English proficiency scores are mostly considered by colleges and universities abroad, especially while planning to study at destinations like the UK, US, Canada, Australia, etc. One such standardized exam for English language proficiency tests accepted worldwide is the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). The IELTS exam is taken to evaluate candidate’s reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills.
Though preparing for IELTS is not easy, with hard work and dedication you can get a good score. Make sure to focus on IELTS preparation time and improve your overall IELTS score. In order to get the desired score, it is important to try speaking and improving your English language skill before enrolling in a course abroad particularly in countries where English is the first language.
There are some important and effective tips from experts that may also help you fulfill your dream of studying in your dream destination overseas. In this content, we have tried to discuss a few vital tips useful for applicants undergoing or planning to commence preparation for the International English Language Testing System.
Some of the essential tips that can prove to be a helping hand in achieving English fluency are detailed below:
- Stay updated about the IELTS Band Score
Scoring in the test is of utmost importance for applicants and examiners. Applicants are allocated IELTS bands ranging from 0 to 9 depending on their performance in different modules included in the IELTS exam format. A better understanding of the scoring system will make you capable of evaluating your score.
Below is the information on IELTS Bands and Score:
| IELTS Band score | Description |
| IELTS Band score 9 | Expert |
| IELTS Band score 8 | Very good |
| IELTS Band score 7 | Good |
| IELTS Band score 6 | Competent |
| IELTS Band score 5 | Modest |
| IELTS Band score 4 | Limited |
| IELTS Band score 3 | Extremely limited |
| IELTS Band score 2 | Intermittent |
| IELTS Band score 1 | Non-user |
| IELTS Band score 0 | No traceable information |
The Section-Wise Study Plan to Improve your IELTS Preparation in 3 Months
To help students prepare for the IELTS exam, we have designed a section-wise analysis keeping IELTS preparation time in mind on how to crack IELTS in 3-4 months’ time.
IELTS Reading Section
- To boost your reading skills, you must develop the habit of reading a newspaper daily in your 3-4 months preparation period.
- Try to learn something new and interesting. You need to be passionate about learning English. No matter how hard you practice, practicing without passion will not be helpful.
- If you want to learn fast, you need to work harder. Try to develop a scientific and systematic approach while learning something new and innovative.
- Towards the end, when only 2-3 weeks of IELTS preparation time left, try to spend at least an hour each day reading online blogs, articles, etc. on different topics that might come in the IELTS exam.
The IELTS Speaking Section
- From the start, try to devote at least half an hour daily to reading aloud a passage from any newspaper, book, magazine, etc. with the main focus on your accent and pronunciation.
- Try hard to overcome your ‘Mother Tongue Bias.’ Though it is difficult, especially for ‘Non-Native English Speakers, it is important to speak in other accents as well.
- Try reading new words loudly and record them using any device. Listen to your recorded voice later to know the loopholes and try to rectify the same.
- Watch more English News and Shows for example BBC News, mainly the ones showcased on International news channels.
- Refer to Study Smart’s audio-video classes to become a fluent speaker and get a good score on the exam.
- Throughout the 3-month period, try to speak in English with your friends and family members and ask for feedback from others on your speaking abilities.
- On the day of exam, use a formal tone with the examiner to answer questions and quote some good examples while speaking on different topics.
- Talk to yourself by standing in front of the mirror. Talk loudly so that you can hear all words clearly.
- Look for your weaknesses and first try to rectify them by yourself. In case you need help you can always ask your tutors during IELTS preparation time.
IELTS Writing Section
The IELTS writing section consists of an essay question requiring a lengthy answer.
Some of the tips and tricks that you must follow while preparing for the IELTS writing section include:
- If you don’t have much vocabulary knowledge, try learning new words in English.
- All students taking practice IELTS writing tests are suggested to write in English.
- Spend the initial two weeks improving your grammar skills by going through its basic rules.
- By the 3rd week of IELTS preparation time, do a few IELTS tests.
- Learning comes with a purpose, try to listen to English from authentic and reliable sources only and write new sentences.
- Spend the last month practicing one essay and one description answer each day setting a timer and then evaluate your essays.
IELTS Listening Section
- Do daily practices of IELTS practice tests or mock tests?
- For the initial two weeks, try to adapt the pace and formal language of the recordings by playing them twice for a sample.
- By the end of the first month, start practicing referring to some audio recordings every day.
- Most importantly don’t feel disheartened if learning English is taking time. Just think of yourself as a small kid who is learning new things. So, if you want to be an expert English listener, understand that it takes time. So don’t make any unrealistic expectations.
- In Week 9 of IELTS preparation time, practice referring to two audio recordings with no pause and carry out proper self-evaluation.
Other IELTS Tips For You
- Remember listening is vital
It is always important to listen closely to native English speakers while learning a new language. Hearing the way they pronounce the words is important. Always keep in mind that along with trying to understand what specific words mean, you must try and listen to exactly what the other person wants to speak. Make a habit of noting down how they link some words together in a sentence, and what they want to say.
Remembering the little details and trying to copy the way different words are pronounced by native speakers can help you sound more natural. Though it’s not easy to understand native speakers, thus the purpose of offering audio classes and IELTS mock tests at Study Smart is to help students in improving their listening and learning skills.
- Make sure to get deeply involved
If you devote 7-8 hours of IELTS preparation time on some days and other days you don’t study at all. It will not make any difference at all. It’s never going to make a significant difference and will not make any real positive progress. Rather, the best way to ensure you progress quickly is to get involved deeply and find the time to practice for an hour each day.
Get involved in language, study it, listen to it, read and speak it daily. Don’t get afraid while facing difficulties rather challenge yourself by taking them on and making English learning a part of your daily routine. Take more IELTS tests within the available time for the preparation of the test.
While looking for ways to improve your English language skills, you need to be passionate and keep in mind the preparation time for the IELTS. Emphasize more on creating a well-structured plan so that getting a higher band in IELTS won’t become a problem anymore.
At Study Smart, we aim to help students learn English so that they can improve their IELTS scores. If you are looking for any help while preparing for your IELTS or simply need to enhance your English learning skills up to the exam preparation level, then Study Smart offers the best and most highly professional IELTS classes online and offline. Book your consultation with our professional counsellors today to pave your path to a career with endless growth overseas!
