IELTS Preparation Tips 2024 - Reading, Listening, Writing, Speaking

IELTS is one exam that is like a dream to so many students wishing to study abroad. To some, it feels like an easy way but for some, it's like the hardest. Achieving higher bands in IELTS opens your door to the best universities, gains scholarships, and also studies in a cross-cultural environment with immense exposure in a holistic manner.

IELTS: Vocabulary Guide | Reading Practice Tests | Listening Practice Tests | Speaking Practice Tests | Writing Practice Tests

IELTS: Sample papers | Preparation tips | Guide

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This Story also Contains

1. INTRODUCTION TO IELTS
2. Pen-Paper-Based ILETS Vs Computer-Based IELTS (CBT)
3. The difference between IELTS General and IELTS Academic
4. Overview of the IELTS Writing Module
5. General IELTS writing preparation online
6. IELTS Academic Reading module:
7. IELTS Exam Tips For Reading
8. IELTS Listening Module
9. IELTS Speaking Module
10. IELTS SECTION-WISE PREPARATION TIPS
11. IELTS Preparation Tips
12. IELTS PRACTICE TESTS

In today's article on Careers360 we shall highlight some extra strategies than the ones we published the last time, We assure you that if you follow our IELTS preparation tips, you are sure to get high band scores. The IELTS preparation tips for beginners can prove to be worth it if they follow them diligently. Following the IELTS Preparation tips can bring discipline in the candidate’s IELTS test preparation journey.

INTRODUCTION TO IELTS

THE IELTS exam is conducted in two formats, one for students who wish to study abroad and the other one for working professionals or individuals who seek to have permanent residency in other countries. The only difference between the IELTS exam is as follows:

IELTS for students: IELTS Academic is conducted for students

IELTS for working professionals: IELTS General for candidates wishing to settle abroad either for work or permanent residency.

Pen-Paper-Based ILETS Vs Computer-Based IELTS (CBT)

Students have the option of attempting the exam both online and offline. The difference between both is given below:

• Both general and academic IELTS are available in pen-paper and computer-based formats.

• The format of all the modules and the question types all remain the same in both Pen-paper and computer-based IELTS.

• The only difference comes in the listening section, in the computer-based listening module you do not get the extra ten minutes to transfer your answers, instead, you have to do the same while you listen spontaneously. So the listening test is just for 30 minutes in CBT format and 40 minutes in Pen-paper-based format.

• The result of a CBT attempt is delivered much faster, students get their results in 3-5 days while Pen-paper results are delivered within 15 days of the attempt.

• While booking the exam, if you wish to opt for the computer-based attempt, you need to click on the specific option so that the registration is done correctly.

• The computer-based exam is conducted all six working days while the pen-paper-based exam is conducted only on Thursdays and Saturdays.

• Students attempting computer-based exams should have an accurate typing style whereas pen-paper-based exam students are expected to write very neatly.

The difference between IELTS General and IELTS Academic

There are four modules in both general and academic IELTS. IELTS preparation tips and tricks apply to both academic and general IELTS. These IELTS preparation tips are also applicable for the beginners who are commencing their IELTS exam preparation. The four modules that are assessed in the IELTS exam are Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. IELTS preparation in each module is significant and should be done properly. Now let's check the format for both academic and general IELTS.

Overview of the IELTS Writing Module

The IELTS writing task is different for both academic and general IELTS, the academic writing module has two tasks to attempt, similarly, the general IELTS also has 2 tasks to attempt. In both academic and general, the candidate gets only 1 hour to complete both tasks. As far as the IELTS Writing Section is concerned, referring to expert IELTS writing tips is always beneficial for the candidates.

Academic IELTS Writing Preparation Online - Components IELTS preparation online

There are two tasks:

• Report Writing: The report is on a diagram or data presented in the form of a bar graph, pie- -chart, line- graph, or tabular form. The candidates may spend approximately 20 minutes on this task and it carries a total of one-third of the total IELTS writing bands.

• Essay Writing: Essay writing carries two-thirds of the total bands in the IELTS writing bands. The essay can be opinion-based, advantages- disadvantages, problem-solution, causes, and effects for a given stance. The candidate has 40 minutes for this task.

