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IELTS Test Taking Tips to Keep You Calm
Tests are challenging, and yes, tests can be stressful. Even for the most prepared amongst us, an exam like the IELTS can be intimidating. Don’t let that pressure trip you up. Keep calm and carry on with these three tips.
Know What You Are Going Into
Prepare yourself. Know where your IELTS testing center is. If it is in an unfamiliar part of town, maybe even drive there the week before your test on a similar day and time and time it so that you have a good idea exactly how long it takes you to get there. Arrive early to your testing center so that you have time to use the restroom and refresh yourself before going in. Be comfortable with the IELTS test format. Make sure that you are well rested, fed, and hydrated. Remember, there is no break in between sections and you don’t want any distractions.
Manage Your Time Well
Pace yourself. Sit somewhere you can easily glance up at the clock occasionally. Know how much time you have for each section and how many questions that you have. If, for example, you are on the reading section know that you have sixty minutes to answer forty questions and plan accordingly. If there is one question that is hanging you up just calmly pass over it and go on to the next. You can always come back to it later. It is better to have gotten to every question and not been able to answer a few of them then to have never have gotten to the bottom of the test where there were questions that turned out to be quite easy for you to answer.
Stay Centered
You’ve prepared for this. You’ve studied hard, we’ve been working together towards this day for quite some time now. Stay centered on the here and now and don’t let worries crowd in. Don’t allow distractions to steal your focus. Focus on the question and clear your mind of everything else. If you start to panic, close your eyes for a few seconds and take a deep breath in to the count of ten and then a long exhale out to the count of ten. Stay confident. You’ve got this.
I have seen many, many students achieve their band 7 and 8 scores and move on with their lives. I know how important this exam can be to you when your whole future depends on getting that score. I know how frustrating it can be when your scores don’t meet your target and I know how you can lose confidence when you don’t get what you want in the exam. But, I also know how to fix this and support you so that you WILL get your score and move on with our life.
For more help and support in conquering this test, sign up for a coaching session or an online class with me.
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