The international English language testing system (IELTS) is a testing system that grades your English Language skills based on four key aspects of communication: writing, reading, speaking, and listening. In this article we have outlined 12 easy Ways to Prepare for an IELTS examination and links to free IELTS practice Tests.
The IELTS exam is one of the most recognized English language proficiency tests around the world. Getting a high score in this examination will bring you closer to studying in several institutions, and prepare you for the much important conversations in an English-speaking country, to aid a smooth international study program or professional adventures for you.
12 Preparation Tips for an IELTS examination
- Early Registration
- Practice-Based On The Test Format
- Use Online Resources
- Work On Your Vocabulary
- Create A Study Schedule
- Surround Yourself With English.
- Use The Dictionary Effectively
- Watch Videos – With Original Subtitles
- Become An Accent Expert
- Listen To Radio And TV Programs By Native Speakers
- Study Sample Questions
- Play Word Games
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The Preparation Tips in Detail
1.) EARLY REGISTRATION
This can never be over-emphasized, though it may seem like a popular opinion, one of the ways to do better in your IELTS examination is to register early. Early registration gives room for proper planning and preparation. You have less anxiety and pressure while studying. One of the major reasons people fail or don’t meet up the expected score in their IELTS examination is because they register late and don’t have enough time to prepare. No one excels in an examination by accident. If you register early, you’ll have enough time to plan, prepare, and excel.
2.) PRACTICE-BASED ON THE TEST FORMAT
Being overconfident could become a disadvantage if not watched. One pitfall you must avoid is no getting familiar with the test format. Remember that there are two versions of IELTS – IELTS academic and IELTS general training. The listening and the speaking components are the same for both tests but the reading and the writing components are different. Read the information for candidates’ booklets which provides essential information about how to respond correctly to each part of the test. Get to know what each level on the IELTS band score table means. Understand what the examiners are looking for in the speaking and writing tests by reading the assessment criteria. Get the facts. Don’t believe myths and rumours about the test. They will only distract you.
3.) USE ONLINE RESOURCES
The Internet is every student’s best friend, you may not have time to order books if you only have 10days to prepare. However, there are several online resources you can make the most out of, including free IELTS practice Tests samples you can easily lay hands on.
4.) WORK ON YOUR VOCABULARY
You must be intentional about your studying, to understand words and their usage as they function in sentences and also in a social context. Read vigorously: From newspapers, novels to online articles from reputable media outlets. This will help you develop your vocabulary and give you a wide array of words in the English language. In fact, you can’t ignore this when talking about ways to prepare for an IELTS examination.
5.) CREATE A STUDY SCHEDULE
Fitting your study time into your study zone will help you study comfortably. Everyone has their study zone; that time in a day they assimilate better. To some, it may be in the middle of the night when serenity reigns; to others, it might be when they visit the library and settle in a cubicle.
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6.) SURROUND YOURSELF WITH ENGLISH
Alongside test-specific preparation, it can be helpful to read things that interest you in English, and you can take it a step further by writing only in English during the preparation period. Listen to native English speakers, try to use only English for 10 days (maybe more days) at a stretch, although it might be difficult, it will push you to learn new words and think on your feet. This really proves as one of the most effective ways to prepare for an IELTS examination
7.) USE THE DICTIONARY EFFECTIVELY
Sadly, dictionaries today are simply for decoration in most homes. But it’s the easiest tool to build your vocabulary. You don’t even need to have a hard copy dictionary. A dictionary app on your phone can be the way to go. These apps are readily available for download in the app stores – Google Play store can help for android users and Apply Store for iOS users.
8.) WATCH VIDEOS – WITH ORIGINAL SUBTITLES
There are millions of videos on YouTube and around the web from native English speakers with subtitles. Watch these videos to practice both reading and listening skills. You can download movie scripts easily online and add them to your movies if you are watching online. This is particularly useful if you don’t have a speaking partner and makes a nice change to boring textbooks.
9.) BECOME AN ACCENT EXPERT
If you believe you have a good grasp of your English vocabulary, it is time to make sure you can understand and respond to any English-speaking accent. Listening tasks in the exam can come from British, American, Canadian, Australian, and New Zealand English speakers.
10.) LISTEN TO RADIO AND TV PROGRAMS BY NATIVE SPEAKERS
This can readily be useful for number (9) above. However, it’s one thing to watch TV or listen to the radio to be entertained. It’s totally another thing to do so with the intent to learn. Listen to radio and TV programs featuring native speakers to build your vocabulary and understand words and their usage. Listening to English speaking programs will help you practice.
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11.) STUDY SAMPLE QUESTIONS
For a better chance at acing the exam, you have to practice sample questions. Practice the test using free IELTS test sample questions. You can also use the official IELTS practice materials which you can get online or from your local test centre. These sample questions will not only help you prepare adequately, but you also get to measure how much you have learned and how well you are likely to perform in the exam. In addition to practicing sample questions, also consider taking an IELTS preparation course.
12.) PLAY WORD GAMES
You don’t have to go out and buy a board game like scrabble – although you could. Several online word game resources can help you improve your vocabulary. If you’re taking a study break then don’t waste it on a gossip website or instant messaging. Instead, play a few words, games and make the most of your time to prepare for the exam.
Free IELTS practice Tests Samples for Download
The following platforms listed (below) can particularly be useful for your online preparation and free IELTS practice tests samples, if you need to download.
- britishcouncil.org
- ieltspractice.com
- ielts.org
- ielts-exam.ne
- ieltsbuddy.com
A lot more other platforms can be useful in this regard. All you need to do is search for current IELTS practice Tests and all set to roll.
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How’s does It work