How to Prepare for IELTS?: Tips & Tricks Included!

The IELTS exam is a widely accepted English proficiency test recognized by universities and companies around the world. It evaluates key skills like reading, writing, speaking, and listening to determine your ability to understand and communicate in English effectively. Preparing for IELTS requires a well-planned strategy to achieve the best results. In this blog, we’ll understand how to prepare for the IELTS exam, different types of exams, and practical tricks to help you excel!

IELTS Exam: A General Overview

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is one of the most popular exams for studying abroad. You need it for your university and visa application process since it evaluates your ability to thrive in English-speaking countries. The exam assesses your English proficiency across four areas – speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Furthermore, there are three distinct IELTS exams that you may need to take depending on your application requirements. Here is a detailed overview of each IELTS exam.

1. IELTS Academic

The IELTS Academic test is a popular choice for students aiming to study undergraduate or postgraduate programs abroad. It evaluates your listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills and can be taken either at home or at a test center. The exam lasts 2 hours and 45 minutes, and the format remains consistent regardless of the mode. Below is a detailed overview of how to prepare for IELTS:

i. Listening Section: The listening section consists of four parts with a total of 40 questions (10 questions per part). You’ll have 30 minutes to complete this section. Here are the topics of the parts in the listening section:

• Parts 1 & 2: Focus on everyday situations like conversations or short speeches.
• Parts 3 & 4: Cover academic or training scenarios, such as students discussing a topic or a lecture on an academic subject.

You’ll hear recordings only once, with accents from Australian, British, New Zealand, and North American speakers. The question types include:

• Multiple choice
• Matching
• Plan/map/diagram labeling
• Form, note, table, flow chart, or summary completion
• Sentence completion and short answers

ii. Reading Section: The reading section has three parts with 40 questions. The texts come from magazines, newspapers, journals, books, or online resources, designed for general readers. These texts might be descriptive, argumentative, or narrative in style. Here are some points that you should remember while answering this section:

• Transfer your answers carefully to the answer sheet, as grammar or spelling mistakes will cost you marks.
• Question types include multiple choice, true/false, identifying writer’s views, matching, sentence completion, and summary questions.

iii. Writing Section: The writing section consists of two tasks as follows:

• Task 1: Write at least 150 words in 20 minutes, describing visual data like charts or graphs.
• Task 2: Write a response in 40 minutes to a given argument or point of view (minimum 250 words).

You’ll be assessed on vocabulary, grammar, coherence, and task achievement. Task 2 carries more weight than Task 1. Make sure to use formal or semi-formal language throughout. The total duration for this section is 60 minutes.

iv. Speaking Section: The speaking test is designed to evaluate your fluency, vocabulary, and ability to express ideas clearly. This section is a face-to-face interview divided into three parts, as follows:

• Introduction (4-5 minutes): The interviewer will ask about your background and general topics.
• Task Card (2 minutes): You’ll speak on a topic picked from a task card, which includes specific points to cover.
• Discussion (4-5 minutes): A broader discussion based on the topic you spoke about in Task 2.

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2. IELTS General Training

The IELTS General Training exam is designed for candidates applying for training programs or educational courses below a degree level. While the listening and speaking sections are the same as the IELTS Academic test, the reading and writing sections are different. Here’s what you need to know:

i. Reading Section: The reading section is 60 minutes long and divided into three parts that increase in difficulty. Here are the three parts of the reading section:

• Section 1: Focuses on everyday topics.
• Section 2: Covers work-related topics like job descriptions, contracts, and training materials.
• Section 3: Features descriptive texts taken from books, newspapers, and online resources.

ii. Writing Section: The IELTS General Training Writing section consists of two different tasks. In the first task, you would be required to respond to a situation through a letter. In the second task, you would be provided with an argument or point of view that you would need to discuss. 

Also Read: IELTS Exam Syllabus

3. IELTS for UKVI 

The IELTS for UKVI is a standardized English test recognized by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) for individuals planning to live, work, or study in the UK. There are several versions of this test, including:

• IELTS for UKVI
• IELTS Life Skills A1
• IELTS Life Skills A2
• IELTS Life Skills B1

To prepare effectively, the official IELTS website offers free resources to help you familiarize yourself with the exam format and content.

Pro tip: Enroll in an English-speaking course to gain proficiency in the language and ace your IELTS exam.

IELTS Preparation Resources

The official IELTS website provides a variety of free sample questions for all three types of IELTS exams. These resources can help you practice and understand the exam pattern better. Below are some commonly asked sample questions to get you started. For more questions and preparation materials, visit the official IELTS website.

1. IELTS Academic Sample Questions

i. Listening: The listening section for the IELTS academic paper runs for 30 minutes. Here is a sample question.

