Our ambitions can take us across borders. If we want to opt for a particular subject and know that a different country can provide better pedagogical methods, we try to reach there. Similarly, if the career ladder grants us better overseas opportunities abroad, we will probably leap.
If you aim to pursue an English-speaking country, the first milestone is attaining high band marks in a proficiency test. Depending on your career goals, you can choose to prepare and attend PTE, OET, or IELTS tests. If you choose IELTS, this blog is for you.
Understanding IELTS Exam
The IELTS test checks how well you know English. It assesses your language in a real-life scenario. More than 12500 institutions worldwide accept the scores. Achieving high band marks in the IELTS test can open new doors for you. These are between 1 to 9, where 9 is termed as “Expert”, 8 as “Very Good”, 7 as “Good”, and 6 as “Competent”, and the scores below 5 are considered “Limited”.
The test comprises four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. These test your skill in using and grasping English in real life. You can take the test in one of three ways:
- Computer-based: Visit an approved IELTS test centre to take the exam on a computer
- Paper-based: Complete the test by hand at an IELTS test centre
- Online testing: Candidates can complete the academic version of the test at home
Key Steps for IELTS Online in 2024
In the last few years, there has been a shift in the way candidates take the IELTS test. Nowadays, most opt for computer-based tests, choosing the time and place to take IELTS online. However, the online exam also requires thorough planning and practice. Below are a few ways you can ascertain higher scores regardless of the mode of exam:
Analyse the Test Format
Before planning, you must first understand the IELTS format. As mentioned earlier, there are four sections and attaining high band scores in each is pivotal. Here is a breakdown for a better insight:
Listening (40 minutes)
There are 4 recordings. The candidate must carefully listen to these and answer the given 40 questions. The section assesses the ability to comprehend spoken English, thus analysing how well they will fare in a real-life scenario.
Reading (60 minutes)
The section comprises 3 passages and 40 questions based on these. Your answers will showcase your reading comprehension skills. The questions can differ based on your test type.
Speaking (11-14 minutes)
In this phase, you will have a face-to-face session with an IELTS examiner. There will be three sets of questions. Beginning with your introduction, deliver a short speech and a detailed discussion about a given scenario.
Writing (60 minutes)
Candidates can ensure a high score in the writing section by answering two questions. These can be about describing a scenario or an object, summarising a given passage and explaining it. You will also be required to write an essay or a letter.
Assess Your Current Capabilities
Understanding where you stand enables you to plan better. You will know your strong areas and learn which sections require more attention. You can solve a few IELTS test papers to know where you stand. Once done, plan your preparation, allocating adequate time for every section. Know that you must set attainable goals depending on whether you opt for IELTS Academic or General.
Curate a Self-Study Plan
Developing a well-structured daily study plan can help you enhance your language skills. You must allocate time for each section and consistently follow the routine. Here is how you can cover the vast syllabus in destined time:
Listening: Listen to English news, chats, or shows. It will help you get used to different accents and speeds. It will also make it easy to catch key points in the test. When you listen, jot down key points, and avoid trying to write everything. Doing so will give you practice to comprehend quickly and easily during the test.
Reading: Make a habit of reading news, books, or posts in English. This will help you pick up new words and know how to use them. You can also make cards with new words and review them each day. These cards help you keep words fresh in your mind for the test.
Speaking: Speaking can seem tough, but you can shine with preparation. To do this, you can start by chatting in English with peers. This will make you more sure when you speak in the test. You can also record and listen to your speech. This helps you find and fix flaws, like poor tone or gaps.
Writing: You will need a strong vocabulary to ace the writing section. You can practice writing on various subjects. It will enable you to plan your thoughts and present them in a clear way. Use connecting words, such as ‘therefore’, ‘however’, ‘furthermore’ etc., to improve the word flow and create a well-structured passage.
Practice Time Management
Time is key to performing well in IELTS. Since each section of the test has a set time, you must complete it within the range to boost your score. Here are a few ways:
- Attend numerous timed practice sets
- Surround yourself with high-quality English newspapers, books and journals
- Write every day and ask a knowledgeable person to proofread
- Practice speaking and aim to accomplish tasks with a timer
- Develop skimming skills for quick comprehension
Approach IELTS Preparation Courses
There are numerous resources available online and offline for IELTS coaching. However, none of these can match the benefits of learning under the guidance of an IELTS trainer. They curate and update the practice papers according to the changes in the test. Attending these enables you to accomplish the tasks in the given time. Also, there are doubt-clearing sessions, so you face no hurdles during test preparation.
Concluding Words
As the IELTS test shifts online, it’s key to stay ahead with these steps for 2024. By managing your time, growing your word bank, sharpening your ear, and writing and speaking well, you can ace the IELTS online and reach your score goals.
EnglishWise is an online coaching centre that helps you do well in IELTS. With one-on-one coaching, expert tips, and lots of tools, we assist you in meeting your goals and making your dream of moving abroad come true. Our experts will guide you with tips that fit your needs.
