First time test taker here who took the Academic module (paper-based) for IELTS in April of this year with scores:
Listening: 9
Reading: 9
Writing: 7
Speaking: 7.5
Overall: 8
My test preparations began in February, but I didn’t always have the opportunity to work on it on a daily basis with other things going on in my life. Each of us has a particular style of attacking the test so what works for me might not work for you. For starters though, I did listening and reading practice tests (http://practicepteonline.com/) whenever I can, and doing mock test for each at least a few times a week, I familiarized myself well with the test structure and question types. My performance became better in time because I knew very well what to expect with each practice test I took. I also advise you to keep track of your scores so you’re aware of your progress.
LISTENING
Tip 1 - Some people experience more difficulty in understanding the audio recording than others, and if you’re one of them, a few easy things you can do to familiarize yourself with different accents can be watching movies or shows in English without subtitles or listening to podcasts and foreign radio stations.
Tip 2 - As mentioned earlier, familiarity of the test structure and question types is important. It will be a lot easier when you know what to expect. For listening, section 1 is always a dialogue with one of the speakers having a form of inquiry, which may typically include hotel, housing or job inquiries. Section 2 is always a monologue with the speaker usually talking about the details of an event, activity or a newly-opened facility. Section 3 is always dialogue between 2 or more people, and section 4 is always a monologue from a person giving a lecture. The question types are always a mixture of completing tables and forms, choosing the correct letter (A, B or C), labeling maps, completing notes or filling in the blanks.
Tip 3 - An undivided attention while taking the test is crucial. You need to be attentive because the recording will not be played again. If you practice frequently, you’ll get the hang of it. So, practice with passion!
READING
Tip 1 - Familiarity of the test structure and question types is as equally important here. It has three passages and the question types in the reading subtest are a mixture of completing the summary, choosing the correct letter (A, B, C), choosing the appropriate headings, locating which paragraph contains the ff. information, matching the person with the statement, yes/no/not given or true/false/not given, and labeling diagrams.
Tip 2 - With that in mind, there are a lot of strategies out there for reading. Here’s how I did mine: I look at the questions first before anything else! Time is of the essence. With long passages and seemingly complex questions, there’s just no time to read the whole passage itself and trying to understand each sentence one-by-one. So, look at the questions first then answer the easiest ones. The skimming and scanning methods work really well with answering question types such as completing the summary, choosing the correct letter (A, B, C), locating which paragraph contains the ff. information, matching the person with the statement, and labeling diagrams because you need only to look for keywords. I answer the choosing the appropriate headings and yes/no/not given or true/false/not given questions last because it will take me less effort needed to answer them due to the fact that I’ve probably already read everything after going back and forth with the skimming and scanning for answers in the easier questions prior.
Tip 3 - Another important reminder, don’t spend too much time on a question. If you can’t find it immediately, just leave it and get back to it later. You need to have at least 10 minutes extra time to check your answers after finishing the reading subtest because you’ll have better luck at finding the correct answers the second time you go through everything again. When I started doing reading mock test, I’m too lazy to reread the questions and check my answers with the time I have left, but my scores improved when I did.
WRITING
Tip 1 - Always refer to the IELTS writing band descriptor so you’ll have an idea of what to do and not to do in order to achieve the band score you’re aiming for. Review what the criteria for each band score is looking for.
Tip 2 - If you’re aiming for a band 7+, check out this YouTube videos for a few pro-tips:
• IELTS Writing - Master the IELTS Writing test - British Council (
)
• How to Score 8+ in Writing Task 2 with Jay (
)
Tip 3 - It is important to understand the tasks given. Therefore, for Academic writing tasks 1 and 2, know and understand how to report the given bar/chart/table/diagram appropriately (IELTS-up offers great task 1 writing lessons: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRSFsZwTpcm2IZKcWTOyyZg) and how to construct or provide answers for the different essay types (E2 IELTS gives a brief explanation about the different essay types:
k) respectively in the way that IELTS asks you to.
Tip 4 - Study the model answers. Understand how they are structured and dissect them, then create your own writing strategy or templates out of it afterwards. I was a frequent visitor of these websites that offer good model answers:
• IELTS Liz (https://www.ieltsliz.com)
• IELTS-up (https://www.ielts-up.com/)
• IELTS Advantage (https://www.ieltsadvantage.com/)
• IELTS Buddy (https://www.ieltsbuddy.com)
• IELTS Academic (https://www.ielts-academic.com/)
• IELTS Focus (https://www.ieltsfocus.com/)
• How to do IELTS (https://www.howtodoielts.com/)
Some YouTube channels that also offer awesome IELTS writing classes or tutorials include:
• English Lessons with Adam (https://www.youtube.com/user/EnglishTeacherAdam)
• Write To Top (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdJ_sF-R6PPqFgPNOjcwSxQ)
• IELTS Liz (https://www.youtube.com/user/ieltsliz)
• E2 IELTS (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCglDIsg_Z9mE2oT9hsrbzFA)
• IELTS-up (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRSFsZwTpcm2IZKcWTOyyZg)
Tip 5 - If you have time to spare, please, please, practice writing essays especially if you’re doing a paper-based test. http://practicepteonline.com/ also has writing practice tests for Academic writing task 1 and 2. I didn’t do much practice in writing because I find it a very tedious task. However, I wish I spent more time practicing. It would’ve made a huge difference in my score then.
