Prepping for any test requires strategy catered specifically for it. Language tests like any other requires significant strategising to ace. The information available can be overwhelming. You want to do it right, take the right measures, and fight the exam-day jitters. Preparation starts from deciding to take the test till the big day. Here are four tips to help you craft an effective IELTS preparation strategy. Read on.
Understanding the format
Test formats are the stepping stones you need to start preparing for your strategy. As with IELTS the test are of two types: Academic and General Training. Given that most elements remain same with additional changes implemented in either types. The format boils down to have a listening, speaking, reading, and writing sections.
Familiarising yourself with the format helps you approach the material according to your strength and weaknesses.
Signing up for a course (optional). Taking assistance from a tutor or signing up for a course can be a productive option as well. If you’re more likely to perform better under the tutelage of a professional then a course for IELTS can help you improve your strategy through guidance, and help you progress effectively.
Practice. Practice. Practice
Practice makes a man perfect. Continual practice helps you identify holes and weaknesses and strategise accordingly. For instance, you could be struggling with the writing section, and practicing will help you identify any grammatical errors, or wrong usage in any figure of speeches,etc. Recognising your weaknesses can give you time to work on them and turn your disadvantages into advantages.
For listening
- Listening carefully.
- Taking notes wherever necessary. Jotting down important points can be helpful in answering questions.
- Since the recording is played only once, make sure to focus more on the answers rather than trying to capitulate every little detail.
- Adhering to word limit per question is a good move.
- Make sure to check for grammar and spelling before handing in your test.
For speaking
- Be clear and concise.
- Listen carefully to questions asked and answer directly and clearly.
- Maintain revelvancy, if necessary you may ask the examiner to repeat the question.
- Practice enriching your vocabulary and incorporate it in your answers. Refrain from complex words.
- Read websites, magazines, newspapers, media in english and take note of figure of speeches, or phrases used.
- Focus on grammar, structure, and vocabulary.
- Most importantly, be confident.
For reading
- Reading has the least amount of time allotted so there’s not much room to think but take swift action as soon as you get the question.
- Don’t put time into a quesiton if you’re unable to understand it, move onto the next question and if time permits revisit.
- Take all the details in the question given into account.
- On completion be sure to revise the answers for grammar, spelling, vocabulary, etc.
For writing
- Understand the tasks assigned and mind map the answers. Inspect any diagram, graph or information provided.
- Spare time for each task wisely. Task 2 is longer so make sure you make time for it.
- Write relevant. Try to not put redundant information in your answer. Answers range from 150-250 words so frame your answer well.
- Avoid repetition.
- Write in active voice. Avoid passive voice.
- As always, check for grammar, spelling, tone, etc.
Familiarise with test duration
Often times you might be familiar with pretty much everything; the material, the format, and you’re practicing diligently but you might be at loss for some time. Time is a crucial factor that for any strategy. The test duration is a total of 2 hours and 45 minutes. When preparing it is important that you see you’re not sparing your time on a passage too long. Given that every section has a stipulated time, this adds more pressure for you to complete on time. Every second matters and you have to make them count.
The break up of the duration are as follows:
Listening – 30 minutes
Academic/General Training Writing – 60 minutes
Acadmic/General Training Reading – 60 minutes
Speaking – 11-14 minutes
Following this, plan your strategy wisely and timely.
Review strategies
At the end of each practice sessions, review your paper and revise the changes you’d like to make or deem appropriate to be made. Make a note to implement those changes on the next practice test. Find out which sections you might be having a hard time on and make changes subsequently. It is best to find a partner, tutor or guide who can assist you through the material and help you along the way. This is quite pertinent for doing well in speaking. Speaking can often be tricky and nerve-wracking, but vocalising and practicing with a friend or tutor will help you make improvements in grammar, pronunciations, etc.
The key to an effective IELTS preparation is preparing well. Not only practicing the test materials but preparing yourself mentally as well. Test day jitters can often be tough to deal with. That is why it is vital to make sure, you rest well. Prepare smart, prepare well.