Is IELTS Difficult? How to Prepare for IELTS – 6 Easy-Steps

Are you gearing up to take the International English Language Testing System (IELTS)? Whether you’re aiming to study abroad, pursue professional opportunities, or immigrate to an English-speaking country, mastering the IELTS is a crucial step in achieving your goals. Here are 6 simple steps to help you prepare for the IELTS test.

Table of Contents

1. Choose the Right IELTS Test
2. Understand the Test Format
3. Learn about the Band Scores
4. Assess Your English Skills
5. Set Realistic Goals and Develop Study Plan
6. Study, Study, Study

Step 1: Choose the Right IELTS Test

The type of IELTS test you need to take depends on your intentions. Are you planning to work, study, or immigrate to an English-speaking country? If your goal is to study in higher education or seek professional registration, you’ll most likely need to take the IELTS Academic test. Conversely, if you are aiming for vocational training or migration to Australia, New Zealand, Canada, or the UK, the IELTS General Training test is more suitable. Refer to this blog for more information about IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training.

Step 2: Understand the Test Format

IELTS Test Format

Understanding what the test entails is crucial before diving into practice. By familiarising yourself with the test format, you’ll be better equipped to manage your time effectively during the exam. The IELTS test consists of four sections: Speaking, Reading, Listening, and Writing. The Speaking and Listening exam format is the same for IELTS General Training and IELTS Academic, while the Reading and Writing exam formats are different.

Speaking:

For both Academic & General Training

The IELTS speaking test consists of three parts

1. Introduction and Interview:The examiner verifies your identity and asks general questions about familiar topics like home, family, work, studies, and interests.Duration: 4 to 5 minutes.Objective: Assess your ability to discuss everyday topics and experiences.
2. Individual Long Turn:You're given a task card with a topic to discuss and some key points.Prepare for one minute and then speak for 1 to 2 minutes without interruption.Objective: Assess your ability to speak at length on a topic, organize ideas coherently, and use appropriate language.
3. Discussion:The examiner discusses issues related to the topic from part two.Duration: 4 to 5 minutes.Objective: Assess your ability to express opinions, analyze, discuss, and speculate about issues.

Total Duration: 11 - 14 Minutes

Marking Criteria:

• Fluency and coherence
• Lexical resource
• Grammatical range and accuracy
• Pronunciation

Listening:

For both Academic & General Training

There will be four different English recordings

1. Recording 1: Conversation between two people in an everyday social context
2. Recording 2: Monologue in an everyday social context (e.g., a speech about working a job)
3. Recording 3: Conversation among a small group of people in an educational or training context (e.g., a project discussion between students in a university)
4. Recording 4: Monologue on an academic subject (e.g., a university lecture on the environment)

*Each recording will only be played once

Total Duration:

• Paper-based test: About 30 minutes + extra 10 minutes to transfer answers to answer sheet
• Computer-delivered test: About 30 minutes

Marking Criteria:

• Fluency and coherence
• Lexical resource
• Grammatical range and accuracy
• Pronunciation

Number of questions: 40 questions; 10 questions each recording

Reading

Three reading passages/sections and answer various questions for both types. IELTS Academic:

• Passages can be sourced from books, journals, magazines, and newspapers.
• Topics are relevant to undergraduate or postgraduate study.
• At least one passage presents a detailed logical argument.
• May include diagrams, graphs, or illustrations.
• Passages have a glossary for technical terms or jargon.

IELTS General Training:

1. Section 1: Social Survival related topic where the texts include notices, advertisements, and timetables.
2. Section 2: Workplace Survival related topic where the passages are from job descriptions, contracts, and staff training materials.
3. Section 3: General Reading which includes texts from magazines, newspapers, and book extracts.

Total Duration: Both paper-based and computer-delivery test will have about 60 minutes with no additional time

Marking Criteria:

• Each correct answer earns one mark, which is then converted to the IELTS 9-band scale
• Spelling and grammar errors may result in penalties

Number of questions: 40 questions

Writing

For both IELTS types, there are two writing tasks IELTS Academic:

Task 1: Writing a Letter

• You'll be given a situation and have to write a letter explaining the situation or requesting more information, like addressing university accommodation.
• Write at least 150 words in a formal, informal, or semi-formal style.

Task 2: Essay Response

• You'll discuss a given point of view or problem in essay format, covering topics from education to family issues.
• Write at least 250 words in an academic or semi-formal style.

