In the present extraordinary circumstances, the IELTS exam has become an extremely crucial exam both for university admissions and for the purposes of immigration. Several Universities in the UK, Ireland, Scotland, Europe, US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand have waived off other standardized test requirements (such as the GMAT exam /GRE Exam preparation etc.) because of the pandemic. However, one test that all universities in almost any study abroad destination require of candidates is the IELTS score. Keeping in mind that the IELTS exam is now online from home, in this article, we would share with you some simple and effective techniques that will help you in your IELTS Exam Preparation.
- Start with a practice test: Before you register your IELTS test date, it is very important that you know what the test is all about and what is your present level on the exam. The best way to gauge your level is to take an IELTS Practice test that simulates the pattern and difficulty of the real IELTS exam. Once you are done with the practice test, you know where you stand and how much time you would need for your IELTS Preparation to reach your target score.
(Want to take a free IELTS practice test? Write to [email protected])
- Identify your weak areas: Whether you want to begin your IELTS preparation in Kuwait or in any other part of the world, the first thing to identify are your weak areas. Through the practice test, you can figure out which section did you have the most difficulty with (Reading, Writing, Speaking or Listening) and then work on those sections accordingly.
- Professional IELTS tutoring or self-help: If you are deciding between whether to opt for IELTS online classes or IELTS in-person coaching or do self-preparation for IELTS, you need to consider the following factors:
- Is there is a big gap between your target score and your starting score? If yes, then professional coaching is better.
- Do you have very little time to take the exam and get a good score? If yes, the seek an expert help.
- Have you taken the IELTS exam multiple times by yourself and not succeeded in reaching your target score? If yes, take IELTS classes.
- Are you stuck on a particular score band and, despite all your efforts, cannot reach that elusive goal from 6.5 to 7 or from 7 to 7.5? If yes, a good IELTS course can help you identify where you are going wrong and suggest to you ways to improve.
- Is there one particular section on the exam where you are consistently scoring low and that brings your overall band down? If yes, an expert IELTS instructor can train you specifically on your weak areas (such as the 2nd essay in the Writing, or the Reading 3rd passage). (ILM Prep with its proven IELTS course and Certified IELTS Native speaking Trainers can help you on any of these points mentioned above).
- Work on your reading skills: To do well on The reading section, it is important to build speed. This can be done by improving your reading habit. Start by reading newspaper articles, journals, books, preferably online (given that IELTS exam is currently being conducted online from home).
- Improve your vocabulary: Vocabulary plays an important role in all sections of the exam. In Reading section, there are questions which ask you the specific meaning of a word in context. In Listening, you need to know some of the big words used in the dialogues to be able to answer the question. In Writing and Speaking sections, being able to use high-end vocabulary is always a winning factor in scoring a higher band (6.5 and above). To add new words in your list, start following a reading habit’ list out all new words that you come across in article or journal and loom up their meaning, associate words with visuals, people or habits; use flash cards to review new words you have learned; use vocab related apps.
