What is IELTS? and Tips & Tricks to Crack IELTS Entrance Exam

IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is a language proficiency test given to individuals interested to work & study abroad where English is the primary language. In the previous article we discussed about myths & facts of English Proficiency exams. Now, it’s time for us to discuss about a few useful tips and tricks to crack IELTS.

IELTS tests your ability to listen, speak, read & write. It is more than just an exam as it gives you access to opportunities at international level. There are different types of IELTS exams – Paper -based test, Computer-delivered test, IELTS for UKVI & IELTS for Life skills. Each institution has its own requirement so before choosing which test should be taken, please check with your institute for the same.

There are 4 sections in IELTS and each of these sections have their own set of questions and time limit, where listening, reading and writing section is completed on the same day and speaking is scheduled for some other day. If you opt for paper-based test then you can log in 12 days before the test to choose your speaking test slot, but if not selected 10 days before then you get automatically assigned for the test.

Now that we have understood what IELTS is, let’s discuss about few important tips & tricks to crack it: –

 

• Listening – Listening test duration is for 30 minutes

  1. You get extra 10 minutes to transfer the answers. It is applicable only if you have opted for paper-based format.
  2. At the beginning of each section, you will be given instructions. Please make sure you listen to them very carefully.
  3. There are variety of voices with different accents that you need to hear carefully and then answer the questions asked in the given word limit.
  4. Try to watch online videos & TV shows as it will help you get familiarized with new words and accents.
  5. Include listening in your daily routine as you might be asked to write down words spelled out in the recording and you need to know how each letter is pronounced.

 

• Speaking – Speaking test duration is for 11-14 minutes.

  1. In this test your speaking skills are tested. Practice with your friends, family and colleagues talking in English.
  2. Always remember it is ok if you get stuck or have pronounced a word incorrectly, as the only thing that matters in how well you express your point of view to the examiner.
  3. Try to speak slowly and clearly, like it’s a regular conversation. Do not complicate it, keep it simple.
  4. While answering the test avoid looking at the equipment and have direct eye contact with the examiner.

 

• Reading – Reading test duration is for 60 minutes.

  1. In this test your reading skills are tested, meaning how well you read, understand and answer the questions.
  2. You can start with reading newspapers& articles that interest you and underline/ highlight difficult words and check the meaning in dictionary to understand what it means so that you can use the same later.
  3. Understanding different types of words will help you build up your vocabulary as well.
  4. In the test, always read the passage carefully and start noting down the possible answers as it will help you find the exact answers to the questions asked.
  5. There is no extra time given in this section so make sure you read the passages quickly instead of taking time in understanding what you have read.
  6. You can also skip difficult questions and come back to it in the end, when you have time.

 

• Writing – Writing test duration is also 60 minutes.

  1. In this section the examiner is not assess if your answers are right or wrong.
  2. It is on how well you have understood and are able to present the same in writing the answer.
  3. Make sure about the word limit given to each question and write the answers accordingly.
  4. Put your thoughts in an organized manner.

 

IELTS has a lot of practice material available online for us to test our skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing. We must use the material and guidance given to us to score well. It is not based on our general knowledge but our ability to communicate in English.