The SmoothMock Blog
Strategy & Insights for IELTS success
Study strategies, AI grading breakdowns, and band-score advice from people who’ve been through it.
Latest articles
IELTS Speaking Topics 2026: Cue Cards With Sample Answers (Part 1)
Part 1 of an ongoing series: eight cue cards from the current speaking rotation, each with a short model answer and a note on exactly which of the four scoring criteria it's earning marks on.
Free IELTS Practice Test Online With Score: Full Mock + Instant Band Estimate
Take a free IELTS practice test, get a section-by-section band estimate, and find out which skill is holding your overall score down before you book the real exam.
What Is IELTS? Beginner's Guide
What is IELTS? A first-timer's guide to the exam meaning, format, band scores, and how long you need to prepare before test day.
How AI Grading Changed the Way I Prepared for IELTS Writing
Getting instant, detailed feedback on every submission meant I could spot my mistakes right away instead of waiting a week and forgetting what I had even written.
IELTS Listening Band 8+: The One Habit That Actually Moves the Needle
Most candidates focus on vocabulary. But after looking at thousands of attempts, one thing stands out: there's a much simpler skill that makes a bigger difference.