What is the difference between IELTS mock test, diagnostic test, and practice tests?

IELTS Academic or General Training is a reasonably challenging exam and it demands thorough preparation from the students and candidates. For those who are going to take IELTS for the first time, it is something that can be compared to launching a rocket into space. You don’t know where to start and what to expect. Besides the IELTS exam itself, there are other types of tests most candidates take at different stages of their IELTS preparation. They are diagnostic, practice, and mock tests. Why, when, and how to complete them is discussed in this article.

IELTS diagnostic test

This type of test is usually taken before you start your IELTS preparation. It can be done online or offline depending on where you are going to do a course in IELTS preparation. It helps you and the course provider to see what your current bands are in IELTS Reading, Listening, Writing, and Speaking. Some schools or teachers give their students only reading and listening tests, some may check all four language skills. It also allows you to evaluate the range of your vocabulary and grammar, and realize what you have to improve. Diagnostic tests reveal the candidate’s weaknesses and strengths and allow the teacher or the course provider to customize the preparation and make an effective plan so that you could turn your weaknesses into strengths and cover all aspects of the exam. For example, if your level of English is high enough for the desired band score, you will likely work more on exam skills. And vice versa, if your English is not good enough, you will have to focus on language first, and only then master your exam skills.
After the diagnostic test has been graded, you can also ask the teacher why your answers are wrong and even for advice on how to progress in learning the language. Knowing your own English abilities is helpful for your progress.

Diagnostic tests are recommended but not compulsory. There are alternative ways to find out what needs to be improved.

RELATED READING: How to start your IELTS preparation?

IELTS practice tests

These tests are good for a few reasons:

• At the beginning of your IELTS preparation journey, they help you to familiarize yourself with the format of the exam. You will see how many tasks there are in the test, how they are ordered, and what they look like.
• They also help you to see what types of questions you might find difficult to deal with. For example, students often find True-False-Not given questions in the Reading section to be the most confusing.
• They are the best way to practice exam skills and build your confidence. That’s why they are called ‘practice tests’, and with having done many of them you will feel less stressed on the day of the exam.
• They also train your time management skills. You learn to manage your time well when it comes to certain parts of the exam. For example, when you have to do the tasks and transfer your answers to the answer sheet or better allocate time for an essay.

There are many IELTS practice tests on the Internet. However, it’s always better to use the official ones such as: 

• IELTS.ORG  whose practice tests look like the booklet you will receive for your actual exam;

• British Council IELTS Practice Tests which you can use to carry out timed practice sessions;
• IELTS Canada Practice Tests which offers downloadable practice materials.

These resources are free, and they will give you an indication of your band score and provide feedback on areas to improve.

READ ABOUT: IELTS Academic Writing tasks in 2021

IELTS mock tests

The main difference between the practice tests and the mock test is that it’s done in exam-like conditions. That means that you should treat them as actual tests. 

Mock tests help you get ready for any kind of challenge: time management, answering strategies, understanding of exam patterns, probable questions, assessment criteria, etc. 

The main purpose of the mock test is to provide you with a clear demonstration of the actual examination and to help you get accustomed to all aspects of the exam.

Here is why mock tests are important: 

• You will develop the right test-taking strategy. Learning and practising the strategies for each question type is part of your preparation, but sitting a real exam is quite different. By doing mock tests you will develop your own strategy for the whole exam.

• You will understand the time management better. The more mock tests you do, the higher are chances you will complete all tasks on time.
• You will analyze and better understand your mistakes. If you first try, you are likely to look out for solutions. 

The best time to take a mock exam is in the last stage of your full-fledged  IELTS preparation. If you take at least 2 mock tests, the actual test will feel nothing new and you can do your best. In our course, the mock tests are compulsory and are done online. All mock tests are assessed by IELTS experts.  After each test, you will want to know how you answered the questions, what your mistakes were and in which areas your weaknesses lie. You will receive valuable feedback and suggestions on how to fix your problems.

Finally, remember that tests are good for your IELTS preparation. However, IELTS preparation isn’t just about doing tests. It is a long and interesting journey full of unexpected curves and discoveries. Have a safe journey with us!