Tapescript A: Alright, now let’s talk about insurance. It’s an important aspect to consider, and our companies offer competitive rates with a variety of all-inclusive packages. B: Sorry, could you elaborate on that? A: Of course. There are three levels of insurance coverage based on the quality of protection. The most comprehensive option is the Premium rate, followed by the Standard rate, and then the Economy rate, which only covers the second-hand value of the contents. B: Oh, I’ve had a bad experience with Economy insurance in the past, so I’ll go for the Premium option. A: Got it. And just to confirm, would you prefer home delivery, delivery to a local depot, or collection from the nearest port? B: The port is fine – I’ve got transport arranged on that end. A: Great. Will you be paying by credit card? B: Would it be possible to pay by cheque? Questions Select the appropriate letter: A, B, or C. 1. Insurance type selected A. Economy B. Standard C. Premium 2. Delivery preference A. Port B. Home C. Depot

ii. Academic Reading: Refer to this sample question for the IELTS Academic Reading section.

[Note: This is an excerpt from a Part 3 text discussing how a low-calorie diet may impact the aging process.] Adapted from ‘The Serious Search for an Anti-Aging Pill’. Copyright © 2006 Scientific American, a division of Nature America, Inc. All rights reserved. Currently, no treatment available has been proven to slow down human aging. However, consuming a low-calorie but nutritionally balanced diet has shown remarkable success in various animals, increasing both their lifespan and overall health. These findings indicate that caloric restriction could potentially delay aging and extend lifespan in humans as well. But what if a pill could be developed to mimic the physiological effects of eating less, without requiring individuals to actually reduce their food intake—a so-called “caloric-restriction mimetic”? The most thoroughly researched candidate for such a mimetic is 2DG (2-deoxy-D-glucose), which interferes with how cells process glucose. While 2DG has been toxic in certain doses in animals, making it unsuitable for human use, it has demonstrated that chemicals can replicate the effects of caloric restriction. The challenge lies in identifying a safe and effective alternative. Cells use glucose from food to produce ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the molecule responsible for powering many bodily functions. By restricting food intake, caloric restriction reduces the amount of glucose entering cells and lowers ATP production. Administering 2DG to animals consuming a normal diet allows glucose to enter cells in abundance, but the drug prevents much of it from being processed, thereby reducing ATP synthesis. Researchers have suggested various reasons why interrupting glucose processing and ATP production might slow aging. One explanation focuses on free radicals, which are byproducts of ATP production. These free radicals can damage cells and are believed to contribute to aging and age-related diseases like cancer. By reducing ATP production, fewer free radicals are generated, potentially minimizing damage. Another theory proposes that decreased glucose processing may signal cells to behave as if food is scarce (even when it isn’t), prompting them to switch to an anti-aging mode that prioritizes the organism’s preservation over processes like growth and reproduction. Questions 1–3 Complete the flowchart below. Use NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the text for each answer. Write your answers in boxes 1–3 on your answer sheet. How a caloric-restriction mimetic functions: CR mimetic ↓ Less 1……………. is processed ↓ ATP production is reduced Theory 1: Cells experience less damage from diseases because fewer 2……………. are released. Theory 2: Cells prioritize 3……………. as they perceive a lack of food availability.

iii. Academic Writing: Now that you know how to prepare for the IELTS exam, let’s explore the Writing Section in detail. This section lasts for 60 minutes and includes two tasks, each designed to test your ability to organize and present your ideas effectively. Here’s a sample question to help you understand the format better:

WRITING TASK 2 You should allocate approximately 40 minutes for this task. Write on the following topic: Children raised in families with limited financial resources are better equipped to handle the challenges of adult life compared to those raised by affluent parents. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement? Provide reasons for your response and include any pertinent examples from your own knowledge or experience. Write at least 250 words.

iv. Speaking: The speaking section consists of three parts, we have listed a sample question officially recommended by IELTS Academic for your reference.

Part 2 – Individual Long Turn: Candidate Task Card Talk about something you own that is very significant to you. You should cover the following points: From where did you get it? How long you have had it? What do you use it for? You will need to speak about the topic for one to two minutes. You have one minute to prepare your response. Feel free to make notes to assist you. Follow-up questions Is it of high monetary value? Would it be easy to replace?

2. IELTS General Training Sample Questions

Students often ask themselves ‘How can I prepare for an IELTS exam?’ That’s why the official IELTS website has multiple sample questions that you can refer to for an IELTS General Training exam. Here are some of the sample questions.

i. Listening: The Listening section is similar for both IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training. It comprises four audio recordings, including monologues and conversations. Below is a sample listening prompt with corresponding questions.

