Last Minute Tips for IELTS Exam

The International English Language Testing System, better known as IELTS is known for being a popular exam designed to evaluate one’s eligibility to study or work in countries where English is the nationally used language such as the United States of America (USA) and the United Kingdom (UK). The eligibility criteria for IELTS exam includes the age criteria of the candidate being at least 16 years old, the only exception to this particular rule occurs when schools/ colleges need the scores for admission requirements to be met for applicants.

Last Minute Tips for IELTS Exam

1. Rest well, Eat well- one of the foremost things to focus on is your sleeping pattern and eating habits, eat and sleep adequately and in healthy proportions as these two factors affect your performance and ability to focus to a great extent. Focus on eating dry fruits which are also known for being ‘brain’ food such as almonds and walnuts. Hydrate yourself properly and drink plenty of fluids during the days prior to your exam to avoid the mishap of dehydration. 

Pro Tip- The IELTS exam includes reading, writing and listening phases which will take up to two hours and forty minutes to complete. As there are no breaks during the test one must prepare themselves previously by eating properly before showing up for the exam. You are allowed to bring water bottles which are transparent in nature to the exam centre.

2. Wear clothes that make you feel confident and comfortable at the same time. A huge part of the test depends on you feeling your best and you should focus on wearing clothes that help you deliver your best. Carry jackets in case it is too cold and that disrupts your focus.
3. Reach the exam centre before time- Arriving at the exam centre late can reflect badly for your impression as a candidate and also might stress you out thereby hindering your performance. You will not be allowed inside the exam room if you are late for the exam.
4. No phones policy- No electronic devices including phones are allowed inside the exam room during the IELTS exam. Therefore, you should leave them outside the room to avoid being penalized for it.
5. Don’t forget ID card- ID cards have the most importance when it comes to exams and you should always remember to keep it in your bag prior to the exam.
6. Carry required stationary items – One thing you should never rely on is depending on other candidates for stationary. Carry your pens, pencils, erasers and other important stationary items with you to the exam centre.
7. Always wear your watch- Do not depend on the exam centre to have a clock in your exam room, carry your own watch with accurate timings to be able to time yourself better while taking the exam.
8. Listen to instructions- Always pay special attention to the instructions that are given by the instructor or facilitator in the exam room. Do not write after the time is up as that might lead to a penalty or disqualification of your exam. Avoid methods of cheating and using dictionaries or electronic devices as that may lead to disqualification too.

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

IELTS last minute tips for the listening test

1. Ensure that your headphones are working prior to the beginning of your listening exam. Always ask questions if you have any doubts and clarify them.
2. If the exam is being conducted by a common speaker system, ensure beforehand that the volume of the speaker is up to the mark.
3. Read through all questions given to you during the preparation time you will receive before going ahead with answering them in the stipulated time.
4. Write down whatever answers you find relevant to the questions on your question paper while listening to the audio.
5. Pay attention to the number of words expected for each question and formulate your answers accordingly. Create a framework design for your answers during this period.
6. The ten minutes you will receive to put down your answers on your answer booklet needs to be grammar checked before submitting.  It is highly recommended to use capital or block letters while writing your answers.

IELTS last minute tips for the Reading test

1. Take note of the number of words expected of you for each answer. Time your answers so you don’t exceed time.
2. Try to write your answers on the answer booklet directly to save time and avoid going overboard with time.
3. Do not paraphrase answers. Only focus on the answers instead of putting down the entire passage on the answer script as that will show less comprehension from your end about the passage.
4. It is recommended to use capital letters for your answers.

IELTS last minute tips for the Writing test

1. Have an estimate of your required word count before starting answering the questions in the exam and before writing them on the answer booklet for your final submission. Write 150 words or more for your Task 1 submission and above 250 words for your Task 2 submission. Avoid spending more than 20 minutes on Task 1 and over 40 minutes on Task 2
2. A good practice is to make a mind map of your essay on your question paper for the exam itself since the examiner won’t be checking your mind map anyway.
3. There should be a simple and crisp overview of your Task 1, ensure that you have mentioned all pointers provided in your letter in GT Task 1. It is mandatory to write a conclusion for your Task 2 submission. I
4. Always run your grammar check while submitting and ensure that you organize your answer into body paragraphs. Get extra sheets if need be in case you run out of paper during the exam room.

Also Read: How to Prepare for IELTS at Home without Coaching?

IELTS last minute tips for the Speaking test

1. Practice speaking in correct English and on various topics to prepare yourself.
2. Be confident about your speaking skills. During answering Part 1 and Part 3, focus on the question and answer it directly. Do not unnecessarily micro-focus on elements like vocabulary as that only comprises of 25% of the marking scheme. Use  as many grammar tenses as possible in your exam. Having a mixed accent won’t affect your marks. Looking at your cue cards or notes works however it is advised to look at the examiner or invigilator as much as possible while talking.
3. If the examiner ends up interrupting your speech do not be agitated it is a part of the process.

IELTS tips for one week before the exam

1. Go through a lot of practice papers and past papers. Complete around 2 past papers as exercises before your exam date.
2. Go through and research about IELTS speaking and writing topics to have a fairer understanding.
3. You can practice using the Official IELTS Writing Paper as well.
4. You can book more than one test, and then take the best score for your applications.

We hope this article offers you more guidance and support for your upcoming IELTS exam, and for a
detailed and extensive professional coaching for you to excel in your IELTS exam, you can avail our
services at Wilwin Education. Visit our website at wilwin.in for more details. All the very best to you!