How to prepare for IELTS at home

Prepare for IELTS exams in Bhutan by studying at home.

International English Learning Testing System (IELTS) is conducted to test the candidates’  English language abilities who have applied to study or work in an English-speaking country.

The test is managed jointly by the British Council, the University of Cambridge, ESOL Examinations, and IDP-IELTS Australia. Chhundu Training Institute offers you the best tips on how to prepare for IELTS at home.

The IELTS is the highest International Standard for Language assessment. It is ranked and recognized by universities and employers from many countries such as New Zealand, Canada, the UK, Australia, and the United States of America. It is also recognized by professional bodies, immigration authorities, and government agencies.

Where to Take the IELTS Exams?

There are more than 1,000 Test Centres around the world.

There as many as 1000 Test Centers globally, including Bhutan, administered by British Council, Universities, Language schools, or IELTS Australia. Most of these test centers offer off-site testing, especially for large groups, pre-arranged and fixed by IELTS. So, consider contacting Chhundu Training Institute as soon as possible if you aspire to take the test and move abroad.

The IELTS Test Format

IELTS Test Format

Before learning about preparing for IELTS exams at home, considering becoming familiar with the IELTS test formats, there are four sub-tests or modules for a candidate who will sit for the tests that include Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking. It is a mandate to sit for all four sub-tests.

All the candidates take the same Listening and Speaking test except for reading and writing tests. These tests may differ because the moderator might select either the General Training Module or the Academic Module. On the day of the trial, the four sub-tests will be taken in the following order, as shown below.

Note: The part of the Speaking test may even take place within seven days before or after the Listening, Reading, and Writing test at some other centers.

• The IELTS listening test lasts for about 30 minutes and consists of four sections, played on a cassette tape, to increase difficulty. Each unit will be a dialogue or a monologue.
• Once the playing part is done, then the questions for each section must be answered while listening.
• IELTS Reading test lasts for about sixty minutes; Students are given an academic reading test or general training test. Both these tests have three sections, and in both the tests, the units are arranged in an order that escalates the student’s difficulty level.
• IELTS writing test lasts for about sixty minutes, where students either take an academic module or a general training module. Students will have to perform two writing tasks and needs a different style of writing. There will be no choice of question topics.
•  IELTS speaking tests part is a one-to-one interview session with a specially trained examiner. The entire interview is recorded and has three sub-parts- an introduction, an interview, and an individual long turn where the test takers speak for one more topic for about one or two minutes at a stretch.

How to start IELTS preparation at home 

Prepare for IELTS at home.

1. Knowing the test format– Getting familiarized or knowing the test format is the best way to prepare for IELTS at home. It is crucial to understand the content of the test, the types of questions, and the task types for each section. Do not ignore the IEKTS regulations and rules. Consider reading them thoroughly. The rules and regulations are displayed in the notice given to the candidates and even the declarations included in the application. 

2. Solve the Sample question papers and other practice materials – Solving the sample test papers helps you prepare for the test and gives you confidence. You will get a fair idea of what to expect from listening, reading, writing, and speaking tests.

The 7 IELTS bands, how to prepare for the IELTS exam at home

Get Band 7  in IELTS by preparing at home.

Improving your English

It is hard to perfect a foreign language, but it is also possible through patience, hard work, and determination. It is also advisable to take up an English Language CourseYour mentor’s feedback will help you get from  you improve your reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills in English. Do not hesitate to speak in English with random people because you are still learning. To learn a language is by using it in your everyday life. Making a habit of listening, speaking, writing, and reading in English will help you improve your vocabulary and achieve the IELTS band score.

Understand the test format and rules

It is always better to understand the rules than knowing one.

Having ideas on test formats and knowing that there are two versions of the IELTS test: IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training.

Reading the information booklet.

Read the IELTS information booklet.

The information booklet provides essential information about how to take the different question sections and guide you. The candidate may also ask for a copy from the IELTS center’s office before the exam date.

• Read the Notice given to the candidates.
•  Know about what each level of the IELTS band score means.
• Understanding what the examiners are looking for in writing and speaking tests by
  going through the assessment criteria.
• Getting through with the facts and not believing the myths and rumors about
  the test, as those rumors will only distract the candidate.

Practicing the sample questions

An example of IELTS sample question paper

Apart from practicing the samples question at home, the candidate can also enroll themselves in an IELTS preparation course. The benefits of such enrollment will help a candidate with the following lines mentioned below:

•  Practice the tasks included in the IELTS course.
•  Get feedback on the answers so that you will get a clear-cut image of your progress.
•  Be more confident in taking the IELTS exam.
•  It helps the candidate to decide whether he/ she is prepared enough for the exam.

Give yourself some time to refresh your mind before the exam.

Give yourself some time to refresh your mind before the exam.

A day before the exam day, the candidate should give some leisure time to free your mind of stress and tiredness and refresh yourself. Get plenty of sleep before the exam to maintain peace of mind. 

Consider referring to the past question papers and understand the nature of the test. Such habits will help a candidate understand the IELTS preparation standards can crack the exam without much effort. I would suggest you go through The Cambridge? ESOL Book.

Have you ever appeared for the IELTS Exam? Click the links to read about Everything You Need To Know About the IELTS Exam.