IELTS is not impossible to conquer. The 4 modules containing exam is easy to pass if you have a strategy. Now most students prepare by going through the modules, understanding the test format, taking some mock tests, and think they are ready for the exam. But this will only gain you 4-5 bands.
This cycle will continue if you don’t have a proper plan to study. Let us help you achieve Band 7 with some of the best techniques tested on our students through which they have gained Band 7 and more. But before that let us understand the format of IELTS Test.
What is the IELTS test Format?
Two versions of the IELTS are available:
Academic and General Training. While the Academic module is for students who wish to study in universities, the General Training module targets those desiring migration or work placements. Both formats evaluate how good you are in English language through four primary skills: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking.
- Listening (Approximately 30 minutes):
Four recordings of different lengths and levels of difficulty will be played to you as a candidate; these can be dialogues on everyday topics to lectures by university professors on their topics of research. The questions require listening for main ideas, details and purpose.
- Reading (Approximately 60 minutes):
Three long passages that are usually factual and argumentative in nature will assess your understanding of reading materials. You will be expected to answer different types of questions such as summarizing information, identifying author’s opinion and finding specific details.
- Writing (Approximately 60 minutes):
In this section, you’re assessed on your ability to write English well through two tasks. The first task requires you to describe a visual prompt (graph, chart, diagram) using the format of a factual report. The second one is more analytical: candidates have to compose an essay providing arguments or expressing personal opinions.
- Speaking (Approximately 11-14 minutes):
This oral test relies heavily on face-to-face interaction with an examiner who measures they assesses the candidates’ spoken English fluency, grammar accuracy, vocabulary range and pronunciation. The test consists of three parts: an introduction with basic questions, a short monologue on a given topic, and a discussion based on the monologue.
Strategic Guide to IELTS Band 7: Proven Techniques and Targeted Practice
Every student is different and so does their skill set. Some might be good at listening, and reading and some at speaking and writing. So we aim for higher scores (Band 7-9) in our stronger skills and lower (Band 5-7) in weaker skills, which will average it to Band 7.
Here are some more tips you can use in the exam:
1. Key to Time Management:
The IELTS puts a lot of emphasis on time management. Practice tests done under timed conditions are used to acquire that sense of urgency and learn how to apportion time across sections.
Developing a Time Allocation Strategy: Decide the time you will use for each section and every question type based on your strengths and weaknesses.
Practice Speed Reading: Although comprehension is essential, speed is more important in this part. During the actual exam try reading passages within the given time limit.
Learning Prioritization: If you run out of time, make it a priority to answer all questions in one section even if this requires dropping a longer more detailed response for a subsequent question.
2. Identify Weaknesses and Focus:
Take an initial practice test to gauge your current proficiency in each section. Analyze your results and identify areas requiring improvement. Give yourself more study time and specific practice strategies that target weaker areas.
3. Error Correction Embracement:
During practice don’t be afraid of making mistakes. Look at your errors, see their causes clearly, and work hard so as to correct them. Use grammar reference books or online resources or visit a tutor about patterns of repeated mistakes.
4. Do Mock Exams:
Another thing you can do is to simulate the real IELTS experience by timing yourself when you take mock exams under similar testing conditions. This helps in the management of exam anxiety, familiarizing yourself with the test conditions as well as identifying areas that need more concentration at the last minute.
5. Submerge Yourself in Language:
Live English as much as possible, for instance changing your phone or computer language settings to English. You may also be engrossed in listening to English music, watching news channels in English and having conversations in English whenever possible.
6. Get a Study Partner or Join an Online Community:
Alternatively, teaming up with another IELTS hopeful or joining some online test prep platforms will go a long way in providing you with invaluable support and motivation. Share resources; get engaged in speaking practice and receive constructive feedback from each other. You can also join AEC’s top-class online IELTS Classes to gain resources and invaluable support.
