minutes.

4. Build Your Vocabulary

Expanding your academic vocabulary is essential for success in both the reading and writing sections. Make a habit of reading articles, academic papers, and news reports to learn new words and phrases. The more familiar you are with academic language, the easier it will be to understand the reading passages and write formal essays.

Example: If you read articles on topics like science, technology, or economics, you’ll encounter useful words that are often found in the IELTS reading and writing sections.

5. Improve Your Listening Skills

The listening section can be challenging because it tests your ability to understand different accents and speech rates. To prepare, listen to English-language podcasts, news broadcasts, and lectures. Get used to hearing English spoken at different speeds and with various accents.

Example: If you’re not used to British or Australian accents, you might find the listening section harder. Try listening to BBC podcasts or Australian radio stations to familiarize yourself with these accents.

6. Write Practice Essays

Writing essays regularly will help you improve your writing skills and feel more confident when it comes to the writing tasks in the IELTS. Focus on structuring your essays clearly, using proper grammar, and varying your sentence structures. The more you practice, the easier it will become.

Example: If the essay question asks for your opinion on a topic, make sure to include an introduction, two or three body paragraphs with clear arguments, and a conclusion. Practicing this structure will help you on the test.

7. Record Yourself Speaking

The speaking section can be intimidating, but practice can make it easier. Record yourself answering common speaking test questions and listen to how you sound. This will help you become more aware of your pronunciation, fluency, and sentence structure.

Example: Practice describing a familiar topic like your hometown or your favorite book. Listen to the recording and notice if you’re hesitating or using filler words like “um” or “uh” too much.

8. Get Feedback on Your Practice Tests

It’s important to get feedback on your speaking and writing practice tests. Ask a teacher or someone proficient in English to review your answers and provide suggestions on how to improve. Honest feedback will help you identify areas where you need to focus more.

Example: If your essay lacks clear arguments or if your speaking is difficult to understand, feedback will point this out, giving you time to fix these issues before the actual test.

9. Focus on Your Weak Points

Everyone has strengths and weaknesses when it comes to language skills. Identify which section of the IELTS you find hardest—whether it’s reading, writing, listening, or speaking—and spend extra time practicing those skills.

Example: If you struggle with reading comprehension, spend more time reading academic texts and answering questions about them. If speaking makes you nervous, practice with a friend or teacher to build your confidence.

10. Stay Calm and Focused During the Test

Finally, staying calm on test day is crucial. All your practice will pay off if you stay relaxed and focused during the exam. Take deep breaths if you feel nervous, and remind yourself that you’re prepared. A clear mind will help you perform your best.

Example: If you find yourself panicking during the test, take a moment to breathe deeply and refocus. Remember that you’ve done the work and are capable of succeeding.

Bonus Tip for improving your IELTS preparation:

11. Use ELSA Speak for Pronunciation Practice

To ace the speaking section, pronunciation and fluency are key. One great tool to help you improve is our ELSA Speak app. ELSA uses AI to provide instant feedback on your pronunciation, helping you speak more clearly and confidently. It’s like having a personal English coach in your pocket!

Practice speaking every day with ELSA, and you’ll notice significant improvements in your accent, clarity, and overall speaking ability—giving you a better chance to score higher in the IELTS speaking section.

By following these tips, you’ll be better prepared for the Academic IELTS. So, how hard is Academic IELTS? It’s as hard as you make it, but with the right preparation and mindset, you can tackle it with confidence.