Top tips for the night before your IELTS exam

Summary

This video script offers strategic advice for IELTS exam preparation. It emphasizes the importance of settling knowledge the night before, switching to an English-speaking mode, and reviewing exam strategies. Visualization of the exam process is suggested to increase familiarity and reduce nerves. Practical tips include preparing documents, avoiding stress through exercise, having a good breakfast, and arriving early on exam day. The speaker encourages speaking English aloud to warm up and reminds viewers that perfection is not necessary, just a good enough performance to pass.

Takeaways

• 📚 Stop Intensive Studying: On the night before the IELTS, let your knowledge settle instead of trying to learn new material.
• 🔍 Review Main Strategies: If unprepared, focus on understanding the exam's main strategies and take a full mock test.
• 🎥 Switch to English Mode: Help your brain adapt by immersing it in English, such as watching English movies like 'Friends'.
• 📝 Review Exam Strategies: Reflect on your approach for each section of the exam to ensure you can execute it effectively.
• 🎨 Visualize the Exam: Use visualization to increase performance and create familiarity with the exam environment.
• 📍 Prepare Practically: Gather necessary items like your passport, booking confirmation, and check the test center's address.
• 🏃‍♂️ Exercise to Reduce Stress: Physical activity can help lower adrenaline levels and promote a good night's sleep.
• 🛌 Sleep Well: Ensure you get enough rest to be fresh and focused for the exam day.
• 🍳 Have a Good Breakfast: Fuel your brain with a proper meal, but avoid energy drinks or excessive caffeine.
• 🚫 Avoid Learning New Material in the Morning: Keep your brain in English mode by watching or listening to English content.
• 🗣️ Practice Speaking Aloud: Warm up your speech muscles and brain connections by speaking English out loud before the exam.
• 🤔 Accept Imperfection: Remember that you don't have to be perfect; just aim to pass the exam to the best of your ability.

Q & A

What should a candidate do the night before the IELTS exam instead of studying intensively?

The candidate should let the knowledge they've already acquired settle in their brain, assuming they've done some preparation. If not, they should learn the main strategies and take one full mock test.

How can a candidate help their brain adapt to an English-speaking environment before the IELTS exam?

A candidate can switch their brain to English mode by watching a movie in English, such as 'Friends,' without worrying too much about understanding every detail.

What is the recommended strategy for reviewing exam strategies the night before the IELTS exam?

Reviewing what one is going to do in each section during the exam, such as quickly reading the task and highlighting keywords for IELTS listening, and carefully reading the task for IELTS reading.

How does visualization contribute to exam performance according to the script?

Visualization is scientifically proven to increase performance and creates a sense of familiarity with the exam situation, which can help calm nerves and improve performance.

What preparations should a candidate make the night before the IELTS exam regarding logistics?

A candidate should find their passport, print the booking confirmation, check the test center's address, and plan the travel time to the center.

What items should a candidate avoid bringing to the IELTS exam center?

Candidates should avoid bringing valuables like watches or laptops, as they won't be allowed to take these items into the exam room.

How can physical exercise help a candidate the night before the IELTS exam?

Physical exercise can help lower the level of adrenaline, calm the nerves, and promote a good night's sleep, which is beneficial for exam performance.

What is the recommended breakfast strategy on the day of the IELTS exam?

Candidates should have a good breakfast to fuel their brain for the three-hour exam, but they should avoid energy drinks or caffeinated beverages.

Why should a candidate avoid learning new material on the morning of the IELTS exam?

Learning new material in the morning could add unnecessary stress and confusion, so it's better to watch morning news in English to adapt to the language environment.

What is the advice for candidates regarding restroom breaks during the IELTS exam?

Candidates should avoid taking restroom breaks during the exam as it takes time away from the sections and requires additional registration procedures.

How can speaking English aloud before the IELTS speaking exam help a candidate?

Speaking English aloud can warm up the speech muscles, activate brain connections, and help with pronunciation clarity, similar to warming up before a performance.

What is the final piece of advice given in the script regarding making mistakes during the IELTS exam?

Candidates should not worry about making mistakes, as the goal is to be good enough to pass the exam, not to be perfect.

Outlines

00:00

📚 Preparing for the IELTS Exam

This paragraph focuses on the preparations one should make the night before the IELTS exam and on the exam day itself. It emphasizes the importance of not cramming the night before, but rather allowing previously acquired knowledge to settle. The speaker suggests watching an English movie to immerse oneself in the language and reviewing exam strategies. Visualization techniques are introduced as a method to increase performance, and the speaker advises creating a mental image of the exam environment and process. Additionally, practical advice is given on preparing the necessary documents and materials, such as a passport and booking confirmation, and ensuring one is familiar with the test center's location and rules.

