You need to prove your competency in the English Language to fulfil your study or settle abroad dream and you have decided to appear for the IELTS Test. Now, the question that puts you in a state of a dilemma is – “What about the preparation for the IELTS Test?”
Almost every test taker thinks of this question. You are not the only one. But remember, there are many aspirants who face difficulties in different modules. Some find IELTS Writing to be the toughest module, while for some, it is hard to clear the IELTS Speaking Test. Despite these difficulties, preparing mindfully for the IELTS Exam can prove a lot more beneficial. And, if you are up for hard work, why not maximise your results!
In this blog, we have shared some sure-shot tips for each module that will certainly boost your IELTS Test preparation and also help you ace the test.
IELTS Listening
“What did he say? Oh! I totally missed that.”
Does this sound like you? Are you trying to improve your IELTS Listening Score? If yes, then here are top seven ways that will help you bring fruitful results.
- Switch to the English language i.e. use English as a medium of your entertainment. Listen to Podcasts and News in English. Watch English movies or series. Read English literature and books.
- Practise to read, listen and write at the same time. The audio clips will be played just once in your IELTS Listening Test. So, you need to read the instructions, listen to the audio and pen down your answer simultaneously.
- Pay attention to the word limit mentioned in the instruction. If the instruction demands you to complete your answer in two words, using more than two words will lower your score. For instance, if the answer is ‘woollen jacket’, you must not write ‘jacket made of wool’.
- Try to anticipate what the speaker will say. Learn to identify the synonyms and paraphrasing that a speaker uses. This will help you locate correct answers easily.
- Keep a check on Spelling and Grammar. Make effective use of an extra 10 minutes given to you to transfer your answers onto the answer sheet. Double-check your answers in this time.
- Be careful while selecting the options in Multiple Choice Questions. Let the speaker finish talking about the question. Then, you can decide which option fits in better.
- Don’t panic if you find the topic too difficult to understand. If you don’t find the answer to one question, don’t waste time. Move on to the next question.
IELTS Reading
Many aspirants find IELTS Reading section the hardest among all the four modules. It is true that you need to be very fast while attempting the reading modules. Also, it requires a lot of concentration.
But, there are things that can help you do better at IELTS Reading Test. Here are our top 7 tips to help you.
- Skimming and Scanning is a key component to score high in IELTS Reading. You must be able to skim and scan the passages well. Knowing this skill helps you locate the information easily and answer properly.
- It is a time-based test. So, it is crucial to develop Speed Reading skill in order to find out the answers quickly.
- Don’t waste time in understanding the complete passage. Most questions test your ability to comprehend the specific information. Only question types like Matching Headings and Choosing a Title requires a detailed understanding of the passage.
- Each question will comprise of a keyword. Learn to recognize the keywords and spot the answers.
- For question types like Summary/Sentence Completion, it is important that your sentence is grammatically correct. So, learn the proper use of Grammar.
- Don’t panic if you come across some unknown words in the passage. Thus, while practising at home, you must spot new words, learn their meaning and try to use them wherever possible. In this way, you can expand your Vocabulary.
- Read as much as you can. This will help you improve your understanding of texts. Also, you can find online IELTS Reading practice tests to familiarize yourself with different question types.
IELTS Writing
For many aspirants, IELTS Writing Test is the toughest of all the four modules. To help them out, we have listed some proven strategies that will certainly benefit to improve the writing score.
- Pay attention to the word count for both the tasks. Remember, you must write at least 150 words for Task 1 and 250 words for Task 2. Writing less than the specific word limit can lower your score.
- Don’t waste time counting each word. Learn to recognize the word count as per your handwriting on the answer sheet. For this, you can practice writing on the original answer sheet.
- Learn to manage time. You will be given 60 minutes for your Writing test. It is advisable that you spend 20 minutes on Task 1 and 40 minutes on Task 2.
- You must write your answers in complete sentences. Writing in the form of notes or bullet points is not allowed.
- Analyse the question, plan your answer and then start writing your letter/report/essay.
- Use paragraphs to present your ideas clearly. Avoid repetition of words. Instead, use synonyms and paraphrasing.
- Stick to the topic strictly. Do not write content irrelevant to the subject.
IELTS Speaking
If you are unsure of how to achieve the best score in IELTS Speaking test, here are the tips that will prove beneficial for you.
- Understand the timing and scoring pattern of IELTS Speaking test
- Relax and be confident while speaking
- Try to be as fluent and spontaneous as possible
- Don’t speak prepared answers
- Develop intonation to make your conversation more interesting
- Ask the examiner to repeat himself/herself if you don’t understand the question
- Practise speaking in English with your friends, relatives and colleagues. You can even practise at home and record yourself to identify your flaws.
To achieve success in IELTS Test, it is essential to do adequate preparation. So, if you haven’t started yet, these important tips and strategies will certainly help you ace the IELTS Exam. For further guidance and assistance from experts, you can also enrol in IELTS Coaching Classes in Nepal. The expert and certified trainers are always happy to help you achieve your desired score.
Author Bio:
IELTS Tutorials is an online IELTS Test preparation portal that aims at helping the aspirants prepare for their IELTS Exam in a flexible and better way.