What is IELTS? 

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is the world’s most prominent English language proficiency test. It is used for study, work and migration, with over 3 million students appearing for the exam across the world. The IELTS results are accepted by in excess of 10,000 associations, including educational institutions, companies and governments, in 140 nations around the globe. 

Why is IELTS required?

For Academics − Many of the world’s most reputed colleges and universities will acknowledge your IELTS results as proof of your English language capability. 

For Professionals − Proficient enlistment bodies in numerous fields acknowledge the IELTS. 

For Migration to English Speaking Countries – IELTS scores are required by governments in a greater number of nations as a necessity for Permanent Residency(PR). You need to achieve a standard band (depends on the University / Country) to accomplish your objective (higher studies / migration). There is no percentile, no ranking, no “cut-off” based on the performance of other students. 

The test is conducted by – The International Development Program (IDP). They ensure the level of the exam, correction stringency and other such parameters are held firmly as per the set standard. You can book your IELTS test through their websites. You can choose a Paper-based Test or a Computer-based (Computer-delivered) Test based on your preference. The modules, difficulty level etc remains exactly the same. 

IELTS is a trial of each of the four modules: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. You will take the Listening, Reading and Writing tests at the same time in that order. Speaking is held separately, on the same day or on a different day.

How to prepare for the IELTS exam?

Step 1 – Decide why you are doing it

a) Do you aspire to study abroad? OR 

b) Do you aspire a Permanent Residence abroad? 

(a) Will require you to take Academic IELTS while

(b) will require you to take the General IELTS. 

Usually, the requirement by colleges is around 6.5-7 while General IELTS may require a higher score (For example – CLB 9 for Canada PR requires 7.5 with a band score combination of 8777). For all about Canada PR, watch this video. 

Step 2 – Give your sufficient time: IELTS Preparation time varies from person to person.

  1. IELTS is a skill-based exam and cannot be acquired overnight 
  2. Aspects such as grammar, pronunciation, writing a coherent essay, ability to 
  3. Listen to English in different accents at a certain speed take time to learn 
  4. Gauge your current level and prepare a road map to reach your target 

Step 3 – How long to study for IELTS? Consistency is key! 

ELTS is a skill-based exam. You do not have to memorize formulae or theory but rather implement skills of speaking, writing, sharp listening, quick reading etc. Studying 1-2 hours every day for 2 months gives you a better shot at the IELTS compared to not studying during the weekdays and studying for 4 hours during the weekends.

Step 4 – Where to study from?

The recommended books are the official Cambridge IELTS books. You can also study from our free and advanced courses here. 

Step 5 – Evaluations and Assessments 

Apart from books, you can also take help from a professional coaching institute. 

Getting your work reviewed by seasoned teachers who would give you targeted feedback on your mistakes and how to improve upon them also helps massively in taking quick and giant strides towards your dream band scores. 

At Verbalist, students become part of the Advanced Courses.

Step 6 – Study smartly 

There are people who do degrees in English! If you decide to go that deep, it would take you a lot of time to master the language. 

Study the band descriptors closely, understand what the IELTS test requires you to learn and know and do exactly that. 

Step 7 – When to take the IELTS exam?

Take your test only when you are ready! 

If you feel you’re ready for the test, check the next IELTS test dates available here.

Do not book your date first and then start preparing as you would not know exactly how much time you would need. 

A good way of gauging this is to see if you are consistently scoring the band scores of your choice in your practice/mock tests. If you are doing so, then it is a good time to book your test. To know about our mock packages, text us here.

To understand the process of preparation in detail, watch this video:

Published by @Verbalist