Jake BorlandCo-Founder
Whether you are sitting IELTS for the first time or trying again after a disappointing result, these 65 tips cover everything from preparation strategy to exam-day technique.
IELTS is a serious exam, but with the right preparation it is very manageable. The tips below cover every aspect of the test and the preparation process. Work through them systematically and you will be far better placed to achieve your target score.
Know your target score before you start preparing. Find out exactly what score is required by the institution or authority you are applying to, and check whether they have minimum scores for individual sections. Book your exam at least eight weeks before your deadline to give yourself adequate preparation time. Take a full practice test at the very start of your preparation so you know your baseline score and can track your progress accurately.
Read the questions before the audio begins and pick out the key words, so you know exactly what to listen for. Be aware that answers appear in order in the recording. IELTS is now taken on computer, so you type your answers as you listen and you can highlight key words on screen; there is no separate answer sheet to fill in at the end, just a short time to check your answers. Check spelling carefully; incorrect spellings will cost you marks. Practise with a variety of English accents, as the recording uses speakers from different countries.
Time management is critical in the Reading section. You have one hour for three passages and forty questions. Do not spend too long on any single question. Skim each passage first to get an overview, then read the questions, then locate the answers in the text. The answers are almost always in order in the passage. For True/False/Not Given questions, remember that Not Given means the information is simply absent from the text, not that it is false.
Plan your writing before you start. For Task 2, spend five minutes planning your essay structure. Always write at least 150 words for Task 1 and at least 250 words for Task 2. Use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, but do not use complex language just for the sake of it; clarity is always more important than impressiveness. Leave time to check your work at the end.
In Part 2, use your preparation time fully and make notes. Speak for the full two minutes if possible. Extend your answers in all parts by giving reasons and examples. Do not memorise and recite prepared answers; examiners are trained to recognise this and it will affect your score. Speak at a natural pace and do not worry about pausing to think. If you do not understand a question, it is perfectly acceptable to ask the examiner to repeat it.
Arrive early. Bring the identification document you registered with. Stay calm; nerves are normal but deep breathing helps. If you find a question very difficult, move on and come back to it. Trust your preparation. You have done the work; now it is time to show what you can do.
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Written by
Jake Borland
Co-Founder
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