Should I use British Council materials to prepare for IELTS?

Yes, British Council materials should be part of any IELTS preparation plan because they are created by the test makers. However, they work best when combined with interactive tools and AI feedback. Many students use British Council for practice tests and IELTS 9 for free tools, study guides, and AI feedback.

Is Road to IELTS free?

Road to IELTS has a free version with limited content and a premium version (typically included when you book an IELTS test through the British Council). The free version includes some practice activities but not full tests. IELTS 9 tools and study guides are completely free without any test booking required.

Does the British Council offer AI IELTS feedback?

No, the British Council does not currently offer AI-powered feedback on Writing or Speaking. Their preparation is based on sample answers, tips, and self-assessment. IELTS 9 fills this gap with AI feedback on the web and iOS app.

Can I use IELTS 9 and British Council together?

Absolutely, this is a recommended combination. Use British Council for official practice tests and sample questions (the closest to real exam difficulty), and IELTS 9 for free tools (band calculator, score converters), study guides (strategies and techniques), and AI feedback (Writing and Speaking analysis).

Which is more up to date?

Both are regularly updated. The British Council updates their materials when the IELTS test format changes. IELTS 9 updates study guides and tools to reflect the latest exam changes, including the 2026 updates to the IELTS test.

2026 Comparison

Best British Council Alternative for IELTS Prep

Comparing British Council IELTS prep and IELTS 9

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Why Students Switch from British Council to IELTS 9

AI-powered feedback the British Council doesn't offer

The British Council provides sample answers and tips, but cannot analyze your actual Writing or Speaking. IELTS 9 gives you instant AI band score feedback on your own essays and recordings.

Interactive tools vs passive content

British Council materials are educational but passive, you read, watch, and self-assess. IELTS 9 gives you interactive tools: calculate your band score, time your speaking, generate essay topics, compare scores across tests.

Updated for 2026 changes

British Council materials can lag behind test updates. IELTS 9 guides are specifically updated for the 2026 IELTS changes including new question types, template penalties, and format updates.

No test booking required

Road to IELTS full access typically requires booking a test through the British Council. IELTS 9 tools and guides are free for everyone, whether or not you have booked your test yet.

The Verdict: British Council vs IELTS 9

British Council

Official IELTS preparation materials created by the test makers ...
Free preparation resources including sample test questions, vide...

IELTS 9

Band scores in about 60 seconds — all 4 skills, graded against the official descriptors
Line-by-line inline corrections + an improved model version of every essay
Per-criterion breakdown for Writing & Speaking — strengths, fixes & pronunciation notes
11 free tools, no sign-up — band calculator + IELTS/TOEFL/PTE/Duolingo score converters
45+ study guides + score pages for 19 countries & 10 professions
Native iOS app · Academic & General Training · full timed mock test

The British Council is one of the two official IELTS test providers (alongside IDP). They offer free preparation materials, a paid online course (IELTS Ready), and the Road to IELTS platform. As the test creator, their materials are the closest to the real exam. IELTS 9 complements British Council resources with free tools, AI feedback, and study guides that the British Council does not offer.

British Council vs IELTS 9: Feature Comparison

Feature	British Council	IELTS 9
AI feedback	No	AI Writing + Speaking (web + iOS)
Band calculator	No	Free, instant
Study guides	General tips	45+ in-depth guides
iOS app	No dedicated app	Web + iOS app
Official materials	Yes (test creator)	No (independent)
Free tools	Sample questions only	6 interactive tools
Practice tests	Full tests (paid)	Tool-based practice
Platform	Web	Web + iOS app
Trust level	Official IELTS body	Independent review site

What you only get with IELTS 9

Band scores in about 60 seconds — on all four skills, graded against the official descriptors
Line-by-line inline corrections plus an improved model version of your essay
Per-criterion feedback for Writing and Speaking, with strengths, fixes, and pronunciation notes
11 free tools with no sign-up, including IELTS ↔ TOEFL ↔ PTE ↔ Duolingo score converters
A full timed mock test and a native iOS app
Academic and General Training, with score targets for 19 countries and 10 professions

Reach your target band with IELTS 9

Personalized daily plan, examiner-grade feedback in 60 seconds. 7-day money-back guarantee.

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What British Council Does Well

Official IELTS preparation materials created by the test makers themselves, the most authentic practice available.
Free preparation resources including sample test questions, videos, and tips.

Where British Council Falls Short

No AI-powered feedback on Writing or Speaking, relies on self-assessment and generic tips.
No band score calculator or score conversion tools.
Free content is limited; the full Road to IELTS experience requires payment or test booking.
Materials are educational but passive, no interactive practice tools.
No dedicated mobile app for IELTS preparation.

Who Should Use British Council vs IELTS 9?

Choose British Council if...

→You want official preparation materials from the test creator.
→You need full-length practice tests that are closest to the real exam.
→You value the authority of an official IELTS partner.
→You have already booked your test and received free Road to IELTS access.

Choose IELTS 9 if...

→You want AI-powered feedback on your Writing and Speaking attempts.
→You need free tools like band calculators and score converters right now.
→You want in-depth study guides explaining strategies, not just tips.
→You want AI feedback on the web and an iOS app for daily practice.
→You want to supplement British Council materials with interactive tools.

How to Switch from British Council to IELTS 9

Try the free tools

Use the band calculator, score converters, and other tools at ielts9.io/tools, no sign-up needed.

Get AI feedback on your Writing

Submit a Writing Task 2 essay at ielts9.io/writing and get instant band score estimates with corrections.

Explore the study guides

Read 28+ expert guides covering all four IELTS sections, scoring criteria, and 2026 test changes.

Download the iOS app

Get the IELTS 9 app for Writing and Speaking practice on the go with the same AI-powered feedback.

IELTS Score Requirements by Goal

Frequently Asked Questions

Thinking about switching from British Council?

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