Planning to move abroad? Whether you intend to go study vocational training programs, work, or immigration in an English-speaking country, probably IELTS would be your best choice. IELTS stands for International English Language Testing System. This test marks your language skills on 4 key parameters i.e. Speaking, Writing, Reading, and Listening.
1. Listen and absorb as much as you can
If you want to learn and have fun at the same time, watching English TV shows is a great way to improve your listening skills and overall vocabulary. The listening test will comprise 4 recordings which are a mix of monologues and conversations from a range of native speakers and you will only hear each recording once. These are divided into 4 sections (40 questions).
Tips:
Use your preparation time wisely to read the questions
Listen and read the instructions carefully before you start
Look out for the pauses in the voice of the speaker, most of the times answer lies there
In case you miss out on an answer or you feel you’ve not figured out the answer for a long time, quickly check the blanks ahead and try to figure out where the speaker is.
If you’re looking for training or an online course, look out for courses that are being taught by native speakers.
2. Exercise Pronunciation and Fluency
Pronunciation is the key to the speaking test. The more you speak, the better you will be at it, so make your preparation a part of your life and speak as much as you can with your friends, family or at work or practice KARAOKE with your friends, it’s a great way to to take your pronunciation to the next level.
Tips:
Listen to native speakers as much as you can
Practice using stress and intonation appropriately
Record yourself and analyze your language
Repeat the words where you fumble and keep using them until you achieve perfection
3. Read to Grow
Do not underestimate the reading section, it can be easy to score but the speed matters! Widen your reading skills by reading a range of topics and learning the art of skimming and scanning through each passage is important.
Tips:
Read the instructions carefully. It’s your key to success
Skim the passage quickly during the preparation time
Look at the headings, diagrams, or glossary to get a quick idea of the article and its general meaning.
Understand what’s required in each task, beforehand
Highlight the keywords if you’re giving a written test
4. Learn to be a wordsmith to master your writing section
The writing section of the IELTS General is made up of 2 writing tasks that are of general interest. Writing task 1 will most probably give you a situation and will ask you to write a letter or may explain a situation whereas Task 2 will require you to write an essay where you will present your opinion, argument, or present a solution. The essence to score well in this is your ability to structure the overall passage with the right usage of grammar, punctuation, and vocabulary. In short, your overall language skill :D
Tips:
Plan before you start writing
Master your letter aims, opening, and closing
Use a wide range of vocabulary
Look out for spelling mistakes
Last but not the least, read the instructions carefully and the word limits
5. Practice Vocabulary
Vocabulary skills are a significant contribution to your IELTS band score. Almost every section of the test requires you to have a strong vocabulary so work as much you can on enhancing your vocabulary.
Tips:
Create and practice a word list or even create flashcards of your own.
Look and analyze advertisements as you travel
Read editorial pages of the Newspaper
Read anything and everything you like