We don’t know about you, but we love quotes, especially regarding education. There are many appropriate quotes out there that can motivate and inspire a student to achieve their learning goals. One of our favourite quotes in ICOT is Fail to prepare, prepare to fail, from the American inventor and writer Benjamin Franklin.
Unfortunately, there is no magical trick. The success of any exam is directly related to the amount of time and dedication the student invests before it. Taking the IELTS exam – or any other test – simply trusting your memory is a recipe for disaster. Relying only on what was taught in class will NOT help you achieve the high standard that you are capable of.
The good news is that reading this article before your test will give you enough time to develop the skills you need for the day. If you had taken IELTS before and failed, here is another chance to learn and practise the essential points that examiners consider and expect from students.
- Take a practice test
One safe way to succeed in the IELTS is by practising tests. This action will help you understand what is required to take the actual exam. Practising will highlight the areas you are strong in and present the areas you need to learn more. You can create a study plan to keep your strengths fresh while building your weaknesses.
- Understanding the types of questions
Practising tests can also help you with another point: Identifying the types of questions that the IELTS will present you with. As much as you understand and get used to the examination, better prepared you will be.
- Keep an eye on the time
If you know the time duration of the IELTS exam, you can approach the questions methodically and efficiently. It is wise to allocate a specific time to each test section. Here we go again: By taking practice tests, you can become more confident in finishing the test on time.
- Listen and talk
There is no part of the IELTS exam that is easy, but listening is considered the most challenging part for many students. In the IELTS test, you must answer 40 questions. You will be required to follow conversations and take in the information. If you get lost in this section, don’t panic! Remember that all the questions on the Listening exam are in order.
To train your brain and prevent this from happening, practice having conversations with friends while doing other work. It is called multi-tasking. This tactic will help sharpen your auditory/listening skills and prepare you for following a conversation.
- Develop your reading skills
The reading section is seen by many as a time-consuming piece. While doing the IELTS exam, you will not have time to read a text several times. The best tip for the reading part is evident, but always good to remember: Practice your reading skills. Try to start getting prepared for IELTS at least six months in advance. It will give you time to hone your skimming and scanning technique skills. Read as many texts from a wide range of sources as possible.
- Practice your writing skills
It is crucial that what you write for your answers are concise. Practice your writing as much as you can. You must know the basics of grammar and building sentences. Developing your vocabulary range is also required. The writing test is to assess your proficiency in the English language. Building a vast vocabulary will help you to get a high-graded band. Keep a vocabulary notebook. Add words to it daily and use them as much as possible while preparing for the exam.
- Speaking
Many people tell us that speaking is the most challenging part of learning English. The best way to overcome this obstacle is to speak as much as you can whenever possible. Don’t waste any chance you might have to speak English. In class, with your friends, or any place where the laguage might be required. Set a goal to speak English daily for at least few minutes.
- Immerse yourself in English
The more exposure to English, the more you will learn and become comfortable using your skills confidently. Read books, magazines, and papers. Watch movies without subtitles and listen to the radio every chance you get. Enjoy discovering a new language as much as you can. If you do this, you automatically give yourself a good chance of scoring a high IELTS exam.
Good luck in your exams!
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