Are you struggling to understand the IELTS exam pattern?
Yeah, it can be a bit tough in the beginning. But once you are thorough with it, everything becomes simpler. Your goals are defined and you know exactly what you need to do next.
The next problem is how to get a great IELTS band score?
Well, we have accumulated all the necessary information including the basics of the IELTS exam pattern and tips to achieve a high band score. This information is vital for your preparation, and so, we have come up with a consolidated article that covers everything from exam patterns to tips for a great IELTS band score!
IELTS Exam Pattern
IELTS exam pattern is the first thing that you need to understand. Only after you understand this, you can concentrate on performing and scoring high in the exam. So, let’s start with the basics.
IELTS exam is divided into two parts – IELTS Academic and General Training exam. The Academic exam is for aspirants who want to study overseas and the General Training exam is for applicants who desire to migrate or work overseas.
The common factor is that there are four modules in both – Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. The question types (e.g.: Multiple choice questions, Match the Heading, etc.) also remain the same. The difference lies in the difficulty level and questions.
The IELTS examination bodies introduced a new exam-delivery method. Now, a candidate can appear for the IELTS exam in two ways – The Paper-based test and the Computer-delivered test.
Get to know the exam pattern in a better manner:
Tips for a Great IELTS Band Score
Wasn’t it easy to understand the IELTS exam test format?
And what if I tell you, these IELTS tips will be as easy as understanding the above IELTS exam pattern?
That’s what we are here for – to help you become better and to guide you towards better results.Check out these amazing tips for each module:
1. Listening
Before we talk about the IELTS Listening tips, you first need to know that the listening module is common for both – Academic and General Training exams. The questions are the same. At times, it becomes difficult to understand the accent of the speaker. Mostly because of the different accents and the speaking speed. So, start by working on that.
Tips:
Watch movies or documentaries with different English accents. This way, you will start getting familiar with various accents.
- Listen to fast-track songs with subtitles and practice repeating them.
- Practice multitasking, make notes as you listen to podcasts or radio shows. It will help to answer while listening and increase concentration
2. Reading
For IELTS Reading tips, you need to first understand that questions are different for both – the Academic and General Training exams. Thus, the preparation will slightly differ depending on which IELTS exam will you appear.
The passages in IELTS Academic are lengthy and all the 3 sections have similar lengthy texts. The language may get a bit difficult too. While in IELTS general Training, the texts are different in all the 3 sections. Section 1 starts with a normal simple discussion and till it reached section 3, the text becomes lengthier and more complex. But don’t worry. These tips will help you in either case.
Tips:
- Read the text carefully and highlight the important words (this will help you refer)
- Check for synonyms as the exact word may not be there in the question
- Few questions may tend to be complicated, re-read them twice.
- Practice each question type for better preparation
3. Writing
As the writing module is different for both, the Academic and General Training exams, the IELTS Writing tips also differ a bit. The Academic exam has two tasks – Graph Writing and Essay Writing, while General Training has Letter Writing and Essay Writing. Check out these IELTS Writing tips to practice better.
Tips:
- Practice various graphs, letters, and essays to understand the writing structure
- With each practice, ensure you adhere to the word limit of the task
- Ensure to cover all the sub-points as mentioned in the question
- Improve vocabulary to write down better words
- Learn to paraphrase (always paraphrase the question in the first paragraph)
4. Speaking
The Speaking module is similar for both – Academic and General Training. The Speaking exam consists of three parts – Introduction, Cue Card, and Discussion. In all these three parts, the examiner will evaluate your speaking skills based on grammar, sentence formation, etc. Let’s have a quick look at some important IELTS Speaking tips for your better preparation.
Tips:
- Cover all the points mentioned in the Cue Card
- Prepare for the Cue Card by making short notes on a rough pad
- Keep talking on the topic in Cue Card until the examiner asks otherwise
- Work on grammar and vocabulary; will give an added advantage
- Do not divert from the topic, stick to it.
Common Tips:
- Read the instructions carefully
- Be confident and don’t be nervous
- Practice as much as you can! It is important
- Be well prepared before the exam day