Improve IELTS Score – Top IELTS Tips & Tricks For Best Preparation

IELTS is an English language testing examination that assists students to study, work or even immigrate abroad in an English-speaking country. In order to achieve this dream, the candidates are required to have a good IELTS score.  They can improve their IELTS score by knowing about the detailed structure and implementing a few tips.

Structure of IELTS Modules

This IELTS examination consists of 4 sections, Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. Additionally, IELTS have 2 different modules: Academic and General Training. It should be noted that only two sections, reading and writing sections, are different for these modules.   4 sections of this IELTS exam are – 

Paper	Task	Time
Listening	40 questions	30 minutes (+10 minutes)
Reading	40 questions	1 hour
Writing	2 tasks	1 hour
Speaking	3 parts	11 -14 minutes.

IELTS Listening  

While appearing for IELTS listening test, a test-taker has to keep certain pointers in mind – 

• The audio will be played only once. 
• There are 4 different sections with 40 questions. 
• Various types of questions will be given, including multiple-choice, note completion, form completion, sentence and summary completion, and short question answer. 
• This section takes 30 minutes, with 10 minutes of additional time to transfer the answers.   
• A range of different voices and accents will be used during the test, including Australia, British, American, New Zealand and Canadian. 
• A test taker can listen to a variety of conversations, from daily conversations to academic conversations.

IELTS Reading 

• Texts in examination come from various magazines, journals, books, online resources, newspapers for a non-specific audience.
• There will be 3 sections.
• The total text length will be 2150 -2750 words.
• These topics belong to general interests till undergraduate to postgraduate level. 
• The styles of writing will vary from descriptive, narrative or even argumentative. 
• One text will contain a logical argument.
• These texts might contain diagrams, illustrations or graphs. 
• For any technical terms, a description is provided.
• For incorrect grammar and spelling, marks will be deducted. 
• No extra time will be given to transfer answers to the answer sheet. 

Tips before the IELTS Test Day

After all the preparation and hard work, following certain tips to improve IELTS band score might be beneficial. Here are certain pieces of advice – 

• Use English daily as a part of your daily routine

This is primarily important, as it will help a candidate to think in English. This habit will help answer questions fast and enhance word selection while writing an answer significantly. Additionally, reading English newspapers, magazines will enhance the quality of using the language. 

• Take a break to relax

After days of hard work and dedication, it is important to take a break. In general, IELTS is not an exam of memory; rather, it will test a candidates grasp of a particular language. A walk at the park or a relaxed conversation with a friend can work wonders.   

•  Prepare beforehand

Make sure to collect all the documents that are required for the examination. Also, making plans for the day is important to ace the exam.  

• Gather confidence 

It is normal for a few candidates to feel under confident before the exam. But, they should remember the dedication and hard work that they put behind the curtain. So, gather confidence, as this will positively impact the performance of the examinee.  

IELTS Tips for the Test Day

• Take enough rest 

The IELTS is a long process. All the sections except the speaking test need 2 hours 40 minutes to complete, without breaks. So, it is normal for candidates to feel tired during the examination. That’s why it is important to get enough sleep prior to examination. Additionally, eating well will also keep the focus on point during examination for a candidate. 

• Water 

Authorities of the examination allow candidates to carry a water bottle during the examination as long it is a transparent one. 

• Clothing

During the examination, it is important to wear comfortable clothes. Uncomfortable clothes will allow a candidate to maintain his/her focus on the exam. Additionally, there is a high chance that the room will be air-conditioned, so carrying an extra layer will be beneficial. 

• Identity documents 

Examinees must carry an ID. So, before entering the examination hall, check the documents required for the examination.   

• Use the toilet before the examination.

This examination doesn’t have a break in between. So, a candidate is supposed to sit in the examination hall for an entire 2 hours and 40 minutes. So, to avoid any distractions, it is helpful to use the washroom or toilet beforehand. 

• Keep time in hand 

It is important to keep time in hand as a candidate need to check in. So, it is advisable to keep ample time, just in case a candidate adjusts with the test centre or needs to adjust things they might forget. 

• Look at the clock 

As wearing a wristwatch is not allowed during the examination, it is important to check the clock in the examination hall. Also, if a candidate can’t locate the clock, it is advisable to ask the examiner for any assistance. 

• Follow instructions

 It is important to pay continuous attention to the examiners explain those to the candidates before the test. 

• No mobile phones 

Candidates are not allowed to carry mobile phones inside the examination hall. So, candidates should keep the cell phone with someone who accompanies them into the hall, or if the exam centre has any arrangement, a candidate can keep it there. For specific sections of the examination, it is important to note some of the IELTS tips and tricks.

Tips for IELTS listening test 

• Give an overall look at the questions before the test begins.
• Ensure to write the dates in the proper format.
• If a candidate faces any difficulty while giving the examination, he/she should raise their hand to resolve those. 
• It is important to practice British and American English before the examination.

Tips for IELTS reading test 

• Skim all the questions and mark the keywords from the text. 
• Candidates should not spend much time on one question. If they find any difficulty to find answers to a question, they must skip to the next one.

Tips for IELTS writing test 

• Avoid using spoken English while writing answers. 
• Pay more attention to task 2, as it constitutes more marks. 
• Also, make sure to write in neat and clean handwriting, which is understandable to the examiner.

Tips for IELTS Speaking test 

• Before speaking, listen to the questions carefully.
• Avoid answering doubtful questions. It is better for the candidate to ask the examiner to explain the question for a second time. 
• As the last-minute IELTS speaking tips, keeping calm and relaxing will help a candidate perform best.

IELTS result  

One of the primary advantages of IELTS is its disbursal of fast results. Candidates will have to wait for a maximum of 13 calendar days for the results to appear online. This is applicable for the examinees who have opted for IELTS paper-based examination. But for computer-based tests, candidates can check results online after 5 to 7 calendar days.  Additionally, this online result is available for 28 days, and this should not be used as an official test score. The TRF number will only be mentioned in the hard copy of the result, which will be delivered to every candidate via post. This hard copy of the result will be sent via post along with the Test Report Form (TRF), after 13 days of paper-based test and after 5-7 days of the computer-based test. Also, an IELTS test score is valid for 2 years only. 

Conclusion

Thus, to score a higher band in the IELTS test, a candidate can check the tips and tricks to improve IELTS score.  Although, keeping the documents ready prior to the exam day can significantly reduce the extra pressure during exam days. Additionally, as study abroad destinations increase every day, a high IELTS band will help fetch a good university by enhancing the candidate’s eligibility.Aspirants looking to apply abroad must keep the rising fee structure in mind. This high fee sometimes becomes unaffordable for a few deserving candidates, which lets them drop their dream to study abroad. But, Leap Finance assists students with the potential to study at top universities abroad by providing financial help.