Last minute tips for IELTS

We have come across many students who on the day of the exam or a day prior ask for some last-minute tips for IELTS. So here we are with the tips that you should always focus on before giving the test. These tips are for each part of the IELTS Test in General as well as the Academic IELTS test.

TIPS FOR IELTS LISTENING

1. Before the recording starts, read the questions for each part carefully. This way you will not just be able to follow the recording well but also identify the answers and be prepared for the same.
2. After the completion of each part, concentrate on the questions for the next part rather than worrying about your performance in the last part.
3. Remember, the questions will always be sequenced with the audio but not the options.
4. Do not forget to read the instructions properly, especially in case of completion kind of questions. If you write beyond the word limit, you will receive no marks at all for your answer, even if some of the words are correct.
5. Try to listen for keywords or synonymous words that have the same or nearly the same meaning as another word from the question to help you identify the answer.
6. Sometimes you are supposed to write the words that have been spelt out in the recording. In order to do this well, you need to be aware of the pronunciation of each alphabet.
7. While solving multiple-choice questions, pay attention to the question rather than focusing on the options. This makes it easier for you to find an accurate answer.
8. As far as dates are concerned, there are several ways to write them (e.g. 24th May, May 24 and 24 May are all correct).
9. If you get stuck and are not able to answer, keep calm and move on to the next question. Go back to such questions at the end, if you are left with time.
10. In the paper-based IELTS, after the last recording has ended you will have 10 minutes to transfer your answers to the answer sheet. Hence, you should not commit the mistake of writing the answers on the answer sheet in-between parts or while the audio is being played, or else you may miss important information. Wait until the end of Part 4 before transferring your answers.

Note: There are no 10 minutes of transfer time for the computer-delivered test. Hope these last minute tips for IELTS Listening help you with questions in your mind.

 

TIPS FOR IELTS READING

1. Read every question carefully first and mark keywords before reading the passages. This will make it easier for you to get accurate answers.
2. When you come to read the passage, read it to get a general idea of what it’s about. Don’t worry about words whose meanings you are not aware of. Underline or highlight the keywords as you read. This will be helpful to find these details later if they come up as an answer to any of the questions. Then read each question again to locate and finalise your answer.
3. Never use your own knowledge of a topic to get an answer. Refer only to the passage for the answer.
4. Be careful about the spelling while copying words from the passage to use in your answer.
5. If you are asked to label a diagram, you will find the words you need in the passage. Identify the paragraph and make sure that you copy them carefully with the correct spelling.
6. If you are stuck and cannot find the answer to any particular question, leave it and move on to the next question. Remember each question carries equal importance. Go back to such questions at the end, if you are left with time.
7. In paper-based IELTS, make sure you write down your answers for the Reading test on the answer sheet directly and not the question paper as there is no extra time to transfer your answers after the test.

Hope these last minute tips for IELTS reading help you with questions in your mind.

TIPS FOR IELTS WRITING

1. In your Writing test, there isn’t any right or wrong answer. You are being assessed on how well you can use the language to report any information or express any ideas.
2. Understand the questions carefully so that you address all the points in the answer.
3. Do not write less than 150 words for Task 1 and less than 250 for Task 2, or else you would be penalized.
4. Write your answers completely in paragraphs and not in bullet points. You should be able to organise your main and supporting points.
5. Use complex sentences but this should not impact the readability. If sentences are too long, they will become less coherent and understandable.
6. In your introduction, do not copy the wordings of the questions. Instead, use your own words or else the copied words would not be counted.
7. In academic Writing Task 1, do not interpret the report or give your opinion.
8. Plan your essay before you start writing. Plan an introduction, your opinion and ideas to support the same. Use real-life examples to illustrate and a conclusion based on the information you have provided in the previous paragraphs. Give 10 minutes to planning and also leave five minutes in the end to proofread your answer.
9. Do not memorise a model answer for the Writing test as that won’t be helpful.
10. Pay attention to the grammar and typing errors (in case of CBT test)
11. Standard American and British spellings are acceptable in IELTS. But stick to one type throughout your writing test.

Hope these last minute tips for IELTS Writing help you with questions in your mind.

TIPS FOR IELTS SPEAKING

1. To excel in a Speaking test, make sure you take the time to practise speaking English – with friends, at work or at home.
2. You should even record yourself and analyse your speaking skills so that you are confident speaking English during your test.
3. As in writing, there are no rights or wrong answers in the Speaking test as well. Your assessment would be on how well you can express your ideas and opinions.
4. Do not take the pressure of a test and imagine yourself talking to a friend. This will help you to keep yourself calm.
5. Avoid repeating the words from the question instead use your own words to show the examiner your versatility in language.
6. Be clear and keep the pace natural.
7. Don’t keep your answers limited to a few words or just ‘Yes’ or ‘No’. Answer in detail developing your response to each question with your experiences and examples.
8. Understand the question well before answering, especially the tense in which the question has been asked.
9. It is better to use simple, commonly used vocabulary and to use it correctly instead of using words that you are not sure about.
10. Try to answer as fully as possible along with giving reasons for your answers. This will enable you to use a wider range of vocabulary and grammar.

Hope these last minute tips for IELTS Speaking help you with questions in your mind.

NOTE: Aspirants who opt for a Computer-delivered test, should always give a practise test from the official websites (IDP or British Council) so that they are prepared for the format of the test.

To know more about the Computer-delivered test, click here.

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We would be happy to listen and share resources on topics that are posing a challenge for our readers. IELTS Intellect has various customized and specifically curated courses for both IELTS general online training and IELTS academic online courses. Feel free to check them here.