IELTS PracticeWhy practise against the clock
Most people can write a good essay with unlimited time. The test gives 60 minutes for two pieces of writing, with nobody to tell you when to move from the first to the second. In Reading, the 60 minutes include the time to put answers on the answer sheet. In Speaking Part 2 you have exactly one minute to plan. Each of these limits changes how you must work, and the only way to get used to them is to practise with them.
The times
| Preset | Minutes | From the official site |
|---|---|---|
| Writing Task 1 | 20 | Test takers should spend approximately 20 minutes on Task 1. |
| Writing Task 2 | 40 | Approximately 40 minutes on Task 2. |
| Whole Writing test | 60 | Time allowed: 60 minutes. |
| Reading test | 60 | Time allowed: 60 minutes, including transfer time; 3 sections. |
| One reading section | 20 | Our own division of 60 minutes by 3 sections. |
| Part 2: prepare | 1 | One minute to prepare. |
| Part 2: speak | 2 | Speak for up to two minutes. |
How to use it
- Writing. Run "Whole Writing test" and force yourself to start Task 2 when 40 minutes remain. Or practise each task alone with its own preset.
- Inside Task 2. Plan for five minutes, write for thirty, check for five. The note under the clock reminds you when the last five minutes begin.
- Speaking Part 2. Pick a cue card, run the one minute, make notes, then run the two minutes and speak until it ends.
- Reading. Run 20 minutes for one section. If you regularly need more, practise skimming before you practise more questions.
The timer runs in your browser. Keep the page open; on a phone, stop the screen from locking during a long task.
Questions people ask
How long should I spend on each writing task?
The official site suggests about 20 minutes for Task 1 and about 40 minutes for Task 2. The whole Writing test is 60 minutes.
How long is the Reading test?
60 minutes for three sections and 40 questions, including the time to transfer answers.
How long do I speak in Part 2?
You have one minute to prepare and then speak for up to two minutes.
Does the timer make a sound?
It plays a short tone at the end if your device allows sound, and the screen shows that the time is up.
Independent practice site. IELTS Practice is not connected with, approved by or endorsed by the British Council, IDP IELTS or Cambridge University Press & Assessment, who jointly own IELTS. The practice tasks and sample answers here are our own; they are not official test questions, and we do not award bands. Facts about the test were read on ielts.org on 12 November 2026. For registration, fees, dates and official sample tests, go to ielts.org.