IELTS test preparations can sometimes seem daunting. There may be a lot of concerns regarding the preparation for the particular test. Too many sections may faze you while you are taking mental notes for the test. However, there are a few ways to achieve your desired score in this language proficiency test that is required or accepted in almost all international universities.
Let us see all the tips and tricks on how to master the IELTS test.
Understanding the Grading Criteria
First we have to look at a few sample questions of the test. This will help us to make a general idea regarding the marking criteria or how each question, task or segment are graded. This will help you gain insight into the difficulty level of the IELTS test.
And you will be able to plan ahead of anyone else, as soon as you have sufficient knowledge about the grading system.
Planning for Each Test Segment
IELTS tests your English Language skill on all four segments: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. Each part has a different marking and timing criteria. Therefore it is wise to take preparation based on all the four segments. There are also many practice exercises in official resources and websites.
Now you may wonder how to gather so much information regarding the official websites. Let us look into our next step.
Using Official Resources
There are many official websites that feature or post helpful guidelines regarding the IELTS examination. Cambridge, British Council and IELTS websites themselves provide a lot of helpful materials and content. However, different well known learning and training centers along with online publications like Magoosh, can also provide useful study tools for attending exams.
That being said, books are your best friends! The more you read and practice, the better you will perform at the test.
Take More Practise Tests
How to practice for the IELTS tests at home? Simply you can collect or buy test papers from the market or buy subscriptions for online practice tools for IELTS. Sometimes if you are luckier, you can get them for free from community pages. Practicing will make you more confident with your answers. This will also help in time management with each segment as well as knowing the format of the questions. However, we need to move with a proper plan to learn new information and also master the old lessons.
That is where strategizing study schedules comes into picture.
Create a Study Schedule and Strategy
Planning and strategizing are important for preparing for any test. This stands true for the IELTS test as well. Booking the exam date will help you get the boost to start planning for the exam as having a deadline will create that urge to prepare for the exam. Having exams closing in will help to plan each day for a study session. However, remember to allow yourself enough time to prepare well and actually see some improvement in your English language and communication.
Now, studying in traditional methods can be monotonous and sometimes bring boredom while taking IELTS preparation. You can incorporate other ways to make it more interesting.
Try Immersing in English as Much as Possible
Podcasts, movies, series, newspapers and books like novels and stories can help you learn a lot while enjoying your time. This can be a perfect combination of knowledge through entertainment while focusing on the story. While reading more ensures familiarity with different uses of language and improves writing, listening to native English speakers in podcasts and movies helps you learn subconsciously and particularly improves your speaking and vocabulary.
However, that is not all to improve your vocabulary.
Focus on Expanding Your Vocabulary
Vocabulary has an important effect in the writing and as well as speaking segments. This enhances your depth in English while using it on a day to day basis. So emphasis should also be placed on vocabs while learning from various sources. Everyday we can learn a list of new words, just to ensure that we are learning and applying new words everyday. News papers, online articles, magazines and blogs along with books, movies and TV shows can help you with this process. Make sure you are actively picking up the vocabulary and phrases while reading or watching something so that you can memorize them and use them later on.
Try Following New Accents of a Native Speaker or Writer
Now, vocabulary won’t be the only priority, you also need to know how to pronounce the words you learn from reading. The pronunciation and intonation of each word in a sentence is also important. This will also help build a healthy accent. To follow how a native speaker speaks and emphasizes on different words in a sentence will be of great assistance. This will help you ace your speaking segment of the IELTS test. Besides this, exposing yourself to media like Youtube, Radio, Tiktoks, News, TV Shows, Series, Movies and Podcasts can also help in the process of catching good accents.
You know how they say, the more you listen, the better you speak!
Choose a Study Partner
If you get bored studying all this alone, or you may need to practice with someone, this option is definitely for you. You can definitely pick another candidate who is also considering studying abroad or one from your friend circle or class mate or colleagues to practice with. This will help you gain fluency in talking, writing and communicating in English.
After all these preparations, you are good to go for the test.
Read the Appropriate Directions of the Questions Carefully
Now, let us take a look at the question paper. You should take a few seconds to calm down and go through each and every instruction for each segment in the question. There is a lot of critical information and instructions you need to follow while answering the questions. This is applicable for practice tests as well as the main test. So reading the instructions carefully will be your priority before jumping on to answering.
Check on Your Progress
Take notes on your weaknesses and rooms to improve while studying or appearing before a test. Identify the exercises, where you are facing the most difficulties. Then put more attention on those areas.
If it is not possible to tackle alone, then you can take the help of a tutor or trusted organizations who train and tutor for IELTS. Their guidance can help you discover your full potential and master the proper answers to the test. However, you do need to verify if the credentials of these tutors and institutions are verified and certified.
By implementing all these tips and tricks, you can ace the IELTS with flying colors and start your F-1, international student visa process for the USA.
