IELTS Test Mode

IELTS Test Format

  • The test is divided into 4 parts. The questions get progressively more difficult as the test goes on.
  • Do not panic, stay calm with the pauses during the listening test (e.g. 2.5 minutes pause) to review your answers or moving to the next section.
  • You will have time to look at the questions before the recording begins, and you will have time to check your answers at the end.
  • You should get used to listening to accents from a range of English-speaking countries.
  • Stay focused during your IELTS Listening test.

Reading

  • You will have just 1 hour to complete 40 questions, so you must use your time wisely.
  • You must be aware of synonyms and paraphrasing to answer the questions correctly.
  • If you don’t understand a word in the test, you should look at the words and sentences around it for clues about its meaning.
  • Focus on the words that are related to the question, and don’t worry about the words you don’t understand.

Writing

  • You should try to do both Task 1 and Task 2. You should allow about 20 minutes for Task 1 and 40 minutes for Task 2. You should spend more time on Task 2, because it is worth more marks.
  • You must use your own ideas. Pre-prepared answers will lose marks. You will also lose marks for scripts that are too short.
  • Make sure your ideas are directly related to the question. Use ideas and examples that you are familiar with, and that relate directly to the topic.
  • If you are asked to present both views and your opinion, state your opinion at the beginning of the essay and then move on to present both views.
  • Use a variety of complex sentence structures.
  • Use less common vocabulary and spell it correctly.
  • Organize your essay into paragraphs, with clear progression using linking phrases.

Speaking

  • ‘Yes’ and ‘No’ are NOT satisfactory answers in your IELTS Speaking test.
  • If you don’t understand a word, you can ask the examiner to explain what it means.
  • Correcting your mistakes as you make them can show the examiner that you really do know your grammar and vocabulary.
  • Don’t use big and unfamiliar words. You should use vocabulary as a tool to help you communicate clearly, NOT to show off.
  • Pause to think and avoid using fillers (like, you know, Umm, ok, etc.).
  • Extend your answers, use a range of grammatical structures, and avoid memorizing answers.
  • Don’t speak in a monotone. Clear pronunciation is essential.