05:01

🌞 Morning of the IELTS Exam

The second paragraph provides guidance for the day of the IELTS exam. It advises waking up early, having a nutritious breakfast, and avoiding caffeinated drinks that could increase anxiety. The speaker discourages last-minute studying, recommending instead to watch English news to maintain language immersion. It also mentions the importance of leaving early for the exam center to account for potential delays. The speaker advises against consuming large amounts of liquid before the exam due to the lack of breaks. A unique tip is given to practice speaking English aloud to warm up the speech muscles and activate language centers in the brain. The paragraph concludes with a reminder to maintain a positive attitude and not to strive for perfection, but rather to aim to pass the exam.

Keywords

💡IELTS Exam

The IELTS Exam, or International English Language Testing System, is an internationally recognized test that assesses the English language proficiency of non-native speakers. In the video, the speaker discusses strategies for preparing for and performing well on the IELTS, emphasizing the importance of prior preparation and the night before the exam.

💡English Language

English language proficiency is the focus of the IELTS exam. The video script highlights the need to switch one's brain to 'English mode' by immersing oneself in English-speaking environments, such as watching English movies, to enhance language skills relevant to the exam.

💡Mock Test

A mock test is a simulated version of an actual exam, used for practice. The speaker suggests taking a full mock test to familiarize oneself with the exam format and strategies, which is crucial for the IELTS preparation process.

💡Exam Strategies

Exam strategies refer to the techniques and approaches one plans to use during an exam. The video mentions reviewing these strategies the night before the IELTS to ensure a smooth execution on the exam day, such as quickly reading tasks and highlighting keywords.

💡Visualization

Visualization is a technique where one creates a mental image of a desired outcome. The script explains that visualizing the exam can increase performance by creating a sense of familiarity and reducing nerves, as it helps the brain prepare for the actual situation.

💡Stress Management

Stress management involves techniques to reduce anxiety and promote calmness. The video suggests physical exercise as a way to lower adrenaline levels and manage stress before the exam, which is essential for optimal cognitive performance.

💡Exam Preparation

Exam preparation encompasses all the activities leading up to an exam, including studying, reviewing strategies, and ensuring logistical readiness. The script provides a comprehensive list of steps to take the night before the IELTS exam to ensure readiness.

💡English-Speaking Environment

An English-speaking environment refers to a setting where English is the primary language used for communication. The video encourages adapting to such an environment by watching English movies or shows like 'Friends' to improve language comprehension and fluency.

💡Performance

Performance in this context refers to how well one does on the IELTS exam. The video emphasizes that visualization and proper preparation can enhance performance by creating familiarity with the exam situation and reducing anxiety.

💡Logistical Readiness

Logistical readiness means being prepared in terms of practical arrangements. The script advises checking the test center's address, travel time, and ensuring all necessary items are ready, which is crucial for avoiding last-minute issues on the exam day.

💡Mental Warm-up

Mental warm-up is the process of preparing the mind for an activity, similar to how athletes warm up their bodies. The video suggests talking in English aloud as a way to activate brain connections and 'warm up' language muscles before the speaking section of the IELTS exam.

Highlights

Stop studying intensively the night before the IELTS exam to let knowledge settle in.

Assume prior preparation and focus on main strategies if starting late.

Switch your brain to English mode by watching English movies like 'Friends'.

Review exam strategies for each section to be mentally prepared.

Visualization of the exam can increase performance and familiarity.

Prepare the night before by gathering necessary documents and checking the test center's address.

Avoid carrying valuables to the exam center that won't be allowed in the room.

Prepare writing materials and a clear bottle of water for the exam.

Exercise to reduce stress and adrenaline levels for a calmer exam experience.

Ensure a good night's sleep before the exam for optimal brain function.

Wake up early on exam day and have a nourishing breakfast without caffeine.

Do not learn new material in the morning; instead, adapt to English with morning news.

Leave home early to account for potential transportation delays.

Avoid large drinks before the exam to prevent needing breaks during the test.

Practice speaking English aloud to warm up your speech muscles and pronunciation.

Remember that perfection is not required; aim to pass the exam sufficiently.

The importance of not worrying about making mistakes during the exam.

