How can I prepare myself for the IELTS test?

IELTS is a unique testing tool to try your level in English. It is embedded with four modules where you will be tested with four dimensions. It implies you will be examined with your consolidated English skills. Initially, it may sound simple as you are taking the test on Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. However, the more you get through it you might discover it is cheesy, tricky, complex, painstaking, and laborious. Therefore, you have to know a couple of things before taking the IELTS that may help you to secure the auspicious score on the test. There are 10 things that you get to know before taking the IELTS exam. 

• Get to know yourself

It implies you need to learn about your level in terms of English skills. It is important because in many cases I have seen students desire to have the IELTS test but they are still in the beginner stage with respect to their English skill. However, they wish to have a sound score within a short period of time. In most the cases, the scenario is the next academic session is going to start just a couple of months later and I want to catch it. Indeed, to get admitted to the university a particular score is required which they believe to be achieved easily. In fact, it might be gained if the student already has a strong command of English. If someone is a beginner then it is literally impossible. Therefore, it is being suggested to get to know your level and take preparation accordingly.  

• Get to know the IELTS test

It is a common phenomenon that students do not have an exact idea about the IELTS. They believe listening is not going to be difficult because already I have seen many English movies and drama serials. Thus, I easily can communicate in the English language. They also think that in the listening test they will just listen to the audio and answer the question. The reality is different since there are many techniques, tricks, and strategies involved with it. In the same way, students have inappropriate knowledge about reading, writing, and speaking. You get to know that all these modules will be evaluated with specific criteria thus; you have to address those modules in an expected manner. Hence, you are suggested to get to know the IELTS modules, question patterns, and so on properly. 

• Think about the Right Time

It refers to the span of time that is required to take the test to secure the desired score. The time span may vary from person to person. For instance, if someone has “excellent” command in English they may score 7+ within 4- 6 months if they get through the appropriate practice. If someone has “average” skill they may score 6 or 6+ within six months. However, I would suggest planning for 1 year for the beginners. Indeed, they have to walk a long way to even achieve 6+. Again, I would advise practicing for a year who desires to achieve 8+. The thing you need to take into your consideration is IELTS simply does not like regular English to some extent; it is an entirely different thing. Therefore, the time span is important to evolve your knowledge to cope with the IELTS test. 

• Fix your goal

You have to know clearly what you want and how would you make it happen. If you find yourself in the beginning stage then you got to get through the immense practice squarely. The reason is there are four modules in the IELTS test. Therefore, you have to develop your square senses to achieve your auspicious score. The goal is the catalyst that may stimulate you to choose your study pattern and practice. Thus, if you don’t have a target then you may find you get lost in the desert. 

• Develop your vocabulary 

Simply, when I come across the students I simply ask how many words they know. In fact, it is impossible to provide the exact figure in this regard. Then, I ask them to assume an approximate number. The common scenario is most students’ vocabulary range is less than 1000.  There are some students who claim to have around two thousand words in their practice. Who are pretty confident they believe they know around three thousand words. I suggest you know around 5000 words to have a sound score on the IELTS test. The question is how would you ensure the five thousand words? Well, there is a 3000 basic word list that you can access from the internet. Moreover, there is an IELTS vocabulary list that is enriched with 4000 words (you can take me 10,000 words). That is how you can learn 5000 words or more. Vocabulary will help you with each and every single module. 

• Polish your grammar

IELTS is not a magical event or there is no coupon draw. Moreover, you cannot expect to happen any miracle to secure a good score. It is all about knowledge, tricks, techniques, and practice. You got to have profound knowledge of English grammar. Grammar will help you not only with writing and speaking but also with listening and reading. To specify broadly it can be said that grammar will give you the clues to answer the listening and writing answer. Additionally, if there is no grammatical accuracy in your writing and speaking you won’t score well. Therefore, having an excellent knowledge of English grammar is a prerequisite for the IELTS test.

• Be patient

From my experience, I have seen that many students come to have IELTS tests. However, after working a couple of months when they get the sense that desired IELTS score is still far away then they get discouraged and abandon the hope. Indeed, you should not be hopeless and never give up. Keep working on it patiently and look forward to achieving the expected score.

• Study steadily but continuously

There are many students who are initially greatly self-motivated and get through the practice and learning relentlessly. They feel whatever is required to learn for IELTS will capture it in a short period of time. The reality is having knowledge takes little time. Albeit, being skilled in something requires a large span of time. Our brain needs enough time to get used to the application of technical knowledge. Thus, learning and demonstrating the knowledge effectively are not the same thing. Study, practice, and enjoy your steady progress. It will help you to win the race.  

• Try yourself

After going through the study and practice now it is time to try you. The best way is to have some complete mock tests. Mock tests will give you a sense of how much progress you have achieved and how well you can perform for the final test. It also realizes you how well prepared you are and how you can manage your limited time for the test. It is being suggested that; never sit for the IELTS test before having the mock test.

• Sit for test

After going through the above-mentioned steps now you are to have the IELTS test. Don’t be rush or capricious in terms of the IELTS final test. While you feel comfortable with all the modules and you think you are confident enough to ensure your target score only then do you sit for the test. It is said, in terms of that reading and writing time is the biggest enemy. Therefore, having a good control in time management is vital for those modules. Finally, I would suggest you not be nervous while you are taking a test. Nervousness may result in disaster.