IELTS Preparation: The Ultimate Guide

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IELTS Exam

The full form of IELTS is The International English Language Testing System. It is an English language exam where test-takers aim to get the necessary band score in each of the four language skills: speaking, listening, reading, and writing.

IELTS exam preparation is important for those aspiring to shift to a country where English is the dominant language to work, study, or move. Universities and businesses in many nations, including Australia, Canada, Ireland, the USA, the UK, and New Zealand, recognize IELTS.

How to Start IELTS Preparation

IELTS preparation can be done in one of two ways: self-study or coaching sessions. Your comfort level and language expertise will determine which approach to take. If you speak English well, you can study for the

IELTS exam independently and skip the coaching sessions. Self-study is also preferable if cost is a major factor. Ensure that you have access to the most recent

IELTS exam preparation material.

I am sharing a tried-and-tested approach to begin the IELTS exam preparation below.

  • Get familiar with the exam’s format
  • Know the marking methodology
  • Join an IELTS coaching center (optional)
  • Draft an action plan as per the exam’s format
  • Start reading books in the English language
  • Focus on acquiring IELTS skills
  • Practice the previous year’s IELTS exam paper
  • Evaluate preparation progress
  • Register for the IELTS exam

Core Areas of IELTS Preparation

First, I realized that students and professionals pressure themselves when they begin IELTS exam preparation.

As they want to achieve a high band score on the first attempt, they go through everything available at a hand’s reach.

Hold on. Though it seems simple, understanding the IELTS exam may take months or cost hefty fees at an IELTS course.

Based on personal experience, IELTS aspirants should concentrate on the following critical areas for development:

  • Understand the IELTS exam format
  • Gain command over the English language
  • Test IELTS skills
  • Figure out the IELTS scoring pattern

Action Plan for IELTS Exam Preparation

1.Understand the IELTS Exam Format

Types of IELTS Exams

a. IELTS Academic (A): Devised for students to enroll in colleges and universities and for professionals such as nurses and engineers who want to work in English-speaking nations.

b. IELTS General Training (GT): Created for people seeking non-academic training or for immigration-related reasons.

IELTS Exam Format

The IELTS exam is divided into four sections:

a.Listening

b.Reading (Academic / General training)

c.Writing (Academic / General training)

d.Speaking

Section Name LISTENING READING WRITING SPEAKING
Number of Sub-sections 4 3 - 3
Number of Questions 40 40 2 -
Time Limit 30 minutes 60 minutes 60 minutes 11-14 minutes

2.Gain Command Over the English Language

IELTS is essentially an English language test, so the more proficient you are at it, the higher your score will be.

However, studying IELTS skills and taking practice tests won’t be sufficient for a high score on the exam. You should also:

  • Read books in English aloud to polish your pronunciation.
  • Strengthen your vocabulary.
  • Focus on grammar.
  • Watch videos in the English language.

Meanwhile, if your level of English is not good enough, put in plenty of extra hours to master it.

3. Test Language Skills

The IELTS exam has four sections, as discussed. Each section contains a wide range of possible questions which requires the development of a specific skill.

In the IELTS writing section, for example, examinees must write answers in a formal style. To answer a question, you must describe or explain information in your own words.

Another question prompts the presentation of an argument or perspective. Simultaneously, the reading section contains ten types of questions, each assessing a different skill.

Pronunciation is evaluated alongside other criteria in the listening and speaking sections.

4. Figure Out the IELTS Scoring Pattern

IELTS is intended to evaluate all levels of English language proficiency. IELTS results are given on a scale of 1 to 9 for each skill, and an overall band score is also given.

In each section of the exam, you can earn full bands (for example, 5.0, 6.0) or half bands (such as 5.5, 6.5).

The band scores from the four sections will be added to calculate your final IELTS band score.

An IELTS band score is valid for two years from the time of announcement.

Conclusion

A major factor that prevents many aspirants from passing the IELTS exam is the ‘lack of enough preparation’.

It is beneficial to get professional help to realize this overseas ambition. Speak to experts at Proventus to get better insights on IELTS exam preparation.

They will guide you to make the right decision by reflecting on factors such as professional goal, personal ambition, personality, financial stability, and background.

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