Check out these 10 Tips for Passing the IELTS Exam - EduStar Group
The International English Language Testing System, or IELTS, is currently the most popular English language exam in the world. Over 10,000 organizations worldwide require people to learn English as a second language to demonstrate their abilities against the IELTS' demanding criteria, ranging from universities to immigration departments, government agencies to multinational corporations.
It is not a simple test. You'll need to master a variety of strategic test-taking techniques in addition to being able to communicate effectively in English. However, obtaining the required IELTS score does not have to be a frustrating experience! EduStar Group is the leading and best IELTS institute in Jalandhar. Apply now for IELTS exam preparation and immigration services advice and consultancy.
Here are ten actionable steps to preparing for success, along with plenty of resources for help.
1. Be fully aware of what you are committing to
Taking an IELTS is like finding a job: just because lots of people you know have done it, doesn't mean it's not difficult and time-consuming. You should do some research before you book the test. Our article explaining the difference between the IELTS and TOEFL tests provides a detailed description of what they include. You can also check the official overview of the test format. Additionally, you should think about:
Do I want to take the computer or paper version of IELTS?
The two versions hardly differ from one another. Both are taken at a test center. Some people prefer the paper version so they don't have to deal with an unfamiliar keyboard layout, others feel that selecting answers to questions is faster on the computer.
Is IELTS Academic or IELTS General Training required? IELTS Academic is for those wishing to enroll in an English language program, whereas IELTS General Training is for those requiring conversational English for work or immigration. They are more or less the same format, but IELTS Academic uses more academic texts, while IELTS General Training focuses on language used in everyday life, such as newspaper articles and emails. Note: If you are migrating to the UK, you will need to take a third type of IELTS called the UKVI IELTS.
How much time will I need to spend studying for the IELTS test? First, ascertain the IELTS score you require. The majority of businesses typically require somewhere between a 6 and a 7, or a B2 to a C1 on the CEFR scale. Knowing your CEFR level will make it easier for you to predict your potential IELTS score.
How much time will I need to spend studying for the IELTS test? First, ascertain the IELTS score you require. The majority of businesses typically require somewhere between a 6 and a 7, or a B2 to a C1 on the CEFR scale. Knowing your CEFR level will make it easier for you to predict your potential IELTS score.
Most English language schools advise at least six months to raise a student's English level by the equivalent of 0.5 to 1 band score, according to IELTS Advantage. It means that if you are not yet fluent in conversational English, you should work on your general English language skills before you begin your test preparation.
Action Item: Spend an hour or two getting an overview of the exam: its structure, the procedure for taking the exam, and the skills you'll need to develop. Call a friend who has recently taken it if you can. Consider how long you'll need to study to get the grade you need and schedule your test for a realistic amount of time in the future.
2. Thoroughly understand the evaluation standards
Knowing what a good answer looks like is the key to acing any test. Your best friend and the model for all of your responses should be the IELTS assessment criteria! These guidelines determine how successful you are. In order to ensure that you are checking off every requirement for the grade you require, you must thoroughly learn them. This is particularly crucial for speaking and writing tests when the evaluation of your responses is based on largely arbitrary criteria. Additionally, you can look at some sample responses online, but only if they come from reliable sources. The official texts and websites of the IELTS exam boards are excellent places to start.
Keep in mind that one of the most peculiar aspects of this test is that you are expected to make a lot of mistakes! The exam is taken by individuals who need to receive a band 4 and those who need a band 8. How many questions you can afford to get wrong is one of the learning objectives for the grading criteria. For instance, you only need to get 23 out of 40 questions right to get a band 6 on the academic reading test. Pretty comforting!
Take action by printing out a sample answer sheet that has received the grade you want and carefully reading it. To ensure that all of your connections are accurate, complete this activity with an instructor who specializes in IELTS for the best results.
Action Item: Spend an hour or two getting an overview of the exam: its structure, the procedure for taking the exam, and the skills you'll need to develop. Call a friend who has recently taken it if you can. Consider how long you'll need to study to get the grade you need and schedule your test for a realistic amount of time in the future.
