What to expect in the IELTS Exam

In this tutorial you will:

* learn about the test conditions

* see how best to prepare for the exam

* become aware of the need for quality feedback

* realise the importance of timing in each exam section

* discover how vital the ability to paraphrase is

This will help you to:

* make critical decisions on how to study for IELTS Exam

* with effort and guidance, obtain a high IELTS band score

The IELTS Exam

The world’s leading test of English language proficiency, IELTS is not difficult in itself. In less than 3 hours, it assesses your abilities in listening, reading, writing and speaking. The exam conditions, including the length and format of each part, the types of questions and tasks included, the methodology used to correct the test and so on, are standardized. That simply means that the same conditions apply to everyone who takes the test and the types of questions of each section are predictable. You can trust it. IELTS materials, including practice tests, are abundant. For more information, see for example: https://www.ielts.org/about-the-test/sample-test-questions.

How to prepare for the IELTS

The best advice practically writes itself. Here’s a brief checklist:

* become very familiar with the format of each part of the test

* know what types of questions are asked in each part and what skills they are assessing

* know your strengths and weaknesses in the skills being tested and work on those weak points

* prepare a coherent study plan and keep to it

* for reading and listening practice by doing IELTS tests and, especially as the test date gets closer, under exam conditions

* check your progress, ideally by seeking expert feedback and advice. Take a look at our IELTS Writing Evaluation online for more information.

How to get a good IELTS score

Test results indicate that average IELTS band scores are somewhere between 5.5 and 6.5, equivalent to a B2 CEFR level, that is, an independent language user more than capable of understanding and being understood in most contexts with little difficulty. It’s a score that would guarantee a university or college place for many students who require IELTS for entry. But it’s average all the same.

So, what does it take to obtain an overall band 7.0 or, even better, an 8.0? Is it simply a question of preparation and practice, of acquiring more vocabulary and being both fluent and accurate in writing and speech and working systematically on improving our listening and reading skills? Well, yes, of course it is.

And perhaps the question is not “how difficult is IELTS?” but “why do exam takers make IELTS difficult for themselves?” Let’s look at one of two main reasons why your IELTS score may not be as good as it should be.

* Time management

Preparation time is a serious topic. Without this you can find yourself taking IELTS again and again and again. Not only is this costly but it can be very depressing and frustrating. This can be overcome by a schedule and following these guidelines.

* Exam Time Management

Four tests in less than three hours.