How to Prepare for IELTS at Home without Coaching?

Introduction

Studying abroad in the top listed university or institution is the dream of many aspirants who want to explore the best academic opportunities and acquire advanced skills to shape their careers in their preferred fields. 

According to the survey conducted by the Education Ministry in India, more than 770,000 Indian students went to foreign countries to study in 2022.

In 2023, many students have already onboarded their flights to take course admission in the world’s top universities. If you are an aspirant to plan your studies abroad this year, then IELTS preparation is the first step to proceed with.

Now, the big question is: “How to prepare for IELTS at home without coaching?” 

In this world of digitization, where knowledge can be easily accessed online, you can take this opportunity to make your study plan with R&D, systematic strategy, and methodology. In this article, we have summarized the key points to consider while planning “How to prepare for IELTS at home in one month?”

Overview of IELTS Exam Preparation

IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is a globally recognized test to determine or evaluate the English language proficiency of non-native people or speakers. Many individuals and students attempt this exam to fulfill their eligibility to study abroad by taking admission to abroad universities or institutions or working in top-rated companies or industries.  

There are 4 key language skills in the IELTS exam, speaking, reading, listening, and writing. Candidates must study all sections’ format, prerequisites, and structure. 

Depending on the purpose, the IELTS exam can be categorized into two types: Academic IELTS and General Training IELTS. 

Academic IELTS: Candidates willing to go abroad for study purposes must qualify for this exam. 

General Training IELTS: Individuals who are seeking for the best work opportunities or immigration services have to qualify this exam. 

The syllabus or topics of both exams are different. Though both tests have similar listening and speaking sections, their reading and writing sections differ.

How to Prepare for IELTS at Home Without Coaching?

Self-study or IELTS preparation at home is the best way to save time and money. Aligning focus and perseverance, students can prepare for the IELTS exam at home and reap the benefits of a fulfilling and valuable experience. This undertaking commitment and diligence can ultimately culminate in the root of the academic, immigration, or professional success of the applicants. 

Here’s the super guide for the IELTS exam preparation at home:

Discover the Overall Scenario of the IELTS Exam

• If you are a student willing to enroll in diploma, UG, PG, and Doctorate courses abroad, you should opt for an academic IELTS course.
• You should opt for the General Training IELTS course if you are a working individual seeking the best work opportunities in top-level MNCs or industries.

Acknowledge the Exam Structure

• Go through the IELTS exam format, like tasks, questions, and sections of each part like Listening, Writing, Reading, and Speaking. 
• Check out the rules and regulations of the exam. 
• All relevant information regarding the IELTS exam has been mentioned there in the declaration form attached to the exam form. 

IELTS Practice Materials

• Generally, many practice sets are available online to prepare for the IELTS exam. These can be downloaded from the official website. 
• Students can also explore video platforms to determine the exam format, question types, and structure. 
• These practice sets are available with answer keys. Students can check out their overall preparation status. 

IELTS Online Courses

• Students or individuals can join online courses to help them understand the basics or general knowledge of the English language. By joining these courses, they can improve their language proficiency.
• It also helps them understand their lacks. 
• Students can also download free education apps to develop their vocabulary skills. 

Offline Study Materials

• Newspapers, magazines, and articles are rich sources of information. Students can plan their daily reading habits. 
• Watching English news channels also helps the applicants understand the use cases and contexts of great words. 
• Practicing writing and speaking regularly is an excellent way to increase knowledge.

Practice Makes a Man Perfect

• IELTS is a complete set of proficiency in 4 skill tests: Writing, Speaking, Writing, and Reading. 
• Kickstarting your exam preparation with writing tasks is also a great way of practicing and increasing knowledge.

IELTS Progress Check

• Attempt the mock tests of the IELTS exam and check out the progress with the responses graded by authorised and IELTS-trained professionals. 
• Students can evaluate the performance of each section with scores achieved on the test. 

