How to Prepare for the IELTS Test? 10 Tips to Succeed

 

Introduction

Preparing for your test can be daunting and confusing and leave you feeling incredibly overwhelmed about where to start, which is why we have put together a series of useful tips to get you started in the right way. 

1. Choose your version. Before you start doing anything, think of why you want to take the test. Do you want to study, travel or work in of the the native-English countries. There are three main versions of the IELTS test. You can read more about the three different versions of IELTS test. 
2. Be familiar with the test. This is the key element to success. Before you even start practicing the test, you should know how it works and what are its sections and how it’s questions look like. Do not for get to visit the British council website the first time you decide to take the IELTS. 
3. Know the IELTS rules and regulations
   
   It’s important to familiarize yourself with the test rules and regulations. You can find more information about the rules in the IELTS organization website. 
4. Draw a Study Plan.  After you have taken a clear idea of the test, start off drawing your plan for your study. It is very important to stick to this plan and do not miss any planned lesson or practice test. 
5. Practice makes perfect. Nothing can get you a very good score if you do not practice the test earlier. After you get a clear idea of the test, its format and types of questions, you should start practicing. Practicing can give you a practical idea of the the questions and tasks. There are many websites that provide many useful resources of the test. You can find more on ielts advantage. 
6. Time yourself when practicing. It is a good idea if you live the moment and practice with timing. This will get you more confidence in yourself and your ability to pass the test easily. 
7. Practice smarter. We know that practice makes perfect, but if you want to improve your English skills you need to work on your weaknesses. Do not keep practicing your strong skills. When you practice, you will notice what is needed to be improved and work on it. Then, study more and focus on that weakness and practice another test sample again. 
8. Surround yourself with English. Try as much as possible to listen to native speakers of English language. Listen to things that interest you and  try the ‘shadowing’ technique. This involves repeating what someone has just said in English. This will help with pronunciation, intonation and stress.
9. Do not study for a long time. You have to set a plan and stick to it. Studying  at every possible moment is not recommended. Give yourself a break every now and then and try to do something interesting for you. 
10. Take an IELTS preparation course. You can find a lot of free preparation courses on the internet that could help you a lot to get used to the test environment.