You will need to take an IELTS test if you want to study abroad or migrate to English-speaking nations. The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) evaluates your abilities to speak, listen, read, and write in English. The test is divided into four sections, each with its own set of parts and objectives ranging from multiple choice to labeling maps and diagrams.
The IELTS test can be intimidating at first, but with enough practice and preparation, you can achieve the band score you desire, here are six tried-and-true test preparation tips to ace your IELTS.
Have a good ear for accents
Did you know that in the listening exam, each tape is only heard once? The hearing test uses a variety of native-speaker accents (North American, Australian, New Zealand, British, and so on), thus being able to understand all of them is a great benefit. Subscribing to English podcasts and TV news programs will help you train your ears.
Read the directions
If you are asked to finish a sentence using NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS in the listening test, and the correct response is ‘leather coat,’ the answer ‘coat made of leather’ is incorrect. Pay close attention to the number of words required for each activity in the writing test. If you do not write the required number of words, you will receive a failing grade (150 words for Task 1, for example). Our website contains sample tests.
Do drills or practice tests
Did you realize that the listening test lasts 40 minutes and that you only have ten minutes to write down your answers? Learn to pace yourself with time limitations during your practice tests. This will not only assist you in simulating the time restrictions, but it will also assist you in identifying your strengths and weaknesses. This will show you the modules you are particularly weak in. If you struggle with reading, for example, invest extra time to it. Create strategies to assist you recall the English terms you’re having problems with.
Develop a strategy
You can build time-saving strategies and procedures to answer each question more efficiently if you have a thorough understanding of each test and its components. Underlining keywords, for example, can help you focus on crucial themes during a listening test. You may choose to go straight to the questions during the reading test to save time. There are strategies that may work for you but not for others; the main thing is to find the plan that works best for you.
Write like a native English speaker
Reading and writing are inextricably linked. Read a variety of books and topics, including manuals, advertising, publications, news items, essays, and reports on culture, science, and everything else under the sun! Write phrases utilizing the new terms you’ve learned to test your English vocabulary. Once you’re comfortable writing whole phrases, you can work on producing paragraphs and properly organizing them.
Find a study partner
Having a friend with great English abilities to assess you during practice exams can be really beneficial, particularly for the speaking test. Rehearse with a friend and solicit feedback. Make a point of recording your rehearsals so that you can easily review your performance. Did you speak too quickly? Were you stuttering or mumbling? Were you able to respond in a logical manner? Try to enhance your speech with feedback: write down the words you’re having difficulties enunciating, or reorganize your thinking. With enough practice, you will gradually rewire your brain to think in English.
Don’t get too nervous.
Nervousness is a natural reaction to an exam, but it can typically lower someone’s score in a variety of ways. When people are apprehensive, they have a propensity to talk at a very low volume, which makes it difficult for the examiner to understand them. Others mutter when they are frightened, which is obviously inappropriate in a speaking test. The trick is to thoroughly prepare, and you will feel more confident as a result.
Don’t be late
Allow plenty of time to travel to the examination center and find out where your speaking test will be held. By arriving early, you will be able to become acquainted with your surroundings and concentrate entirely on the exam. Don’t be scared to ask the staff any questions you may have; they are there to assist you.
Don’t rely on the examiner
Some students believe that the speaking examiner will prompt you if you are talking too much or too little, or if you are not speaking loudly enough, or if you are not staying on topic. In reality, the examiner has no obligation to do any of these things, and she or he will let you to make mistakes without informing you. Take charge of your own speaking and don’t rely on the examiner for signals or assistance.
