Students planning to study abroad must have impressive communication skills. And to evaluate students' skills, universities and colleges ask them to clear the International English Language Testing System or IELTS exam. This exam is designed to assess the English language proficiency of the students coming from non-English speaking countries. This exam is compulsory as international universities want to ensure that students possess the necessary language skills.
Now the question is, how to prepare for the exam? Should you go for the IELTS coaching or find someone to provide IELTS training? Although it is considered one of the toughest exams, with proper guidance and some handy IELTS preparation tips, one can easily score high. To help you in this quest, we have come up with this post. Just check out the following 5-steps that you can keep in your mind to successfully attempt the exam and get the scores needed for achieving your educational goals:
Step 1: Work on Your English Skills
It is a fact that it takes significant time to learn a new language, however, one of the easiest ways to learn English is by taking a language course. It is helpful because your teacher will provide you with the valuable feedback required to improve your existing language skills. Once you gain enough confidence, try to use the language in daily life. To put it simply, use English as often as possible as it is a proven way to constantly work and improve your skills and thus your IELTS scores. Some more tips that you can follow along with your IELTS classes are:
• Speaking English with your family and friends
• Watching English movies and programs and listening to English Radio channels
• Reading novels, e-content (articles, blogs, etc.) and newspapers in English
• Writing notes and letters in English to practice written skills
Step 2: Get Familiar with the IELTS Test Format
Understand the test format and remember that IELTS is basically of two types - Academic and General. For educational purposes, you will need to take Academic IELTS. Even though the speaking and listening sections are the same for both the tests but the writing and the reading would be different. Additionally, keep the following in mind for better understanding:
• Visit the official website of IELTS or connect with a study abroad consultant like APSA to know everything about the test
• Keep yourself updated with the 'Notice' to candidates
• Do not believe in rumors and myths. Just get the facts or validate the 'myths' with your study abroad consultant
Step 3: Practice, Practice, and Only Practice with the Sample Questions
There are consultants like APSA that offer free sample questions with IELTS coaching. You can also get the 'official' practice materials from your nearest test center or online. Besides, samples questions, you can also take a preparation course with APSA as it will help you:
• Practice the different tasks
• Get valuable feedback from your teacher
• Become more confident and positive
• Prepare better for the test
Step 4: Keep yourself calm and relaxed before the test
Right before the day of the test, it is advisable to take out some time to revive your memories of the test rules, format, and center's location so that you can feel calm and relaxed. You can do this with the help of the following:
• Read the booklet again and revise the test rules, format, and so on
• Plan your journey well in advance to reach the location on-time
• Take proper rest a day before the exam
Final Thought
The IELTS exam aims to ensure that you are fluent enough and ready for the course or program taught in English. Your dream university will expect you to be equally good and impressive in all 4 skills - speaking, reading, writing, and listening. So, keep the above-listed steps cum IELTS preparation tips, sit in the exam and score high to prove your proficiency. For further details about the exam, format, band, etc., get in touch with APSA.
You have a lot of good advice here. May I also suggest that people find a speaking partner and consider signing up for writing correction, too? Those are great ways to improve speaking and writing skills.