Full Guide to IELTS Preparation
Preparing for the IELTS exam can be tiring and overwhelming as you take the first steps. However, don’t worry, we’ve laid out some helpful steps for you.
Start with Practice Exam Questions
Preparation guidance begins with tackling practice exam questions as an initial step to identify shortcomings. This is a crucial phase in the early preparation that helps pinpoint strengths and weaknesses. It’s not just about overcoming weaknesses but also significantly contributes to enhancing your strengths and building a solid foundation for facing the actual exam.
However, if you find it difficult to avoid repeating the same mistakes or can’t assess errors, seeking help from an expert is warranted. Many test-takers consider joining IELTS preparation courses. This is one of the easiest methods of exam preparation as the focus of these courses is to equip students for the IELTS exam.
Understanding the Exam Structure
Before starting practice exam questions, it’s important to understand the exam structure. Familiarize yourself with the format by observing the exam content, questions, and types for each section.
Remember that the key to success in all types of exams, not just IELTS, lies in understanding the exam pattern and format.
Read also: The Complete Guide to Taking the IELTS Test and Getting a High Score
Knowing the Exam Time Limits
The better you understand the exam structure, the higher the likelihood of completing the exam within the set time limits.
Practice exam sessions while adhering to time limits so that you become accustomed to the exam pace.
Keep in mind that the IELTS exam has time constraints, and you’re only allowed to work on each module within the designated time frame. If you can’t finish a module within the given time or struggle to concentrate due to time pressure.
All practice sessions in the class are conducted as if they are in line with the actual exam’s time allocation, so you’ll be ready to face the IELTS exam’s rhythm.
Develop your English Language Skills and IELTS Strategies
One common mistake often made by students is focusing solely on IELTS. They frequently practice IELTS questions but forget to enhance their English language skills.
Most Indonesian students who take IELTS courses are unaware of their English language proficiency. Typically, their skill level is between intermediate to lower intermediate. They also don’t realize or forget that IELTS is an English language proficiency exam. Hence, you’re expected to have a strong command of the English language.
Are you aware of what level your English language proficiency is at? If not, read here to obtain complete information about the levels of proficiency in the English language.
Moreover, understand that mastering IELTS content is a process. Generally, moving up one point takes about 12 weeks.
Start your preparation at least 3-6 months before the exam. Then, choose an institution that can genuinely aid in the development of your English language and IELTS strategies.
Engage in Various Activities While Listening in English
The difficulty of the IELTS exam is common knowledge, and the same applies to the listening module. You’ll need to answer 40 questions from 4 audio recordings. Each recording is played only once. The questions involve sentence completion, making inferences, filling in forms, and multiple-choice.
It’s common to have knowledge gaps in conversations, but you must immediately refocus to avoid missing the rest of the questions. The repercussions could be quite bad if this occurs. So it’s important to know how to follow a conversation. You can still follow the subsequent dialogue to provide the next question’s response even if you miss something.
You’re also expected to recognize the type of information needed to answer questions, whether they involve numbers, names, or addresses.
Develop Broad Reading Skills
The primary goal of the reading module is to measure your reading ability. This includes understanding the main idea, main points, details, skimming techniques, understanding logical arguments, as well as comprehending the author’s opinions, attitudes, and purposes.
Test-takers need to provide short answers, match information, complete sentences, match headings, or complete labels on diagrams.
Ensure your practice includes various types of questions so you become familiar with each type.
Time becomes a crucial factor in the reading module, and you won’t have time to read the entire text. There are strategies to help, like quickly reading to get a general idea (skimming) and determining what information needs to be focused on.
Read also: Do the IELTS Test Right This Way!
Use the Right and Clear English Terms When Writing
The writing module might be the biggest challenge for many. Both academic writing tasks need to be presented in a formal style.
Task 1 requires you to explain data, which you might be able to handle. This task demands intensive English language practice.
Task 2 presents its challenges. Sometimes, the given topic might be complex to tackle if you don’t fully understand it. Moreover, the essay must have the right structure.
You need to be prepared to answer both tasks and understand the requirements of each task.