Tapescript You will hear an excerpt from a talk addressed to a group preparing to stay in the UK. Good evening, and welcome to the British Council. My name is John Parker, and I’ve been invited to give you a brief overview of certain aspects of life in the UK before your visit. I’ll begin by discussing the best ways to establish social connections there. You may wonder why this is important since meeting people is a part of daily life. However, living in a foreign country can present challenges, not just due to the language barrier but also because customs and social norms may differ. If you are working in the UK, you’re likely to stay in private accommodation, which can make meeting people less straightforward. Nevertheless, there are steps you can take to make this easier. One effective way is to engage in local community activities by joining a group of interest. For instance, theatre groups often seek participants for acting or set design, or you could join a music group if you play an instrument. If local history intrigues you, there will likely be a group dedicated to that as well. These are just a few possibilities. To find information about such activities, your best resources are the town hall or the public library. Libraries in the UK serve a wide range of purposes nowadays. While their primary function remains lending books, they offer much more in terms of community services and resources. Questions What are TWO factors that can make it challenging to establish social connections in a foreign country? What examples of community groups does the speaker mention? Where are TWO places you can find information about community activities?

ii. General Training Reading: The General Training Reading section includes a range of tasks, such as multiple-choice questions, determining the writer’s views/claims,  identifying information, matching information, matching headings, matching sentence endings, sentence completion, matching features, summary completion, table completion, flow-chart completion, diagram label completion, note completion, and short-answer questions. Below is a sample question for each task type.

London to Brighton Bike Ride The Start The bike ride begins at Clapham Common tube station. – Your allocated start time is indicated by the color of your body number, which can be found in your event pack and on the address label of the envelope. Please arrive no earlier than 30 minutes before your assigned time. – Cyclists are evenly distributed across start times to maintain a steady flow and avoid delays or overcrowding along the route. – – Please adhere to your designated time. – An Information Point, toilets, and refreshment stands will be available from early morning. Ride Safely We provide various facilities to help you have a smooth and enjoyable ride. However, your safety depends on riding responsibly and respecting others on the road. Although many roads are closed to oncoming traffic, some may still have vehicles moving in the opposite direction, so stay alert. Avoid reckless overtaking as this is not a race. Follow Instructions Efforts are made to ensure the route is well-marked and supervised. Please follow all instructions from police officers and marshals along the way. If a motorcycle marshal blows their whistle three times, move to the left immediately. Wear a Helmet While more riders are wearing helmets each year, we encourage every participant to do so. Over half of cycling-related injuries involve the head, and helmets provide the best protection in case of impact. Requesting Assistance If you have an accident, ask a marshal for help; they are in direct contact with support and emergency services. To signal for help from a motorcycle marshal, give a “thumbs down.” The marshal will assist unless they are attending to a more serious incident. If you stop to rest and don’t need help, give a “thumbs up” to indicate you’re fine. Remember, a thumbs-down signal means you require assistance. In Case of a Breakdown Refer to your route map and proceed to the nearest Mechanics Point for assistance. Mechanical help is free if you show your Rider Identity Card, but you will need to pay for any parts used. Refreshments Refreshment stops are located along the route and are managed by volunteer groups. Their prices are affordable, and proceeds support local communities and the British Heart Foundation. Your support is greatly appreciated. Weather Preparedness Be prepared for varying weather conditions. If heavy rain occurs, look out for signs directing you to wet weather stations along the route. Carry good waterproofs, such as a cycling cape, as first aid staff only provide bin liners, which may not be sufficient. Additionally, as English weather can be unpredictable, bring sunscreen to protect yourself if it gets sunny. If You Drop Out If you are unable to complete the ride, we will attempt to collect your bike on the day. To arrange collection, call Bike Events at 01225 310859 within two weeks of the event. Note that this service is not guaranteed, and we are not liable for any damage or loss to your bike. Bikes will be held for three months, after which they may be disposed of. You will be charged for any costs associated with the return of your bike. Questions 1-8 Do the following statements agree with the information provided in the text? Write: – TRUE if the statement agrees with the information – FALSE if the statement contradicts the information – NOT GIVEN if there is no information provided 1. Participants must not arrive more than 30 minutes before their assigned start time. 2. The Rider Identity Card will be sent to participants before the event. 3. Some roads along the route may still have regular traffic. 4. Wearing helmets is mandatory for all riders. 5. Refreshments along the route are free for all participants. 6. Riders must step off the road if they need to rest. 7. First aid staff can provide cycling caps. 8. Participants will be charged for the return of their bikes.

iii. General Training Writing: The General Training Writing test includes two tasks: one requiring a response of 150 words and the other 250 words. You can refer to the following sample question.

You should spend approximately 20 minutes on this task. You are currently living in a shared room at your college. However, this arrangement has caused several issues, making it challenging for you to focus on your work. Write a letter to the college accommodation officer. In your letter: – Describe your current living situation. – Explain the difficulties you are facing and why they hinder your ability to work. – Specify the type of accommodation you would prefer. Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to include any addresses. Begin your letter with: Dear Sir or Madam,

iv. Speaking: The Speaking test involves a conversation with a certified examiner. It is interactive and designed to closely simulate a real-life scenario. Here is a sample.

