This tutorial will help you get ready for IELTS.
We look at the causes of your exam procrastination, they succinctly offer a range of valuable solutions.
Get this tutorial if you want to:
- Jumpstart your IELTS preparation
- Make the most of every study session
- Get an effective ATTACK PLAN to ensure your next IELTS test is your LAST!
REASON: You know the task will take effort and hard work
For this, I break it into smaller parts and then usually start with the easiest!
For example, if need to write an essay about immigration, and I knew nothing about immigration, first I’ll watch a TedTalk, note some new vocabulary, make a list, and then perhaps start an essay.
Another way is to trick yourself by saying “Just one”. For example, you say you will write out one vocabulary list, or copy down one model essay.
The idea is that you want to get momentum, so you start with the easiest task first. Then once you are into it, you realise it isn’t too bad and you keep going.
REASON: I’ll do it later…
We are all guilty of this, plan to avoid this because otherwise LIFE gets in the way and will disrupt you.
Make it your number one task. The morning works best for me. Write that essay as soon as I wake up. Practice my speaking all morning etc.
REASON: Working on small tasks because they are easier:
How might this look like? RESEARCHING ON GOOGLE and watching tutorials!!!!! You cannot learn to ride a bike with a book.
REASON: Lack of motivation!
My own solution is twofold:
1. Throw in the towel and mope! Don’t fight your body, give it a rest. If you find yourself continuously moping around, examine why that might be. Did you eat terribly last night? (Junk food?) Or is it deeper, a fight with your friends or partner?
2. Fight it, drink a strong coffee, phone in flight mode and attack the plan (more of this a little bit later).
REASON: You are unclear about how to get started
This is so common and is very overwhelming.
My solution:
1. Establish where you are failing (practice tests and feedback), then you know where to focus
2. Action plan / To-do list and commitment: Practice tests, essay writing, or speaking partner. Cut off date for evaluation No. 2
Break this list into the smallest possible chunks. You cannot eat a burger in one bite. Learn to write a Task 2 essay can be broken down into: Master introductions, improve spelling, etc etc…
Evaluation No.2 – How am I doing? Have I improved? Repeat step 1.
REASON: You often get distracted
Basically: Phone in flight mode, quiet area, any intrusive thoughts just write on paper and carry on, headphones with focus music, Pomodoro technique of breaking task into time segments of 40 minutes.
These reasons were adapted from this graphic.
You can download or listen to the audio version here:
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