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IELTS Exam Preparation

How to Prepare For IELTS

A lot of students struggle to organise themselves and allow sufficient IELTS preparation time.

We have compiled some useful tips that will help you prepare for your IELTS exam and can be used to improve your English language studies.

IELTS Preparation Tips

1. Use your time to your advantage. Identify when you’re most productive.

  • Time : Some people work most effectively in the morning, while others prefer to solve problems in the evening. Your aim is to find out what works best for you, in accordance with your own peculiarities.
  • Space: It’s also important to define where you can really focus on the work you need to do – preferably a place with no distractions (for example, a library or a coworking space).
  • No distractions: Turn off your phone and give yourself a chance to study properly! Bring all the necessary materials with you, and check that everything you need is close at hand.

Again, it all depends on you. If you’ve already tried something and failed, don’t stop. Look for something new!

2. Keep an eye on your diet.

What you eat has a real impact on your productivity. For example, if you eat a lot of sweets and hamburgers or drink alcohol, it may be difficult for you to focus and get to work. Remember to drink a lot of water. Forget about alcohol, even in small doses – at least while you’re preparing for the exam. Consume only healthy food and water to keep your mind clear and your brain operating at full capacity.

3. Establish a routine – and stick with it.

It has been proven that studying too much may not have the best results. SO it is important to establish a routine, to use your time wisely. Work smarter, not harder. If you suddenly have to go out and can’t postpone the trip, find a logical break point in your work. Write a note to yourself so you can quickly remember where you need to start again.

4. Organise your study time

  • Pay attention to your weak points first. Identify where you need to improve and provide yourself with extensive training. The thing of paramount importance here is a schedule, as detailed as possible. Write down dates and times, and specify exactly what you’re going to work on.

5. Prioritize the tasks according to your weaknesses.

  • Follow the rule: the most complicated stuff first.
  • Once you’ve finished the most difficult tasks, the rest will seem a lot easier. Usually, the task that’s hardest for you is one of your weak spots. (For example, it may be grammar or writing paragraphs.)

6. Keep track of your results and improvement.

Ask someone to proofread your essay, for example. It’s better if a teacher who is familiar with IELTS and has a good command of English. This way you won’t waste your time when preparing. If your IELTS results show that you’ve gained ground in one area, get to work on your next weak point. And focus on theory. Even though it may be boring sometimes, theory is the foundation of a solid knowledge base.

7. Start with small steps, and stay realistic.

Of course, you want to do and study the English language as much as possible. This approach doesn’t always play into your hands. There may be a lot to review or learn. Therefore, if you try to do it all, you may end being at a loss and in panic.
Always finish a task before you move on to the next one. Start with your weak points. If you have time left, you’ll be able to do all the rest. Don’t assign yourself more tasks than you can manage to do within the time you’ve allotted for them.

8. Break up your study time.

Take a 5-minute break after each 25 minutes of work. Repeat this for 6 rounds. This way you won’t feel completely exhausted and will be able to keep working longer. This method is explained in more detail here: www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pomodoro_Technique

9. Practice, Practice and Practice!

It is very important that you practice for your IELTS test by completing IELTS sample essay questions, so that you are prepared for any possible outcome.

It is always a good idea to improve your general English skills by means of writing a blog in English, or having a conversation with a friend in English. Submersion is key!

There are a lot of resources available online and an online IELTS Course to help you stay focused and show you how to prepare for IELTS in the right way.

10. Get Familiar with the test

An important aspect to preparing for the IELTS test, is to get familiar with the IELTS exam. Take a look at some of our resources to help you learn all you need to know.

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