2. Thoroughly understand the evaluation standards
Knowing what a good answer looks like is the key to acing any test. Your best friend and the model for all of your responses should be the IELTS assessment criteria! These guidelines determine how successful you are. In order to ensure that you are checking off every requirement for the grade you require, you must thoroughly learn them. This is particularly crucial for speaking and writing tests when the evaluation of your responses is based on largely arbitrary criteria. Additionally, you can look at some sample responses online, but only if they come from reliable sources. The official texts and websites of the IELTS exam boards are excellent places to start.
Keep in mind that one of the most peculiar aspects of this test is that you are expected to make a lot of mistakes! The exam is taken by individuals who need to receive a band 4 and those who need a band 8. How many questions you can afford to get wrong is one of the learning objectives for the grading criteria. For instance, you only need to get 23 out of 40 questions right to get a band 6 on the academic reading test. Pretty comforting!
Take action by printing out a sample answer sheet that has received the grade you want and carefully reading it. To ensure that all of your connections are accurate, complete this activity with an instructor who specializes in IELTS for the best results.
3. Use government resources to your advantage
A sizable market exists in IELTS preparation for students. It might be challenging at first to choose which courses, textbooks, apps, and other resources are worth your time and even which ones are reliable because there are so many available. Don't rush into purchasing tools you don't require as a general rule.
The official IELTS study guides on exam boards' websites, social media pages, and textbooks should always be your first stop. After all, only the exam board itself has a thorough understanding of the test. Here's how to get started:
A sizable market exists in IELTS preparation for students. It might be challenging at first to choose which courses, textbooks, apps, and other resources are worth your time and even which ones are reliable because there are so many available. Don't rush into purchasing tools you don't require as a general rule.
The official IELTS study guides on exam boards' websites, social media pages, and textbooks should always be your first stop. After all, only the exam board itself has a thorough understanding of the test. Here's how to get started:
- More official IELTS example papers
- British Council offers free IELTS preparation sessions and materials.
- IELTS tutorials and advice
- official IELTS Facebook page
- IELTS official apps, which are free
- official texts list
- IELTS official progress report
- official IELTS Facebook page
- Informational IELTS publication
4. View some specialized YouTube channels and blogs
There are several expert (an "expert") YouTube channels, podcasts, blogs, and Facebook pages covering the IELTS method. Many of them are a wealth of knowledge!
Naturally, you shouldn't put too much faith in unreliable sources. Keep in mind that the IELTS is modified and updated essentially every year. A blog post or YouTube video that is more than a couple of years old is most likely no longer relevant. However, unapproved web groups can provide you with information that the exam board cannot, such as the viewpoint of other test-takers.
1) Unofficial IELTS resources are free.
2) IELTS For test takers aiming for the upper IELTS bands—7 and above.
3) Liz is a blogger. She even makes predictions about potential discussion topics based on the content of last year's exams. However, nothing is ever guaranteed to happen, so proceed with caution.
4) Fastrack Asiya, who successfully scored an 8.5 on the IELTS to go to London, runs the IELTS YouTube channel. She provides specific advice that she used to succeed as well as information on the test's structure. Test takers can interact on the IELTS Reddit thread.
5) A free YouTube course called IELTS Full Course 2020. IELTS test takers can listen to the podcast All Ears English.
6) Another one is the IELTS podcast, which also offers a blog with advice. Facebook group for HowToDoIELTS. Find IELTS-based content in the online groups you already frequent. Exam preppers hang out on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, Spotify, and YouTube wherever there is WiFi.
5. Locate a private tutor
The IELTS preparation process involves many factors. You will save a tonne of time and effort by enrolling in online courses with an IELTS expert coach if you are able to. You won't have to struggle through textbooks by yourself or try to piece together trustworthy advice from multiple websites and Reddit discussions if you use EduStar to connect with a helpful expert. You'll receive individualized guidance from a qualified expert who has helped dozens of students succeed on the IELTS test!