Tip 6 - Here are a few brief writing tips you may apply: In constructing paragraphs, always include a topic sentence, provide supporting ideas to your main point, and give specific examples!!! By specific examples, I meant you should add at least a date, a place/business/university names, names of people, or statistics. It doesn’t matter if the examples you wrote aren’t real since they won’t check the validity of it anyway. They’re looking for well-developed paragraphs so makes sure that you follow the paragraph pattern. Use synonyms and less common vocabulary. Maintain a smooth flow of the ideas by using a range of cohesive devices. Use a variety of sentence types (simple, compound, complex, compound-complex). State a clear position all throughout the essay.
SPEAKING
Tip 1 - Similar to writing, always refer to the IELTS speaking band descriptor so you’ll have an idea of what to do and not to do in order to achieve the band score you’re aiming for. Review what the criteria for each band score is looking for.
Tip 2 - Be familiar with the test structure and the question types!!!
Tip 3 - I recommend you get a speaking partner and ask for their criticism. If you have a friend from overseas, speak with them more often using English. Or, you could ask your family or local friends to speak with you in English too on a daily basis. Another option would be to find someone who is also taking the IELTS that can do speaking test simulations with you. The more you speak English, the more you become comfortable with the language. This way, you’d sound more casual and confident in no time.
Tip 4 - Practice on your own too. You can just hit up Google and search for common questions asked in the part 1, 2 and 3 of the speaking test, record yourself as you answer, and listen to the recording afterwards. List down the things you need to improve and work on it one at a time. Heck, even speaking to yourself with made-up conversations helps.
Tip 5 - On your test day, be calm! The examiner isn’t going to eat you alive so there’s no need to fuss. Relax. Speak at a normal rate and with confidence. Look smart. Talk smart.
Tip 6 - Answer only what is being asked. Elaborate your answers. Fabricate an answer if necessary. Be articulate. Just speak up.
Tip 7 - Check these YouTube channels out in your spare time:
• AcademicEnglishHelp (https://www.youtube.com/user/AcademicEnglishHelp)
• GeneralIELTSHelp (https://www.youtube.com/user/GeneralIELTSHelp)
Listening: 9
Reading: 9
Writing: 7
Speaking: 7.5
Overall: 8
My test preparations began in February, but I didn’t always have the opportunity to work on it on a daily basis with other things going on in my life. Each of us has a particular style of attacking the test so what works for me might not work for you. For starters though, I did listening and reading practice tests (http://practicepteonline.com/) whenever I can, and doing mock test for each at least a few times a week, I familiarized myself well with the test structure and question types. My performance became better in time because I knew very well what to expect with each practice test I took. I also advise you to keep track of your scores so you’re aware of your progress.
LISTENING
Tip 1 - Some people experience more difficulty in understanding the audio recording than others, and if you’re one of them, a few easy things you can do to familiarize yourself with different accents can be watching movies or shows in English without subtitles or listening to podcasts and foreign radio stations.
Tip 2 - As mentioned earlier, familiarity of the test structure and question types is important. It will be a lot easier when you know what to expect. For listening, section 1 is always a dialogue with one of the speakers having a form of inquiry, which may typically include hotel, housing or job inquiries. Section 2 is always a monologue with the speaker usually talking about the details of an event, activity or a newly-opened facility. Section 3 is always dialogue between 2 or more people, and section 4 is always a monologue from a person giving a lecture. The question types are always a mixture of completing tables and forms, choosing the correct letter (A, B or C), labeling maps, completing notes or filling in the blanks.
Tip 3 - An undivided attention while taking the test is crucial. You need to be attentive because the recording will not be played again. If you practice frequently, you’ll get the hang of it. So, practice with passion!
READING
Tip 1 - Familiarity of the test structure and question types is as equally important here. It has three passages and the question types in the reading subtest are a mixture of completing the summary, choosing the correct letter (A, B, C), choosing the appropriate headings, locating which paragraph contains the ff. information, matching the person with the statement, yes/no/not given or true/false/not given, and labeling diagrams.
Tip 2 - With that in mind, there are a lot of strategies out there for reading. Here’s how I did mine: I look at the questions first before anything else! Time is of the essence. With long passages and seemingly complex questions, there’s just no time to read the whole passage itself and trying to understand each sentence one-by-one. So, look at the questions first then answer the easiest ones. The skimming and scanning methods work really well with answering question types such as completing the summary, choosing the correct letter (A, B, C), locating which paragraph contains the ff. information, matching the person with the statement, and labeling diagrams because you need only to look for keywords. I answer the choosing the appropriate headings and yes/no/not given or true/false/not given questions last because it will take me less effort needed to answer them due to the fact that I’ve probably already read everything after going back and forth with the skimming and scanning for answers in the easier questions prior.
