Whether a class test, semesters, or the IELTS itself, all exams seem extremely overwhelming at the beginning. From basic problems like “How and where to start?” to “How to score well?”, everything seems challenging. When your dream is to study abroad, we know how clueless it can make you feel. The good news is that small practices can really help you score well easily in an exam like IELTS. Wondering, how? Below are a few practice rules that go a long way while preparing for the IELTS exam for work or to study abroad.

1. Set your goal!

While most people start preparing for the exam, they are not psychologically prepared for it. Firstly, one needs to achieve the goal in their mind. Once the goal is set, working to achieve it in practicality is just a steppingstone. So, before sitting down to start the preparation, make sure to reaffirm your vision and then take the shot.

2. Understanding the syllabus, format, and level for IELTS

Before starting the IELTS exam preparation, a major step is to familiarize yourself with the syllabus, format, and level of the test.

Check the number of sections and types of questions asked. Familiarizing oneself with the format of the test helps in working in the right direction. Always check whether any modules or skills are timed or not and tips on how to manage the same. The above can be easily found out through a simple online search. However, one should always go through previous papers to understand the level of difficulty.

When you are planning to study abroad, different countries and universities have different requirements in terms of the bands a student scores. It’s always a good idea to research well on that beforehand. Adding to this, even different streams have varying levels of prerequisites, with science having the highest band requirement. 

3. Focus on English proficiency building

Most students often hastily start their IELTS preparation with mock tests and practice tests. This, consequently, leads to disappointment and lower self-confidence. The major issue is that while one keeps on practicing, they are unaware of what one should be working upon. The focus should not be on finishing 2-3 practice tests a day, but rather on understanding mistakes. Sensitizing oneself, understanding your weak areas, and seeking required help to improve, will increase the overall efficiency.

4. Cultivate IELTS level reading and listening skills

While most students focus on writing skills, they tend to neglect the preparation for reading and listening skills. Inculcating a good reading habit helps in comprehending ideas. It can further help in better comprehension along with improved writing, vocabulary as well as their communication skills

Practicing listening skill with IELTS exam’s practice modules helps you follow the speaker with ease. You can also practice listening by watching English movies without subtitles or listening to podcasts. Having conversations in English helps in improving both listening, speaking and overall comprehension abilities. Regular practice would make it easy to grasp the flow of questions put up and follow the conversation intently. Moreover, not only will it help you in your exam but also make your life easy once you move to work or study abroad in the new country

5. English for the whole day

The most crucial and neglected element while practicing for IELTS exam is keeping up with English for the entire day. Majority of the students just converse in English and practice while in training institutes or during a specified period. You can and should practice it at all times, making it a part of your day-to-day conversations. One should converse in English for a major part of the day with the maximum number of people he/she can. The simplest tasks that one does, like asking for breakfast, should be thought and communicated in English.

Once the person starts to think in English, the spoken aspect automatically takes the driver’s seat. This in turn also helps in building up confidence.

These simple yet effective practice techniques by Good to Excellence for IELTS preparation are sure to bring out great results.