How to Prepare for the IELTS Exam | Glowforge

How to Prepare for the IELTS Exam | Glowforge

An internationally recognized exam for evaluating non-native English speakers' language skills is the International English Language Testing System, or IELTS. It is a vital requirement for anyone looking to move, work, or study in an English-speaking nation. It can be difficult to prepare for the IELTS exam, but with the correct methods and commitment, you can get the band score you want. We'll talk about efficient strategies for IELTS exam preparation in this blog post.

Types of IELTS Exams:

IELTS comes in two types: Academic and General Training. The General Training test is intended for people looking for non-academic training or work, while the Academic test is intended for those who wish to study at a higher education institution. There are four sections on the exam: Speaking, Writing, Reading, and Listening. You can concentrate your preparation efforts on the relevant parts by being aware of the format.

The Scoring System:

The IELTS exam is scored on a scale of 1 to 9, with 9 being the highest proficiency level. Each section of the test is graded separately and the overall band is calculated based on the average of these individual scores. 

The IELTS band requirements differ based on the country, the educational institution, and the reason for your visit or study. For the most recent information, it is imperative to confirm with the relevant institution or immigration authorities as these regulations are subject to frequent changes. I'll outline the general IELTS band criteria for each of the English-speaking nations here.

1. Canada:

Immigration: CLB 7 (Listening 6, Reading 6, Writing 6, Speaking 7)

Study: Varies by institution and program, typically between 6.0 and 7.0

Work: Varies by occupation and employer, typically between 6.0 and 7.0

2. United States:

Student Visa: Generally between 6.0 and 8.0, depending on the university and program

Work Visa: Varies by employer and position, typically between 6.0 and 7.0

3. United Kingdom:

Study: Varies by institution and program, typically between 5.5 and 7.0

Work Visa: Varies by employer and position, typically between 5.0 and 7.0

4. Australia:

Student Visa: Varies by institution and program, typically between 5.5 and 6.5

Work Visa: Varies by employer and position, typically between 5.0 and 7.0

5. New Zealand:

Student Visa: Varies by institution and program, typically between 5.5 and 6.5

Work Visa: Varies by employer and position, typically between 5.0 and 7.0

6. Ireland:

Study: Varies by institution and program, typically between 6.0 and 7.0

Work Visa: Varies by employer and position, typically between 6.0 and 7.0

7. South Africa:

Study: Varies by institution and program, typically between 5.5 and 6.5

Work Visa: Varies by employer and position, typically between 5.0 and 7.0

8. Singapore:

Study: Varies by institution and program, typically between 6.0 and 7.0

Work Visa: Varies by employer and position, typically between 6.0 and 7.0

9. Malaysia:

Study: Varies by institution and program, typically between 5.5 and 6.5

Work Visa: Varies by employer and position, typically between 5.0 and 7.0

10. Hong Kong:

Study: Varies by institution and program, typically between 5.5 and 6.5

Work Visa: Varies by employer and position, typically between 5.0 and 7.0

11. India:

Study: Varies by institution and program, typically between 5.5 and 6.5

Work Visa: Varies by employer and position, typically between 5.0 and 7.0

What things do I need to bring for the IELTS Exam?

The passport or national identity card you used to schedule your IELTS test must be brought with you. You are allowed to bring pens, pencils, and erasers into the exam room if you are taking the IELTS on paper. Pencils and paper are provided by the center if you choose to take the IELTS computer exam.

How to Prepare Yourself For The IELTS Exam:

1. Enroll in Preparation Courses Online

Participating in an IELTS preparation course can greatly increase your likelihood of success. These courses are created by knowledgeable instructors who offer insightful advice, study techniques, and exam-winning strategies. They also provide mock exams, practice exams, and performance comments to assist you pinpoint your advantages and disadvantages.

 

2. Make a study schedule.

Creating a well-organized study schedule is essential to successful preparation. Give each module a designated time slot, taking note of your advantages and disadvantages. Make sure your plan accounts for breaks and review sessions. Maintaining a regular study routine and periodically monitoring your progress is crucial.

3. Read, read and read: 

  Use official IELTS study books, past papers, and sample questions to familiarize yourself with the exam format and question types. These materials are designed to mimic the actual test and can help you gauge your progress. Additionally, they provide exposure to a variety of topics and language styles, which can be beneficial during the exam. I have also mentioned some frequently asked questions during the IELTS exam. Make sure to read till the end!

4. GRAMMAR CONCEPTS:

While giving your speaking and writing tests, make sure your statements are grammatically correct. Focus on enhancing your overall English language skills, including grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation. Regularly read English newspapers, magazines, and books to expand your vocabulary and improve your reading comprehension. Listen to English podcasts, watch English movies, and engage in conversations with native speakers to practice your listening and speaking skills.

5. Implement time management techniques:

Effective time management is essential for the IELTS exam. Learn how much time is given for each segment and become comfortable answering questions in the allotted period. This will assist you in avoiding studying for the test and enhance your performance in general.


6. Try out some practice quizzes:

Take practice exams in exam settings on a regular basis to gauge your progress and pinpoint areas that require work. This will lessen test anxiety and assist you in adjusting to the exam setting. Examine your findings and concentrate on the areas that require development. 

7. Look for Feedback:

Get feedback on your performance on your practice exams from your teacher, friends, or family members. You can focus on improving your faults and strengths by identifying them with the use of constructive criticism.

8. Maintain Your Health and Control Your Stress:

A healthy diet, frequent exercise, and adequate sleep can help your body and mind function at their best while you prepare for the IELTS. Practice relaxation methods to reduce stress, such as yoga, deep breathing, or meditation.

9. Remain upbeat and self-confident:

Have faith in your skills and keep a cheerful disposition when you study for the IELTS. Remain assured of your abilities and concentrate on your development rather than making comparisons to other people. Having a positive outlook will help you perform better on the test.

Frequently Asked Questions By The IELTS Examiners:

1. Can you tell us about yourself?

2. Do you prefer living in a city or a rural area? Why?

3. Describe a memorable experience you had while traveling.

4. Do you think technology has a positive or negative impact on society?

5. How can we protect the environment?

6. What do you think about social media?

7. What are your future goals, and how do you plan to achieve them?

8. Did you do housework when you were a child?

9. Why is your family important to you?

10. What do you like about the area where you live?

11.  Are there any small businesses where you live?

12. In which jobs is teamwork particularly important?

13. Do you consider yourself an ambitious person?

14. What did you want to be when you were younger/a teenager?

15. Is it important for people to have ambitions?

16. Are you good at fixing and handling things?

17. Are there any environmental problems in your country?

Introducing Yourself:

Using straightforward language is advised. It's not necessary to speak in Shakespearean terms. Using fancy words doesn't guarantee that the interviewer will be impressed. On the other hand, this will have a detrimental effect on your score.

Saying "I live in (name of the city)" followed by "I hail from (name of the city)" is always a good idea.
Being as formal as possible is a good idea. Don't say anything that could come out as awkward.
Saying "I am 21 years old" is acceptable, but avoid saying "I am in my early twenties." 

Most Repeated Topic in IELTS:

The most common topics are the ones about your personal life. Work and studying are especially popular. It's also common to ask about your home country connected to different topics, which gives you an opportunity to compare your country to English speaking countries.

Hope this article helped!

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