Be Prepared (Mentally and Physically)
Let’s face it IELTS exams can be stressful. But what even more stressful is walking into an academic IELTS exam unprepared knowing that you are going to do badly. So be prepared;
Mentally:
Make sure that you spend a significant time making yourself familiar with all of the material that you need to know, this means revising weeks or months before. (Not hours or minutes!) Knowing the material will set you in good pace for the IELTS exam. You will find it harder to let your mind wonder away into daydream when you actually know what to write.
Physically:
Staying up the night before late is never a good move. Make sure that you get plenty of rest before the day of the IELTS exam. Being tired will only help you lose your concentration.
Have A Good Breakfast With Coffee!
Breakfast really is one of the most important meals of the day, especially when you have an IELTS exam. Breakfast will kick start your day keeping you energized throughout the IELTS exam. Don’t miss out on the coffee either; it has caffeine and antioxidants that improve alertness and concentration, also giving you better information retention ability.
Know the IELTS exam’s Structure, Location and Time
You need to set your mind at rest before the IELTS exam. Knowing all of the extra information that will help you have a stress free day. Make sure that you know how your academic IELTS exam is structured, where it is being sat and how long you have to complete it. You want to avoid all the nasty shocks possible. This should insure that you walk into the IELTS exam room feeling calm and confident, ready to achieve your full potential.
Go To the Bathroom before Even If You Think You Don’t Need It
It seems silly, but you will be surprised by the number of people that will leave an IELTS exam midway because their body is telling them something. Bathroom breaks will just distract you from your IELTS exam. Avoid them and go beforehand. Remember, this is at least a 2.5 hour exam!
Focus On the Goal
Inside the IELTS exam room it is surprisingly easy to let your mind wonder, mainly because it is probably one of the blandest rooms you have ever been in throughout your life. However, reminding yourself why you are there and what you want to achieve can quickly send you back on track.
Don’t Get Worked Up On One Question- Move On
Sometimes you will be completely thrown by one of the questions in the academic IELTS exam paper; this could cause you to lose your concentration and rhythm. However you just need to remain calm and be ready to simply move on and give the next question your best shot.
Remember It’s Just an IELTS exam. You can take it again
You have to remember that it is just an IELTS exam. If you don’t get the grade you need the first time, it’s not the end of the world! The academic IELTS exams can be very stressful experiences. You might not perform as well as you had hoped but you can probably retake it, and if not life goes on. It really does I promise.
Also don’t go overboard on any concentration drinks.