IELTS Tips: How to Prepare for IELTS

Summary

In this lesson, Liz guides viewers through 15 essential steps to effectively prepare for the IELTS exam. She emphasizes understanding the test format, setting realistic goals based on your current English proficiency, and selecting the appropriate test type (Academic or General). Liz highlights the importance of mastering various question types, practicing under real exam conditions, and assessing speaking and writing with experienced examiners. Additionally, she advises focusing on time management, studying common IELTS topics, and using authentic practice materials. Liz also stresses the importance of professional training and taking the test when you're at your strongest.

Takeaways

• 😀 Learn about the IELTS test format and content (Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking) to ensure no surprises on exam day.
• 😀 Choose between the Academic and General Training IELTS tests based on your purpose, such as university admission or immigration.
• 😀 Set a realistic band score goal by assessing your current English level and understanding what score is required for your specific needs.
• 😀 Familiarize yourself with the band score requirements, especially for Speaking and Writing, as these sections are assessed by examiners.
• 😀 Study the different question types in Listening, Reading, and Writing, and develop strategies to answer them effectively.
• 😀 Prepare vocabulary and ideas for common IELTS topics to enhance fluency and confidence in Speaking and Writing sections.
• 😀 Practice your Listening and Reading skills using real IELTS test papers, such as Cambridge IELTS books, to track progress and assess your score.
• 😀 Get feedback on your Speaking and Writing from experienced examiners or teachers to identify areas for improvement.
• 😀 Build speed and time management skills for Reading and Writing, as the test has strict time limits that require efficient answering.
• 😀 Do full practice tests under exam conditions to simulate the real test experience and build stamina for the exam duration.
• 😀 Seek professional training if possible, or use free online resources to prepare effectively for the IELTS exam.

Q & A

What is the first step in preparing for the IELTS test?

The first step is to learn about the IELTS test itself. This includes understanding the content of the four sections: listening, reading, writing, and speaking, as well as the format of each test. It's important to know what to expect during the test and the problems you might face.

Why is it important to understand the timing of the IELTS test?

Understanding the timing is crucial because for the reading and writing sections, you are given a set amount of time, and it’s up to you to manage it effectively. This helps ensure you can complete all tasks within the given time frame.

What are the two types of IELTS tests, and how do they differ?

There are two types of IELTS tests: the Academic Test and the General Training Test. The listening and speaking sections are the same for both, but the reading and writing sections differ. The Academic Test is mainly for university entrance, while the General Training Test is for those moving abroad.

How can you set realistic goals for your IELTS preparation?

Setting realistic goals involves first determining the band score you need and then assessing your current level of English. If your level is too low, it will be difficult to achieve the target band score, so you may need to improve your English before focusing on test skills.

What should you do if your current level of English does not match your target IELTS band score?

If your English level is lower than the required band score, you should work on improving your general English skills first. Once your English level reaches the appropriate level, you can focus on learning the specific skills required for the IELTS exam.

What are band score requirements for speaking and writing in the IELTS test?

For speaking and writing, the examiner evaluates specific language skills, unlike listening and reading, where points are awarded for correct answers. To achieve a particular band score, it’s important to understand the criteria the examiner uses to assess speaking and writing.

What role do question types play in IELTS preparation?

It is essential to familiarize yourself with the different question types in both listening and reading. Each question type requires a specific approach, and knowing these in advance will help you respond effectively under time pressure.

Why is vocabulary preparation important for IELTS speaking?

In IELTS speaking, you need to respond confidently and fluently to questions. Having a strong vocabulary on common topics enables you to answer directly and without hesitation. This allows you to better express your ideas and perform well in the test.

How can you practice building speed for the reading and writing sections?

To build speed for reading and writing, practice is key. Try to complete reading passages and writing tasks within the time limits, checking how long it takes you to skim, scan, or write your responses. This will help you manage your time more effectively during the test.

Why is it important to take full practice tests under exam conditions?

Taking full practice tests under exam conditions helps you simulate the real exam experience. It gives you a sense of the time pressure, the physical demands of sitting for long periods, and helps you gauge your readiness by completing all sections together without breaks.

What should you do if you cannot afford formal IELTS training?

If formal IELTS training is not affordable, you can look for free resources online. There are many websites, including the one provided by the instructor, that offer free materials, tips, and advice to help you prepare for the test.

When is the best time to take the IELTS test?

The best time to take the IELTS test is when your English and test-taking skills are at their strongest. This means that you should take the test when you’re consistently achieving your target band score in practice tests, not when you're still working on improving your skills.