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What is IELTS exam?

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a standardized English language proficiency test that is widely recognized and accepted by universities, colleges, employers, and immigration authorities in many English-speaking countries. IELTS assesses a test taker's ability to understand, speak, read, and write in English. It is designed to determine an individual's readiness to study, work, or live in an English-speaking environment.

IELTS is available in two main formats

1. IELTS Academic: This version is primarily intended for individuals who wish to study at the undergraduate or postgraduate level in an English-speaking country. It assesses academic language skills and includes topics and tasks relevant to academic settings.
2. IELTS General Training: This version is usually required for immigration purposes, work-related visas, or vocational training. It assesses practical, everyday English skills and includes topics and tasks commonly encountered in work and social situations.

The IELTS test consists of four main components:

• Listening: Test takers listen to recordings of conversations and monologues and answer questions related to what they hear.
• Reading: Test takers read a variety of texts and answer questions based on the content, testing their comprehension skills.
• Writing: Test takers complete two writing tasks. In the Academic version, they are required to write an essay and respond to a graph, chart, or diagram. In the General Training version, they write a letter and an essay.
• Speaking: Test takers participate in a face-to-face interview with an examiner, where they answer questions about themselves, discuss a particular topic, and engage in a conversation.

[You may like: Section-wise Tips for Assured Success on IELTS Test]

IELTS scores are reported on a nine-band scale, with each band corresponding to a level of English proficiency, from "non-user" (band score 1) to "expert user" (band score 9).

Many educational institutions and organizations require specific IELTS scores for admission or employment, so test takers should check the requirements of their intended destination before taking the exam. It's important to prepare adequately for the test, as the scores can have a significant impact on one's educational and career prospects in English-speaking countries. Consider IELTS Exam Coaching from experts to get personalized trainer guidance from Global Tree.

How to crack IELTS in 90 days?

To do really well in the IELTS test in only three months, you need a good plan for studying, stick to it regularly, and have a smart way of doing things. Here are some helpful ideas and methods to get ready for the IELTS test and get the score you want in just three months:

1. Understanding the Test Structure

The initial and crucial step toward success in the IELTS test is gaining a clear comprehension of the test syllabus & format. It's imperative to acquaint yourself with the intricacies of the exam, including its various sections, the types of questions posed, and the allotted time limits for each section. To accomplish this, you can readily access this essential information from the official IELTS website or refer to comprehensive IELTS preparation materials.

By familiarizing yourself with the test format, you gain a competitive edge, as you'll know what to expect on the exam day. This knowledge enables you to manage your time effectively during the test, strategize your approach to different sections, and tailor your preparation to suit the specific demands of each segment. In essence, it forms the foundation upon which you can build a solid IELTS success strategy.

2. Make a Study Plan

To get ready for the IELTS test, it's important to make a study plan. First, make a plan and set goals that you can really reach. Then, create a schedule that has all the parts of the test, like listening, reading, writing, and speaking. Decide how much time to spend on each part, depending on what you're good at and what you need to work on more.

Breaking your study plan into smaller pieces can help a lot. This way, you can do things one step at a time, like finishing a small task in a day or a week. To keep track of how you're doing, you can use a planner or a calendar. This way, you can see your progress and stay on the right path to do well in the IELTS test. Making a smart study plan is a key part of getting prepared for the IELTS test.

3. Boost Your Vocabulary

Expanding your vocabulary is really important to do well on the IELTS test. To begin, learn the words that people use most often in English. Then, slowly start to learn more difficult words. You can use flashcards to help remember them. Also, read newspapers and books because they have lots of different words. Try using the new words when you write and talk. Keep practicing with these new words in your writing and speaking.

Practicing and growing your vocabulary is a key part of getting ready for the IELTS test. When you have a bigger vocabulary, it helps you in all parts of the test. So, don't forget to practice using new words in your writing and speaking as you prepare.

4. Enhance Your Reading Abilities

To do well in the IELTS test's reading part, you need to be able to read and understand things quickly. You can get better at this by practicing your reading. Read different stuff like academic articles, newspapers, and magazines. A good way to start is by quickly looking over the text first, and then reading it more carefully to really understand what it's about.

To improve your reading skills, you need to practice reading regularly. The more you read, the better you'll get. So, try to read a lot of different things, and remember to read quickly at first and then read more slowly to get the meaning. This will help you do well in the reading part of the IELTS test.

[Section wise: IELTS Training Tips for Assured Success]

5. Hone Your Listening Skills

The listening section of the IELTS test can be quite challenging because there are many different accents, and people speak quickly. To get better at listening, you can do a few things. One helpful way is to listen to English podcasts, watch English TV shows and movies, and practice listening to conversations between people who speak English as their first language.

Improving your listening skills takes some practice, so try to listen to English regularly. By doing this, you'll become more comfortable with different accents and be able to understand people even when they talk fast. So, don't forget to listen to English podcasts, watch TV, and work on understanding native speakers talking. It will make the listening part of the IELTS test easier for you.

