IELTS, also known as the International English Language Testing System is an English language test for study, migration or work. In IELTS, there are four papers: listening, reading, writing, and speaking, and it has two different modules, which are academic and general training. The speaking and listening tests are the same in both modules, but the reading and writing tests are different.
Below are the best ways to prepare for IELTS.
1. Understand your exam: As an international student, there are two different IELTS papers, which are the General Training or Academic. As the name implies, the academic paper is for prospective international students, while the general training one is used more for immigration and working purposes. For IELTS General Training and Academic, the speaking and listening tests are the same. However, the reading and writing tests differ considerably, with more of a focus on academic English in the academic paper.
2. IELTS format and grading process: The IELTS takes about 2 hours and 45 minutes. The IELTS listening has four sections with forty questions in total for 30 minutes; the IELTS reading has three sections with forty questions in total for 1 hour; and the IELTS writing comprises of reporting on data with a minimum of 150 words, which could be about a provided chart, graph, or process; and an essay on a given topic with a minimum of 250 words for 1 hour. Each section is graded according to a zero to nine-band scale, and the overall test score is calculated to the nearest decimal place. However, an overall band of at least six is required to be accepted into most universities.
3. Begin preparation early: It is highly recommended that you begin your IELTS preparation at least eight weeks before your test. With four sections to prepare for, about 10 to 14 days for each would give you enough time to identify your strengths, address your weaknesses, and work on practice questions.
4. Create a study routine: having a schedule would assist in saving a lot of time and also getting a lot done. It is recommended that for the first few weeks you could do one or two hours, then lighten the schedule again, just spending an hour or less fine-tuning your skills in the later weeks so as to allow your mind to settle down a little and help you relax ahead of exam day.
5. Invest in a good study guide. A reputable study guidebook will be of great help to you in preparing for your test. However, it is important that the study guidebook should have example questions and answers for you to work on, as well as handy tips and tricks to improve your studying.
6. Complete practice tests and sample questions: it is important that you take sample questions every week or two weeks’ interval in order to familiarize yourself with the same pressure and constraints that you are likely to have on the day of your exam. This will help familiarize you with the test experience, so you can alleviate the stress on the day itself, as well as allow you to polish your skills.
Additionally, to ensure you do your best on test day, get to bed early, have a good meal, wear comfortable clothes, know where the test centre is and how to get there, bring to the test centre your ID and other essential documents, get to the test centre early, do not panic, and do not be afraid to ask the staff for help if you need anything. Preparing for the IELTS can seem overwhelming at times, but it does not have to be as long as you have patience, a willingness to learn, and determination, you will succeed.