5 Effective Tips to Prepare for IELTS Test
Preparing for the IELTS exam can be intimidating, especially if you are taking it for the first time. Therefore, we’ve gathered a few tips to help you get the most out of this experience.
- Understand the test format:
Your first and foremost task should be to educate yourself about the test format. How many sections are there, and how much time would be allotted to each section. How many questions will be there in each section etc., Without knowing what’s ahead how can you start preparation? The more familiar you’re with the test format, the more specific preparation can be done.
2. Start with a practice test:
Taking a practice test at the start will be a self-reflective experience that will make you more aware of your strengths and constraints. You can then devote more time to the area in which you are most challenged. However, it is equally crucial to continue working on your abilities in order to feel secure and to lay a strong basis for your test.
3. Develop a reading habit:
Because the IELTS reading part contains specific question types and necessitates good critical thinking. As a beginning, you should practice extracting key information from sections. You must also work hard to improve your reading speed because each segment has a time limit. We would recommend that you begin reading about issues that you find tough and attempt to challenge the writer’s perspective, comprehend the basic idea behind that section, and ask what your argument would be if you were to argue with that writer. For example, if you find agriculture boring, reading about it will put your mind to work. You won’t be disappointed if you give it a shot!
4. Listen to podcasts:
You may improve your listening skills by listening to podcasts or the news. For example, if you enjoy math, look out for the most well-known math podcasts and listen to them on your commute to work or school. This will help you to establish the habit of grasping topics without the need for pictures, as well as improve your ability to focus even while distracted.
5. Write daily:
Just like reading speed, you also need to work on your writing speed. Our own recommendation is to combine it with your reading practice. For example, if you read an article about Mars today, you would critically examine the writer’s point of view (your reading task) and then make an argument in support of or against it. This will help you to focus on your critical thinking skills while also improving your reading and writing abilities. This, however, will only cover one writing area. The other half will need you to interpret graphs and figures, but the basic exercise will be the same.
These suggestions are for people who are self-motivated and can study on their own. But, if you’re like me and need someone to keep you accountable, joining IELTS coaching is also a good option. We wish you the best of luck with your preparation.
Next to Read >> IELTS Academic Writing Task 1
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