IELTS Exam Preparation

Important Steps for Students:

1. Become familiar with the test as early as possible. The skills being tested in the IELTS take a period of time to build up. Cramming is not an effective study technique for IELTS.


2. Use study time efficiently. Study when fresh and, after planning a timetable, make sure to keep to it. Set goals and ensure that you have adequate breaks. In the IELTS test, each of the four Band Modules - Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking - carries the same weight. Study each skill carefully and spend more time on the skills in which you feel you are weak.


3. Be aware of the exact procedure for the test. Be very clear on the order of each section, its length and the specific question types. There are many resources available to help practice these skills.


4. Having a study partner or a study group is an excellent idea. Other students may raise issues that you may not have considered.


5. Seek help from teachers, friends and native English speakers.

1. Understand The Requirements! The first step in the plan to pass a specific English test is to understand the test requirements. Is the test a written test only, do you have to read a text, do you have to listen to a conversation on tape, what type of questions will be asked, what type of answers are required? Students must understand how the English information is presented, what English skills are being tested, and how answers must be submitted.


2. Understand How Much English! The second step is to understand the volume of English required to pass. Students must have advanced levels of English skills and vocabulary to pass IELTS. You should have studied or practised English for 2500 to 5000 hours counting school and self study.

   Steps Image by Extra Ketchup



3. Ensure Adequate Vocabulary! Students require a vocabulary of between 8,000 and 15,000 words to pass the test.


4. Have The Necessary Skills! To pass you need the four English skills (reading, writing, speaking, listening) technical knowledge (grammar) vocabulary and familiarity with the test formats and requirements.


5. Know The "Secret Tips"! The "secret tips" of using grammar to decode questions or specific words that have a higher percentage of occurrence in the correct answers may give you the opportunity to raise your score from 0 to 5 %. If your vocabulary is less than 8000 or your listening skills or writing less than advanced then you will still fail despite using all the "secret tips" or "secret vocabulary indicating correct answers".


6. Understand "Cramming"! Everyone knows that cramming helps memorising facts for a short time but does very little for the application and practice of the facts. All English tests are a combination of facts and application of English skills. Students who only cram for tests will fail 60% of the test as it is application of English skills. The students who cram can only help 40% of their factual knowledge if they can remember it perfectly.


7. Be Prepared! Students become upset when they read questions they cannot answer, questions they cannot understand, words they do not know the meaning of or "secret words" that occur in two answers. Remember students that are prepared have less chance of becoming upset. Students that are rested, relaxed and arrive on time at the test site will do better.

Question 1:
How long will I have to wait for my IELTS results?
It should take about two (2) weeks. You may have to wait a little longer if there are many people taking their test at the same time as you.

Question 2:
What band score do I need to get to study at an overseas university?
Each university sets their own entry level score requirements. Often it will depend on the course you wish to study. You will need to contact the university you intend studying with, and often this information is available on the internet. You need to obtain at least a band level 6 as a general rule. Often, however, this requirement is higher at the more prestigious universities.

Question 3:
What band score do I need to get to immigrate?
This will depend on the country and the requirements for any particular skills you may have. You will need to contact the relevant immigration officer, or an immigration agency. This information is often available on the internet.

Question 4:
If I take the general test, and successfully immigrate to another country, can I use my IELTS band score to apply for university enrolment?
Officially you will need to take the academic test to apply for university. It's always worth remembering that university entrance requirements are generally quite flexible, however. It is worth contacting several universities as they may accept your general IELTS score together with, for example, an interview. In addition, they may ask you to write an essay.

Question 5:
Will my accent affect my band score?
If your accent does not make it difficult to understand you then it will not affect your band score. If you have a strong accent, which makes it difficult to understand you, then your score will be affected.

Question 6:
Will my examiner have a strong accent?
The examiners are all educated and professional. While they may have an accent, it will not be a strong accent that makes it difficult to understand. They all speak reasonably standard English.

Question 7:
is my pronunciation important?
If your pronunciation makes it difficult to understand you then you will get a lower band score.

Question 8:
If I can't understand what the examiner says, will it affect my band score?
Be honest with the examiner. If you don't understand the question, ask the examiner to repeat it or to speak more slowly. If you still can't understand the question, however, it will probably affect your band score. Your listening skills will need improvement!

Question 9:
Will the examiner be from the USA or England?
The examiner may be from America, Australia, Britain, Canada, New Zealand or South Africa... any of the English speaking countries.

Question 10:
Will the examiner speak quickly?
The examiner will alter the speed they talk at according to your level of English. Remember, it is your speaking skills not your listening skills which are being assessed.

Question 11:
During the presentation part of the speaking test, can I look at the card?
Yes, you are allowed to do this.

Question 12:
Will my band score be affected if I make mistakes in vocabulary or grammar?
It is important to remember that the IELTS test your ability to communicate. Mistakes will affect your band score however, fluency is more important than accuracy.

Question 13:
What should I do if the examiner asks me to talk about something I don't know about?
An examiner will not ask a difficult question that you can't answer. You will be asked to discuss a topic you have adequate interest in, or knowledge of, in order to talk at length. Your language ability is being tested, not your general knowledge.

Question 14:
Is it true that, if I recite memorised answers in the test, I will get a lower band score?
It is true, because the examiner will be unable to asses your communication skills when you are simply reciting scripted answers.

Question 15:
How will my examiner know if I recite memorised answers?
All the examiners are experienced and professionally qualified teachers. They have also received training on how to be examiners and have passed an exam themselves!