6. Enhance Your Writing Abilities

In the writing part of the IELTS test, you have to write essays and reports. To get better at writing, you can do a few things. One helpful way is to write essays and reports on various topics. Try to write about different things to practice. After you've written them, it's a good idea to have a teacher or an expert look at them. They can tell you what you're good at and where you need to improve.

Getting feedback on your writing is really important because it helps you understand what you're doing well and what needs work. By practicing and getting advice, you can improve your writing skills and feel more confident when you have to write essays and reports in the IELTS test. So, remember to write about different topics, and don't hesitate to get feedback from a teacher or an expert to make your writing better.

Suggested: All About IELTS Grammar You Need to Ace the Exam!

7. Improve Your Speaking Skills

In the speaking part of the IELTS test, you need to talk smoothly and correctly. To get better at speaking, there are a few things you can do.

One helpful way is to have conversations in English with a friend or a teacher. You can also join a language exchange program where you talk with someone who wants to learn your language, and you want to learn theirs.

Another good idea is to record yourself when you speak and listen to it later.

This way, you can hear how you sound and figure out where you need to get better. Practicing speaking and listening to yourself can help you talk more confidently and accurately during the speaking part of the IELTS test. So, try talking with others and recording yourself to improve your speaking skills.

8. Practice with Practice Tests

Practicing with mock tests is a great way to check how you're doing and find out where you need to get better. Try to take as many practice tests as you can, and try to make it feel like the real test. That means following the same rules and timing yourself just like you would in the actual test.

When you're done with a practice test, it's important to look at the mistakes you made and understand why you got them wrong. Learning from your mistakes helps you avoid making the same ones in the real test. So, keep practicing with mock tests, and use them to figure out where you need to improve. Sample papers will make you more prepared for the actual IELTS test.

9. Pay Attention to Grammar

Understanding and using grammar correctly is very important in both the writing and speaking parts of the IELTS test. So, it's vital to concentrate on getting better at grammar. Start by going over the rules of English grammar to make sure you understand them well. Then, try to use these rules correctly when you write and speak in English.

To really improve your grammar, it's a good idea to have a teacher or an expert check your writing and speaking. They can tell you where you're doing well with grammar and where you need to make some changes.

By focusing on grammar and getting feedback, you can boost your skills and feel more confident when you're writing essays or speaking during the IELTS test. So, remember to pay attention to grammar and practice using it to do your best in the IELTS test.

10. Time Management Is Key

In the IELTS test, each part has its own time limit, and you must finish each part within that set time. So, it's crucial to become skilled at managing your time wisely. One way to achieve this is by regularly taking practice tests.

This helps you develop the ability to work quickly and accurately. Pay attention to which sections tend to take up more of your time, and focus on improving your speed in those areas. It's also essential to allocate some time at the end of each section to review your answers.

Learning how to manage your time effectively during the IELTS test can greatly impact your performance. By practicing and identifying time-consuming sections, you can become more efficient and ensure that you have enough time to complete each part of the test.

So, remember the importance of time management and practice it while preparing for the IELTS test to maximize your chances of success.

[Read More: IELTS Writing Task 1: Complete Explanation & Examples]

11. Utilize Genuine Resources

• In your IELTS preparation, it's highly advantageous to make use of authentic materials like previous test papers, official IELTS practice tests, and recommended books.

• These materials can play a significant role in helping you become acquainted with the test's layout and the kinds of questions you'll encounter.

• They offer a firsthand experience of what the actual test will be like, providing valuable insights into the test's structure and how it's scored.
• However, it's crucial to ensure that the authentic materials you use are up-to-date.
• The reason for this is that the test format and content can change over time.
• By focusing on recent and relevant materials, you can be confident that you are aligning your preparation with the most current version of the IELTS exam.
• So, take advantage of authentic resources to gain a comprehensive understanding of the IELTS test and increase your chances of success.

12. Maintain Your Enthusiasm

Maintaining motivation while preparing for the IELTS exam is crucial because it can be a demanding process. To keep yourself driven, start by establishing realistic goals for your study journey. Break down your preparation into smaller milestones that are easier to reach, and when you achieve these goals, treat yourself to a little reward. This positive reinforcement can help you stay focused and motivated.

It's also helpful to remind yourself of the reasons why you've chosen to take the IELTS exam. Whether it's for academic pursuits, career advancement, or immigration purposes, keeping your goals and aspirations in mind can serve as a powerful motivator during challenging study sessions. By staying motivated, setting achievable goals, and acknowledging your accomplishments along the way, you can navigate the IELTS preparation journey with determination and enthusiasm.

FAQs Frequently Asked Questions for cracking IELTS

Can I get job after IELTS?

The IELTS test results are accepted by universities or academic institutions, government agencies, companies and industry bodies, and so on. Teaching, engineering, law, and medicine are some of the job sectors with potential openings.

Is IELTS valid for 3 years now?

Your IELTS results are usually valid for two years. However, your IELTS results are valid for three years for Skilled Migration applications!

Which is better Toefl or IELTS?

Choosing the right English proficiency test, IELTS or TOEFL, is a critical decision for anyone planning to relocate to another country for study, work, or migration. While both tests have advantages, IELTS is the superior choice for several reasons.