23/12/2015
TIPS & STRATEGIES FOR IELTS EXAM
Like all exams, it is best to prepare for IELTS exam even if you are a master in the use of English language. The fees for the test is high and a person who achieves a low band score in IELTS will have to wait for at least three months, before he or she can appear for the test again. Thus, even if you have good level of English, it is best to spend at least two weeks for IELTS preparation.
Be aware of the format of the test and the types of questions that are usually asked in the IELTS test.
Work diligently through various IELTS practice tests and IELTS sample tests that are available online and as part of the various study material packages so that you can achieve a high band score. Here are some tips and strategies that will help you to better equip yourself for IELTS:
IELTS does not penalize you for wrong answers, so attempt all questions. For people with medium-level English, it is a good idea to opt for a four-day IELTS preparatory course offered by the British Council. It is an intensive course and offers substantial practice sessions. However, people a very high level of English levels may not find it worth their money.
There are no breaks between the different test sections and it is not advisable to waste time in the middle of the test. Hence, visiting the restroom before entering the examination hall is a wise thing to do.
Check all the documents that you need to carry for the exam before leaving for the test.
This includes:
- Original and valid passport,
- Letter containing your roll number and test venue, and
Fee receipt.
You can use only pencils for listening and reading sections. So, do not forget to take sharpened pencils, a pencil sharpener and a good eraser along with you.
Be aware of the time limit that you can spend on each question.
Listening to a recording over speakers and through cordless headphones are two distinct experiences. It is best to check with your test centre to know beforehand what method do they use for the test and practice likewise.
Listen very carefully as the recordings are played only once. Sections 1 and 3 are dialogues and conversations are generally faster than the monologues in sections 2 and 4.
The voice on the tape tells you how many questions to read for a particular section. Underline the key words in each question in the time allotted to read and concentrate on them while listening to the section of the recording.
Jot down the answers on the question sheet itself. In the end, you will have 10 minutes of time to transfer all your answers to the answer sheet.
At the end of each section, you get time to re-check your answers. You may use this time to read the questions of the next section.
Generally, in a conversation answers appear in the same order as the questions. A speaker may correct himself or herself while speaking something. So, be alert to note the corrections that have been made to judge the final answer correctly.
Dates and Deadlines
Every year, students can take IELTS on one of the 48 fixed test centers. Local test centres may offer the test on some or all of these dates and you will need to contact your test centre to known on which dates they will be offering IELTS.
RAJESH SHARMA
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