Table of Contents
IELTS Exam Tips
IELTS Test Tips During your Test
The following IELTS test tips for each part of the IELTS exam will help you focus on the right things during your test. Don’t lose marks by not being prepared.
IELTS Listening Exam Tips
1. Make sure your headphones are working. Raise your hand if you have a problem.
2. If no headphones are used, make sure you can hear the recording. If you need the volume increasing, raise your hand immediately and someone will come to ask what the problem is. Explain that you need the volume increasing.
3. Use the time given to prepare the questions. Always read through all questions before the recording starts. You should practice doing this at home.
4. Focus on listening for answers rather than trying to understand everything.
5. Write your answers on your question paper while you listen.
6. Make sure you notice how many words you can have for each answer.
7. You will be given 10 minutes after the recording has ended to transfer your answers to the answer sheet. Always check your spelling and grammar.
8. It is recommended to use ALL CAPITAL LETTERS FOR YOUR ANSWERS.
IELTS Reading Exam Tips
1. Read the instructions carefully and make a note of how many words you can use for your answer.
2. Don’t waste time trying to find one answer. Just move on to the next question.
3. Keep your eye on the clock.
4. Write your answers directly on to your answer sheet. There is no extra time for transferring later.
5. Always spend time analysing the questions before looking for an answer.
6. Look out for paraphrasing.
7. Your aim is to find answers – not to understand the whole passage.
8. It is recommended to use ALL CAPITAL LETTERS FOR YOUR ANSWERS.
IELTS Writing Exam Tips
1. Don’t spend more than 20 minutes on task 1. Keep checking the time so you don’t make this mistake. You need 40 minutes for task 2.
2. Always write over 150 words for task 1 and over 250 words for task 2.
3. Don’t count the number of words, count the lines and estimate your word count.
4. You can plan your essay on the question paper. No extra paper is given for planning. The examiner will not look at your planning, only at your essay.
5. Always write a clear overview for task 1 academic. For GT task 1, make sure you cover all points requested in your letter.
6. Always write your conclusion for task 2. Never miss it out.
7. Always organise your writing for both tasks into body paragraphs.
8. Check your spelling. You can use either American or British spelling.
9. Keep all information focused and relevant. More does not mean better.
10. If you run out of paper, put up your hand and you can get more.
11 Do not remove any paper from the exam room.
IELTS Speaking Exam Tips
1. Practice speaking English before your test.
2. Be confident and ready to chat. This is not a formal interview.
3. Listen to the question and answer it directly.
4. Add more information to all answers.
5. Don’t focus only on vocabulary. Vocabulary is only 25% of your marks.
6. You can wear anything you want. This is not a job interview. Clothing does not affect your score.
7. Use a range of grammar tenses in your test.
8. American or British English pronunciation can be used.
9. Ask the examiner to repeat the question if you need it.
10. The examiner will provide a pen and paper to prepare your talk for part 2. The examiner will not look at your plans and will only mark your talk.
