A high score in the International English Language Testing System(IELTS) can lead to excellent career prospects. Whether you want to study abroad or immigrate to find work in a foreign land, a high score in this exam will definitely give you a competitive edge. IELTS is a language assessment test for non-native English speakers.
What Does IELTS stand for?
IELTS stands for the International English Language Testing System.
So if you wish to move to English-speaking countries like the UK, Australia, Canada, etc. you need to take this test.
The IELTS exam will assess your English language proficiency in 4 areas: reading, writing, speaking and listening. The good thing about it is that you can't fail because of its band scoring system. For each section, you will receive a band score from 1-9. The Overall Band Score will be an average of the band scores that you will receive in the reading, writing, speaking, and listening tests.
To ensure an overall high band score, you have to perform well in your sectional tests. So if you wish to score 8.5 - 9 you need to have a plan in place. You need a couple of months at least to prepare for the exam provided your English language skills are not below average. Read on to know how to succeed in this test and where to find IELTS preparatory resources.
How To Score Good Marks in IELTS
To perform well in the test, you should know every aspect of it in great detail. This includes information like how and where you can take the test, the fee, the format of the question paper, etc.
Knowing the details will enable you to prepare a proper study plan. Smart work is more beneficial than hard work to succeed in IELTS. So, here are some facts about the exam that you should know.
Test Types
The IELTS exam is of two distinct types. IELTS Academic is for students who wish to pursue higher education in countries where the language of communication is English. IELTS General Training for those applying for immigration to these countries. Based on your need, you have to select the right option.
Test Methods
There are two ways of taking the test: IELTS on Computer and IELTS on Paper. Based on your level of comfort, you can decide how you would like to take it. You can book your date on the IELTS website. Regardless of which method you choose, you have to sit for the test at an official IELTS testing center in your city.
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Exam Fee and Schedule
The IELTS fee is Rs.14,700. It is held about 4 times a month. The schedule is regularly updated on the official IELTS website. Once your preparation is over, you can book a date, based on your convenience. The reading, listening, and speaking tests are held back to back on the same day. You can take the speaking test any time of the week just before and after the other ones.
Preparatory Resources
IELTS offers preparatory materials to test takers. You can find sample question papers and other learning resources on their website. There is also a provision for taking IELTS practice tests. The IELTS Progress Check is paid service. Through this practice module, you will be able to evaluate your preparation. It is recommended that you take it before you fix the final exam date.
Test-takers receive an official feedback report. This includes an indicative overall band score and an indicative band score for their performance in each section. This will help you to identify your areas of strengths and weaknesses.
How To Improve IELTS Score
For a language proficiency test, the thing that you should take care of is using English correctly. And, this is something that you can't master overnight. IELTS will assess your accuracy in reading, writing, speaking, and listening in this language. While you may already possess sufficient skills in these areas, you need to practice in order to improve them. Here are some ways to help you perform well in IELTS.
Build Your Vocabulary
This is one of the foremost tasks. For your IELTS Writing test, for instance, one of your tasks will be to write an essay. The more words you have at your disposal, the better will be your ability to express. To achieve this, you need to read books, newspapers, journals, magazines, etc. to pick up new words and understand the context in which they are being used.
So, it's not enough to simply pick up new words. You must know how to apply them correctly as well. After learning a new word, you need to practice using it often in your conversations. Here are some tips to build your vocabulary:
- Develop a reading habit
- Record phrases instead of individual words
- Use a dictionary to learn synonyms and understand word arrangement
- Play word games like Scrabble or solve Crossword Puzzles to expand your vocabulary
- Subscribe to online "Word of the Day" feeds
Learn to be Attentive
In the IELTS Listening test, your task will be to listen to audio recordings and answer questions, based on the content of the recording. So will have to grasp the content in one go. You must be attentive to be able to comprehend the clip and not miss a single point. You need to expose yourself to content in English daily. Here's what you can do:
- Watch movies without subtitles
- Listen to audio podcasts
- Watch news on Television
- Listen to songs
The more you expose yourself to English audio-visual content, the more comfortable you will be in understanding the language. Your attentiveness will increase, and you will be able to fare well in the listening test.
Practice Pronunciation
IELTS Reading and IELTS Speaking tests are areas that can fetch you high band scores. To ensure that you perform well in these sections you have to ensure that you pronounce words properly. The speaking test will also require you to be fluent. For correct pronunciation and fluency, you can do the following:
- Use English in your regular conversations
- Read aloud so that you can hear yourself
- Record your talks and listen to them to figure out areas of improvement
- While reading or speaking, emote so that you don't sound boring
- Listen to English news presenters to improve pronunciation
Use English Everyday
The most important thing is to use the language on a daily basis. The more you use it, the better you will be your fluency and ability to express in it. You need to start thinking in English. This will improve your ability to converse and write in it. Here are some tips you can follow:
- Maintain a journal to pen down your thoughts
- Consciously try to use the language throughout conversations whenever possible
- Read an English newspaper every day
- Watch video content for an hour every day
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Professional Guidance for IELTS
While you can prepare for IELTS on your own, taking professional guidance is also something you can look at. There are experienced IELTS trainers who can guide you to improve your IELTS score. You can take one-to-one lessons to speed up your preparation. Here are some benefits of taking professional help for this exam:
- Get a unique and individualized learning experience
- The tutor will plan a goal-oriented study approach for you
- You will get additional preparatory materials
- Expert tips with key insights will improve your performance
- You will get support and motivation when you feel less confidant
- The teacher will assist you to work on your time management skills
- You can seek help in solving sample question papers
- The tutor will arrange mock tests for you
- Your preparation will get evaluated regularly
- You will get to know the areas that you need to work on
The British Council offers preparatory courses for IELTS. You can opt to enroll in such a course where you will be learning along with other aspirants. If the idea of studying with others does not appeal to you, for IELTS test prep you can find online classes through web portals like Superprof.
To achieve a high band score, give yourself a couple of months to prepare. During this time, whether you study on your own or under an experienced tutor, make sure to practice every day. That is the only way to succeed. Don't fret too much on the day before the exam. You can't learn a language overnight. So, relax and rest as much as possible on that day. Keep calm on the final day. Stick to the allotted time for each section. Only then will you be able to complete all sectional tests and ensure a high band score.
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