Passing the IELTS is an important milestone for anyone who wants to work or attend a university in an English-speaking country. Achieving a high score allows you not only the benefit of having acquired the qualification to start your course or career, but also provides a high standard of reassurance that you are able to adapt and thrive in either a student or professional environment. If you’re hoping to achieve a high score, take a look at the following tips.
1. Immersion
While immersion usually indicates traveling to a specific area, it can actually be achieved without leaving your home. One of the most important aspects is time. Commit to immersing yourself in English for some time every day. This means listening to and reading English daily, as well as writing and speaking in English. This may seem difficult, but look for as many resources as you can to help aid your practice. This includes magazines and newspapers and watching movies and listening to music, as well as studying IELTS materials and other audio support.
2. Learn the Exam
Make sure you understand every aspect of the test and what knowledge is required for each module. Seek out online forums and discussion boards with people who have taken the exam and have them detail their experiences with it. Seek out self-help books or download practice tests and study guides from credible IELTS sources. Be sure that you are familiar with each part of the exam so that you can create an effective and efficient study schedule.
3. Pinpoint Your Weaknesses
What are you having the most difficulties with?—reading, writing, vocabulary retention? Figure out what your trouble areas are and focus on them with extra attention. If you are immersing yourself for a few hours and you have a problem with reading, dedicate some of your time to focusing on books, newspapers, and magazines. If you can, enlist the help of a friend or hire a teacher to help tutor you.
4. Use Technology
There is an app for almost everything, and language is no exception. Turn your smartphone or tablet into a portable classroom. Listen while you’re walking, driving, waiting in line, grocery shopping, or even exercising. Download practice exams or find websites that will let you submit written papers that will be corrected by native English speakers. Social media apps, blogs, and YouTube videos can expand your vocabulary by giving you access to thousands of words and expressions; you can even learn local slang and colloquialisms for fun. The possibilities are practically as limitless as the internet itself, so take advantage of it!
5. Get Comfortable with Speaking
Even if you have a solid grasp on the English language, you may find yourself unable to effectively communicate. Why? Because many people are afraid of public speaking, and even though you won’t be on stage in front of thousands, you could easily find yourself becoming anxious about answering questions from the exam instructor. The fear and anxiety of giving a wrong answer can easily make you stumble over your words or freeze up in the moment. Try rehearsing with a friend or teacher in order to get comfortable answering random questions.
6. Make It Fun
One of the best techniques for learning is to make it fun. Stress can have a negative effect on your memory—which is the most important factor in learning any skill. In order to avoid this, try to make some of the time you spend immersing yourself in the language fun. Watch a comedy, read a funny blog, or get a gossip magazine. Play games such as word searches and Scrabble; this will not only help to improve your vocabulary, but also give you a break from the stress caused by the constant thoughts of your impending exam. Try not to make all of the time you spend studying too serious, that way you can avoid becoming burnt out. Have a little fun!
7. Give Yourself Time
Do not wait until the last minute to study. Preparedness is the most important factor in not only passing the IELTS exam, but achieving a high score. Start preparing at least 3 months in advance. If you have difficulties with certain aspects of the language, begin even earlier. Giving yourself adequate time to study allows your brain the necessary time to absorb the information. Last minute cramming may be a popular method of studying, but it is one of the least effective ones for language learning and often leads to failure. Learning is a skill that requires time in order to develop.