Top Tips & Tricks for Taking the IELTS

If English is not your native language and you’d like to study a degree abroad in English, you’ll have to take an International English Language Test (IELTS) test.

The IELTS, or International English Language Testing System, is a crucial hurdle for many students and professionals seeking opportunities abroad. It assesses your English language proficiency across four key areas: Reading, Listening, Writing, and Speaking. Acing the IELTS requires dedication, practice, and strategic preparation. Here, we unveil some top tips and tricks to help you conquer the IELTS and achieve your desired score.

Master the Test Format:

Familiarize Yourself: Download official IELTS materials and practice tests from the British Council or IDP websites. Understand the question types and task requirements for each section.
Time Management: Practice managing your time effectively during practice tests. Each section has a strict time limit, so develop strategies to complete tasks within the allotted time.
Develop Test-Taking Techniques: Learn effective test-taking strategies like skimming for key information, identifying synonyms, and managing anxiety.

Before test day – some helpful IELTS tips

Preparing for the IELTS exam requires careful planning and consistent practice. Here are detailed tips to help you get ready before the test day:

Identify Your Strengths and Weaknesses

Why It’s Important: Knowing your strengths and weaknesses allows you to focus your study efforts where they are most needed, making your preparation more efficient and effective.

How to Do It:

Take a Diagnostic Test: Start by taking a full-length practice test to identify which sections (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking) you are good at and which ones need improvement.
Self-Assessment: Reflect on past experiences with English. Do you struggle more with writing essays or understanding spoken English?
Seek Feedback: If possible, get feedback from teachers or peers on your performance in different areas.

Example: You may realize that you excel in Reading but need to work on your Writing skills. This will help you allocate more time to practice writing essays and less on reading comprehension.

Have a Study Plan

Why It’s Important: A study plan helps you organize your study sessions, ensuring that you cover all the necessary material and practice adequately.

How to Do It:

Set Goals: Determine what score you need to achieve and break down your preparation into manageable tasks.
Schedule: Create a weekly schedule that includes specific times for studying different sections of the test.
Balance: Ensure your study plan balances all four sections of the IELTS exam.

Example: Your study plan might include practicing Listening on Mondays and Wednesdays, Reading on Tuesdays and Thursdays, Writing on Fridays, and Speaking on Saturdays.

Study the Material

Why It’s Important: Understanding the test format and types of questions you will encounter is crucial for effective preparation.

How to Do It:

Official Study Guides: Use official IELTS preparation books and materials which provide accurate practice questions and explanations.
Online Resources: Utilize online resources like sample questions, practice tests, and video tutorials.
Courses: Enroll in an IELTS preparation course if you prefer structured learning.

Example: Spend time studying sample essays and high-scoring responses to understand what examiners are looking for in the Writing section.

Practice Until You Feel Confident

Why It’s Important: Confidence comes from familiarity and repeated practice, reducing test-day anxiety.

How to Do It:

Daily Practice: Make practicing a daily habit to build and retain your skills.
Simulate Test Conditions: Practice in a quiet environment similar to test conditions to get used to the setting.
Variety of Questions: Expose yourself to a wide range of questions and topics to be well-prepared for anything.

Example: If you struggle with the Listening section, practice with various English audio sources like podcasts, news, and movies to improve your comprehension skills.

Practice Under Time Pressure

Why It’s Important: The IELTS exam is timed, so practicing under time constraints helps you manage your time effectively during the actual test.

How to Do It:

Timed Tests: Take full-length practice tests with a timer to simulate the exam experience.
Pacing: Learn to pace yourself by allocating specific times for each question or section.
Speed vs. Accuracy: Balance speed and accuracy to ensure you complete each section within the allotted time.

Example: For the Reading section, practice skimming and scanning techniques to quickly find answers without reading every word in the passages.

Check Out the Official IELTS Website

Why It’s Important: The official IELTS website provides up-to-date information about the test, including format changes, tips, and official practice materials.

How to Do It:

Information: Familiarize yourself with test dates, registration details, and test center locations.
Resources: Utilize free resources, including practice questions, test day advice, and preparation tips.
Updates: Stay informed about any changes or updates to the test format or scoring criteria.

Example: Download and print the official IELTS practice tests from the website and use them to benchmark your progress.