You need to use appropriate language to address Task 1 and ensure your practice covers various types of graphs (e.g., line, bar, pie charts, tables, different data sources, process diagrams) to be ready for the exam.
For Task 2 preparation, familiarize yourself with the essay structure, its development, and how to craft an introduction and conclusion. You need to connect ideas using English language. Practice writing about common topics in the IELTS exam to get more accustomed.
Preparation courses will introduce you to various types of essays that typically appear in IELTS, such as Agree or Disagree expressions, Two Opposing Opinion Discussions, Advantages and Disadvantages, Problems and Solutions, Causes and Solutions, Causes and Effects.
For those of you who are still unsure about how to tackle the writing section of the IELTS test, you can read this article to get IELTS writing tips that can help simplify your IELTS test.
Fluently Speaking and Having Cohesion in Oral Communication
The exam lasts less than 15 minutes and consists of three parts. The first five minutes are used for introductions and discussing general topics between test-takers and examiners. The second part tests the test-taker’s ability to speak about random topics drawn from test cards. The final part is more complex compared to the second part. Here, the examiner also assesses pronunciation, vocabulary, and speaking fluency.
Practicing for each part that will appear in the exam is crucial for preparation and to make you familiar with the pressure you’ll experience during the exam. Take notes of things that will help you speak for 2 minutes in the second part of the exam.
It’s also good to practice answering questions where you don’t fully know the answers yet. Remember, it’s not knowledge that’s being tested but your English language ability.
Perseverance is the key to success in this exam preparation.
Read also: Improving English Conversational Listening Ability in IELTS Test
Immerse Yourself in the English Language
Strive to constantly interact with the English language during exam preparation. Read interesting articles in English related to your interests. You can start by reading online magazines and blogs.
Write articles in English every day, like in a personal journal, blog, or communicating with online communities that share the same interests as you, such as Facebook groups.
When engaging with native English speakers during conversations, make an effort to listen attentively and, when possible, join in the discussion. Experiment with the “shadowing” approach, which involves reiterating the content that was just articulated in English. By employing this method, you can refine your skills in tone modulation, emphasis on specific words, and the overall manner of speaking.
One of the biggest mistakes often made by students is focusing only on the IELTS exam. They often practice IELTS practice questions but forget to improve their English language skills.
If you can’t commit or find a suitable study partner, look for an institution that can guide you and provide feedback.
Get to Know about the IELTS Test Format
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a widely recognized and respected assessment of English language proficiency for individuals seeking to study, work, or immigrate in English-speaking countries. IELTS evaluates all four primary language skills: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Each of these components plays a crucial role in assessing a test-taker’s overall English language abilities.
1. IELTS Listening Test (30 minutes)
The IELTS Listening Test is designed to measure a candidate’s ability to understand spoken English in various real-life scenarios. It consists of four recorded sections, featuring native English speakers. These recordings cover a range of contexts, from everyday conversations to academic lectures. Test-takers are evaluated on their comprehension of ideas, facts, attitudes, opinions, and the overall purpose of the recordings. Additionally, their ability to follow the development of ideas throughout the recordings is assessed. This test segment not only measures listening skills but also the ability to process information in real-time, a crucial skill for effective communication.
Looking for the right IELTS course in Jakarta? Read this article for our recommendation of the best IELTS courses in Jakarta.
2. IELTS Reading Test (60 minutes)
The IELTS Reading Test evaluates a candidate’s reading comprehension skills. It includes 40 questions that assess various aspects of reading, such as identifying main ideas, understanding details, recognizing logical arguments, and discerning the attitudes and intentions of the writers. In the Academic module, candidates encounter three lengthy texts sourced from magazines, books, newspapers, or journals, which are relevant for those pursuing higher education or professional registration abroad. In the General Training module, the texts are shorter and more practical, often extracted from sources like newspapers, books, notices, company handbooks, advertisements, and magazines, making them relevant to everyday life in an English-speaking environment. This test component ensures that candidates can effectively engage with written materials, a skill vital for academic and professional success.
