Once you have decided to write the IELTS exam, you need to prepare. I’ll give you 10 steps to get the best results.
Step 1 – Purpose
Why do you wish to go to an English Speaking Country? The options that are available:
- To study
- For Employment
- For immigration
- For professional registration
Meet a professional so you know the exact motive of your going abroad.
Step 2 – Academic or General
The exam is available in two versions and you have to decide which one is applicable for you. Again, a professional can guide you:
- Academic – is for studies, but, some organizations require it for professional registration
- General training – is for permanent residency and general employment.
Step 3 – PB-IELTS or CD-IELTS
IELTS is available on paper and on computer.
- Paper-Based IELTS is accepted universally. Choose this type of test. If you’re not very well versed with computers
- Computer-delivered IELTS is accepted universally with some exceptions.
Again, you need to introspect your skill set and figure out with the concerned authority.
Step 4 – Target Score
Decide on the target score:
- Post Graduate Programs – 6.5 overall and nothing less than 6
- Under Graduate Programs – 6 overall and nothing less than 6 each.
- Immigration – Maybe 7 each, or 8 each.
- Employment – Maybe 5 each as well
- The list goes on…
You need to decide beforehand what is your target score.
Step 5 – Present Level
Get your present level assessed.
- Take a mock test or an assessment test.
- These are available free on many Websites
- Even www.webberz.in provides this facility free of cost.
Step 6 – Duration of Preparation
Once you know your target score and you find your present level, then find the difference. The Duration of the preparation can vary a lot.
CASE 1
Target – 6
Present Level – 5.5
Difference – 0.5
Which means that very less preparation is required. 15 – 30 days should be good enough.
CASE 2
Target – 8 each
Present Level – 4
Difference – 4
Which means that preparation has to be intense. It may take a very long time.
Step 7 – Strategy
Start preparing with the proper game plan.
- Remember that the different question types for listening, reading, writing and speaking.
- Tips and techniques of each question type have to be clear to you. You have to master every type of question.
- Relevant vocabulary for IELTS Essays and Cue Cards is required.
- These essays and cue cards are not from your school. They are different. So different vocabulary may be required.
- Brainstorming for ideas is very essential for ideas.
- You have to work with proper discipline under time-bound conditions.
- Maintain distance from distractions.
Step 8 – Regular Practice
Practice is the key to success.
- Attempt a lot of time-bound practice sessions
- Every aspect of the paper is important
- Every question type is important
- Work on your speed and accuracy.
Step 9 – Mock Tests
- Get your level checked consistently by taking Mock Tests
- Make it sure that you practice under examination conditions
- Introspect after every level check-up
Step 10 – Attempt when you are ready
Keep in mind that your skills will never be the same. You should write the test when you are in your best form
- Make performance charts
- Analyze them
- Predict your performance
- Book your test well in advance.
Keep in mind, there are a very few seats and too many test-takers.
I wish you good luck for your exam and do the best.