Multitasking

• To succeed in the listening section of the IELTS exam, it is important to follow the questions closely and not lose track of the conversation. 
• Additionally, you must have a thorough understanding of the information required for each question.
• Practicing scenarios that require multitasking is another important aspect of online IELTS preparation.

Also Read: Is IELTS difficult to pass? which part of IELTS is most difficult?

How to Start Preparing for IELTS at Home?

Preparing for IELTS Reading Section Online: 

There are 40 questions in 3 sections, and the time allotted is 1 hour (60 minutes).

• Your performance on the reading sections of the IELTS exam and timing your practice tests is an effective strategy. The first two sections are more challenging than the third, so completing them quickly allows more time to tackle the final section.
• Building a strong vocabulary is essential. A broad range of languages can help you save time by enabling you to quickly understand complex words and phrases without getting bogged down trying to decipher their meaning or context.
• Read the English passage slowly and precisely, before reviewing the final questions. It can help you give a clear idea of identifying the answer more accurately.
• While reading, taking mental notes of each paragraph and summarizing it briefly in your mind is beneficial. It can aid in retaining information and answering questions related to the passage.

Preparing for IELTS Writing Section Online

The writing portion of the IELTS exam comprises two tasks: task 1 and task 2. Task 1 requires analyzing a situation, picture, graph, or diagram, while task 2 involves writing a lengthy essay on a topic.

• Written essays are an opportunity to showcase your language skills. Therefore, planning and structuring your essay before beginning to write is considerably important.
• Breaking your essay into four or five paragraphs, as needed, is advisable, as excessively lengthy paragraphs can become tedious to read.
• Well-crafted introductions and conclusions are essential components of an exceptional composition. Utilizing synonyms is a helpful technique, while repetition should be avoided.

Preparing for IELTS Listening Section Online

The listening section is relatively easier out of the four sections of the IELTS exam. You must listen to four recordings and answer 40 questions in 30 minutes. During this section, you will need to listen carefully and write your answers simultaneously. To excel in this section, it is recommended that you:

• Practice regularly, as the practice is key. The more mock tests you attempt, the better your chances of performing well in this section.
• Pay close attention to the recordings, as missing even a few seconds can cause you to miss important information and ultimately lower your score.
• Be proficient in comprehending diverse English accents, an important aspect of the listening section.
• Improve your listening skills and familiarize yourself with different accents by listening to English shows, podcasts, news channels, and other media.

Preparing for IELTS Speaking Section Online

The IELTS exam’s Speaking section is scheduled before or after the other three modules. This section typically lasts about 15 minutes and requires you to introduce yourself, speak on a given topic, and engage in a one-on-one conversation with the examiner. To perform well in this section, it is recommended that you:

• Devise a strategy for your online IELTS preparation that will assist you in constructing error-free sentences.
• Pay attention to starting and concluding your sentences effectively during the test.
• Avoid repeating words or phrases excessively.
• Improve your speaking skills by conversing with your peers and family and seeking feedback to identify areas for improvement.
• Ensure that your pronunciation is accurate.

Also Read: How Does the IELTS Computer Delivered Test Work?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

How much time does it take to prepare for IELTS at home?

The regular study routine of 4-5 hours a day can help you consistently prepare for the IELTS exam’s reading, writing, speaking, and listening sections. 

Can I prepare for IELTS at home?

Yes, you can qualify the IELTS exam without coaching. You can be eligible for a good score if you have proper guidance or study materials and a regular study routine. 

What is IELTS exam fees?

You can check IELTS exam fees on the official website.

Is it mandatory to take coaching to pass the IELTS exam?

If you are unfamiliar with the IELTS exam and want to start from the core, you should 

take coaching from expert professionals or tutorial centres.

Can I study online to qualify for the IELTS exam?

You can study online through apps, video channels, or tutorials to prepare for the IELTS exam. 

How can you start IELTS preparation at home for beginners?

You can start by reading newspapers and magazines. You can also begin listening to English news channels and writing descriptive paragraphs in English.