General IELTS writing preparation online

There are two tasks

• Letter Writing: letter writing carries one-third of the total band score and the candidate is suggested to spend twenty minutes on this task. The letter can be formal/informal or semi-formal types.

• Essay Writing: This is the same as in academic IELTS, hence the candidate should spend 40 minutes to complete this.

Now, let us check the way these questions are checked and the way the candidates should attempt to score high. For this purpose, the band parameters given by the authenticated IELTS body must be referred to carefully.

The band parameters are differently defined for each band level (3-9) and are mentioned in the IELTS band description document of the British Council and IDP websites.

After reading the information in the band description, you might get confused about giving a band to your writing, so let us discuss the band parameters in detail.

IELTS Writing Task- Band Parameters

There are four band parameters and each carries equal weightage to score a definite band in the Writing module of IELTS. Let us discuss all the band parameters in detail and analyze the expected response for each band parameter.

Task Response - 25%

• Appropriate information according to the question must be added.

• Information should be explained properly and in detail not exceeding the maximum word limit.

• The selection of the right information is valuable.

Coherence and Cohesion - 25%

• The writing response should be well organized.

• The written text should have clarity of information, and the flow from beginning to end must be clear.

Lexical Resources - 25%

• This means the right usage of vocabulary words.

• The variety, accuracy, and appropriate usage of words will make you score high.

• Any spelling error will lead to a lower score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy- 25%

• Usage of appropriate tenses.

• Usage of simple, complex, and compound sentences.

• The sentence structure has to be refined.

IELTS Academic Reading module:

• This module will be assessed in 60 minutes.

• There are three long passages along with 40 questions.

• No extra time is given to transfer the answers so you have to manage time cautiously.

• Each section will have around 13-14 questions.

IELTS General Reading Module:

• The IELTS general reading module will also be assessed in 60 minutes.

• The module is divided into three sections with 40 questions in total, however, Sections 1 and 2 are further divided into 2 sections each. In simple language, Sections 1 and 2 have short reading passages which are generic such as brochures, advertisements, or a summary followed by 7-8 questions. Only the last section is a lengthy one with around 13-14 questions in it.

• No extra time is given and the candidate is expected to manage time appropriately.

IELTS Exam Tips For Reading

Adhering to IELTS tips for reading and incorporating them into practice is an essential part of a candidate’s IELTS test preparation. In this article, all the mandatory IELTS exam tips and tricks on the Reading section of the IELTS examination are discussed in detail.

• Understand each question type and the smart strategies to solve each type of question.

• Refer to the highly sought IELTS Reading Tips and incorporate them into your daily preparation schedule.

• It is okay that you might not understand a few words in the reading section, just understand the question and search the answers with the help of keywords and synonyms.

• Remember that the answers will never be the same words but you will have to look for the synonyms.

• Understand which question type has answers in sequence and for which one you first have to read the passage.

• In case you are not getting the answers, do not get stuck, instead just move on to the next one and remember that you need to manage time and you will not get extra time.

• Remember that quick skimming and scanning do not work for most of the questions and to score high you need to read for meaning.

• At the time of preparation, you should get used to practising difficult reading texts and see that you have raised your vocabulary level.

• Attempt a lot of mock tests online and offline before you register for the exam.

IELTS Listening Module

The IELTS listening section is the same for both Academic and General IELTS students, however, the students have high band requirements to attain scholarships in case of studies and also to meet visa requirements in case of permanent residency or work visa.

The listening module is conducted for 40 minutes in a pen-paper-based test and 30 minutes in a computer-based test, An extra 10 minutes for the pen-paper-based exam makes the students transfer the answers to the answer sheet, however, this also acts as a benefit of revision. The entire listening test is divided into four sections and each section has ten questions to attempt. To excel in the test, candidates must listen to authenticated BBC documentaries, and podcasts of native English speakers at the time of their IELTS listening preparation so that they can gain a high band score.

IELTS Exam Tips For Listening

• Understand the test format properly.

• Listen to a lot of authenticated academic listening material.

• Develop the art of making notes, this will also help you enrich your vocabulary.

• Listen and be focused on the keywords like however, in addition, contradict, and so on.

• Attempt all questions, remember that there is no negative marking.

• Be careful while transferring the answers.

• Be mindful of all the important IELTS Listening tips and practice them.