Check the Location of the Exam

Why It’s Important: Knowing the test location in advance helps reduce stress and ensures you arrive on time.

How to Do It:

Visit the Location: If possible, visit the test center a few days before the exam to familiarize yourself with the route and travel time.
Plan Your Journey: Plan how you will get to the test center, considering factors like traffic, parking, and public transportation.
Arrival Time: Aim to arrive at least 30 minutes before the test to allow time for check-in and any unforeseen delays.

Example: If your test center is located in a busy area, plan to leave home early to avoid traffic and ensure you have enough time to find parking.

Test day – some helpful IELTS tips

When test day arrives, it’s crucial to be well-prepared and in the right frame of mind to maximize your performance.

Here are some helpful tips to ensure you are ready for the IELTS exam:

Get a Good Night’s Sleep

Why It’s Important: A well-rested mind performs better in terms of concentration, memory, and cognitive function.

How to Do It:

Establish a Routine: Go to bed at a regular time each night leading up to the exam to ensure your body is used to sleeping at that hour.
Avoid Stimulants: Stay away from caffeine or heavy meals in the evening that might disrupt your sleep.
Relaxation Techniques: Practice relaxation techniques like reading a book or meditation to help you fall asleep.

Example: Avoid studying late into the night before the exam. Instead, ensure you are in bed by 10 PM to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep.

Eat Breakfast

Why It’s Important: A nutritious breakfast fuels your brain and body, ensuring you have the energy and focus needed for the test.

How to Do It:

Balanced Meal: Choose a breakfast that includes proteins, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates.
Hydration: Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
Avoid Sugar Spikes: Avoid sugary cereals or pastries that can lead to a mid-morning energy crash.

Example: A good breakfast might include oatmeal with fruits and nuts, a piece of whole-grain toast with avocado, and a glass of water or herbal tea.

Wear Comfortable Clothes

Why It’s Important: Comfortable clothing helps you stay focused and relaxed during the exam, which can be quite lengthy.

How to Do It:

Layers: Wear layers so you can adjust your clothing according to the temperature of the exam hall.
Non-Restrictive Clothing: Choose clothes that allow free movement and are not tight or uncomfortable.
Familiar Outfit: Wear something you have worn before and feel good in, to avoid any distractions.

Example: Opt for a soft, breathable t-shirt, comfortable jeans or sweatpants, and a lightweight jacket or sweater that you can remove if you get too warm.

Take a Soda to the Exam Hall

Why It’s Important: A soda can provide a quick energy boost if you start feeling tired or sluggish during the test.

How to Do It:

Caffeine Option: Choose a soda with caffeine if you need a pick-me-up.
Moderation: Don’t rely solely on soda; it should be part of a balanced approach to maintaining energy levels.
Non-Spill: Consider a small bottle with a resealable cap to avoid spills.

Example: Bring a small bottle of soda to drink during the break if you feel your energy levels dropping. Remember to balance it with water to stay hydrated.

Pay Attention to Spelling & Punctuation

Why It’s Important: Correct spelling and punctuation are crucial, particularly in the Writing and Listening sections, as errors can cost you marks.

How to Do It:

Review Your Work: Always allocate a few minutes to review your answers and correct any spelling or punctuation mistakes.
Practice: Regularly practice writing under timed conditions to improve accuracy and speed.
Familiarity with Common Errors: Be aware of common spelling mistakes and punctuation rules.

Example: In the Writing section, double-check your essay for spelling errors, and ensure you have used periods, commas, and other punctuation marks correctly.

Pay Attention to the Word Limits

Why It’s Important: Adhering to word limits demonstrates your ability to write concisely and stay within the given guidelines, which is a key part of the Writing section assessment.

How to Do It:

Plan Your Writing: Spend a few minutes planning your essay to ensure your content fits within the word limit.
Practice: Regularly write practice essays with a word limit to get a sense of how much content you can fit within the constraints.
Count Your Words: Develop a habit of estimating word count to ensure you are within the limits.

Example: For the Writing Task 1, aim to write at least 150 words but no more than 170 to stay within the recommended range. For Task 2, ensure you write at least 250 words but avoid going significantly beyond 280.

Top Tips & Tricks for Taking the IELTS