IELTS General Training:

Task 1: Describing Visual Information

• You'll describe academic visual data like graphs or processes, or objects/events.
• Write at least 150 words in an academic or semi-formal style.

Task 2: Responding to an Argument or Point of View

• You'll discuss topics like education, technology, or health in a discursive essay.
• Write at least 250 words in an academic or semi-formal style.

Total Duration: Both paper-based and computer-delivery test will have about 60 minutes with no additional time

Marking Criteria:

• Task 2 has higher test weightage than task 1
• It is recommended to allocate more time (40 minutes) for task 2

IELTS Question Types

The key to success in any examination is a solid familiarity with the test format and question types. Take a close look at the different types of questions and the scoring system in the infographic below. Doing so will help you approach the questions with greater confidence and accuracy.

Step 3: Learn about the Band Score

The IELTS test results are reported as band scores, from band 0 to band 9. Knowing what each band score represents will help you set realistic goals and understand the level of proficiency required for your desired score. Moreover, you should also find out the band score requirements corresponding to your purpose of taking IELTS. For more information about IELTS scores, you can visit here.

IELTS Band | Skill Level

Band 1: Non-user

You can only use a few individual words, and you lack the ability to fully use language.

Band 2: Intermittent user

Understanding spoken and written English is very hard for you.

Band 3: Extremely limited user

You can understand basic ideas in familiar situations, but there are often problems in communication.

Band 4: Limited user

You're only comfortable in familiar situations and often struggle to understand and express yourself. Using complex language is difficult for you.

Band 5: Modest user

You understand the main ideas in most situations but make frequent mistakes. You can manage basic communication in your area of expertise.

Band 6: Competent user

You can communicate effectively most of the time, although you make some mistakes and misunderstandings. You're capable of using and understanding fairly complex language, especially in familiar situations.

Band 7: Good user

You can use the language effectively, though you sometimes make mistakes and misunderstandings in certain situations. Overall, you handle complex language well and can understand detailed reasoning.

Band 8: Very good user

You have a strong command of the language, with only occasional small mistakes. You might misunderstand some things in unfamiliar situations. However, you can handle complex, detailed arguments effectively.

Band 9: Expert user

You are fully proficient in the language. Your English usage is appropriate, accurate, and fluent, and you demonstrate complete understanding.

*Information taken from Official IELTS Website

Step 4: Assess Your English Skills

When it comes to preparing for IELTS, understanding your strengths and weaknesses is imperative. It’s like knowing where you stand before you hit the road. You can take a mock test to see where you stand within the band scores. By figuring out what you’re good at and where you need a bit more work, planning your study sessions will be a lot more effective. It’s all about making the most of your time and energy.

Step 5: Set Goals and Develop a Study Plan

Now that you know the different band scores and where you stand, it’s time to set clear goals for your IELTS preparation journey. Each section receives a band score, reported in whole or half bands, like 7.0 or 8.5. Determining the band score you need to achieve and creating a study plan that aligns with your objectives will keep you motivated and focused throughout your preparation.

Checklist!

Moving forward, you also need to devise a study plan that caters to your individual needs. Spend more time on your weaker areas while ensuring that you allocate sufficient time to each section of the exam. Dedicate at least one full day to focus on each section, and regularly incorporate practice tests into your study routine for evaluation and improvement. When you develop your study plan, make sure you check these boxes:

• Identify clear target scores and objectives.
• Schedule study sessions for all four test sections.
• Consistently practice and review your strengths and weaknesses.
• Track your progress and adjust your study plan accordingly.
• Stay Flexible – Be open to adapting the plan changes as needed.
• Make use of diverse study materials and make English a habit

Step 6: Study, Study, Study

If you are studying alone, search for reliable sources and gather a variety of study materials such as practice tests, sample questions, and instructional videos. Besides that, you should also engage in activities like reading English literature, listening to podcasts, and engaging in conversations with native speakers. By immersing yourself in the language, you’ll strengthen your skills and boost your confidence for the IELTS exam.

However, studying for the IELTS exam can be challenging when done alone, as it requires a high level of motivation, focus, and comprehensive coverage of the test content. You can also consider following the majority and enrolling in an IELTS preparatory course provided by reputable providers such as Spring Training. You can expect guidance from expert tutors, tailored study materials, and a supportive learning environment.