Your tutor will grade your practice examinations and assist you in selecting the portions that need the most work. Don't undervalue how motivating this can be because they'll also want you to succeed and will cheer you on.
An IELTS expert tutor is more affordable than you might imagine on EduStar. In the long run, they might even end up saving you money. A few sessions with an excellent coach could mean the difference between having to repeat the exam and not.
Check EduStar's tutor directory for IELTS specialists to see if there are any tutors who fit your schedule and price range.
6. Perform more practice tests than you believe are necessary
Every test requires a different set of skills to be mastered, and the IELTS has a reputation for being particularly challenging. Long before you feel fully prepared, you should start taking tests on a regular basis in your study schedule.
You'll need to develop some abilities for the IELTS that can only be done through practice exams. Time pressure is, in Asiya's words from Fasttrack IELTS, "the hardest problem of the IELTS exam." You'll need to develop your speed of thought and strategic planning because there is a lot to cover in those 212 hours. For instance, the first writing assignment requires you to write 150 words in roughly 20 minutes. You can only imagine what it feels and looks like to write 150 words in 20 minutes.
A high mark on the test necessitates work in more areas than just the writing component. Multitasking is essential for the exam's hearing component, according to Kaplan. You must have the ability to listen while responding to inquiries and taking notes. You can hone this skill by taking some IELTS listening tests.
In the weeks leading up to the test, try to take at least one of each skill test. You will improve your pace and strategy by regularly attempting all portions. Ask a tutor to grade your exam papers if you can, and discuss any areas where you might need to improve.
Find a lot of practice exams for the exam board you wish to prepare for. Put them in your study schedule.
7. Establish a study routine and follow it!
Regardless of how far in advance you schedule your test, it will be here soon! Having a game plan is vitally necessary to achieving your objectives. Decide on the amount of time you can devote to studying, then schedule those hours on your calendar. For the TOEFL, some tutors advise spending four to five hours per day studying, while others advise spending at least five hours per week.
Unsure of how much time you should or may devote to your textbooks to get the outcomes you desire? Before scheduling a test, schedule a consultation with a qualified tutor to go over the material. They can help you plan for success by giving you advice on a realistic preparation schedule that will ultimately save you time and money.
Since each section of the test is worth the same number of points, you should strive to divide your time between them relatively equally. The British Council offers a one-month study schedule that breaks down each week into a particular test-taking technique.
Look for opportunities to fit studying into your daily schedule as a concrete action item. For instance, you could arrange a half-hour of listening or writing practice after work and an hour of flashcards in the morning with breakfast. Consider the times you set aside for study as appointments with yourself.
4) Fastrack Asiya, who successfully scored an 8.5 on the IELTS to go to London, runs the IELTS YouTube channel. She provides specific advice that she used to succeed as well as information on the test's structure. Test takers can interact on the IELTS Reddit thread.
5) A free YouTube course called IELTS Full Course 2020. IELTS test takers can listen to the podcast All Ears English.
6) Another one is the IELTS podcast, which also offers a blog with advice. Facebook group for HowToDoIELTS. Find IELTS-based content in the online groups you already frequent. Exam preppers hang out on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, Spotify, and YouTube wherever there is WiFi.
5. Locate a private tutor
The IELTS preparation process involves many factors. You will save a tonne of time and effort by enrolling in online courses with an IELTS expert coach if you are able to. You won't have to struggle through textbooks by yourself or try to piece together trustworthy advice from multiple websites and Reddit discussions if you use EduStar to connect with a helpful expert. You'll receive individualized guidance from a qualified expert who has helped dozens of students succeed on the IELTS test!
Your tutor will grade your practice examinations and assist you in selecting the portions that need the most work. Don't undervalue how motivating this can be because they'll also want you to succeed and will cheer you on.
An IELTS expert tutor is more affordable than you might imagine on EduStar. In the long run, they might even end up saving you money. A few sessions with an excellent coach could mean the difference between having to repeat the exam and not.
Check EduStar's tutor directory for IELTS specialists to see if there are any tutors who fit your schedule and price range.
