How to Prepare for IELTS- Everything You Need to Know

Table of Contents

How to Prepare for IELTS- Everything You Need to Know

Information about IELTS

This guide covers all you need to know about IELTS and how to prepare for it. IELTS is an acronym that stands for International English Language Testing System. It is an English language proficiency test that you must pass in order to apply for a Public Relations (PR), job, study abroad in English-speaking countries, or simply take English-language courses.

There are two types of IELTS tests: General and Academy. The general test is for PR or job purposes, whereas the academic test is for university admission and courses in English. The IELTS format is divided into four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.

The Listening portion usually takes 30 minutes and includes 40 questions. You will only hear the discussion and dialogue once. Then you will be asked to fill in the blanks after the conversations have finished. So you must be very alert and present at the moment while you are listening.
In the Reading section, You will be given three passages and 60 minutes to read them, giving you 20 minutes for each passage and answering the questions. It may be challenging at first, but as you continue to read new topics, you will become more proficient in this section.
Writing is one of the most important sections where you will be given 60 minutes and two tasks. The first task will be based on some depiction of some diagram, pie chart, or graph where you will have to write about it.

The second task will be about your opinion on something do you agree do you disagree and to what extent you agree what are the disadvantages or advantages there will be different types of questions that could be asked.

4. The Speaking phase, which most students are concerned about since they are not used to speaking. This section lasts only 11 to 15 minutes and consists of three activities.

- - The first introduction is in which you must present yourself to the examiner.
  - The second type is cue card, in which you will be given a topic and one minute to prepare on that topic and write it down on the cue card. Then you’ll be asked to express your views and ideas on the topic.
  - The third activity is when you will be cross-questioned regarding the topic or argument that you have presented. whatever you are speaking you will be counted question on that.

Tips & Tricks

There are certain tips and tricks that will help you master IELTS and secure a good band in the exam:

Clear up any confusion:

Clear up any confusion you may have about IELTS. How much time will you have? Questions that can be asked? What is the IELTS structure? Which IELTS tests do you need to take? So, while you’re preparing for the IELTS, you should have a clear idea of what it is.

Define clear goals:

Define clear goals including- What band do you want to be in? Is it a 6.5 or a 6? You do not need a large vocabulary or to use proverbs; all you need is a regular simple language and a few phrases to impress in both your writing and speech.

If you have a need for a 7 or 8 band, you will need to put some effort in order to achieve a higher score. As a result, you must be extremely clear about your aim or target band.

IELTS study materials:

Have suitable IELTS study materials. If you applied for an IELTS exam through IDP, they would supply you with British Cambridge study resources that will help you enhance your score.

Practice:

Practice once you have your study materials, practice as much as you can. So that you can figure out what your weak areas are and how to improve in those areas. Keep in mind that IELTS is based on practice. Start speaking English if you’re not yet fluent in the language.

Practice speaking English in front of a mirror and with your friends, or start watching English movies with subtitles. Start reading books or articles and practice as much as you can to improve your IELTS score.

Create an examination-type environment:

Create an examination-type environment- you won’t be able to focus properly in IELTS if you are constantly distracted by your phone notification or someone chatting to you.

You must understand that you will only be given one chance to listen to the dialogue or recording that will be played while listening, thus you must prepare yourself for an examination kind of setting.

Practice it in a calm environment. Use your headphones to practice listening and writing, and assign yourself some random topics to write one paragraph every day, so don’t underestimate the importance of practice and having the right environment to practice within.

Here is an example of a Scorecard:

It is essential for students to get an optimum score in the exam, which is at least 6.5 in both the overall band score and the sectional band score. In order to increase their chances of being admitted to a foreign university of their choice.

It will be simpler for you to achieve an acceptable score after you have a clear understanding of the IELTS scoring process, IELTS requirements for different colleges, IELTS test patterns, and the above-mentioned section-by-section preparation tips and tricks.