It might seem crazy and unrealistic, but I only had two weeks to study for the IELTS academic test because I was applying for master’s scholarships and the deadline was super close. The question I am sure every test taker asks themselves before studying is: How am I going to study for IELTS and get a high score? If you ask yourself this question then this IELTS preparation guide is for you!
I scored 7.5 on the IELTS test and shared a post on my LinkedIn account @dimajubran announcing this news with some techniques. Surprisingly, my post received 20,000 impressions and 180 likes! Questions about the test filled my DMs, encouraging me to write about my personal experience studying for the test in a short period of time and sharing my IELTS preparation thoughts and tips with you.
This IELTS preparation guide is meant to help you prepare for the exam by changing your preconceived thoughts on the way you learn English.
Don’t study for IELTS. Train for IELTS.
What is IELTS?
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is designed to help people who aren’t native English speakers work or study in an English-speaking country like the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and New Zealand.
The IELTS test measures your ability to read, write, listen, and speak in English and you will be given a score based on your performance on the 4 tests (reading, writing, listening, and speaking).
You will receive a score between 1-9, so if you score 9 it means you’re an expert user of the English language.
If you plan on studying abroad, such as studying in the UK, universities will ask you to submit your IELTS test results as proof of your English proficiency level.
Before you prepare for IELTS, choose from the following methods:
- IELTS computer-based
- IELTS paper-based
There’s no difference between the IELTS computer-based and paper-based test unless for the experience itself. For me, I took the IELTS computer-based test.
IELTS Preparation Steps
I encourage students, employees, and everyone on taking the IELTS test because it will improve your English level significantly, which is why I prepared this IELTS preparation guide with the chief steps for you to follow:
- Choose the test type
- Evaluate your English level before studying
- Understand the 4 sections of the test
- Set your goals and stick to a timetable
- Solve IELTS mock/free tests online
- Register and pay the IELTS fees
Step 1: Choose the IELTS Academic or General Training
Choosing between these two IELTS test types is dependent on your goals and the institution you’re applying to.
If you plan to take the IELTS exam to apply for foreign universities to take a master’s degree or participate in an academic program then IELTS Academic is for you.
On the other hand, if you plan on living and working in an English-speaking country like the UK without applying for universities, then the right option for you is IELTS General Training.
Step 2: Evaluate your English Level
One of the most important steps to follow in this IELTS preparation guide is evaluating your English level before taking the official test.
Here are the benefits of evaluating your English level before the IELTS preparation process:
- Measuring your personal growth and development
- Knowing how much training you need to take
- Linking your previous and future knowledge
- Choosing the training period based on your needs and goals
Step 3: Understand the Test Format
Understanding the IELTS test format is essential to prepare well and create your studying strategies as each test section requires different preparation methods and techniques.
IELTS preparation is connected to understanding the 4 sections of the test:
- Listening (30 minutes)
- Reading (60 minutes)
- Writing (60 minutes)
- Speaking (11-15 minutes)
The mentioned duration for each section is similar for both the IELTS Academic and General Training.
Step 4: Set a Timetable
Knowing your English proficiency level is highly essential to the creation of your timetable to prepare for IELTS. The reason for that is excellent or good users of the language take less time preparing for the exam.
Personally, I was capable of scoring 7.5 due to my previous excellent English levels.
However, if you aren’t sure about your personal level, take an IELTS free online test before registering to get a hint of your level, and that will help you set a timetable to start training.
When you set your training timetable, take these tips into consideration:
- Start practicing for the hardest sections (IELTS reading and writing)
- Practice reading, writing, and speaking English daily (don’t miss twice)
- Align your timetable with your goals; meaning that if you aim for a high score you should practice accordingly
- Manage your time and energy when training for the exam
Step 5: Train Daily by Solving IELTS Practice Tests
From my point of view, I don’t recommend bombarding yourself with IELTS preparation books, pdfs, explanations, and courses.
Take my advice and focus on taking IELTS free online tests that cover all 4 sections. As you take the IELTS practice tests, you will realize that it is more about training than studying.
There is no fixed material to study from, there is only training, critical thinking, understanding paraphrasing, and having a practical resilient mindset in using the language.
This IELTS preparation guide encourages you to depend on taking an IELTS preparation test as the main method of training because it will let you create strategies for each question and use them in the real exam.
Step 6: Register for IELTS
Once you are done training and preparing yourself for the test, it is then time to register. Visit the official IELTS website to know more about the IELTS registration process in your own country.
IELTS Preparation Tips
If you read the IELTS preparation guide 2023 you will be focused on training rather than studying, and here are some IELTS preparation tips for you:
- Avoid memorizing long sheets of keywords and focus on knowing how to use synonyms and acronyms
- Practice paraphrasing on your own by rewriting the questions in your words
- Develop your critical thinking skills by analyzing what you read, write, and listen to
- Set a timer when you start solving any IELTS practice test and stick to its duration
- Know the strategies and structures of the answers expected of you
- Search on Google for “IELTS strategies” for reading, writing, listening, and speaking sections
You reached the end of my IELTS preparation guide 2023 and I hope you benefited from the information I presented based on my personal experience. Keep an eye on Read&Blog for more useful articles that cover many topics related to reading, writing, and blogging.