6. Perform more practice tests than you believe are necessary
Every test requires a different set of skills to be mastered, and the IELTS has a reputation for being particularly challenging. Long before you feel fully prepared, you should start taking tests on a regular basis in your study schedule.
You'll need to develop some abilities for the IELTS that can only be done through practice exams. Time pressure is, in Asiya's words from Fasttrack IELTS, "the hardest problem of the IELTS exam." You'll need to develop your speed of thought and strategic planning because there is a lot to cover in those 212 hours. For instance, the first writing assignment requires you to write 150 words in roughly 20 minutes. You can only imagine what it feels and looks like to write 150 words in 20 minutes.
A high mark on the test necessitates work in more areas than just the writing component. Multitasking is essential for the exam's hearing component, according to Kaplan. You must have the ability to listen while responding to inquiries and taking notes. You can hone this skill by taking some IELTS listening tests.
In the weeks leading up to the test, try to take at least one of each skill test. You will improve your pace and strategy by regularly attempting all portions. Ask a tutor to grade your exam papers if you can, and discuss any areas where you might need to improve.
Find a lot of practice exams for the exam board you wish to prepare for. Put them in your study schedule.
7. Establish a study routine and follow it!
Regardless of how far in advance you schedule your test, it will be here soon! Having a game plan is vitally necessary to achieving your objectives. Decide on the amount of time you can devote to studying, then schedule those hours on your calendar. For the TOEFL, some tutors advise spending four to five hours per day studying, while others advise spending at least five hours per week.
Unsure of how much time you should or may devote to your textbooks to get the outcomes you desire? Before scheduling a test, schedule a consultation with a qualified tutor to go over the material. They can help you plan for success by giving you advice on a realistic preparation schedule that will ultimately save you time and money.
Since each section of the test is worth the same number of points, you should strive to divide your time between them relatively equally. The British Council offers a one-month study schedule that breaks down each week into a particular test-taking technique.
Look for opportunities to fit studying into your daily schedule as a concrete action item. For instance, you could arrange a half-hour of listening or writing practice after work and an hour of flashcards in the morning with breakfast. Consider the times you set aside for study as appointments with yourself.
8. Spend as much time as you can in English
We've spent a lot of time discussing test-taking tactics thus far. However, since it is a test of your English language abilities, you should prioritize quickly improving your English. It's likely that your English is already excellent if you're aiming for a 6 or 7, and you're only wanting to expand your vocabulary and refine your syntax.
It's a good idea to think in English as often as you can throughout the day.
You might try:
1) Calling friends or family who speak English a few times a week to practice casual conversation
2) Interacting with more English-speaking people in person or online linguistics of gaming (preferably with a headset, talking to English speakers)
3) watching films and TV shows in English
4) English reading
5) interacting in different languages
6) English podcasts for listening
7) obtaining excellent English YouTubers
8) Changing the phone's language to English
9) reading English news articles
10) Using a few apps that are in English
The best techniques to speak English fluently frequently involve exposure to the language rather than formal study until it becomes second nature.
Find innovative methods to incorporate English into your everyday routine as an action item. Combine active learning strategies with passive ones.
9. Increase vocabulary size
Every language learner is aware that the main challenge to advancing from intermediate to advanced level is frequently building a large, robust vocabulary. Enhancing your vocabulary can also help you advance in all IELTS skills. Your ability to successfully complete the reading and listening sections will be greatly influenced by your vocabulary, which accounts for 25% of the marks in the speaking and writing sections. Check out our article on how to learn more English words for tips on how to increase your overall vocabulary.
Some students attempt to predict the kind of vocabulary that will probably be tested on the IELTS and concentrate their study on it. The exam board implicitly discourages using this risky tactic. The whole purpose of an exam, after all, is that you never know what questions will be asked! However, some subjects do appear to be discussed more frequently than others. There are approximately 10 main subjects that come up more frequently than others, according to IELTS Advantage. Test takers share current question themes on blogs like HowToDoIELTS to aid other students. IELTS Liz provides predictions about the types of questions she thinks will be on the test. After taking lots of practice quizzes, you might recognize trends for yourself!
