Best IELTS Test preparation Tricks: Ultimate Guide
The IELTS also known as the International English Language Testing System is the most sought-after English test for language around the globe at present. From immigration departments to universities from government agencies to multinational corporations, more than 10,000 companies around the world require those studying English as an additional language to prove their proficiency against IELTS rigorous requirements.
It's not a simple test. In addition to being able to communicate in English it is necessary to master several effective test-taking strategies. But getting the IELTS score you're looking for shouldn't be a stressful experience! Here are 10 ielts preparation tips to help you prepare for success along with a wealth of resources for support.
1. Be aware of exactly what you're signing to
To take an IELTS is similar to getting an employment simply since a lot of people around you have passed it isn't a guarantee that it won't be difficult and time-consuming. It is important to conduct some research prior to booking the test. Our article describing the differences between the TOEFL and IELTS tests offers a thorough description of what they cover. You can also check out the official description of the test's format. In addition, you must take into consideration:
Do I prefer to take the paper-based or computer-based version of IELTS? There's very little distinction between the two versions. Both are administered in an exam center. Some prefer paper tests as they don't have to deal with a new keyboard layout. Others believe that answering questions is more efficient using computers.
Do I require the Academic IELTS or the IELTS General Training? The IELTS Academic is designed for those who want to take an English-language course IELTS General Training is designed for those who require English abilities to work or for migration reasons. They're basically identical, however IELTS General Training is more specialized. IELTS Academic uses more scholarly texts, while IELTS General Training uses more scholarly texts. IELTS General Training is focused on everyday language used in life, such as emails and newspaper articles. Be aware that if you're attempting to migrate to the UK then you'll have to take a different form of IELTS referred to as"UKVI" IELTS.
What's the time frame I'll have to take to get an acceptable IELTS score? First: determine what score you'll need on the IELTS. Most companies require a score between a 6 and 7 that is between a B2 and C1 in the CEFR scale.If you are aware of your CEFR score you can calculate the score you're likely get on the IELTS without much trouble. This will allow you to estimate the amount of time needed to increase your score on the IELTS. According to the IELTS Advantage website "Most English schools recommend at least 6 months to improve a student's level of English by the equivalent of 0.5 -- 1 band score." That's right, If you're not conversing fluently in English but you're not yet there, it's a good idea to be working on your general English abilities before you begin testing preparation.
The action item is to take an hour to spend so gaining an understanding of the test: its design, the test-taking procedure and the abilities you'll require to master. If you are able, contact an acquaintance who has recently taken the test. Think about how long you'll need to spend studying to earn the score you want and then schedule your test for with a realistic timeframe in the near future.
2. Get a tutor for your personal needs
There are a lot of things to think about when you're preparing to take the IELTS. If you are able learn online, working with an IELTS professional tutor will help you save a lot of effort and time.
Your instructor will mark your exams and assist you in deciding what sections to concentrate on. They'll also want you to succeed, as well as offer the encouragement you need and moral guidance. Don't think about how motivating this could be.
3. Find out the criteria for grading from the inside
The key to passing every test is knowing the characteristics of a good answer like. What are the IELTS assessment requirements is your best friend and should serve as the basis for all your answers! These are the criteria for evaluating your progress. You must learn these rules thoroughly in order to ensure you're completing every step to get the score you require. This is particularly important for the writing and speaking test as your answers are evaluated based on a variety of subjective aspects. You may also want to check out the answers on the internet but ensure that they come from reputable sources. The IELTS exam boards' official websites as well as textbooks from the official IELTS exam board are a good source to begin.
Keep in mind that among the interesting aspects of this test is that you're likely to do some things wrong! Students who require an overall score of 4 pass the same test like those who must get the band 8. One of the most important aspects of understanding the scoring criteria is understanding the maximum number of questions you could afford to fail. For instance, if you're seeking to score an A-grade on the test for academic reading it is only necessary to get 23 correct answers from 40. It's pretty reassuring!
