Planning to take the exam but you only have a little knowledge of the IELTS? or lacking tips on how you should be ready for the exam? In this article, IELTS will be explained further, you’ll be enlightened and help you realize more on why you should take the exam and tips for preparing before, during and after the IELTS exam.
Know more about IELTS..
In 1989, the IELTS or also known as International English Language Test System was introduced and became standardized which leads to one of the most trusted types of English assessment globally.
IELTS institution of higher education will relatively assume that you are eligible to their standard if you have passed the exam. Fortunately, the scores you acquired will be valid for two years. In addition, there are two different categories of test types: Academic IELTS, most likely for students who dream to study in UK universities or in any higher education abroad; General IELTS, this is more recommended for people who want to migrate to an English speaking country and will basically use the language for practical life purposes like social, work and other professions.
“Before anything else, PREPARATION is the key to success” by Alexander Graham Bell
Tips before taking IELTS exam
- Choose whether to take Academic or General training
If you are still having second doubts in choosing between the two categories of exams. It is better to have an idea first regarding both types then as soon as you know already it’s time for you to decide. This is the first step since this will be the core wherein you’ll know what test type to focus on.
As mentioned above in this article, academic tests are normally taken by students who wish to study abroad while general tests are basically for professionals in work-related fields. However, it is a huge help to have trained with your chosen test type in order for you to have a hint and background before taking the exam.
- Study the test format for each test tool
The exam contains several test formats in which exam takers need to have an idea in order to be prepared. As mentioned previously in this article, the test tools are: Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking wherein each test tools have different criteria given with different durations.
The table shown below is the necessary basic information for each test tool:
| test tools | Duration | |
| 1 | Listening | 30mins. |
| 2 | Reading | 60mins |
| 3 | Speaking | 11-14mins |
| 4 | Writing | 60mins |
- Make an English Immersion Environment in your comfort zone
Studying while exposing yourself to an English environment will boost up the learning process. There are simple ways to practice and use the English language. The first, is to watch English videos/series/movies with English audio and subtitles. Second, read English articles, news, or any blogs. Third, listen to English songs or podcasts. In fact, learning this language will help your life be more convenient knowing how widely used the language is in the whole world.
- Enroll in an English course
This is one of the most common ways to prepare for the exam. There are several courses online nowadays wherein students may enroll based on their schedule and budget. Fortunately, some organizations offer courses just for free. In addition, practicing the language daily may help your brain to function better. Therefore, may use this great opportunity for them to learn the English language based on their convenience.
- Practice test trials online
After studying courses and practicing the language, take time to check your ability by taking test trials. Some online courses offer free test trials for you to practice. In addition, this type of exam is known as Mock Test wherein it sometimes looks completely the same as the real IELTS exam.
One example of a mock test was provided by E2 Test Prep, which offers free full mock tests online that comprises 5 hours of learning. You can also download the booklet for free as long as you fill up the provided form. For only 48 hours you can receive detailed feedback regarding the result, in this way, you may seek advice from the professionals with your results to know what needs to be improved and to have tips on how to increase the higher chance of getting passed.
- Check your progress
After taking mock tests or practicing trial tests, you can check the progress if you’re now familiarized with the overview of the test format and also the test types. If so, it is better to monitor the progress if you’re doing well, what certain areas need to be improved, and to know your weaknesses in order to further work on it.
- Register and be prepared for the exam
Every year there are more than hundreds of thousands of test-takers who failed the IELTS exam due to not being completely prepared before taking the exam. In fact, there are several simple ways to use in order to be ready for the said exam. Moreover, everything stated above in this article contributes to your preparation for the IELTS test. After registering and waiting for the scheduled official exam, one of the best tips is to stay calm and be positive.
- Get enough sleep at least one day before the exam
Getting the right amount of sleep will not just feel calming the next day but also help our brain to function well. This is one of the best secrets to taking the exam. Since it helps to enhance critical thinking and let you be more focused as well.
Tips during the day of the exam.
- Eat enough amount of food
Don’t ever take an exam without eating the right amount of food, especially during the day of your exam. Since empty stomach = empty mind. Therefore, it will really take effect on your performance in the exam.
- Ready the necessary materials
Whether you book a physical or online IELTS exam, you still need to prepare the necessary materials such as a pen, pencil with eraser for the on-site while having a good stable internet connection and reliable device for the online.
- Don’t be late
It is always better to arrive 10-15mins before the exam in order to prevent cramming. This way you can be calmer and focused since you’re just waiting for the exam to get started.
- Review one last time
This is a very helpful tip for many test-takers, by reviewing before the exam starts you will be able to recall everything you studied during the preparation process and will also ease mental blocks during the exam.
Tips after the exam
You cannot eliminate the fact of getting nervous about the result since anyone really strives hard for them to pass and of course hoping to get good scores, not just to pass.
Since you’re done with the exam, learn to take a break as well, look for ways to relieve the stress and your tension. This way can help to calm the nervous system which will feel more relaxed.
Taking the IELTS exam would really feel pressure on your part but surrounding yourself with good vibes and positive people can somehow aid pressures. Just remember if you are truly prepared there is nothing to worry about.
