Everything you need to know about IELTS
IELTS is an international test for the English language which helps you to study, work and migrate in a country where English is used as the foremost language. The IELTS exam mainly measures the ability of an individual in four different modules i.e. Listening, Reading, Writing, and speaking. This test is conducted jointly by the British Council, Cambridge, and IDP. IELTS is an English proficiency and language assessment test giving band scores between 1 to 9 according to your achievement. There are scores of international universities that accept this test which is why it is so important. But simply doing IELTS practice is not sufficient to improve your English and score well on your IELTS exam. You must be aware of all the steps and techniques mentioned below for IELTS preparation.
A complete guide to the IELTS Preparation in 2023
- Understand the test format :- Firstly, Choose an IELTS module as per your requirement to move abroad. If you are going to enroll in any university for graduation and postgraduation then you can prepare for the IELTS academic. On the other hand, if you want to immigrate for work and business purposes then you can appear for IELTS GT.
Now let’s discuss the format of both tests. In the test format, there are four sections in each test i.e. Listening, Reading, Writing, and speaking. Listening and Speaking modules are totally the same in the two tests. But there is a difference between reading and Writing
- Beware of time constraints
Do you know the basics of time constraints in IELTS? If No, then let's go through it because it is so vital to prepare yourself for all the modules.
- If we talk about the Listening part then you will be allowed to do 40 questions in 40 minutes (30 min. + 10 min. transfer time).
- In the Reading section, there is a 60-minute duration for the same 40 questions.
- The Speaking part varies between 11-14 minutes depending on the examiner and this time is divided into three parts.
- The Writing section consists of 60 minutes in both GT and IELTS for Task 1 and Task 2. Task 1 is 20 minutes and task 2 is 40 minutes. (But remember the format is different for both as we discussed above.)
- Develop a habit of reading
When it comes to reading, there is no substitute for it. You can only improve it through regular practice. There are hundreds and even thousands of resources available on the internet to practice. I personally recommend that you should develop a habit of reading something every day that is very beneficial to your IELTS exam e.g. newspapers, Magazines, Blogs, and news. If you do it on a regular basis, then it will boost your vocabulary skills as well.
- Error-free sentences with appropriate words in writing
This is the most common topic you might see everywhere. Writing is important and using meaningful words to make it clear and eye-catching. But very less describes how?
IELTS - ACADEMICS
Task 1 is basically on data interpretation where you write at least 150 words by selecting the main features and comparison of the given question. In this question type, you must know about synonyms of inserting data i.e. increasing, decreasing, and comparison. Because using similar words at the same time will make your writing boring.
Task 2 is actually about the type and theme of the essay. It generally figures out your opinion and point of view. For this, you require a lot of practice to generate ideas instantly on a given topic and the vocabulary related to that. Suppose you are writing on an Environment topic then you can insert words like deforestation, extinction, pollution, and climate change. Additionally, linking phrases and words is more important to organize this logically.
IELTS - GT (General Training)
In Task 1 you will be given bullet points on which behalf you can write a letter to address something. For writing task 1 you should be aware of a clear format to present your message efficiently. Task 2 is almost the same as per the IELTS Academic. Task 2 includes planning, idea generation, introduction, body paragraph, and conclusion.
- Know how the test is assessed
After understanding the test format, understand the assessment criteria used in IELTS to provide your band score. Assessments are really required to identify one’s weaknesses and to know the improvement part. If you don’t know about your weaknesses and strengths then you have no idea where you are going.
The IELTS listening test is used to assess your listening abilities. There is one important thing to remember in this i.e. YOLO (you only listen once). So please don't wait too long to hear.
The IELTS speaking test is used to assess various skills e.g. fluency, grammar, and vocabulary. Try to communicate naturally and practice a range of familiar topics e.g. work, home, family, and studies.
- Make a plan of action
Planning before appearing for an exam is key to effective preparation, especially in IELTS. Having thousands of resources at one part is beneficial but on the other hand bifurcation of useful information from those is very complex. So just make your own strategy because every individual has a different thought process. Set realistic goals and plan of action to ensure a high band score in the IELTS exam.
- Practice to perfect your skills
Practice is basically a way of doing something in a perfect way. There are a lot of misleading tests available online and offline to earn some sort of money. So beware of that and understand the real format. Do the practice from trustworthy and reliable sources to score high. As I discussed above, everyone has different approaches to doing exams. So don't be afraid and take your time. Each module of the IELTS exam is totally different, make sure to understand what is expected in this test.
- Check your progress
Some of you may have heard that one cleared the IELTS test in only one month and the other one took 2 to 3 months for the same. But there is no comparison between the two. Every individual is different and all have different perspectives, strategies, and ideas. Just maintain your focus, address your weaknesses, and be a master of them.
- Register for the test
After all these steps now it’s time to select your test and be ready to take the IELTS exam. We have scores of seminars and videos available to guide you on how to register yourself for the exam. The cost of an IELTS academic and GT is totally the same i.e. 15,500 INR. Don’t take this step lightly, because it is a very necessary step to check the availability of the test as per your prime location.
Finally, this is the complete guide designed for IELTS aspirants (beginner to advance). The reason behind designing is to understand every key point of IELTS preparation which is why hundreds out of thousands will fail by ignoring these essential points. So don’t waste money and analyze yourself once before giving an exam. But how? Nowadays there are a lot of methods to examine you and one we designed for you is a Reality Test. Is it interesting? Yes, the Reality test at different locations gives you a complete exam environment to assess yourself in a great way. So what are you thinking about? Pick up your phone, call, or write to us at western overseas. Our team will assist you in all academic modules and visa enquiries.