The action item is to Take a sample answer sheet that is able to achieve the score you're hoping for, and then read it. For the best results, complete this test in conjunction with an IELTS expert tutor to ensure whether all your connections are in order.
4. Utilize the best of official sources
The process of preparing students for exams like the IELTS is a huge business. There are numerous classes, textbooks, applications and software programs that can assist students in their preparation, but it's not easy initially to decide what ones are worth your time -- and the ones that are reliable. As a rule of thumb avoid investing in tools that you don't require.
Your first point of contact must always be to the official IELTS exam materials available from the exam board's websites as well as social media channels and textbooks. In the end, nobody has as much knowledge of the test as the exam board. Here's a good place to start:
Official sample papers for IELTS
Additional official IELTS samples of papers
IELTS preparation courses for free and other materials on the British Council
IELTS videos and helpful tips
Official Facebook Page of IELTS
Official (free) IELTS apps
The following list contains textbooks that are officially licensed
IELTS Progress Check Official IELTS progress review
the official IELTS Facebook page
Information publication for IELTS
Activity item Set up a bookmarks directory in your browser that contains the official sources. Keep up with IELTS Official on Twitter and Facebook to receive the latest information.
5. Take a look at some of the specialist blogs and YouTube channels.
There are a lot of YouTube channels podcasts, blogs, and Facebook pages by specialists (and "experts") discussing the IELTS exam techniques. A lot of them are a riches of information!
However, you must be wary of relying on non-official sources too heavily. Be aware that the IELTS exam changes and adapts almost every year. If you see a blog post or YouTube clip is older than a couple of months old, they're most likely not up to date. However, online communities will provide insight that the test board will not, such as the perspectives of test-takers who are also taking part!
Unofficial, free IELTS resources
IELTS Liz is a blogger that is a writer for those who are taking tests to get the top IELTS bands which are above 7. She also predicts what subjects might be asked from the content of the test last year... But obviously, nothing is certain to be covered and so, take this advice with an ounce of salt.
The Fastrack IELTS is an YouTube channel that is run by Asiya who was able to score the score of 8.5 score on IELTS herself, enabling her to move to London. She provides detailed advice which helped her to achieve the score, as well as insights into the test's format.
IELTS Reddit thread is an active forum for those who take tests.
IELTS The Full Course in 2020 is a free YouTube course
All Ears English is a podcast designed specifically for IELTS test takers.
IELTS podcasts are another as well as blogs with helpful information.
HowToDoIELTS Facebook group.
Action point: Find IELTS-related content on online communities that you are already using. Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, Spotify, YouTube -Exam preppers have a blast wherever there's internet access!
6. Practice more than you think you'll have to
Each test involves a specific set of skills to master on its own for instance, the IELTS is a difficult set of competencies. Exam-taking should be an integral part of your routine for studying, even before you are completely well-prepared.
There are certain capabilities you'll require to pass the IELTS that only test-taking can help improve. As per Asiya from Fasttrack IELTS, "In my opinion, the biggest challenge of the IELTS exam is time pressure." There's plenty to be covered in the 2 1/2 hour timeframe, so you'll have to master the ability to work quickly and efficiently. For instance, in the writing portion you'll be required to spend around 20 minutes writing approximately 150 words. Only experience will be able to provide you with an idea of how doing 150 word in just 20 mins feels and looks like.
It's not just the writing portion of the test, where the best score is achieved through practice. As per Kaplan, "Multitasking is key to the listening section of the test. You must be able to concentrate as you answer questions and make notes." Try certain IELTS listening tests can assist you in developing this ability.
Make sure you take at least one practice test every week, in the lead up on the examination. By regularly attempting each section, you will allow you to perfect your pace and strategy. If you're able to request a tutor, have them mark your exams, and then discuss the weaknesses you might want to improve on.
Step item to take: Find a huge selection of tests for the test board you wish to learn about, and incorporate test-taking into your study schedule.
