Getting a high band in the IELTS test is a challenging task for many students. But, what makes some students succeed and others fail. The answer is simple – the preparation process. Students who prepare well for the test have a better chance to succeed.
In this article, I’ll give you clear guidance on how to prepare for the IELTS test to achieve a high score and fulfill your dreams.
Know the Purpose of the Test
The first and most obvious thing is to understand what is the purpose of the IELTS test. The purpose of it is to test the level of your English language.
This means that if you don’t have a good English language level, you better improve it before practicing for the IELTS test. Once your English language level is good enough, you can take the next steps and start learning about the IELTS test, and ways to achieve a high score.
It’s important to understand that you won’t achieve a high band without a good level of English.
However, if you have the right attitude and are ready to improve various aspects of the English language, then you’ll succeed.
So, now let’s understand the IELTS test format.
IELTS Test Format
The IELTS test has four sections – reading, listening, writing, and speaking.
To succeed in all four parts, you should have rich vocabulary and good grammar. In addition to your English skills, you should also understand individual parts of the IELTS test, and how to answer questions in these parts.
So, to do well, you should have a plan to prepare for each section.
IELTS Reading
The IELTS reading section consists of 40 questions. You’ll be given different topics to read and answer questions related to these topics. Your overall reading score will be given depending on the provided right answers. For the wrong answers, you won’t lose any marks.
So, the best way to prepare for IELTS reading is to read. Reading can be in the form of articles, books, or blog posts.
Also, make sure to take IELTS reading mock tests from official IELTS Cambridge books so that you can measure your progress. Take a mock test at least once a week to check how much you have improved your skills.
IELTS Listening
Like the IELTS reading section, the IELTS listening section consists of 40 questions. You will hear different recordings – in total of 4, for which you need to provide answers. Again, you will be marked depending on the provided right answers and won’t lose any marks for mistakes. So, make sure to write an answer, even if you’re not sure it is the right answer.
To practice for the listening test, listen to BBC, CNN, or ABC news as much as possible. Also, you can watch your favorite movies in English.
Don’t forget to take weekly mock tests from Cambridge books to measure your progress.
IELTS Writing
The IELTS writing section consists of 2 parts. In IELTS Writing Task 1, you should write a letter or describe a graph. In writing task 2, you should write an essay.
Many students consider the IELTS writing task the most challenging one. While for the listening and reading parts, you can use Cambridge books to assess your skills by checking answers at the end of the book, it’s not the case with writing.
There is no exact answer to the writing task. So, to get regular feedback in the writing part, you should have a teacher. Make sure that the person has a deep understanding of the IELTS test so that you can trust his/her feedback.
IELTS Speaking
IELTS Speaking has three parts. Part 1 is a conversation between you and the IELTS examiner. In part 2, you will talk up to two minutes about a given topic. It’s a monologue. In part 3, the IELTS examiner will ask you questions about general topics such as environment or education.
To practice IELTS speaking, find a partner with whom you can talk and ask each other questions. Use questions from official Cambridge books so that you will learn the format of the questions.
Last but not least, don’t forget about your teacher. Ask him/her to do mock tests with you so that you will receive feedback and improve on areas in which you lack the necessary skills.
