26 Jun 2023
How to prepare for IELTS

Aspiring students looking to study abroad actively search for how to prepare for IELTS.

IELTS, or the International English Language Testing System, is a widely recognized standardized test of English proficiency used by universities and institutions worldwide. If you have aspirations of studying abroad, taking the IELTS test is often a prerequisite.

Types of IELTS Test

There are two types of IELTS tests: Academic and General Training. The Academic test is designed for students aiming to pursue higher education, while the General Training test is intended for those seeking employment or migration to an English-speaking country.

How Many Sections Does IELTS Test Has 

The IELTS test is divided into four sections: 

  • Listening
  • Reading
  • Writing
  • Speaking

 

Each section is scored on a scale of 0 to 9, with 9 being the highest score achievable. The overall IELTS score is calculated as the average of the four section scores.

 

IELTS Speaking Preparation: Expressing Yourself Fluently

Total Parts: 3

Total allocated time: 15 Minutes 

The IELTS Speaking test is a 15-minute evaluation of your ability to speak English fluently and spontaneously. It comprises three parts:

Part 1: Interview with the Examiner

In this section, you will engage in a friendly conversation with the examiner, who will ask you about yourself, your interests, and various everyday topics. To prepare, practice having conversations in English with friends or family members. It will help you develop your ability to express yourself clearly and confidently.

Part 2: Speaking on a Given Topic

During the speaking part, you will be given a topic and have one minute to prepare your thoughts before speaking for two minutes. Take this opportunity to organise your ideas and provide relevant examples or personal experiences to support your viewpoint. Practising speaking on various topics will enhance your fluency and coherence.

Part 3: Discussion with the Examiner

In this final part, the examiner will engage you in a discussion related to the topic in Part 2. The focus will be on expressing and supporting opinions, analysing ideas, and exploring more abstract concepts. To excel in this section, broaden your knowledge on a range of topics and practice discussing them in English.

Pro Tip

To further enhance your IELTS Speaking preparation, immerse yourself in the English language by watching movies and TV shows, listening to podcasts, and engaging in conversations with native English speakers.

IELTS Reading Preparation: Comprehending Written English

Total Passages: 3

Total Allocated Time: 60 Minutes 

The IELTS Reading test assesses your ability to understand written English within a 60-minute timeframe. It consists of three passages:

Factual Passage

This passage presents information based on facts, figures, or data. To prepare, read English newspapers, magazines, and online articles, paying attention to the author’s main ideas and supporting details.

Opinion Passage

In this passage, the author expresses their viewpoint on a particular subject. Familiarize yourself with various perspectives by reading opinion pieces from reputable sources. Practice summarising the author’s opinion and identifying supporting arguments.

Literary Passage

The literary passage encompasses fictional or artistic writing. Read English literature, short stories, or novels to become accustomed to different writing styles, figurative language, and the nuances of interpretation.

Pro Tip:

While practicing, time yourself to simulate the test conditions and improve your reading speed without compromising comprehension. Additionally, work on skimming and scanning techniques to locate specific information efficiently.

IELTS Writing Preparation: Crafting Coherent Essays and Reports

Total Tasks: 2

Total Time Allocated: 60 Minutes 

The IELTS Writing test evaluates your ability to write effectively in English, covering two tasks within a 60-minute duration:

Task 1: Reporting on a Visual Stimulus

For this task, you will be presented with a graph, chart, or diagram that requires you to summarize and interpret the information. Practice analyzing different types of visual data and conveying the main trends, comparisons, and significant features in a structured and concise manner.

Task 2: Essay on a Given Topic

In Task 2, you will write an essay expressing your opinion or providing arguments on a specific topic. Enhance your writing skills by practicing coherent essay structures, including a clear introduction, well-developed body paragraphs, and a concise conclusion. Focus on presenting logical arguments, supporting them with relevant examples, and demonstrating your language proficiency.

Pro Tip:

To improve your IELTS Writing skills, seek feedback from English teachers or online resources. Familiarize yourself with the assessment criteria and practice writing within the given time limits.

IELTS Listening Preparation: Understanding Spoken English

Total Sections: 4 

Total Allocated Time: 30 Minutes 

The IELTS Listening test assesses your ability to comprehend spoken English. It comprises four sections:

Two Short Conversations

You will hear two people conversing about everyday situations. Practice active listening by identifying the main ideas, understanding the context, and inferring meaning from the speakers’ tone and expressions.

Two Long Lectures

In this section, you will listen to academic lectures or talks on a specific subject. Focus on note-taking skills, identifying key points, and understanding the speaker’s main arguments or conclusions.

Pro Tip:

To enhance your listening abilities, listen to English-language radio programs, podcasts, and audiobooks. Challenge yourself by gradually reducing reliance on subtitles when watching movies or TV shows to improve your comprehension skills.

 

Achieve IELTS Success with Confidence: Uni Guide – Your Trusted Partner for Studying Abroad

 

Uni Guide is a dedicated consulting firm specializing in helping students pursue their education abroad. Our expert team can guide you through the entire process of preparing for IELTS test, including choosing the right test center, registering for the test, and providing comprehensive study materials. We are also equipped to assist you in finding scholarships that can alleviate the financial burden of studying abroad.

 

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If you aspire to study abroad and want to learn more about how to Prepare for IELTS test, don’t hesitate to contact the Uni Guide today. Our experienced consultants are ready to support you in achieving your study abroad goals. Together, let’s unlock a world of opportunities through the power of language proficiency.