Getting Started with Online Services & Databases

The International English Language Testing System, or IELTS, is an international standardized test of English language proficiency.

The Road to IELTS General Training module is aimed at those who are going to English speaking countries for secondary education, work experience or training programs. The English language test focuses on basic skills in reading, listening, speaking and writing in broad social and workplace contexts.

The Road to IELTS Academic Training module is aimed at those applying for higher education or professional registration in an English speaking environment.

Both resources include interactive activities, test preparation tips, and practice test papers with answer keys.

How to access Road to IELTS - General Training

1. Go to www.tpl.ca
2. Enter "IELTS" or "Road to IELTS" in the search bar
3. Click on "Access Online" for the General Training or Academic Training module
4. Enter your library card number and PIN and click “Sign In”

Getting Started

1. Create an account by clicking on "Sign in/Register" if you want to track your progress (an email address is required); or
2. Select "Continue as a guest"
3. Note: To run this program, you will need an up-to-date version of one of these browsers: Apple Safari, Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, or Mozilla Firefox

Practice Tests

Each skill area (reading, listening, speaking and writing) has four key resources:

1. Starting Out: Contains information about each IELTS paper and includes explanations of question types. The information is shared in a video and an eBook package.
2. Advice and Tutorials: British Council experts explain the best strategies to prepare for IELTS
3. Practice Zone: Interactive activities modeled on IELTS question types
4. Test Practice: Download mock papers and the answer key, or simulate the actual test where you will be timed as you respond

Practice a New Skill

Click the “Home” button within the module to practice another skill you would like to work on. Avoid using the back button in your browser.

Check Your Progress and Additional Resources

The “Progress Report” link at the top of the page allows you to monitor your activities across sessions, your score details, and how your time is spent. The progress report function is only available to users who have created an account.

The "Resource Bank" provides access to the score calculator, test countdown, and other resources to improve your planning.

For more information or for help, please contact our Answerline service.