How to Prepare for the IELTS Exam
The IELTS exam is an English proficiency exam used by many universities and companies to assess candidates’ level of English. It judges the four language skills of Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking on a scale using bands from 0 (didn’t attempt the exam) to 9 (native-like user). For those who want to study abroad, many universities require a 6.5 band or 7 band average, but each program will have its own requirements.
As an IELTS institute, we get a lot of questions about preparing for the IELTS exam. Here is what we tell our students…
There are two main ways to prepare for the IELTS exam:
1. Improve your English, and
2. Familiarize yourself with the IELTS Exam.
You can think of #1 as the foundation, and #2 as the building on top of the foundation. Both of these are necessary.
Some test-takers rely on their English level and do not give the time and dedication to understanding the exam itself. This often results in a lower band than they deserve, not to mention the wasted time and money. Some people pour all of their time into IELTS exam practice and familiarity without giving the proper attention to their initial English proficiency. These will likewise be disappointed by a low band score and wasted time and money. You need both great English and IELTS readiness.
We generally recommend that students put about 90% of their efforts towards improving their English, and about 10% on IELTS exam familiarity and practice until their English is proficient enough. After that point, we recommend that they switch to about 75% focus on IELTS exam familiarity and practice and 25% on improving their English.
Don’t forget to focus on both the foundation (English) and the building (IELTS prep). That way you can get the IELTS band you need and save yourself from frustration, wasted time, and wasted money.
Contact us today for more info about our Multi-skill English courses and our IELTS preparation courses.
Next: 8 Ways to Improve Your English for a 7+ Band on the IELTS exam