Predictions about any topic should not be relied upon. The vocabulary will alter depending on whether you are taking the IELTS Academic or the IELTS General Training, that much is certain. You should roughly concentrate on either academic English media (such as journal articles or textbooks) or English for daily use, depending on whatever version you're studying (ie. newspapers, magazines, and business websites).
Get a notepad if you don't already have one to record new words you encounter while reading, listening to, or watching English-language media. Every new word helps, so try to keep it with you at all times when you're studying. Every few days, add the most helpful terms to a flashcard app so you can rapidly study them while you're on the go.
We've spent a lot of time discussing test-taking tactics thus far. However, since it is a test of your English language abilities, you should prioritize quickly improving your English. It's likely that your English is already excellent if you're aiming for a 6 or 7, and you're only wanting to expand your vocabulary and refine your syntax.
It's a good idea to think in English as often as you can throughout the day.
You might try:
1) Calling friends or family who speak English a few times a week to practice casual conversation
2) Interacting with more English-speaking people in person or online linguistics of gaming (preferably with a headset, talking to English speakers)
3) watching films and TV shows in English
4) English reading
5) interacting in different languages
6) English podcasts for listening
7) obtaining excellent English YouTubers
8) Changing the phone's language to English
9) reading English news articles
10) Using a few apps that are in English
The best techniques to speak English fluently frequently involve exposure to the language rather than formal study until it becomes second nature.
Find innovative methods to incorporate English into your everyday routine as an action item. Combine active learning strategies with passive ones.
9. Increase vocabulary size
Every language learner is aware that the main challenge to advancing from intermediate to advanced level is frequently building a large, robust vocabulary. Enhancing your vocabulary can also help you advance in all IELTS skills. Your ability to successfully complete the reading and listening sections will be greatly influenced by your vocabulary, which accounts for 25% of the marks in the speaking and writing sections. Check out our article on how to learn more English words for tips on how to increase your overall vocabulary.
Some students attempt to predict the kind of vocabulary that will probably be tested on the IELTS and concentrate their study on it. The exam board implicitly discourages using this risky tactic. The whole purpose of an exam, after all, is that you never know what questions will be asked! However, some subjects do appear to be discussed more frequently than others. There are approximately 10 main subjects that come up more frequently than others, according to IELTS Advantage. Test takers share current question themes on blogs like HowToDoIELTS to aid other students. IELTS Liz provides predictions about the types of questions she thinks will be on the test. After taking lots of practice quizzes, you might recognize trends for yourself!
Predictions about any topic should not be relied upon. The vocabulary will alter depending on whether you are taking the IELTS Academic or the IELTS General Training, that much is certain. You should roughly concentrate on either academic English media (such as journal articles or textbooks) or English for daily use, depending on whatever version you're studying (ie. newspapers, magazines, and business websites).
Get a notepad if you don't already have one to record new words you encounter while reading, listening to, or watching English-language media. Every new word helps, so try to keep it with you at all times when you're studying. Every few days, add the most helpful terms to a flashcard app so you can rapidly study them while you're on the go.
10. Create a test day strategy
The truly terrifying aspect of any test is that, regardless of how well you prepare beforehand, how you feel on test day will ultimately determine how well you do. To succeed on an exam, you must be in the right frame of mind. You will recall from school all the broad guidelines for handling the logistics before an exam, and they still hold true:
1) How are you traveling to the location of the test? If you can, conduct a trial run to ensure that you can arrive early.
2) What should you bring? Bring your ID without a doubt; it must match the one you gave on your IELTS application. A water bottle and a snack immediately before the test might also be helpful. Keep in mind that you cannot bring a watch!
3) Will you review your notes before the test? Alternatively, take a few breaths?
4) What will you consume before the exam? A substantial breakfast to fuel your day? Or perhaps something light to avoid feeling too heavy?
5) Do you plan to consume more caffeine than usual? Perhaps something to help you relax? If you consume too much coffee, keep in mind that you might need to leave the exam room to use the restroom.
