What is IELTS?
IELTS stands for the International English Language Testing System. It is a standardised English language test of the English language proficiency for non-native English language speakers. The test was initially designed in 1989 by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia, and Cambridge Assessment English to assess a person’s English language proficiency for study and work purposes.
Presently, IELTS is conducted across 1,600 locations worldwide at designated centres. An IELTS test has a nine-band scale to measure the level of proficiency of the candidate. The test is conducted in an unbiased manner and with utmost fairness at all locations and follows the same pattern no matter where the test is conducted.
An IELTS test is conducted in two formats i.e. IELTS Computer-Based Test (CBT) and IELTS Paper-Based Test (PBT).
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IELTS Exam Format
The IELTS Academic module tests the language skills of non-native English language speakers who wish to study at a college or university in an English-speaking country where the medium of instruction is English. IELTS is recognized by most academic institutions and professional organizations in Europe, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United States.
The IELTS General Training module tests the language ability of non-native English language speakers who intend to go abroad, especially to English-speaking countries for vocational training programmes (not for degree), work or immigration. Employers, professional bodies and immigration departments in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK, the USA and more than 140 other countries recognise the IELTS exam as proof of the English language proficiency level.
Both modules consist of four parts: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. Listening and Speaking are the same for both modules.
On the day of the test, the four parts/sections will be taken in the following order:
Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
The Speaking test may even take place a day or two later at some centres.
The IELTS Listening test lasts for about 30 minutes. It consists of four sections, played on cassette tape, in order of increasing difficulty. Each section might be a dialogue or a monologue. The test is played once only, and the questions for each section must be answered while listening, although time is given for students to check their answers.
The IELTS Reading test lasts for 60 minutes. Students are given an Academic Reading test or a General Training Reading test. Both tests consist of three sections, and in both tests, the sections are in order of increasing difficulty.
The IELTS Writing test also lasts for 60 minutes. Again, students take either an Academic Module, or a General Training Module. Students must perform two writing tasks, which require different styles of writing. There is no choice of question topics.
The IELTS Speaking test consists of a one-to-one interview with a specially trained examiner. The interview is recorded and has three separate parts:
An introduction and interview, an individual long turn where the candidate speaks for one or two minutes on a particular topic, and a two-way discussion thematically linked to the individual long turn. This interview will last for approximately 11-14 minutes.
IELTS Preparation Tips
The IELTS Academic test is required for any candidate who wants to be accepted for undergraduate or postgraduate studies in a university abroad. Candidates who wish to score well must prepare well for the exam before writing it. Usually, candidates who have a good command over the English language find it easy to attempt the test. The average time required by a candidate to prepare for the test is three months.
Candidates must prepare well for all the sections of the IELTS to secure an overall good score on the test. Find below the detailed tips and guidelines for IELTS test preparation to find yourself among the top scorers.
General Preparation Tips For IELTS
While preparing for the IELTS test, candidates must bear in mind the following points:
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Candidates must search for, download, and practice sample papers available on the official website of IELTS.
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Candidates should familiarise themselves with the testing format and pattern.
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Candidates should specially familiarise themselves with the test pattern for the type of test they wish to attempt i.e. IELTS Academic or IELTS General Training.
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They must also practice for the test under the time restrictions for each specific section of the test.
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At the time of practice, candidates must review their answers and compare them with the answer sheet provided.
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To prepare well for IELTS, candidates can refer to some good English Language Books.
Section-wise Preparation For IELTS
When preparing for IELTS, candidates must pay equal attention to all four sections i.e. Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Each section of an IELTS test is designed in a specific manner and candidates should prepare for each section as per the defined format, structure, and pattern. Here are some of the section-wise preparation tips for IELTS, which can help candidates score well in each section.
IELTS Listening Section Preparation Tips
Before the IELTS Listening test:
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- Listen to radio programmes, news, and lectures; watch films and online videos in English.
- Familiarize yourself with each listening test question type such as multiple choice, matching and labelling.
- The sample practice set for the IELTS test is available for free on the official website for IELTS. It is recommended that the IELTS test takers practice the sample papers before attempting the original test.
- When practicing the Listening section of the test, candidates must listen to the recording attentively as questions asked in this section are based on the recordings. It should be noted that the recording is played only once, therefore, attentiveness and the ability to point out key details in the recording is a must.
