Is IELTS Simon a real IELTS examiner?

Simon Corcoran is a former IELTS examiner. His blog advice is based on direct marking experience, giving it unique authority.

The blog is free. Some premium materials may require payment. IELTS 9 tools and study guides are all free.

Should I use IELTS Simon or IELTS 9?

They complement each other. Use IELTS Simon for examiner-perspective Writing tips and model essays. Use IELTS 9 for interactive tools, AI feedback, and structured study guides.

Does IELTS Simon have an app?

No. IELTS Simon is a blog. IELTS 9 offers AI feedback on the web and a native iOS app.

2026 Comparison

Best IELTS Simon Alternative for IELTS Prep

Comparing IELTS Simon and IELTS 9 for IELTS preparation

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Why Students Switch from IELTS Simon to IELTS 9

AI scores your essay, not just shows you model answers

IELTS Simon teaches you what good writing looks like. IELTS 9 tells you where your specific essay falls short, with band scores per criterion, corrections, and a rewritten version.

Interactive practice tools

IELTS Simon is a read-only blog. IELTS 9 gives you tools to actively practice: time your speaking, generate random topics, calculate your band score, test reading speed.

Structured guides vs daily blog posts

IELTS Simon's blog is organized by date, making it hard to follow a preparation path. IELTS 9 guides are organized by section and topic, find exactly what you need.

The Verdict: IELTS Simon vs IELTS 9

IELTS Simon

Written by a former IELTS examiner with real marking experience.
Daily blog posts covering all aspects of IELTS preparation.

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

IELTS Simon is a popular IELTS blog run by Simon Corcoran, a former IELTS examiner. Like IELTS Liz, his advice carries the weight of real examiner experience. The blog covers all four sections with a particular strength in Writing and Speaking tips. IELTS 9 complements his educational content with interactive tools and AI feedback.

IELTS Simon vs IELTS 9: Feature Comparison

Feature	IELTS Simon	IELTS 9
Interactive tools	None	11 free tools
AI feedback	No	AI Writing + Speaking (web + iOS)
Mobile app	No	Web + iOS app
Examiner perspective	Former examiner	Data-driven approach
Free content	Extensive blog	Tools + 28 guides
Writing focus	Strong (model essays)	AI essay feedback
Platform	Web	Web + iOS app

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 IELTS Simon Does Well

Written by a former IELTS examiner with real marking experience.
Daily blog posts covering all aspects of IELTS preparation.

Where IELTS Simon Falls Short

No interactive tools or calculators.
No AI feedback, educational content is read-only.
Blog format means content can be hard to navigate systematically.
No mobile app.

Who Should Use IELTS Simon vs IELTS 9?

Choose IELTS Simon if...

→You want examiner-perspective advice on IELTS Writing.
→You enjoy daily blog-style tips and advice.
→You want model essays and vocabulary lessons.

Choose IELTS 9 if...

→You want interactive tools for band calculation and practice.
→You want AI feedback on your own essays.
→You prefer structured study guides over daily blog posts.
→You want a mobile app for practice.

How to Switch from IELTS Simon 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 IELTS Simon?

Try IELTS 9 free, no signup needed for your first evaluation. Get detailed AI feedback scored against official IELTS band descriptors.

Get your free plan

Try Pro FREE for 3 days

Examiner-grade AI feedback in 60 seconds · Cancel anytime

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