In preparing for The IELTS test which is an aptitude test for checking how good you are at English. It looks at how well you can read, write, listen, understand and speak the English language.
If you want to study, work, or live in a country where English is the official language, IELTS scores are a necessary requirement to show how well you know the language.
To sign up for the IELTS test, go to the official IELTS website. Pick a date and place for the test that works for you. Then, complete the form and pay online. Make sure you have your identification and payment information papers ready when you register.
Today’s post is a quick guide on how to prepare for the test itself. Keep reading!
Is IELTS Test Difficult?
In as much as this test requires to find out your mastery of the language, it is important to know that, there is so much information out there, and students are not sure which sources to trust.
However, to do well in the IELTS exam, it will take a lot of hard work, possibly over many weeks, months or even years. Plus, it is very expensive and will cost a lot of money in tuition and test fees.
All of this adds up to a big pressure to get everything right on the first try. Furthermore, improvement on daily basis on reading, writing and speaking English language will help you a lot.
Improve Your General Level of English
The IELTS test basically measures your English language understanding and mastery. So, if your English is at a higher level, your score should be better. Just studying IELTS skills and practicing tests will be needless if your English is not strong enough. If you also know How to Prepare for an Interview, Your Speech and What to Expect it will help you throughout the preparation process.
As mentioned earlier, this is likely the most time-consuming aspect of your preparation. Most English schools suggest dedicating at least 6 months to raise your English proficiency by about 0.5 to 1 band score.
Below, I will explain how you can enhance your overall English skills at home while preparing for this test.
Perfect Your IELTS Test Skills
By now you already know that the IELTS test has four sections: Writing, Speaking, Reading, and Listening. In each of these parts, there are various types of questions, and each question requires a specific skill that you have to learn.
Let’s say, if you are a student studying academic topics, in the first writing task, you might encounter seven different question types. Each of these question types needs a different skill in answering them from you.
Learning these skills does not take as much time as learning the language itself, but it does take a significant amount of time. Most schools will ask you to spend at least2 to 3 months in learning the skills.
Let me explain a few improvements you can effect at home:
Know How the Test is Marked
Knowledge is power, having a fair knowledge on how your grades will be awarded in the test will help you put in the right efforts in the test.
The quickest and most efficient method to improve your score involves understanding precisely what the examiners are looking for and providing just that.
Yet, you cannot learn only this and achieve a high score. You must also work hard on enhancing your English proficiency and test-taking abilities.
Having explained the above, let me guide you step by step on how to prepare for IELTS test.
Step-by-Step Approach to Preparing for IELTS Test
Below is a step by step approach you can follow in preparing for IELTS test. Read carefully the following paragraphs:
Decide if you are doing General Training or Academic
When considering to take this test, ask yourself the goals you wish to achieve by taking the test. This will help you choose, the option that best suits you.
However, the general training version addresses people who want to use English in their daily life, work, or when moving to English-speaking countries.
So, if you have plans to move to another new country for work or other reasons, this version is your best option. The tasks in this version take the form of real life situations, such as writing letters or having conversations about work or daily tasks.
Similarly, if your choose to write the test for academic reasons, which is made available for applicants or students, who want to study at universities in English-speaking countries or show their academic English skills.
Therefore, if you plan to attend a university where English is the main language, this version is for you. The tasks in this version are mainly academic activities like reading academic texts, listening to lectures, and writing essays.
Understand the Test Format While Preparing for IELTS Test
The IELTS test has four main parts: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Each part tests different language skills, so you have to know what is expected in each one.
For example, in the listening part, you will listen to different things like conversations, lectures, and discussions.
It is important to know the kinds of questions that come after these recordings. Practicing listening for specific details or understanding the context will help you perform better.
Similarly, in the reading part, it is good to be familiar with the types of questions, such as multiple-choice, matching headings, or true/false/not given.
This can really improve your reading skills. Learning how to quickly find information and figure out important points in the reading passages can help you score better.
In Writing part, you have to know about the different tasks, like describing graphs or writing essays. This way, you can practice the right things.
Also, if you can organize your essays well, with have strong arguments, your writing will be better.
Lastly, in the speaking part, there are three parts to the interview: introduction, short speech, and discussion. Understanding this can help you practice speaking clearly. If you know the common topics and practice talking about them, your speaking will improve greatly too.
Set Realistic Goals While Preparing For IELTS Test
The keyword here is ‘realistic’. There is a big difference between the score you want and the score you will get.
Effective preparation will help you get good grades and scores and also ensure you get the best score possible, but it does not translate to miracles.
Practice English Every Day while Preparing for IELTS Test
Practicing makes perfection easy. Therefore, while preparing to take the IELTS test, do well to make it a habit to sharpen your skills through consistent practice everyday.
You will have access to many options, possibly hundreds or even thousands, to practice every day. It does not mean you have to do dull IELTS tests. Some students discovered activities they liked in English and practiced them often.
The interesting thing to note is that the more you use English, the better you will become, increasing your odds of achieving your desired high score.
While Preparing for IELTS test, Get Your Speaking and Writing Assessed
To ensure that you are doing well, during your preparatory stage, you must get a qualified teacher to assess your speaking and writing.
This is because, they will be able to tell you your current level, but more importantly, they will be able to tell you what your weaknesses are and offer you help on how to eliminate the weaknesses.
This is the most important part of your IELTS preparation. If you do not know your weaknesses, you are wasting a lot of time because you have no idea what to focus on. You must focus on things you are not good at to improve, you cannot pass when you are selective.
Conclusion
In preparing for the IELTS test, you will find out that it involves understanding its format, acquiring specific skills for each section, and embracing enjoyable daily practices in English.
By understanding, the structure if the test, make yourself familiar with its requirements, and make sure it is part of what you do daily, that way you will further groom your confidence.
Remember, finding joy in your English language journey not only enhances your skills but also brings you closer to your desired IELTS score. So, embark on this preparation journey with enthusiasm and determination, and you’ll undoubtedly achieve your goals. Good luck!
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