Tips for IELTS Exam Preparation

IELTS, or International English Language Testing System, is a standardized test for non-native English speakers to evaluate their English proficiency. Established in 1989, IELTS is one of the significant language testing exams provided to students aspiring to study abroad. IELTS is a widely accepted English assessment exam. Therefore, before applying for the exam, here are the things you should know.

Why IELTS?

  • It is a good indicator of understanding the candidate's reading, writing, speaking, and listening ability. These are the abilities that a university or college looks for in its students.
  • IELTS is accepted by over 10,000 organizations in more than 140 countries, which include Canada, UK, New Zealand, USA
  • More than 5 million people take this IELTS exam each year
  • Immigration offices, Government agencies, Universities, etc, all require IELTS scores to test the candidate's English language proficiency
  • IELTS exam scores are also necessary for scholarship and visa fulfillment

Hence, it is crucial to have an IELTS score to get into a university or college of your choice. Once you decide to take the exam, you need to have a target score that you want to achieve. This has to be determined according to the band score required by the University of your Choice. Each university has a specific score that they want from their potential students. Check the website of the University of your Choice and aspire to get a higher band score than the requirement. A low score can limit the number of potential universities you can apply for. In such a case, you can always retake the exam. However, you can prepare better, brush up your reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills, and score well. For this, you need a clear picture and map about what needs to be a priority and requires more attention.

Section Wise Tips for IELTS Preparation

Listening

  1. Practice your listening skills by listening to conversations in different accents. Many videos online guide you through that, specifically for IELTS listening.
  2. Ensure that the headphones you use during the exam are working correctly.
  3. Read the passages properly as the conversation recording slowly speeds up with each question. Write keywords with a pencil and transfer your answers in the 10 minutes allotted after the listening of recordings to transfer the answers.
  4. Check how many words you can use to answer each question.

  6. 5. Focus on listening to the recording when it is on, rather than reading the question, as it divides the attention, and you might need more information. For this, you should read the questions beforehand, in the time allotted to read.

Reading

  1. Read the directions carefully, and make notes on the word limit for each question.
  2. Save time scanning for answers; keep reading and answering the ones you find first. DO NOT WASTE TIME, as you have limited time to finish each section.
  3. Read the questions first and then sread the passagesnswers specifically.
  4. Read newspapers and mock test papers to practice this section, as it would give you an idea of how you would like to approach it.
  5. Look out for paraphrasing and not plagiarising your answers. You are supposed to find direct answers and not explain them.

Writing

  1. Try to spend at most 20-25 minutes on the task. To keep track of time, keep looking at the clock.
  2. Find IELTS writing section topics online and keep practicing. This helps speed up your writing and thinking. Practice previous year's question papers with answers to understand the way of writing that they require.
  3. Write over 150 words in task 1 and over 250 for task 2.
  4. Keep your focus on the topic, and stay safe. Have a proper beginning and conclusion for each of your tasks.
  5. Try not to make any spelling errors. Both American and British English are accepted.

Speaking

  1. Practice your pronunciation and language flow. You can do this by having conversations with a friend on different topics.
  2. Check out the kind of topics that the IELTS exam invigilator asks. Be confident when answering the questions by the invigilator.
  3. Listen to the questions carefully, and do not take unnecessary pauses between the conversations. The invigilator will provide you with a pen and paper for the lengthy question, and you can make your plan of action to answer. Do not write and read from it. Just make dot points.
  4. Use a range of tenses. Focus on something other than the vocabulary but on your thought process and its flow.
  5. American or British English can be used; you can also mix your accent. But make sure that your words are straightforward and easy for the invigilator to understand.
Here are some things to remember when taking IELTS exam. They help you in the long run and prepare better for your test. Let us know if you have any more tips for the IELTS exam preparation.

Disclaimer: The views expressed here are solely those of the author in their private capacity. Exambazaar does not bear responsibility for any opinions expressed herewith.