IELTS Speaking Module

The speaking exam for the pen-paper-based attempt students is conducted on a separate date either 2-3 days before the exam or after 2-3 days whereas in the computer-based exam, the speaking module exam is conducted on the same date, maybe just an hour before the other modules.

The Speaking exam is only conducted for 15 minutes and the candidate is expected to speak on general topics and conversations. The exam is divided into three sections. The first section is a general introductory and generic question round, the next is the main cue-card round which lasts for about 3-4 minutes followed by the discussion round for 7-8 minutes.

IELTS Exam Tips For Speaking

• Analyze the test format.

• Understand the various IELTS Speaking preparation tips and practice them.

• Check the kind of questions asked.

• Enhance your vocabulary

• Practice speaking in front of the mirror to gain confidence

• Learn to create hypothetical stories.

• Join online groups to have a speaking partner to practice and seek feedback

• Seek feedback from a professionally trained trainer in case you are at a lower level and are not able to elaborate on the topic.

• Use brainstorming techniques to develop ideas and expand on them.

Overall, the IELTS exam is easy only if you practice in a smart strategic manner, we suggest not dragging the IELTS preparation for a longer time, instead stay focused and finish it in a shorter period.

IELTS SECTION-WISE PREPARATION TIPS

IELTS READING PREPARATION

IELTS WRITING PREPARATION

IELTS LISTENING PREPARATION

IELTS SPEAKING PREPARATION

IELTS Preparation Tips

1. Choose the Right IELTS:

There are two types of IELTS tests: Academic and General. The IELTS Academic tests are conducted for education abroad while the IELTS General tests are for migration or work. Thorough research and guidance are crucial for making the right choice on which type of IELTS the candidate must choose to move ahead with their plans.

2. Understand the Test Pattern:

The candidates must be familiarized with the IELTS sections: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. They should also keep in mind the marking scheme and use the previous year's question papers for the research. Proper knowledge of band scores is also vital.

3. Prepare with Passion:

The candidate must start their devoted preparation based on the chosen IELTS type and understand the various question types. The candidate must also choose the exam date wisely by considering their level of preparation. Setting a timetable and revision before the exam is also critical. Daily English practice through watching movies, writing, and reading news is also essential.

4. Be Confident on the Exam Day:

Exam-day pressure is common, but excessive nervousness can impact performance. The candidate should be able to tackle this issue. Confidence is built through systematic preparation. The candidates must believe in themselves because doubts can undermine preparation efforts. Confidence and preparation are crucial for success in the IELTS examination.

5. Be Resilient:

The candidates must understand that mistakes are part of the learning process. Learning from mistakes without being discouraged is a crucial aspect in the IELTS preparation. They must understand that each mistake is an opportunity to improve. Resilience is the key to success in the IELTS test preparation journey.

6. Vocabulary Enhancement:

A wide range of vocabulary is a sign of a skilful speaker. Building a strong vocabulary is a major part of the IELTS preparation. Vocabulary does not just mean recognising a wide range of words, it is an attribute that shows how masterful a candidate is while handling a language. Hence enhancing the Vocabulary Skills is a must for the candidate.

7. IELTS Preparation Additional Resources:

Important Books, Websites and Guides

IELTS Preparation Books

The IELTS preparation materials are essential for ensuring that candidates gain enough IELTS preparation before the actual examination. The candidates can go through various IELTS preparation books online and IELTS preparation PDFs to improve their IELTS exam preparation.

IELTS PRACTICE TESTS

The candidates must take IELTS practice tests often to enhance their IELTS examination success. IELTS practice tests come with lots of benefits for the candidates. Some of these include abundant practice, developing skimming and scanning skills, the ability to undergo predictive writing and proper structuring of the exam and so on. These mock tests of IELTS are essential if a candidate wishes to gain a good band score in the IELTS examination.

IELTS WRITING PRACTICE TESTS

As far as the IELTS writing section is concerned, the candidate must be able to tackle two questions one of data interpretation and an essay. The candidates must indulge themselves in extensive IELTS writing practice to ensure that they can tackle all the challenges set by the writing section. The candidates should make use of the given below IELTS practice tests to take their preparations to the next.

IELTS WRITING PRACTICE SETS

IELTS LISTENING PRACTICE SETS

IELTS READING PRACTICE SETS

IELTS SPEAKING PRACTICE SETS