6) How will you dress? You must feel cozy and not too hot or cold. Keep in mind that a picture of you will be taken before the test. Don't come in pj's if the thought makes you feel uneasy!
In regards to test day, both official sources and those who have taken the IELTS themselves have a tonne of excellent tips to share. You should warm-up for your speaking test as though you were ready to run a race, advises a piece on the British Council's IELTS blog. "All of my students should warm-up for the IELTS test by speaking only English for at least 24 hours before the test," says one professor.
Since registration takes a while and there is frequently some transition time between exam portions, Asiya of Fasttrack IELTS advises that you should plan on spending about four hours in the testing facility. Nice to know, huh? You will feel better prepared as you envision exam day and read accounts of what to anticipate.
Write a timed plan for the exam day on a post-it note and place it where you can see it as an action item. Wake up at 7, have porridge and a banana at 7:30, then review your flashcards at 7:45.
A quick postscript
The statement that a high IELTS score can alter your life is not hyperbole. It will open up a world of chances for relocation, education, and employment that are exclusively open to English speakers. You will receive the help you need to succeed in IELTS through one-on-one online classes with a tutor who specializes in the test. Paying for help from a professional who has taken the IELTS test and experienced everything it has to offer may turn out to be the best choice you ever make for your future.
In either case, you may relax knowing that in 2022 thousands of people each year succeed in their IELTS ambitions! Your IELTS objectives are attainable if you diligently and strategically study.
For additional information about Immigration Services in Jalandhar contact us now via 098886-94947 or mail us at edustargroup@gmail.com.
The truly terrifying aspect of any test is that, regardless of how well you prepare beforehand, how you feel on test day will ultimately determine how well you do. To succeed on an exam, you must be in the right frame of mind. You will recall from school all the broad guidelines for handling the logistics before an exam, and they still hold true:
1) How are you traveling to the location of the test? If you can, conduct a trial run to ensure that you can arrive early.
2) What should you bring? Bring your ID without a doubt; it must match the one you gave on your IELTS application. A water bottle and a snack immediately before the test might also be helpful. Keep in mind that you cannot bring a watch!
3) Will you review your notes before the test? Alternatively, take a few breaths?
4) What will you consume before the exam? A substantial breakfast to fuel your day? Or perhaps something light to avoid feeling too heavy?
5) Do you plan to consume more caffeine than usual? Perhaps something to help you relax? If you consume too much coffee, keep in mind that you might need to leave the exam room to use the restroom.
6) How will you dress? You must feel cozy and not too hot or cold. Keep in mind that a picture of you will be taken before the test. Don't come in pj's if the thought makes you feel uneasy!
In regards to test day, both official sources and those who have taken the IELTS themselves have a tonne of excellent tips to share. You should warm-up for your speaking test as though you were ready to run a race, advises a piece on the British Council's IELTS blog. "All of my students should warm-up for the IELTS test by speaking only English for at least 24 hours before the test," says one professor.
Since registration takes a while and there is frequently some transition time between exam portions, Asiya of Fasttrack IELTS advises that you should plan on spending about four hours in the testing facility. Nice to know, huh? You will feel better prepared as you envision exam day and read accounts of what to anticipate.
Write a timed plan for the exam day on a post-it note and place it where you can see it as an action item. Wake up at 7, have porridge and a banana at 7:30, then review your flashcards at 7:45.
A quick postscript
The statement that a high IELTS score can alter your life is not hyperbole. It will open up a world of chances for relocation, education, and employment that are exclusively open to English speakers. You will receive the help you need to succeed in IELTS through one-on-one online classes with a tutor who specializes in the test. Paying for help from a professional who has taken the IELTS test and experienced everything it has to offer may turn out to be the best choice you ever make for your future.
In either case, you may relax knowing that in 2022 thousands of people each year succeed in their IELTS ambitions! Your IELTS objectives are attainable if you diligently and strategically study.
For additional information about Immigration Services in Jalandhar contact us now via 098886-94947 or mail us at edustargroup@gmail.com.
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