- A good rule of thumb, when practicing as well as while attempting the actual test is to take notes of the important points while listening to the recording.
- While answering the questions, candidates must cross-check their answers with the ones given in the answer sheet for any grammatical or structural errors.
During the IELTS Listening test:
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- Listen to the audio instructions before each section carefully. These instructions are not printed in the test booklet.
- Read the instructions in the test booklet carefully for the number of words you need to write on the answer sheet. If you write more words than required, you will lose marks.
- Read the questions before listening. 30 to 60 seconds are given for reading the questions and instructions.
- Underline the keywords in the question. However, listen to the synonyms and paraphrases too.
- Visualize the situation and try to predict the answer.
- Pay special attention to negatives (not, never, none, no one, barely, hardly, scarcely, etc.)
- Check your answers during the 30-second pause time after each section.
- During the 10-minute time, transfer the answers from the test booklet onto the answer sheet.
- Make sure you have transferred all answers onto the answer sheet. Do not leave empty spaces even if you don’t know the answer; make your best guess
- Make sure you have used the correct grammatical form and correct spelling of the word(s) in your answer.
IELTS Reading Section Preparation Tips
Before the IELTS Reading test:
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- Read newspapers, magazines, journals, and books in English. While reading, underline or highlight less common words.
- Practice guessing the meaning of an unknown word from the context. If you still do not understand the meaning of the word, check it in a dictionary.
- Keep up with the news. The topics of the reading passages often deal with current affairs.
- Be familiar with each Academic or General Training reading test question type.
- Practise reading within a time frame. You need to be able to read fast in order to be able to read all three passages and answer 40 questions in 60 minutes.
- Practise reading techniques such as skimming, scanning and intensive reading.
During the IELTS Reading test:
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- Read the instructions carefully during the test as they may slightly differ from the ones you got familiar with while practicing the test.
- Underline key information and/or make notes in the reading passages in the test booklet.
- Divide your time wisely: if you spend more than a minute answering a question and still do not have an answer, leave it and proceed to the next question. If you have some time left after you answer the rest of the questions, you may return to the question.
- Make sure you have transferred all answers onto the answer sheet. Do not leave empty spaces even if you don’t know the answer; take your best guess.
- Questions in the reading section are asked in different formats like graphs, images, figures, etc. While reading the questions, candidates must pay attention to the smallest of details.
- The answers must be precise and grammatically correct.
- Answers are available in the passage, therefore, candidates must carefully read the passage and write the answer most appropriately and to the point.
- It is always a good practice to proofread your answers for any grammatical or sentence structure mistakes.
IELTS Writing Section Preparation Tips
Before the IELTS Writing test:
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- If you plan to take the IELTS Academic module, look for model graph/chart/diagram descriptions (model Writing Task 1 answers) online and analyse them regarding the organisation of ideas and vocabulary.
- If you plan to take the IELTS General Training module, look for model letters (model Writing Task 1 answers) online and analyse them regarding the organisation of ideas and vocabulary.
- Find model IELTS essays online and analyse them in terms of task response, essay structure, coherence, vocabulary, and sentence variety.
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During the IELTS Writing test:
- Analyse each task carefully and underline the keywords.
- Do not use the task words in your writing; use your own words and sentence structures.
- While attempting the IELTS Writing Section, candidates must utilise the limited time effectively. The topic must be written in a precise manner but should cover all the major ideas for the topic.
- Plan the structure of your essay before writing the entire content on a specific topic. Subheadings and important points must be discussed and planned properly.
- Redundancy in the written content must be avoided.
If you plan to take the IELTS Academic Module:
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- Make sure you understand the ‘essay question’. Are you asked to give an opinion, to compare or contrast, to discuss causes and/or effects or to present solutions to problems?
- Try to limit your essay to 350 words. Your priority should be quality not quantity.
- Keep track of time. Leave about 3 minutes for revising Writing Task 1 and at least 5 minutes for revising your essay.
If you plan to take the IELTS General Training Module:
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- Do not start writing your letter and your essay without planning them first.
- Write at least 150 words but try to limit your writing to 200 words in Writing Task 1.
- Keep track of time. Leave about 3 minutes for revising Writing Task 1 and at least 5 minutes for revising Writing Task 2.
