How to Start IELTS Exam Preparation for Beginners?
Here are some tips for beginners who can start preparing at home
Understand How Scoring is Done
It’s significant that you understand how the IELTS exam is scored so that you can track your progress effectively.
On a scale of 1–9, the exam is evaluated. These grades are referred to as ‘bands.’
Take a look at the infographic below to get a better idea of what each band represents in terms of English proficiency. We are just going to mention 6–9 because if you’re reading and comprehending this essay, you’re probably already a 5.
Example: Speaking- 7
Listening- 6
Reading- 8
Writing- 7
Then your total score would be (7+6+8+7)÷4= Band 7.
Once you’ve mastered the band system for scoring IELTS, you’ll need to apply it to each section of the test.
Each area of the exam: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing, is treated as a separate test and will receive its own band score. The average of these four values will be your final IELTS score.
Understand the Examination Format
To succeed on the IELTS exam, you must first have a clear understanding of how the test will be administered. This will keep you from getting caught off guard on exam day and allow you to concentrate on the quality of your work.
To begin, take a look at the diagram below, which shows how the exam works:
| Task | Description | Approximate time |
| Listening | Four sections, ten questions each | 30 minutes (plus 10 minutes’ transfer time) |
| Reading | Academic: three reading textsGeneral: three sections | 60 minutes |
| Writing | Two tasks in academic and general | 60 minutes |
| Speaking | Three sections | 11-14 minutes |
You can familiarise yourself with the IELTS format by completing practise papers once you understand the exam requirements.
Also Read: What is the Format of the IELTS Exam? Know All about the Latest IELTS Exam Pattern
Identify Your Level
If you’re absolutely new to IELTS, the easiest method to figure out where you stand is to complete the actual IELTS practise papers under exam conditions and honestly grade yourself.
Keep in mind that IELTS practise and IELTS preparation are not the same thing. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking that completing practise papers will increase your score; instead, it’s crucial to learn from your mistakes in order to improve your overall competence.
Equip With All the Tools You Need
Despite the abundance of IELTS materials available on the internet, the majority of IELTS students will need the help of a tutor at some point throughout their studies.
The reason for this is because objectively assessing your own speaking and writing competence is nearly impossible, as these are productive talents that require both practise and expert evaluation.
Identifying your deficiencies is an important element of IELTS preparation because you will never learn how to improve if you don’t know what you’re doing incorrectly.
How to Start IELTS Preparation at Home?
Well, the best way for preparation varies from person to person. One would think that self-studying is the best way, one will have online classes as the best way, one will find both as the best ways, one can find neither and can opt for offline.
Well, as we are discussing how to prepare at home, let’s talk about the two ways about how to prepare at home. There will be two ways discussed and one can choose their best way to prepare at home.
Also Read: The Ultimate Guide for IELTS Preparation: Get Your Desired Band Score
Preparation of IELTS at Home: The Self Studying Method
When someone thinks that the best way to do it is the self-studying method, here is a guide for you all.
Listening
The easiest of the four sections is meant to be listening. Within 30 minutes, the candidate will listen to four distinct recordings and answer 40 questions. The tough aspect is that you’ll have to listen and write at the same time. So, how can you ace the exam’s listening section?
#Before the exam, practise, practise, practise, and take as many trial exams as you can.
#Focus is essential; pay attention to every part of the conversation as it unfolds. Most of the time, losing focus for a few seconds will cause you to miss one or two questions, lowering your score.
#Attempt to learn various English accents.
When you’re not taking practise tests, listen to podcasts, watch English news channels, and watch English shows to improve your listening skills and better understand native English speakers’ accents.
Reading
The reading section is divided into three sections, each with 40 questions to be answered in 60 minutes. Reading is about time management, whereas listening is about practice.
#While practising reading portions, time your trail tests.
#Section 3 is more difficult than sections 1 and 2. As a result, spend as little time as possible on the first two portions and focus on the third section.
#Improve your vocabulary. Because time is of the essence in this situation, you must be able to decipher difficult terms in order to move on fast.
#Before you read the content, take a look at the questions. While reading, make a list of keywords. This makes it easier for you to respond.
#Make a mental note of the gist of the paragraph as you read.
Also Read: Free IELTS Mock Test: How to Prepare for IELTS Exam Online?
Writing
Task 1 and task 2 are the two sections of writing. The first task entails examining a situation or a graph, chart, or diagram. Task 2 will need you to write a substantial essay on a certain topic.
Writing puts your language skills to the test in a practical sense. Plan your composition in your head and consider the pattern of the essay before putting it on paper.
#4 to 5 short paragraphs should be plenty for your material.
#Begin with a captivating opening and end with thought-provoking conclusions.
#Use a lot of synonyms instead of repeating the terms.
Speaking
The speaking test occurs a few days before or after the completion of the previous three modules. For a smooth passage through this test, you must wear your confidence on your sleeves. The test is broken down into three sections: an introduction, an individual lengthy turn, and a two-way conversation between the examinee and the examiner.
#The sentences should be well-starting and ending.
#Do not use the same words or phrases twice.
#Practice at home by chatting to your friends about a variety of topics and asking for comments.
#Construct sentences that are straightforward and error-free.
#Make sure you pronounce everything correctly.
#As a result, you can prepare for the IELTS exam at home and save money and time. Working hard and smartly is the way to go. Best wishes.