Ten Tips for Success in the IELTS Exam

1. Don’t try to read the texts in the reading paper in depth. Even if you are a native speaker, it would be extremely difficult to read 3 texts in detail and then answer the questions in an hour. You should start with the questions and then go to the relevant part of the text and read only that part in detail. Then move on to the next question and do the same.
2. Don’t forget to transfer your answers in the reading paper. You will not be given extra time to do this and if you forget then your score for the reading paper will be 0.
3. Be careful when you transfer your answers that you transfer them to the right place. It is easy to transfer them incorrectly if you miss a question and you could lose a lot of points by doing this.
4. Read the instructions carefully! If the question requires a YES, NO or NOT GIVEN answer, make sure that you write the answer fully. Y, N or NG is not acceptable.
5. In the writing paper, make sure you plan your answer before you begin to write it. This will help you organise your thoughts and will give you a better chance of getting a high score.
6. You should divide your time carefully in the writing paper. Part 1 should take 20 minutes and part 2 should take 40 minutes. If you spend too long on either part then you are risking losing marks over all.
7. Remember that part 1 writing could be either describing statistics OR describing a process, so make sure that you have practised both types of exercise and that you know how to structure your answer well.
8. In part 2 of the speaking test, you will be given a minute to prepare your short speech. Make sure that you use this time well and plan the order of the points you want to talk about. Think about it as a short essay and make sure you have a logical starting point, middle part and a finish.
9. You will only hear the listening ONCE so if you miss an answer, take a guess and move on. Always take a guess and don’t leave any blanks on your answer sheet. Remember, you will be given extra time to transfer your answers after the listening test is over so don’t worry about transferring them in the middle of the test.
10. The best way to ensure success in the IELTS exam is to practice the papers in advance and make sure you know how it works. If you can, do a preparation course but if that’s not possible, buy a self-study practice book that gives you the answers AND tells you why the answers are correct.

Have you got any questions about preparing for IELTS? If you have, write a comment and we will get back to you.