TESOL | IELTS Exam Preparation

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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.


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.

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