How to Ace IELTS Exam

Are you feeling nervous about your upcoming IELTS exam and wants some pointers to help you achieve a good result? Well, calm those nerves and take a look at the following tips on how to ace an IELTS exam. Read on!

Also Read: IELTS Pakistan

How to Ace your IELTS Exam

IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is a testing system that grades your English language skills based on four important aspects: Speaking, Reading, Writing and Listening. Be it some foreign degree program or immigration to a foreign country, you have to appear in and qualify IELTS exam.

But, the question is how to ace this test? Doing well in your IELTS general or academic exam boils down to an effective IELTS preparation which we will discuss in this article. So, without further ado, let’s get straight to the point.

Understand IELTS Test Format

Most of you are aware of the IELTS test format, but if you’re unfamiliar with the test format, then below is a quick guide for you.

• Both IELTS tests (academic and general) are divided into four sections, namely writing, listening, reading and speaking.
• The reading and writing section in the academic may differ from the general test.
• The listening, reading and writing section must be given on the exact date. However, the speaking test can be given after or before all the three tests.

Listening Test

• The listening test has 40 questions which are split into four sections. The time limit for the listening test is 40 minutes.
• At the start of each section, the candidate will hear a monologue or dialogue on speaker or headphones, depends on whether you’re giving a computer or handwritten test.
• The monologue or dialogue can be heard only once at the start of each section with a set of questions given in the end.

Reading Test

• The reading test has 40 questions that are split into three sections. The time limit for the reading part is 60 minutes.
• The reading part in the academic test has three long texts in each section with the questions provided at the end.
• For the general test, the reading part has five short texts in each section, with questions given at the end.

Writing Test

• The writing part comprises of two tasks of 150 and 250 words respectively. The time limit for this part is 60 minutes as well.
• In task 1 of the academic tests, you have to describe the given figure whereas, in task 2, you have to write a report on the presented argument.
• Task 1 in the general test requires a candidate to write a letter describing the scene at hand or requesting information. For task 2, the candidate has to write an essay regarding a given argument.

Speaking Test

• This is an oral test where the interviewer asks the candidate different questions. It has three sections as well.
• In the first section, you will be asked to introduce yourself along with some question related to your hobbies and interests.
• In the second section, you will be given a topic and 1 minute preparation time to speak about it.
• The third section is a little tough. In it, the examiner will ask you some questions related to the topic given in the second part.

Once you’ve become familiar with IELTS exam format, it’s time to move on to the preparation stage, where the following tips will come in handy for acing this test.

Make a Study Plan | How to Ace IELTS Exam

Before opening the IELTS preparation book, you need to create a solid study schedule which is important in a test like IELTS. Time management is key here, you don’t need anxiety and stress while preparing for this exam. You need to give each part an equal amount of time and create a study plan which works best for you. You don’t need to study 24/7 to get a good result in IELTS.

Surround Yourself with English

Listen to English music or podcasts, watch English drams or movies, read a newspaper or online articles to enhance your English skills. These things can help in improving your vocabulary, grammar and communication skills. Reading books and newspapers will improve your reading skills and will help you to increase your reading speed. When you’re reading an article or book, focus on the complex words and feed them into memory.

To improve your writing skills, you need to write more and more essays or letters. This will improve your grammar and vocabulary.

The speaking part can only be perfected by speaking English with your friends or by recording yourself while speaking English. This will help you pinpoint your weak areas and work on them, enhance your English fluency and ultimately, help in acing the speaking part of the test.

Do Some Timed Practice

Time management during the test is another important factor in acing the test. The candidate who knows how to manage the time during the test will have the upper hand. Do some timed activities for all the four parts of the test. Try to read 3 to 4 articles in 50 minutes and answer the questions asked in the article.

For the writing part, you can pick a topic to write a letter or essay in 30 minutes. Ask a native English speaker to check your essay and ask him/her to give feedback.

For the listening part, you can listen to different podcasts, songs or watch clips on YouTube which will enhance your listening skills. Try to identify the main idea of the speaker and memorize the three important things that speaker has mentioned. After that, summarize those points. This will help with your paraphrasing skills, Grammar and ability to read and listen carefully which are important in IELTS exam.

To prepare for the speaking part, you can ask your friend or family member to role-play. This way you will get to know what it’s like to answer the questions and speaking spontaneously about different topics. This will increase your confidence and your ability to speak on anything in time.

Practice makes perfect

Practice is the key if you want to ace the test. In the days leading up to the test, practice as much as you can. Reading your favourite blog or listening to a favourite podcast frequently is a good start. Practice and dedication are key in getting good grades in IELTS. There are different IELTS practice tests available online which can help in preparation for the exam. You can also hire a tutor or take online classes to study for your IELTS exam.

There you have it guys! This is all about how to ace IELTS exam. If you have any queries then ask us in the comments section and share the article among your friends.