International English Language Testing System (IELTS), is an international asset to test the English proficiency of non-native English speakers all over the globe for academic purposes, immigration, and professional organizations. It is a test that basically tests the ability to write, read, listen and speak in English. There are two modules of IELTS- The academic module (for those who want to enroll themselves in universities or practice in an English-speaking country) and the General Training Module (for those planning for immigration or work experience).
The total time of the test will be 2 hours and 45 minutes.
•Reading: 60 minutes
•Writing: 60 minutes
•Speaking: 11-14 minutes
•Listening: 30 minutes (extra 10 minutes would be provided for transferring the answers to answer sheets)
Different accents and writing skills are accepted to minimize the linguistic bias as the variations over the globe are huge (In general, 80%- British, Australian, and 20% others or American). Scores are presented in bands of range (0-9). Tests are available in more than 140 countries over 1600 centers. Each center offers 4 tests per month and that would be 48 times a test in a year.
Some tips to consider:
Know Your Exam
A primary step to achieve is to know. Make detailed research on the format of your exam, about the components of your exams. What kind of questions and tasks are asked to be performed? Start and plan your preparation as early as possible, so you get enough time to practice. You can get online help from various institutions or several websites are there to help you out with the exam pattern.
Speaking skills
For your speaking skills try to speak loud and clear, continuously trying to improve your vocabulary and pronunciation. Try to be a fluent speaker with proper use of words and grammar. Read and listen, include these two in your daily routine life. Try to speak in front of a mirror; it would boost your confidence, also practice speaking with your friends and family to make yourself comfortable in the language. First start with simple and formal language, steadily increase your vocabulary by using synonyms of different words and antonyms. Try to avoid long pauses while speaking.
Listening skills
In the test you will be given 30 minutes, It will require a focused mind to listen and understand. A recorder will be played and on the basis of that, you have to answer. Listen carefully and remember the important data so that you can answer. You have to become multitasked so that you can listen, read and write your answers properly.
Reading skills
Begin with reading newspapers daily, try to figure out the important words and phrases which provide minute details then move on to novels and articles to keep increasing your reading skills and. Make a habit of pointing out the important lines and keywords while reading. When you find new words, search their meaning, synonyms, and antonyms and try to phrase sentences with different tenses. Use new words frequently while speaking or writing, so that you can memorize and understand them well. Examine every detail of the pictures graphs.
Writing skills
When you read something, form an outline of the topic and then rewrite it in your own words in limited time and within a word limit. Try to write conclusions or overviews within a word limit in a given time. Start with short sentences and active voices to avoid unnecessary mistakes. Ensure to conclude at the end. Revise for the grammatical and spelling errors at the end.
Language skills
You are required to work on your language to read, write or to listen and understand anything. Start with the basics and try to avoid unnecessary mistakes. Use of appropriate words, grammar, and punctuation are very important while writing and speaking.
Time Management
As IELTS consists of so many questions you have to be quick to read, understand, listen and write your answer. Start practicing with time, in this way you can develop a habit of writing within a limit. Try to work on multitasking, at a time so that in the exam you won’t become anxious and you can understand and present yourself calmly.
Routine
Make a daily routine for preparations for your IELTS Exam, divide the time for each section, and regularly appear for the mock tests. Try to improve your score and habit of understanding and presenting.
Mock tests
You can purchase any online mock test series or some authentic books of previous year's questions. Don’t ignore any sections, be efficient in all sections and prepare well. Try to point out your mistakes and make an extra effort to correct them, so that you can get good bands.
Quick tips
•Check the location of your center reaches in time with all the required documents along with your admit card.
•Attempt all questions as no scheme of negative marking for the test.
•Avoid repetition of ideas; try to convey your thoughts in a precise manner.
•Long paragraph writing should be avoided.
•Take notes while listening.
•Make a rough idea in your mind before writing.
•Highlight the important lines while reading.
•Speak clear and loud, check your headphones and mic before starting.
All the best, prepare well, practice more and be confident.
By Mithila Rathod
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