Introduction and Interview: Examiner Guidelines [This section begins with the examiner introducing themselves and verifying the candidate’s identification. The interview then proceeds with the following questions.] Let’s discuss your hometown or village: 1. Can you describe the kind of place it is? 2. What is the most fascinating aspect of your town or village? 3. What types of jobs do people in your town or village typically have? 4. Would you consider it a good place to live? Why or why not? Now, let’s talk about accommodation: 5. Can you describe the type of accommodation you live in? 6. How long have you been living there? 7. What do you enjoy about living in that accommodation? 8. What type of accommodation would you ideally prefer to live in?

3. IELTS for UKVI Sample Questions

If you have been wondering about how to start preparing for your IELTS for the UKVI exam, these sample questions will help you familiarise yourself with the test format, test yourself under timed conditions, review your current answers, and compare it with the model answers. Without further ado, let’s dive into these sample preparation questions.

i. Life Skills A1: Here is a sample Life Skills A1 question.

Let’s discuss the places you enjoy visiting on weekends and the activities you like to do there. Share your preferences and experiences with each other. [Repeat the instructions if needed. Withdraw eye contact to indicate the start of the activity. If necessary, use the questions below to guide the conversation, especially if participants find it difficult to continue or deviate from the topic. Adjust as needed. Encourage interaction between participants by asking for agreements or different perspectives, using prompts like “What do you think?”, “Can you share your thoughts?”, or “How about you?”] Questions to guide the discussion: – Who do you usually spend time with on weekends? (What do you enjoy doing?) – Do you enjoy exploring new places? (Why or why not?) – What are some good places for children to visit? – What are common leisure activities people in your country enjoy?

ii. Life Skills A2: These are some of the sample questions that can help you prepare for Life Skills A2.

Now, you’re going to discuss how you approach studying. Share your thoughts about where you prefer to study and what methods work best for you. [Repeat if needed. Look away to signal the start of the discussion. If required, use the questions below to help the conversation flow (e.g., if the participants face challenges in continuing or moving away from the topic). Modify as needed. Encourage interaction between participants by seeking agreement or alternative perspectives with questions like “What do you think?”, “Share your opinion.”, or “How about you?”] Studying – discussion prompts – Do you prefer studying at home or in a public place like a library or a café? Why? – Do you enjoy studying with others? Why or why not? – How often do you use a computer while studying? What do you use it for? – Do you like listening to music while studying? Why or why not?

iii. Life Skills B1: These are sample questions that can help you prepare for Life Skills B1

Now, you’ll take turns asking each other some questions. Your task is to discuss a different town or city you’ve visited and share why you enjoyed it. You have two minutes to talk to each other. [Break eye contact to indicate that the conversation should begin. Allow two minutes. If needed, use the questions below or other suitable prompts to encourage interaction (e.g., if the conversation stalls or the language level remains below B1).] Prompt questions: – What did you do there? – How does it differ from, and what similarities does it share with,? – When is the best time of year to visit? – What other places do you hope to visit in the future?

Tips on How to Prepare for IELTS Exam

Acing a competitive exam like IELTS requires a strategic understanding of the exam pattern and thorough preparation. That is why we have listed practical tips to help you crack the exam. Here are some tips on how to prepare for the IELTS exam.

• IELTS Ready: This free preparation resource offers six mock tests covering all four sections of the exam. It includes practice exercises for various question types, scoring tips, advice from previous test-takers, and access to free webinars.
• Free Preparation Resources: IELTS is managed by the British Council, Cambridge University Press, and IDP IELTS. Each organization’s official website offers a wide range of free resources, including sample questions, test-taking tips, and section-wise guides for both paper-based and computer-based tests.
• Sample Tests: Cambridge English IELTS provides free sample tests that mirror the actual exam pattern. Practicing these tests can save time on the exam day by helping you get familiar with the format and identify your strengths and weaknesses.
• Premium Resources: If you want to take your preparation to the next level, premium resources are worth exploring. For instance:
  • IELTS Ready Premium: Offers 40 full practice tests, live webinars, personalized study plans, and tailored practice questions.
  • Other Premium Tools: Books like Mindset for IELTS, The Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS, IELTS 19 Academic, and IELTS 19 General Training provide additional insights and exercises to refine your skills.

Conclusion 

Securing a high IELTS score is crucial for academic and professional success, as it demonstrates your English proficiency and readiness to excel in an English-speaking environment. In this blog, we’ve covered everything you need to know about how to prepare for the IELTS exam. By using the tips and resources shared here, you can confidently aim for the scores you need.

Did you know that each IELTS band score represents a different level of language readiness? If you’re curious about what score is ideal for your destination country, don’t miss our comprehensive guide on What is a Good IELTS Score.

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