The International English Language Testing System is more known as IELTS. It is the world’s most popular English language skill test. The purpose of this is to test the candidate’s ability to handle the English language. Candidates are those who want to study or work where English is the primary language. The IELTS test result is also important for immigration purposes. IELTS tests a candidate in four skills. Listening, reading, writing, and speaking. Proper preparation will help you get your desired score. There are preparations before the test day and there are also preparations to do on the test day itself.
Before the test
- Strengths and weaknesses
Identify your weaknesses and work on them to make sure it will not affect your total score in a negative way. If you are a slow reader, you should give more focus on the reading test.
- Study plan
It is better to make a plan before you study for the IELTS test. A study plan made based on your areas of strengths and weaknesses will be great.
- Test material
You should attend an IELTS preparation course as much as possible. It will provide you with the IELTS material which you could review. Tips and tricks are also given to attendees. You can also hire a qualified private teacher.
- Confidence
Your self-confidence increases as you practice. Look for a friend whom you can practice speaking English with. You can practice reading by skimming English magazines and newspapers. An along with the texts can help you understand them more. Watching movies in the English language will also help. Surround yourself with news and songs in the English language. This will improve your listening skills.
- Time pressure
The exam will take 2 hours and 45 minutes. Try to test yourself at the same time limit. This will let you know how it feels to take the test. You can manage your time better as you practice more often.
- Official IELTS website
The best source of information for IELTS candidates is the official IELTS website. Rules and regulations of the test are usually posted there. As well as the test format. You can also find useful IELTS exam tips and materials. Such as books, tests, and videos.
- Location
Make sure you know where the IELTS test center is before the test day. Try to go there at least once so you can be sure you know how to go there. It will ensure that you arrive on time on the test day.
Test day
- Enough sleep
Tiredness affects one’s ability to concentrate. You should get proper rest, especially the night before the IELTS test.
- Breakfast
Your brain will not function when you are hungry. All you could think of is your hunger. So do not skip your breakfast.
- Comfortable clothes
Inappropriate clothes can sometimes be distracting. Wear proper clothes so you can concentrate more on the test. The test room might be cold or warm so you better prepare yourself for both conditions.
- A bottle of soda
Examinees can bring in a transparent bottle of water, pencil, eraser, and passport to the exam hall. You can bring a bottle of soda instead of water because it contains caffeine and sugar. This will help keep your awareness and blood sugar high.
- Spelling and punctuation
These are very important in the entire test. You will lose points if you have misspelled answers or if you misuse punctuation marks.
- Word limits
There are word limits in the test. Make sure you meet those so you do not lose marks.
Skim the questions on the listening test before you listen to the recordings. Skip questions you cannot answer because time is very important. Be confident and relaxed. Do your best so you can pass the test.
