Introduction
Few of the most common doubts about IELTS –
Are there any tips for a better IELTS Practice Test?
How to prepare better?
What to do if I want to score more in the IELTS Practice Test?
Let us clear your doubts. Simply, by stating detailed tips, strategies, and, methods to ensure beneficial practice tests. While we are moving forward on this track, let us make sure we first understand the term ‘IELTS Practice Test.
“When you practice, you get better. It’s very simple.”
What is the IELTS Practice Test?
IELTS Practice test is a simple yet effective method to ensure that candidates score high in their IELTS Exam and get insights about the actual exam. If you remember, every school conducts an internal test or surprise test before every final exam. It was to prepare you better for the final exam.
Similarly, an IELTS Practice Test gives an idea of the final test and prepares you by understanding the concept, test format, and strategies to score better in the test.
IELTS Practice Test: Tips, Strategies, and Practice
- Tips
Read Instructions
Did you know it is crucial to read the instructions? Everything starts from here. Unless you don’t have a definite picture of the test, it is not possible to move forward. Read the instructions carefully! We can’t stress enough this point! If you have difficulty remembering it, underline the main points. This will help you remember.
Range of Grammar
Have you noticed that presenters and instructors generally use strong and appealing vocabulary? It makes the presentation more interesting and each strong word leaves an impact on the audience. Candidates need to implement this in their IELTS mock tests as well.
Instead of,
Practice Speaking Regularly
Why is it that we can speak our mother tongue so effortlessly? Now, you may say, it is our mother tongue, so it is easy. But, that is wrong! We can speak our language effortlessly because we have been speaking since we were kids. That is how it got into our routine and we are so fluent in it. Similarly, you need to practice speaking English as well, then only you can become fluent. Record your voice, correct yourself, watch Hollywood movies, read novels, and within a month or so, you will see a positive change.
Remember Word Count
Every question comes with a set of instructions. Specifically related to word count. You need to adhere to the word count limit. This is imperative in the Writing Task. Writing Task 1 has to be written in a minimum of 150 words and Writing Task 2 has to be written in a minimum of 250 words. Anything less than the set word count will be considered as a penalty. Also, in other modules, if it mentioned to ‘Answer in Two Words’. Then, it is compulsory to write in two words and nothing less or more than that. Thus, REMEMBER the WORD COUNT.
- Strategies
Highlight and Underline
Do you remember your school or college days? When we used to underline our notes and textbooks to memorize a topic. The same goes here as well. The best to strike a note is to underline or highlight the text. This way, whenever you are reading the question, you can recall which text refers to the said question especially when a question is repeated. Hence, it will help save time and reduce the chances of incorrect answers.
Skim and Scan
The best and most efficient way of dealing with the Reading module. What do Skim and Scan mean?
Skim – Quick glance of the text (mainly quick reading)
Scan – Search for relevant or important words (mainly keywords or facts)
This method surely saves time and ensures less fatigue. If you read each word in the text over and over again, you will definitely end up wasting more time. So, learn the skim and scan method for effective learning.
Use a Timer
Learn to practice with a timer or stopwatch. This way, even during your IELTS practice tests, you are adhering to the timeframe. This makes practice highly effective and gives a real-test experience. Moreover, with a real test experience and the use of a timer, the chances of exam fear will reduce as you will get comfortable giving the IELTS practice test.
3. Practice
Listening Module – Multitasking
IELTS Listening can be tricky at times as it is imperative that a candidate has multitasking skills. You need to listen and write the answers, both at the same time. Thus, you cannot lose concentration mid-way or take too much time writing an answer. The audio will keep going on, it cannot pause or rewind. Thus, during your IELTS practice test make sure to enhance your multitasking skills.
Reading Module – Time Frame
Yes, we have mentioned the importance of time during the IELTS practice test. But, it is crucial to emphasize it. Remember, as soon as the IELTS test is done, the examiner will take the paper or the screen will switch off. Thus, practice giving the tests within their time frame. It may be difficult at first, but, slowly you will definitely become better with time.
Writing Module – Word Count
IELTS Writing is a bit lengthy. Also, as the module has a specific word count, you need to make sure that you have written at least the given words. Let’s say,
Writing Task 1 needs at least 150 words. Thus, anything less than 150 words will surely make you lose bands.
The only way, you can be sure that it doesn’t happen during the IELTS test, is to practice the same regularly. Count the number of words in a single line and multiply it with the number of lines you have written, it will give you a fair idea of how long your content is.
For example: in IELTS Writing Task 1, you have written 8 words in one line and in total there are 15 lines. This means you have written 120 words.
So, don’t stop there! You need to write at least 30 more words to adhere to their instructions.
Speaking Module – Fluency
IELTS Speaking can be nerve-wracking. Why? Because it is difficult to concentrate on fluency when you have to speak impromptu. Also, when someone is grading on that! But, it can be managed. All you need to do is practice. IELTS Practice Tests will help you with your speaking practice.
Conclusion
This blog covers most of the important tips, strategies, and practice key pointers that are required during an IELTS practice test. Make sure, you follow them and practice them. We are extremely sure, that you will find improvement in your score and this will make you better! In any case, if you have any more concerns or need to discuss something, you can reach out to IELT Tutorials.
We are always there to help you!
All the best!
Author Bio:
KRINA PATEL- Project Manager at IELTSTutorials.online
Hi there! My team and I have researched a lot on IELTS, its process, and the test-takers’ problems. On working to provide them with solutions, we have developed a comprehensive platform – IELTS Tutorials. Every of our product and services has been developed only after the micro observations and apt solutions. We provide the IELTS Test takers with Online coaching, mobile apps, test evaluations and other services.
Our platform has and will keep helping the test-takers achieve their desired band score.
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