Introduction
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Test is a globally renowned English language proficiency test. 11,500+ organizations accept it across 140+ countries around the globe. The test measures listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills in English on a scale of 1-9.
Over 3.5 million people take the test annually, but only a small percentage receive a good band score. If you achieve 7.0 or higher, you have a good IELTS score. Only around 12% of test takers from India can pass that mark in the IELTS Academic Test.
Useful Tips
Debating whether the IELTS test is easy or hard is entirely subjective. Nevertheless, we have great advice to beat the test anxiety and gain confidence. These are the essential tips and tricks that will help you prepare better for the test:
Know the test format
Before you even start preparing for the test, getting familiar with the test format, duration, and the latest trends is vital. There are four sections in the IELTS Academic Test:
- Listening (30 minutes)
- Reading (60 minutes)
- Writing (60 minutes)
- Speaking (11-14 minutes)
Find the detailed test format at https://englishexpresss.com/ielts/.
To be up to date with any changes in the pattern, check with the official site regularly.
Take sample tests
There are plenty of sample tests available online. These will help you gain practice and familiarize yourself with the questions asked. Moreover, you learn time management by trying to finish answering the four sections within their allotted time. You can take our free mock test to get an idea of the test. Also, do solve the previous IELTS question papers.
Learn to manage time
You can optimize your time management skills and become more productive by allocating specific time intervals for tasks within a given section. It’s a simple but effective strategy that can help you achieve your goals efficiently and with ease. For instance, in the writing section, you will get two tasks. Task 2 carries more marks than Task 1. One typically spends 20 minutes on Task 1 and 40 minutes on Task 2, as the total allotted time for this section is 60 minutes. So, make sure that you proceed to Task 2 after 20 minutes.
Overall, you should finish each section within the specific time allotted. The total duration is 2 hours, 45 minutes. Know the test format and practice accordingly. It might be easier to answer all the questions on time with a proper time management strategy.
Find out where you stand
Knowing your current level of English proficiency is a start. It will be helpful to determine how much preparation you need to get to your target IELTS score. With proper planning and scheduling, you can ensure enough time to prepare and confidently approach the test. It will increase your chances of success and help you perform better on the test day. So, take charge of your preparation and schedule the test when ready. It is only possible to appear for the IELTS test with preparation and practice.
Identify your weak points
While all the sections are equally crucial for a good band score, you might need to be more proficient. Taking mock tests would be best to find out where you could improve. Once you identify your areas of weakness, focus on them for improvement. It will contribute to your overall band score. Remember, nobody is perfect, and there is always scope for improvement.
Expand your vocabulary
Broadening your knowledge of words will improve your communication skills and overall language proficiency. A rich vocabulary helps you to describe situations better as you quickly find words that fit a specific context. Here are some ways to boost your vocabulary:
Develop a reading habit
Read books, journals, and online articles regularly. You will encounter a lot of new words.
Use flashcards
Flashcards are valuable tools for memorizing vocabulary. They feature a word on one side and its meaning and application on the other.
Look up the dictionary
You can always look up the meanings online to use something other than the traditional dictionary.
Refer to a thesaurus
When you come across a word whose meaning seems unclear, you can use a thesaurus to find alternative words with similar or opposite meanings. A thesaurus is a valuable resource that can help you expand your vocabulary and improve your writing skills.
Play word games
Engaging in word games like crosswords, Scrabble, Boggle, and Wordle will help you learn new words.
Learn word roots
Prefixes and suffixes can reveal a lot about a word. For instance, prefixes like dis-, un-, and in- are used negatively.
Interpret from context
Looking at the context in which a word is used can give you a clue about its meaning, even if you are unfamiliar with it.
Improve grammar
It is crucial to use grammar accurately during the test. Incorrect usage of English grammar can affect your overall IELTS score. Pay attention to syntax, parts of speech, phrases, clauses, tenses, subject-verb agreement, modifiers, voice, mood, and conditionals. We recommend enrolling in our English Grammar Course.
Work on individual language skills
Although practicing each test section is mandatory, there might be more. We have listed some tips to improve each of the language skills below:
Listening
Listening to the radio, podcasts, and audiobooks can boost your listening skills effectively. You can also listen to TED talks and speeches by skilled speakers. IELTS is an international test. So, you should be familiar with different accents across the globe.
Reading
We cannot stress enough the importance of getting into a reading habit. It not only increases your vocabulary but also boosts your reading comprehension skills. Read books, newspapers, journals, academic articles, and online blogs regularly.
Writing
Practice regularly writing reports, short stories, essays, blog posts, and emails. Apply your new-found vocabulary to suit different contexts. Additionally, you can try writing for different audiences, as it will only take your writing skills further.
Speaking
Speaking in front of a mirror may sound cliché, but it helps. You should maintain proper body language while speaking. Alternatively, recording yourself and analyzing it later can be beneficial, too. Fluency and coherence are essential aspects of speech.
Enroll in a preparatory course
Finally, we advise you to enroll in an IELTS training program. Preparing for the test on your own can be a real struggle. A preparatory course will provide helpful insights, expert guidance, regular practice, and valuable feedback.
Conclusion
At English Express, our IELTS Test Preparation Course has experienced instructors. They take specialized care of our learners and help them ace the test quickly. We provide classes in both online and offline modes without compromising the quality of teaching.
CTA: Register today and unlock the benefits!
Preparing for the IELTS test demands hard work, perseverance, and the right mindset. You can achieve your desired band score with proper preparation and consistent effort. Even if you have previously received unsatisfactory results, it is crucial to remain committed and optimistic. Keep striving towards your objective and use your experience to identify areas for improvement. Always remember that every step toward your goal is closer to success.
FAQs
How much time is enough for IELTS preparation?
The time required for IELTS preparation varies from person to person, as everyone has different English proficiency levels. However, we suggest devoting at least two to three months to practice and preparation.
How long is IELTS valid for?
Your IELTS score is valid for two years from the test date.
How many times can I take the IELTS?
There is no limit to the number of attempts you can take at IELTS. If you have attempted IELTS on a computer and want to retake one skill, you should do it within 60 days of your original test date.
What is a good IELTS score?
A band score of 7.0 or higher is a good IELTS score. Most of the top universities across the world accept this score.
Can we choose a time for the IELTS exam?
You can choose your slot by logging in 15 days before your test. If you do not select it, a slot will be automatically allocated to you.
