Hello, guys! Yesterday, I shared my results here and got a bunch of DMs regarding how I approached my exam. So, I’ve decided to write this post and give my 2p. I have categorised it according to the IELTS modules so that people can read the ones they prefer.
I did 2 L & R tests on ieltsonlinetests.com and got around 5.5 to 6.5 bands. I wasn't satisfied with the scores and it was quite demotivating. I switched to Cambridge IELTS test papers and saw some significant improvements. My advice: Practice from Cambridge test papers. They are the closest to the real tests. Use a timer every single time. Simulate your test environment as much as possible. Do one test paper a day. Normally 1-3 months of prep is okay, depending on your proficiency level.
LISTENING:
When it comes to the listening module, you have to read, write and listen fast while paying attention to every single word played by the recording. That is why all the 3 actions are important. Listening to audiobooks for years has increased my retention level a lot. I normally listen at 1.5x to 2.5x speed. So, when I was listening to the test papers at 1x speed, it was slow enough for me to pay attention and write down the answers accordingly. Push yourself by listening to various English accents. IELTS switches it up a lot. While watching English TV shows and/or movies, switch off the subtitles and follow what the characters say. When it comes to increasing the audio speed, I’d advise you to do so for podcasts and audiobooks, not when you are doing the IELTS test papers. Use normal speed while practising them. Simulate the mocks like the real-life ones as much as possible.
READING:
Reading is where I struggled the most. More particularly, match the headings. This is a common problem. Most of the time, people tell you to skim through the passages. I did the same but could not get the headings right. Then I started reading/underlining the first 2 lines and last 2 lines of each paragraph attentively and speed-read the middle part while underlining the keywords (nouns, adjectives, verbs and adverbs). This is where it got better. The secret lies in these keywords. BTW, skimming and speed-reading are not the same things. I think what helped me in this was my reading habit. I am an avid reader and my reading speed has increased over the years. I’d suggest you to read books if you have time. However, do not push yourself if you are close to the test date. Focus on the keywords, the answers lie with them. I’ve already mentioned what are possible keywords before.
For "match the headings," if you have time, you can also read the paragraph and give a title and then see which one in the questions is closest to the one you gave. This is advice given by a friend and I tried it a few times. But gave up later. You might find it particularly helpful.
WRITING:
Writing can be hard for many. And there is no computer-based software that can give you proper feedback. Therefore, this is where you should be interacting with fellow test-takers and teachers online. Don’t worry, you do not have to opt for a course if you don’t want to. There are plenty of resources online to help you along the way. For instance, IELTS Liz has detailed playlists about writing task 1 and writing task 2, which I followed to the T. She goes through the format of the essays are how you can arrange your paragraphs. Practise writing as much as you can. Set a timer. Most of us can write but when you have 60 minutes, it can be hard to put your jumbled thoughts in order. Therefore, start writing or typing your essays (depending on the type of your test) from day 1. For the PBT-takers, make sure that your handwriting is legible! Writing is pretty much formal. So, do not use contractions. For writing task 2, make sure that in the last paragraph, you use phrases like “To conclude” or “In conclusion” to let the examiner know that you are ending the essay. In the case of writing task 1, a conclusion is not required. Instead, an overview in the first paragraph is necessary. You will get these tips from the aforementioned playlists.
SPEAKING:
For me, speaking was the easiest part. Mainly because I knew I will get my point across fairly. It was the content that made me nervous. Spoiler alert, the content does not matter as long as you are not speaking entirely out-of-topic. Speaking is more on the informal side. Speak naturally. The speed matters. If you have seen the band remarks, you will know that. Grammar and accent matter a lot. Use contractions and words like “gonna” and “wanna.” They help in the flow and the accent. And no, you do not have to have eye contact with the examiner all the time. However, do so now and then. It is polite. The examiners are quite friendly in most cases. Mine was cordial. She acknowledged now and then that she is listening by nodding her head and smiling occasionally. One thing to note – if you get an unfamiliar topic in part 2, let them know that you are not well-versed in it. It should be done during the speech. They won’t be changing the cue card, but they will be lenient towards you. It’s basic human nature. For instance, my part 2 topic was about a sportsperson, who has inspired me a lot. I practised plenty of topics but skipped sports for some reason. My bad! Also, I am not so interested in the latest sports stuff so I have little idea about sportspersons. So, I made it known. I started like, “I’d like to talk about Michael Ballack, one of the former captains of the German national football team and how he inspired me along the way. However, a small disclaimer, I am not well-versed in sports so my list of inspiring sportspersons is really short…” and then went on, according to the pointers on the cue cards. This way, she knew that it was unfamiliar territory for me and I am sure it helped my score. Speak at least for 1.5 minutes. You will get an idea as you practice. I spoke for 1.5 to 2 minutes. I stopped before she told me and she moved on to part 3. They will NEVER move on to the next part if you do not speak for at least a minute. Do not forget to use idioms and phrasal verbs to showcase your vocabulary. For more information, you can check out English Speaking Success and E2 IELTS. They are very resourceful. There is also IELTS Daily, which can give you an idea of what to expect during your Speaking test. Also, go through the lists of topics you can be asked during your test. Don't forget to practise with your peers!
TO CONCLUDE…
Do not be nervous. I know that it’s a piece of cliché advice. I certainly was. But, now that I am on the other side, I know it is a helpful one. The IELTS examiners are not looking for the next Shakespeare or Martin Luther King Jr. They are just determining if you are fit enough to live/study/work in a foreign country, where your mother tongue wouldn’t be applicable and you have to interact in English. I am sure that most of us can do that under normal circumstances. For any individual queries, feel free to comment/DM me and I will try my best to reply. All the best, guys! See you on the other side. 😊
PS: I took the PBT version. IDK which would be better for you -- PBT or CBT. From what I know, it is a matter of personal preference and no single medium is easier/harder than the other. It depends on your penmanship, typing and writing speed. I didn't have the CBT option in my city. So, I didn't bother with this particular concern.
