How Can I Access Free IELTS Resources? (The Most Useful Websites)

One of the most common mistakes in IELTS prep is thinking “the more resources, the better”—and getting overwhelmed. If you choose free resources wisely and follow a consistent plan, you can build a strong study system without paid platforms. In this article, I’ll share reliable free websites and how to use them efficiently.

Before you use free resources: 2 rules

• Limit the number of sources. Two or three main resources + one supporting resource is enough.

• Set a specific study goal. Not “I’ll do Reading,” but “Two True/Not Given sets + mistake review,” with a clear focus.

1) Cathooven (link)

Cathooven can be a helpful option for IELTS-style practice and study guidance.

How to use it

• Work with daily 30–45 minute mini goals.

• After each practice, always do a mistake review.

2) IELTSMaterials (link)

IELTSMaterials offers a wide pool of practice content across different levels.

How to use it

• Build a weekly plan for Reading & Listening:

  • 3 days: Listening sets

  • 3 days: Reading sets

  • 1 day: review + repetition

• Repeat the same question types to build speed and accuracy.

3) Engnovate (link)

Engnovate can be useful for building a study routine and practicing with structured materials.

How to use it

• Set a weekly Writing goal: 2 Task 2 + 1 Task 1

• After each piece of writing, create a 10-minute correction list (e.g., your top 5 recurring mistakes).

4) IELTSBuddy (link)

IELTSBuddy is valuable for Writing and Speaking—idea generation, sample structures, and topic approach.

How to use it

• Choose one Speaking topic daily, speak for 2 minutes, then self-score.

• For Writing, don’t copy samples word-for-word—learn the structure and logic.

The most practical method: the “3-Step System”

To avoid getting scattered with free resources, follow this cycle:

1) Practice

Do a Reading/Listening set or write a Writing task.

2) Review

Classify mistakes by “why it happened”:

• vocabulary gap

• question-type technique

• time management

• careless error

3) Repeat

Practice again with similar questions targeting the same error type.In IELTS, scores improve not by “doing more,” but by reducing your mistake patterns.

Which free resource is best for each skill?

• Reading: IELTSMaterials + regular sets + mistake review

• Listening: IELTSMaterials + short daily repetition

• Writing: IELTSBuddy + Engnovate (structure + feedback focus)

• Speaking: IELTSBuddy (topic practice + fluency building)

If your target is Band 6.5+, Writing and Speaking require practice + accurate feedback.

Common mistake: downloading and collecting resources

Many candidates download dozens of PDFs but struggle to study consistently.The best strategy is: fewer sources + a steady plan + review + repetition.

Conclusion

Preparing for IELTS with free resources is absolutely possible. What matters is:

• reducing the number of resources

• building a consistent plan

• establishing a strong review + repetition cycle