3. IELTS Writing Test (60 minutes)
The IELTS Writing Test assesses a candidate’s ability to express themselves in written English. This test comprises two tasks, each lasting 20 and 40 minutes, respectively. In the Academic module, Task 1 requires candidates to describe, explain, or summarize information presented in tables, charts, graphs, or diagrams. Task 2 requires candidates to write an essay in response to an argument, problem, or opinion, all in a formal style. In the General Training module, Task 1 involves writing a letter to request information or explain a given situation, which can be either informal or formal. Task 2 is an essay in response to an argument, problem, or opinion, and candidates can choose to write informally. This component evaluates not only a candidate’s ability to convey information but also their capacity to construct coherent and persuasive arguments, an essential skill in both academic and professional contexts.
Read also: Your Guide to IELTS Band Scores and Best Strategies
4. IELTS Speaking Test (11-14 minutes)
The IELTS Speaking Test assesses a candidate’s spoken English skills. It is a face-to-face interview with a trained examiner and consists of three parts. In Part 1, candidates are asked questions about themselves, their family, home, work, interests, and studies, lasting approximately 4-5 minutes. Part 2 requires candidates to speak for about two minutes on a given topic from a cue card, with one minute of preparation time. Part 3 involves the examiner asking related questions on the topic from Part 2, allowing candidates to delve into more abstract issues and ideas. This test segment evaluates a candidate’s ability to communicate clearly, coherently, and fluently in spoken English, as well as their capacity to engage in meaningful discussions.
In conclusion, the IELTS exam is a comprehensive assessment of English language proficiency that covers all four essential language skills: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. It evaluates a candidate’s ability to understand spoken and written English, express themselves effectively in both written and spoken forms, and engage with a wide range of topics and contexts. IELTS is widely recognized and accepted by academic institutions, employers, and immigration authorities, making it an invaluable tool for individuals seeking opportunities in English-speaking countries.
Still confused about finding a preparation course for IELTS? Here’s a recommendation from us for those of you who are looking for a course to prepare for IELTS. Read it here!
In facing the IELTS test, thorough and effective preparation is the primary key to achieving the desired score. By understanding the test format, practicing consistently, expanding your vocabulary, and improving your listening and speaking skills, you can enhance your chances of success in achieving the desired score. Remember that everyone has their own strengths and challenges, so it’s important to create a preparation plan tailored to your personal needs and goals. Facing the IELTS test with confidence and readiness will help you overcome any challenges that may arise during the actual exam.
FAQs
How long should I prepare before taking the IELTS test?
Ideally, you should prepare for at least 2-3 months before the test. However, the duration of preparation can vary depending on your previous English language proficiency and the score you aim for.
Is there a significant difference between IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training?
Yes, there is a difference. IELTS Academic is intended for those who want to pursue university-level studies, while IELTS General Training is suitable for immigration or work purposes. Although there are differences in some parts of the test, such as the writing topic, the Listening, Reading, and Speaking sections are relevant to both.
How can I improve my Speaking skills?
You can improve your Speaking skills by speaking in English daily, recording yourself speaking, practicing with friends or a teacher, and expanding your vocabulary and common phrases in conversations.
Is practicing test questions enough to improve my Reading score?
Practicing test questions alone is not enough. You also need to enhance your reading skills by regularly reading various materials in English, such as articles, books, and news. This will help you understand different writing styles and improve your reading speed and comprehension.
What’s an effective way to tackle the Writing section?
For the Writing section, it’s important to follow a clear structure with an introduction, main paragraphs, and a conclusion. Practice writing essays on different topics to develop your ability to present ideas in an organized and coherent manner.
How long are IELTS test results valid?
IELTS test results are valid for 2 years from the date of result announcement.
By understanding and applying these preparation tips, you can enhance your chances of success in facing the IELTS test. Remember that readiness and sincere effort are the primary keys to achieving the desired score.
Well, now you know what you need to prepare. Let’s start your IELTS preparation to achieve a score that meets the requirements of your target universities. There are many online practice tests available on the internet, but still feeling confused? Join us now.