Transcripts

hi there it's asiya are you  taking your ielts exam tomorrow  

let's discuss what you should do the night  before your exam and on the exam day to  

perform at your best and pass your exam  with flying colors okay let's get started  

first of all enough studying ielts is an  english language exam and you're not going  

to learn english in the last night so let  the quiet knowledge settle in your brain  

of course when i'm saying that i assume  that you've already done some preparation  

but if that's not the case and you're  just discovering what the exam is about  

then you need to learn the main strategies  and take one full mock test i'm gonna leave  

the links for you in the description box below  and now let's continue the next thing to do is  

to switch your brain to the english mode your  brain adapts to the environment so help it  

help it to adapt to an english english-speaking  environment watch a movie in english something not  

too challenging for example friends and don't  worry if you don't understand something just  

accept it as it comes your brain is still  doing the work next review your exam strategies  

think what you're gonna do in each section during  your exam for example ielts listening i quickly  

read the task and then i start reading all the  questions and options i highlight keywords in  

ielts reading i carefully read the task without  any rush maybe i read it twice i plan my essay  

then i start writing and i don't pay any attention  to people who start writing earlier than me so  

think about all that the night before then you're  more likely to follow through on your strategies  

when it matters visualize your exam no it's  not some weird success attracting technique  

it's scientifically proven that visualization  leads to increased performance and it's widely  

used by sports people for example formula one  drivers visualize how they take the tough corner  

or basketball players visualize how they ace  that crucial free throw and you should visualize  

your ielts speaking exam imagine how you're  entering the room saying hello to the examiner  

sitting down listening to the instructions  answering questions one by one feeling  

confident feeling in control knowing answer  to every question and so on visualization  

creates a sense of familiarity like you know the  situation and if you visualize your exam enough  

then when you enter the exam room you have  a feeling like you've been there already you  

know everything and that will help to calm  your nerves and feel better during your exam  

you should also get ready the night before  your exam find your passport print the booking  

confirmation make sure you've checked the precise  address of the test center and you're not thinking  

about some other building by mistake check how  much time it's going to take you to get there  

try to leave all the valuables at home you  won't be allowed to take your watch or laptop  

into the room so don't carry them to  the exam center if you can avoid it  

but prepare some pencils if you want to  take your own and a good eraser perhaps some  

centers allow you to take a pen for ielts writing  i definitely prefer writing with a pen rather  

than with a pencil because it's more quick but not  all centers allow that you should be able to take  

a clear bottle of water with you no other  drink and no stickers so prepare it if you wish  

if you're feeling stressed the night before  your exam work out go for a jog go to the gym  

stress is adrenaline released into our  bloodstream and adrenaline makes all the blood  

flow to our muscles and not to our brain  so that's not particularly good for an exam  

this is our ancient fight-or-flight response  basically our ancestors are prepared to either  

fight a bear or outrun it and both are  not particularly intellectual activities  

so for your exam you need to find a way to calm  your nerves and if you exercise you help your body  

to lower the level of adrenaline to calm down and  also to have a good night's sleep before your exam  

on the exam day get up early set an alarm  or 10 alarms whatever it takes to get you  

up in plenty of time have a good breakfast it's a  three-hour exam and your brain needs enough fuel  

but avoid any energy drinks or caffeinated  drinks they will not help you perform better  

quite the opposite they make your heart  rate go up and together with the stress  

it may make you feel dizzy and well  and can make it harder to concentrate

don't learn any new stuff in the morning i  regularly see comments on my videos from people  

saying i'm sitting in the corridor waiting for my  ielts exam to start and i'm watching this video  

don't do that just watch your morning news in  english it will help your brain to adapt to an  

english-speaking environment leave home  early you know buses tend to break down  

at the most inconvenient time and try not  to have any large drinks before your exam  

it's a three-hour exam without any breaks even  longer with all the registration in the beginning  

of course you can go out if you really need to but  you have to take time from one of your sections  

you can't go out during the instructions and an  invigilator has to come with you and register  

you before you leave the room and after you come  back i did it once and it takes a lot of time so  

avoid it if you can help it and one more thing  very important in ielts speaking before your exam  

try to talk in english aloud find some corner on  the street no one really cares what you're doing  

and talk in english it will warm up your muscles  and help you pronounce words more clearly it  

will also activate all the connections in your  brain you know whenever i'm recording videos  

the second video goes much more smoothly  than the first one precisely because  

i've already warmed up so do that before  your exam and one more thing to remember  

don't worry about making any mistakes in  your exam you don't have to be perfect you  

just need to be good enough to pass  your exam that's all that matters  

good luck i'll keep my fingers crossed for  you and thank you for watching me today bye