7. Plan a study routine (and adhere to it!)
The test is going to come around quickly, regardless of the time you make it! An organized game plan is important to achieve your objectives. Determine how much time you'll be able to dedicate to studying and mark those dates on your schedule. Some tutors recommend studying four or five hours per day for the TOEFL, others a minimum of five five hours a week.
Not sure how much time you'll need to commit to your textbooks in order to get the results you desire? Set up a meeting with a tutor who is specialized to discuss your concerns prior to booking the test. They can provide you with a realistic schedule of preparation that will save you energy and money over the long term and assist you in planning your way to success.
It is recommended to split your time equally across the four sections of the test- in the end, they all have the same marks! It is recommended that you take the British Council has a one-month study schedule that splits each week into different skills in the test.
Activity item Look at time in your day that you can incorporate some study. For instance, you could set up flashcards for the morning after breakfast and an hour of writing or listening exercises after working. Make your study sessions as scheduled meetings with yourself.
8. Learn to speak English as much as you can
We've already talked extensively about strategies to prepare for the actual test. However, it's a test for English abilities in the first place and, therefore, getting better at your English quickly is definitely priority! If you're looking at a score of 6 or 7 on the IELTS you're likely to score a 7 or 6 in the test. that your English is already excellent but you're trying to expand your vocabulary and improve your grammar slightly.
It's good to spend most of your life pondering in English as you can. It is possible to try:
Making calls to English-speaking family members or friends every week to practice casual conversations
Connecting with more English speakers on the internet or in person
Gameplay in English (preferably using headphones, and speaking to English people)
The pleasure of watching English language films and TV shows
Reading in English
Making a few translations
Watching audiobooks in English
Finding great English language YouTubers
You can change your phone's settings to English
The news is read in English
Utilizing certain English software for languages
A lot are the most efficient methods to learn to speak English effectively isn't really about learning in any way, but rather exposure your self to the culture until you become more natural.
Activity item Discover creative strategies to integrate English into your routine. Make sure to mix study techniques with passive techniques.
9. Expand your vocabulary
Every language student knows the importance of developing a rich and enticing vocabulary is usually the most difficult hurdle to overcome when moving from intermediate to advanced. Improving your vocabulary will aid in gaining proficiency over the entire range of skills on the IELTS. Vocabulary is a significant portion of the scores in the writing and speaking sections, and can contribute significantly to your ability to master the listening and reading sections. For tips on how you can enhance your vocabulary, read our guide about how to master more English vocabulary.
Many students attempt to guess what vocabulary is likely to be tested in the IELTS and then focus their efforts on this. This is a risky approach which is why the test board explicitly recommends against this strategy. The main purpose of an exam is to not know which questions you will be being asked! However, some subjects appear to pop up more frequently than others. As per IELTS Advantage there are about 10 general subjects that are more frequently mentioned than other topics. On blogs such as HowToDoIELTS for instance, test takers post recent topics to help other students. IELTS Liz provides predictions for the questions she thinks will appear on the test. You could spot patterns by yourself by taking lots of tests!
The main thing to remember about all topic predictions is not to be a reliance on them. The only thing you can be sure of is the fact that vocabulary is different depending on whether you're taking the IELTS Academic or IELTS General Training. The variant you're taking you'll need to concentrate on educational English publications (ie. textbooks, journal articles) or English for everyday use (ie. newspapers magazines, business websites and newspapers).
Activity item If you do not already have one, you should get an index book for any new English terms you encounter when reading, listening to, or viewing English media. Make sure to have it on hand throughout your time studying each new word can be helpful! Every couple of days, copy the most effective, useful terms into a flashcard program that you can quickly review them on the go.
Read:
IELTS Exam Preparation: What Is The Best Way To Prepare For IELTS?
What makes IELTS Online Coaching better than classroom coaching?
IELTS TEST PREPARATION PREPARE FOR THE IELTS BY FOLLOWING THESE 9 SUGGESTIONS
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