IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is designed to help you work, study, or migrate to a country where English is the native language. For the uninitiated, the IELTS exam is available in two forms — IELTS academic and IELTS general training. The test covers four parts: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. However, the Speaking test (also taken through video calls) is held either on the same day of the examination or seven days before or after, depending on the local arrangements. But is preparing yourself for the IELTS exam and getting an 8+ band easy?
No, the preparation process can be a daunting task.
So, what could be the best way to prepare for the IELTS exam?
We have shared a list of critical parameters that one can focus on to crack the IELTS exam with an 8+ band score. Let’s dive into them …
- Understand the test format
Before you begin the preparation for your IELTS exam, it’s extremely crucial that you know what to expect out of the test format. To familiarize yourself with the sections by reviewing the content of the test, the questions, and task types for each section. The knowledge about the test pattern will surely help you to succeed in any examination, including IELTS.
- Get to know how the scores are calculated
The fastest and most effective approach to improve your IELTS score is knowing exactly what the examiners are looking for and providing it to them. Try to get a good score in all the sections, as its average will provide you with an overall band score. However, you can’t simply learn this tactic and get a high score; this approach should be combined with the improvement in English and test skills.
- Set realistic goals
The tip here focuses on the term ‘realistic’. There will be a big difference between the score you want and the score you are really going to achieve. To do so, enroll yourself in the best IELTS coaching institutes and begin your preparation journey. These institutes’ guidance will help you succeed and ensure that you get the best score. They provide up-to-date study material, practice mock tests, doubt sessions, online tests, and more.
- Improve vocabulary
Vocabulary is a huge component of the IELTS test. It covers 25% of the total marks in the Speaking and Writing section. Besides, it is also tested in the Reading and Listening section. So, it’s better if you implement a vocabulary improvement plan as soon as possible. Best IELTS coaching centers offer various plans to improve your vocabulary – so begin your search to find the best.
- Practice English regularly
When it comes to honing your English skills, there is no other substitute for practicing regularly. Consequently, you can practice English by reading novels, newspapers, watching series, having conversations, and more. Besides, you can also combine learning English with the most common IELTS topics, such as the environment, education, and technology. So, reading and listening among these common topics is a very powerful technique.
- Practice tests
While preparing for IELTS, there is one thought that every student comes across — which is the best IELTS coaching center near me? But why do they think this? The answer is simple – to understand what their current test score is and learn new methods to improve it. Also, be informed that there are various fake IELTS tests; therefore, enroll in an IELTS coaching institute and prepare using official test papers.
- Get your Speaking and Writing skills checked
It is very important for every student to get a qualified teacher that can access their speaking and writing skills. A qualified teacher will tell you the current level of knowledge along with the prominent weaknesses. This, in turn, will prevent wastage of time. This will help you focus on the things that you are not good at, improving leaps and bounds. So begin your journey of finding the best teacher today.
- Do not waste time on a question
If you cannot understand which answers are to be written for a particular question, do not waste much time in finding the answer. It’s better if you skip to the next question. However, you can come back at the end when extra time is given to review the answers. So in all the sections, manage your time well because if you get stuck in the beginning you will end up losing a lot of marks.
- Be grammatically accurate
You have to ensure not to make any major errors while writing the essay. The examiner will base your scores on whether the grammar is used appropriately in a sentence. To score an 8+ band in the IELTS exam, your grammar should be excellent, and the sentence formation must look unique and original.
- Speak with fluency
The Speaking test is conducted for less than 15 minutes and is split into three parts. During this test, the examiner will also pay attention to your pronunciation, lexical resource, and fluency.
However, in IELTS, practicing each test under exam conditions is essential for your preparation course. A candidate will get used to the pressure only by taking a test beforehand. To begin your practice and write down notes that will help you achieve the desired band score.
Other than these tricks, you can also develop reading skills, use assertive terms, create a study plan, maintain your calm, and more.