How do I prepare for the IELTS?

This is a question that I often hear, and there are many different possible answers. There isn’t a formula to get a certain IELTS score, and there isn’t a secret or a magic trick that’s going to get you there. However, there are certain things that you can do, which are going to make life easier:

1 – Understand the IELTS test

It is important to get familiar with the test format and know what to expect. The first thing to know is the format of the test, which is divided into four skills:

Listening

Reading

Writing

Speaking

Each part will have its own structure. In the listening part, there are 4 sections, each with one recording and 10 questions. The questions get gradually more difficult, so it is normal to get more correct answers in the first sections and find the last ones more challenging.

The reading part includes 3 reading passages, which are all non-fiction and academic. The passages themselves don’t change in difficulty, but the questions (13 for the first and second passages, and 14 questions for the third passage) get gradually more difficult. Therefore, if you find the last questions quite tricky, that’s normal. You will have 1 hour to answer all 40 questions.

The writing section has 2 tasks. Writing task 1 involves describing a visual, like a chart or a diagram, and requires a minimum of 150 words. It is recommended that you spend 20 minutes on this task. Writing task 2 is always an essay, with a word count of at least 250 words. You should spend 40 minutes on this task.

The speaking task is divided in 3 parts. Speaking part 1 involves answering personal questions, about you, your family, your hometown, etc. The examiner will ask the questions. Speaking part 2 is a monologue, which means you will speak by yourself for 2 minutes. You will be given a card showing what to speak about and you will be allowed 1 minute to think and take notes before you start speaking. In part 3, the examiner will ask abstract questions, which are usually related to the topic in part 2.

The video below has more details on the IELTS format:

2 – Avoid falling for IELTS myths

There are many myths about the IELTS, which often leads test takers to waste time and make mistakes. For example, many people think that studying the English language is a waste of time for the IELTS, and that you should practise by doing many mock tests. That isn’t true. Although mock tests can be useful to get you familiar with the test, they will not increase your score. The IELTS is an English exam. To get a higher score in the IELTS, you must improve your English. Try not to fall for myths like this.

3 – Improve your score by working on your English skills

To get a higher score for each of the skills in the IELTS test, it is important to develop your English skills in each of these areas: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. Also, don’t underestimate grammar and vocabulary, as they can help you in all parts of the test. We have many posts on how to improve each skill, click on the links below to check a few examples:

You can also watch this video for general information on how to improve your English skills:

4 – Plan for success

Getting organised and planning your IELTS preparation can be a powerful tool to get you through the test. First, prioritise the areas you need to work on the most, for example: vocabulary, speaking, etc… Then, decide when you are going to work on these areas and plan your week so that you have enough time to do it. At the end of the week, remember to revise your successes and things that you may need to change or adapt for the following week. Repeat this process every week, using the time and tools you have available to you.

Do you like these tips? We have a FREE course that teaches these 4 steps in more detail: SMASH IELTS. The course also offers materials to help you get ready for the IELTS. Click to sign up.