Tip 3 - Another important reminder, don’t spend too much time on a question. If you can’t find it immediately, just leave it and get back to it later. You need to have at least 10 minutes extra time to check your answers after finishing the reading subtest because you’ll have better luck at finding the correct answers the second time you go through everything again. When I started doing reading mock test, I’m too lazy to reread the questions and check my answers with the time I have left, but my scores improved when I did.
WRITING
Tip 1 - Always refer to the IELTS writing band descriptor so you’ll have an idea of what to do and not to do in order to achieve the band score you’re aiming for. Review what the criteria for each band score is looking for.
Tip 2 - If you’re aiming for a band 7+, check out this YouTube videos for a few pro-tips:
• IELTS Writing - Master the IELTS Writing test - British Council (
• How to Score 8+ in Writing Task 2 with Jay (
Tip 3 - It is important to understand the tasks given. Therefore, for Academic writing tasks 1 and 2, know and understand how to report the given bar/chart/table/diagram appropriately (IELTS-up offers great task 1 writing lessons: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRSFsZwTpcm2IZKcWTOyyZg) and how to construct or provide answers for the different essay types (E2 IELTS gives a brief explanation about the different essay types:
Tip 4 - Study the model answers. Understand how they are structured and dissect them, then create your own writing strategy or templates out of it afterwards. I was a frequent visitor of these websites that offer good model answers:
• IELTS Liz (https://www.ieltsliz.com)
• IELTS-up (https://www.ielts-up.com/)
• IELTS Advantage (https://www.ieltsadvantage.com/)
• IELTS Buddy (https://www.ieltsbuddy.com)
• IELTS Academic (https://www.ielts-academic.com/)
• IELTS Focus (https://www.ieltsfocus.com/)
• How to do IELTS (https://www.howtodoielts.com/)
Some YouTube channels that also offer awesome IELTS writing classes or tutorials include:
• English Lessons with Adam (https://www.youtube.com/user/EnglishTeacherAdam)
• Write To Top (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdJ_sF-R6PPqFgPNOjcwSxQ)
• IELTS Liz (https://www.youtube.com/user/ieltsliz)
• E2 IELTS (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCglDIsg_Z9mE2oT9hsrbzFA)
• IELTS-up (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRSFsZwTpcm2IZKcWTOyyZg)
Tip 5 - If you have time to spare, please, please, practice writing essays especially if you’re doing a paper-based test. http://practicepteonline.com/ also has writing practice tests for Academic writing task 1 and 2. I didn’t do much practice in writing because I find it a very tedious task. However, I wish I spent more time practicing. It would’ve made a huge difference in my score then.
Tip 6 - Here are a few brief writing tips you may apply: In constructing paragraphs, always include a topic sentence, provide supporting ideas to your main point, and give specific examples!!! By specific examples, I meant you should add at least a date, a place/business/university names, names of people, or statistics. It doesn’t matter if the examples you wrote aren’t real since they won’t check the validity of it anyway. They’re looking for well-developed paragraphs so makes sure that you follow the paragraph pattern. Use synonyms and less common vocabulary. Maintain a smooth flow of the ideas by using a range of cohesive devices. Use a variety of sentence types (simple, compound, complex, compound-complex). State a clear position all throughout the essay.
SPEAKING
Tip 1 - Similar to writing, always refer to the IELTS speaking band descriptor so you’ll have an idea of what to do and not to do in order to achieve the band score you’re aiming for. Review what the criteria for each band score is looking for.
Tip 2 - Be familiar with the test structure and the question types!!!
Tip 3 - I recommend you get a speaking partner and ask for their criticism. If you have a friend from overseas, speak with them more often using English. Or, you could ask your family or local friends to speak with you in English too on a daily basis. Another option would be to find someone who is also taking the IELTS that can do speaking test simulations with you. The more you speak English, the more you become comfortable with the language. This way, you’d sound more casual and confident in no time.
Tip 4 - Practice on your own too. You can just hit up Google and search for common questions asked in the part 1, 2 and 3 of the speaking test, record yourself as you answer, and listen to the recording afterwards. List down the things you need to improve and work on it one at a time. Heck, even speaking to yourself with made-up conversations helps.
Tip 5 - On your test day, be calm! The examiner isn’t going to eat you alive so there’s no need to fuss. Relax. Speak at a normal rate and with confidence. Look smart. Talk smart.
Tip 6 - Answer only what is being asked. Elaborate your answers. Fabricate an answer if necessary. Be articulate. Just speak up.
Tip 7 - Check these YouTube channels out in your spare time:
• AcademicEnglishHelp (https://www.youtube.com/user/AcademicEnglishHelp)
• GeneralIELTSHelp (https://www.youtube.com/user/GeneralIELTSHelp)