- Write at least 250 words but try to limit your essay to 350 words in Writing Task 2.
Are you looking to score a 7 or higher on your IELTS exam? Look no further than “IELTS Success: The Ultimate Guide to Score 7+,” now available on Google Play!
IELTS Speaking Section Preparation Tips
The speaking section of IELTS is conducted on a separate day once the other three sections have been conducted successfully. This section is used to analyse a candidate’s ability to speak fluently in English. Candidates are advised to follow the points mentioned below while preparing for the IELTS Speaking Section:
Before the IELTS Speaking test:
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- Practise speaking as much as possible.
- Read books, watch movies and TV, and listen to the radio, preferably in English. While reading, watching or listening, think about why you like or dislike it.
- Speak in English with other students before entering the exam room. It will help you to switch to English more easily.
- Candidates should practice speaking slowly and fluently.
During the IELTS Speaking test:
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- Keep calm. If you are relaxed, you will be able to give a better performance.
- Say as much as you can when speaking; give extended responses.
- Don’t think about grammar or vocabulary. Concentrate on answering the questions to the best of your ability.
- Correct yourself if you make a mistake.
- Ask the examiner to clarify or repeat the question if there is anything you do not understand.
- Pay attention to your body language; do not overuse gestures.
- Keep to the topic.
- As the exam is a formal situation, use neutral or semi-formal language.
- Candidates must listen to the question carefully and provide an answer to the point.
- Sentences used must be grammatically correct and be structured appropriately.
- Candidates must be confident while answering the questions.
- In case the question asked by the examiner is not clear, he/she must ask the examiner to repeat the question.
- Don’t learn answers by rote.
- Don’t agree if you don’t want to.
- Don’t use big words.
- Don’t be a grammar nerd.
- Don’t stay quiet.
- Don’t divert. Keep to the topic.
- Don’t limit your answers only to yes/no.
Quick Tips for The Test Day:
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- Ensure that you carry your relevant ID proofs. Carry the same identification document as used at the time of the test application.
- Double-check the test location, date, and time. Keep enough travel time so as to avoid getting late.
- No watches are allowed in the exam room, there will be a wall clock in the examination room to refer.
- Be attentive when the supervisor is giving instructions, and ask again if you have any doubts.
- Try to attempt all questions as there is no negative marking.
- Do not try to cheat or copy any other student’s work.
- Leave your belongings outside the examination hall, as directed by the supervisor.
- Do not take back the question paper or answer sheet with you.
- Seek your supervisor’s permission before leaving the room.
IELTS Preparation FAQs
1. How much time does it take to prepare for IELTS?
The average time required to prepare for IELTS is 3 months. However, it depends on the level of understanding and command of the candidate over the language.
2. Do I need coaching to prepare for IELTS?
If your basic English concepts are not clear, you can opt for coaching. Nonetheless, It is recommended to practise a few IELTS mock tests to analyse yourself and then decide whether an IELTS coaching is needed or not.
3. How to prepare for IELTS?
There are several IELTS online practise test papers, mock tests, and IELTS preparation books available that can be used to prepare for IELTS. You can also refer to a few good English language books for grammar, vocabulary and sentence formation.
4. Is there any free study material available to prepare for IELTS?
Yes, you can access the free IELTS practise paper on the official website for IELTS.
5. How to prepare for the IELTS Speaking section?
To score well in the IELTS speaking section you must be fluent in spoken English. You can listen to different English podcasts, speeches, and audio as a part of your practice. It is also important to speak confidently and emphasise main phrases while speaking.
6. Can I prepare for IELTS in one month?
Yes, you can prepare for IELTS in one month if you have good command over the English language. You can plan a schedule for a month and prepare for IELTS.
7. How to prepare for the IELTS Writing section?
You can choose among the topics asked in the previous IELTS Exam and practise writing them at home. Make sure to use the correct sentence structure, grammar, and punctuation while attempting the writing section.
8. When should I start preparing for IELTS?
Based on the timeline for admissions at the universities abroad you must first finalise the day on which you wish to take the IELTS and start preparing for it at least 3 months before the test day.
Are you looking to score a 7 or higher on your IELTS exam? Look no further than “IELTS Success: The Ultimate Guide to Score 7+,” now available on Google Play!