Archive for the 'IELTS Tips' Category

TASK ONE
In Task 1 of the Writing Module, you are given about 20 minutes to write a minimum of 150 words. You are asked to look at a diagram, table, graph or short piece of text and describe the information in your own words. There are three important steps you should follow:
preparation, writing and editing. These steps will help you to write a coherent and well organised essay in the time given.

Preparation (about 2 minutes)
You need to spend 2-3 minutes working out exactly what you are going to do. You should pay attention to the following points:
•Study the question carefully. Most Task 1 writing involves writing a report which describes some information given. You may wish to note the instructions with a high-lighting pen.
•Think carefully about the topic. Outline some pertinent points.
•Ensure that your ideas are arranged logically.

Recently one of our students told us he had just received great news – he scored 8.5 in his IELTS test last week! We asked him if he’d mind sharing what he considered to be important IELTS examination techniques.  These IELTS tips are for any students who are already competent using the English language and are looking to understand the how the test works and techniques for performing the best you can.

1. The first and most important tip is to understand the exam. You should make sure that you have a good idea of each of the different modules, the different language skills that are being tested in each module component and have a good idea of the sorts of questions you’re likely to be asked. I found examples of the different types of questions used on the official IELTS website.
2. I bought some IELTS study guides from the bookshop, not really for the book itself, but for the practice tests that come with them. I took several mock tests and made sure that I kept to the times strictly. So my second IELTS examination technique is know your timings and stick to them!
3. There are only two modules – reading and listening – that you have complete control of your performance. It is down to you in how accurate your answers are to score high. The writing and speaking modules however, are not totally in the student’s control. So, be sure to score the most points you can in the reading and listening modules.
4. My fourth IELTS study tip is to practice your listening skills as much as you can. I watched English TV, news and talk shows pretty much every day.
5. For the writing module, planning is vital. As for any exam you sit, even in your own language, that requires an extended answer, you should always sketch out a skeleton plan for your answer. I’d also recommend you spend time before the IELTS exam learning and practicing key vocabulary to use when interpreting data in tables and graphs. This in an important tip of all the ILETS study tips – you should use correct terminology liberally in your answer.
6. Make sure you can leave five minutes at the end of the test to check your answers. I can’t stress how important this is! I’ve been able to go back and spot a silly spelling error and correct it or returned to right more for answers to questions I wasn’t quite sure of. Remember, under exam conditions you are bound to make some silly mistakes, but with good IELTS examination techniques, you will have the time to correct them.
7. In the speaking module, you’ll generally find that the examiners are kind and friendly and will true to help make you feel relaxed and confident enough to have a slightly more formal type of conversation.  My IELTS study tip here is that you don’t have to sound brilliant of use very complicated language – I spoke slowly, but with clarity and accuracy using pretty average vocabulary.
8. My last IELTS study tip is to practice, practice and practice some more! Also, it is important to keep your practice going right up to your exam date. Don’t work hard, think you’ve got it sorted and then stop before your exam; you should do at least two mock exams in the days before your real one. Remember to time yourself!