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Prepare for IELTS with these 6 easy steps

by IDP IELTS India 20 Jan, 2021

Have you been planning to take your IELTS test and don’t know where to start from? Here are 6 easy steps that’ll help you start off right with your preparations.

Step 1: Pick the right IELTS test for you

Your IELTS test will depend on whether you plan to work, study or migrate to an English-speaking country. You need to take the IELTS Academic test if you are planning to study in higher education or seek professional registration in an English-speaking country. On the other hand, if you plan to study in higher education, seek vocational training or want to migrate to Australia, New Zealand, Canada or the UK you need to take the IELTS General Training.

Exclusively for UK, IELTS Life Skills is required if you need to:

  • Apply for a family of settled person visa
  • Apply for an extension to a family, spouse of partner visa
  • Apply for indefinite leave to remain or citizenship
  • Study at undergraduate or postgraduate levels in the UK
  • Apply for professional registration in the UK

Step 2: Get familiar with the test

Once you’re down to the IELTS test which suits your requirements, you need to familiarize yourself with the test which includes question types, test pattern by practicing mock IELTS test. You need to understand what IELTS is, the skills that are tested, and what the IELTS results mean.

Step 3: Get to know each question type

Both the IELTS Academic and General Training tests are made up of 4 test sections- Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. The question type varies with each section since different skills are tested with each section. Practicing of mock tests is highly recommended since it’ll help you get familiar with the question types and time allotted for each section.

Step 4: Understanding Band Score

Your IELTS results are given out as band scores, with scale from minimum band 0 to a maximum band of 9. Each band score corresponds to a level of competence in English. You will receive an overall band score as well as an individual band score for each section of the test. Band scores are reported in whole and half bands, e.g. 5.0, 7.5. Understanding the marking criteria helps you prepare in a more systematic way, hence the understanding is quite important.

Step 5: Self-study and set goals

The self-study is the key to ace the test when done the right way and with determination. It can be done by setting some realistic goals with proper knowledge around IELTS and in an organized way. In addition to that, practising english daily hold the potential of making a big difference. Instilling habits like reading an english newspaper, writing a letter to a friend, conversing with people around you in english or watching English-speaking movies can make a big difference.

Step 6: Prepare yourself for the test day

To calm your pre-test nerves, here are some following things you can keep in mind to prepare right for the test day-

  • Arrive early to make sure you have enough time for the registration and seating process
  • Check-in your personal belongings such your electronic gadgets, books and notes at the allotted place at the test center
  • Make sure you carry identification card and required documents if needed

These 6 steps, if followed properly will help prepare you better and boost your confidence.

All the best!