Are you also applying for scholarships abroad? Do you need to appear for an IELTS test and get a good score to secure a scholarship, a dream job or get an offer from your dream university? Confused about where to start for the IELTS preparation? We understand that preparing for any test can be very intimidating and can cause a great deal of stress, since not knowing where to begin is more common than you think. Therefore, this is exactly why we have compiled the IELTS Preparation Guide for beginners with free resources.
What is IELTS?
Before we talk about preparation, it is important to understand what IELTS is all about. The International English Language Testing System simply known as IELTS is a standardized test to judge the English language proficiency amongst people who do not have English as their first language. The IELTS test determines whether a person is ready to start their undergraduate or postgraduate study journey or even work abroad as a professional. There are two paths, IELTS academic and IELTS general.
Types of IELTS Test:
IELTS academic by its name indicates that this test is required to study abroad. International students whose first language/native language is not English and who want to study in English-speaking and European countries are required to take IELTS academic test. It is required for getting admission and even securing scholarships. The IELTS General Training test is primarily intended for individuals who plan to move to an English-speaking country for work, immigration, or vocational training. It focuses on assessing your ability to use English in practical, everyday situations, both in a social and workplace context. The IELTS test is categorized into four components namely, Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Therefore, one’s reading, listening, writing, and speaking skills are all strategically analyzed in this test.
English is the third most commonly spoken language around the world, with 379 million speakers globally and IELTS is the most popular test for people searching for opportunities to work, study or relocate to any country with English as its native language. This includes countries such as, Canada, Australia, the UK, the USA as well as New Zealand. Having the ability to fluently communicate in the country’s native language is a widely valued skill with various benefits. It not only includes having more job opportunities at your disposal but also exposes you to that country’s community and culture. If you are someone planning to study abroad, or seeking employment opportunities in any English-speaking country, then you will be required to pass an IELTS test.
IELTS Test Modules:
Listening: In the Listening section, individuals listen to a range of recordings, including conversations and monologues. This section includes recorded texts, and test-takers answer questions based on these recordings.
Reading: The Reading section contains academic texts, such as articles, essays, and research papers. It consists of three long reading passages with a set of questions for each passage.
Writing: The Writing section includes two tasks. Task 1 includes a visual representation of information, such as a graph, chart, table, or diagram. They are required to write a report based on the information presented. Task 2 involves an essay topic or question and are expected to write an essay that presents an argument or discusses the topic.
Speaking: The Speaking section is a face-to-face interview with an examiner. It is divided into three parts.
- Part 1: General questions about yourself, your home, your studies, and your interests.
- Part 2: You are given a cue card with a topic, and you have one minute to prepare and then speak about the topic for 1-2 minutes.
- Part 3: This part involves a discussion with the examiner on more abstract and complex topics related to the cue card.
Easy IELTS Preparation Guide:
This section includes an IELTS preparation guide for beginners who are unsure about how to prepare for the IELTS test. It includes step by step process on how to prepare for IELTS, and free IELTS courses to prepare for the IELTS academic test at home without spending a penny. Also, there are some tips stated below so make sure to read thoroughly.
Understand the Test Format:
Before you begin the preparation for your IELTS test, it is essential to understand the IELTS exam format. As mentioned above in this best IELTS preparation online free guide, the test is based on four parts, listening, reading, writing, and speaking. It is crucial to understand what is required in each section, only after which will you be able to attempt the IELTS test successfully. This can be done by acquainting yourself with the test pattern, while also taking multiple practice tests online.
Take Practice Tests:
IELTS preparation can be made easier by taking various practice or mock tests available online. This will not only help you identify your weaknesses but also familiarize you with the kind of questions asked in the actual IELTS test. Moreover, taking free IELTS preparation courses will also enable you to build on your strengths and identify the areas you do not lack. This will build your confidence and boost your morale while attempting the actual test. There are many free IELTS mock tests available online. These IELTS free mock test will help you practice more and more for free. There are many IELTS free online listening practice test, these listening practice test will help you improve your listening practices and understanding the test questions.
Know the Exam Time Constraints:
Taking your time to attempt all questions is one thing, but compromising on the time limit may hinder your chances of successfully completing the whole test. Therefore, be aware of the time frame allotted for each section and carry all preparation under strict time constraints. This will allow you to become used to the pace of the test and help you in timing your entire IELTS test.
Develop your English Language Capabilities and Strategies:
The majority of the students are generally unaware of their current English level and start focusing on the IELTS test alone. Although focusing on the test is important, it is equally important to know where you stand. You need to access your proficiency when it comes to reading, listening, writing, and speaking English. Learning Ielts is in fact a process, one that requires at least 12 weeks to move up a score on the band. Finding an institution or an academy for IELTS preparation is another helpful way to prepare for the exam and improve your English language skills.
Focus on all IELTS Components:
From listening, reading, and writing to speaking English, all Ielts sections deserve individual attention. You will have 40 questions to answer through 4 recordings in the Listening section. The recording will play only once. Usual questions include summary completion, sentence completion, form completion, and other similar multiple-choice questions. For the Reading section, you need to develop your English reading skills. Skimming for main ideas, summaries, detail, and main argument is the key.
For the Writing section, work on improving your English writing skills, use appropriate and assertive English terms with a focus on maintaining a formal tone. Moving on to the Speaking section, it is vital to be fluent and clear. The section is less than 15 minutes long and divided into further three parts. Practice all sections as much as you can and you will be good to go. These IELTS Preparation Guide and tips will help you achieve a high band-score. This will improve your chances of selection for scholarships and university admission.
How is the IELTS Academic Test Marked?
The IELTS test is scored using a 9-band scale. Each section of the test, Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking, is separately assessed and scored. These band scores are then averaged to calculate the overall IELTS score.
IELTS Preparation Guide to Conquer the Test:
Remember, taking an IELTS test is not as complicated as it seems. Immerse yourself in English and expose yourself to all the IELTS free preparation materials available online. Determination is key, try reading more materials that capture your interest, such as magazines, blogs, or short stories. These sources will serve as a great way to start. Make it your habit of writing something in English every day, even if it’s a short passage. Start maintaining a diary, starting a blog, or even simply engaging with people online. By doing so you will actively practice, learn and grow. Expose yourself to conversations among native speaker. Then try to speak in front of a mirror to analyze your pronunciation, intonation, and stress. Remember that self-learning is achievable with dedication, commitment, and willingness to improve.
IELTS Preparation Free Courses:
Are you worried about the additional cost associated with IELTS academy to prepare for IELTS? Don’t worry, Opportunities Circle is here to your rescue. We have listed a bunch of best free online IELTS courses to help you prepare for IELTS without spending a fortune. These free online IELTS preparation courses will also provide you free IELTS preparation material. Some top free IELTS courses are mentioned below:.
IELTS Preparation Free Course:
- The free online course is designed by the University of Queensland to prepare for the IELTS academic test. This free IELTS prep course will not provide complete resources for preparation. However, it will be helpful for students who want to start preparing for the IELTS academic test. The IELTS preparation free course is self-paced. You can log in any time, learn, and prepare in sequence or directly skip to select the area you want to prepare for the academic test.
Road to IELTS by British Council:
- This free course will provide 10 hours of free study session opportunities. The IELTS free online course is available with valuable resources and free IELTS learning material to help people prepare. This free IELTS online course will help students prepare for the IELST academic test to attain high scores.
English Grammar & Composition Course:
Throughout the free English course, you will cover a wide range of essential topics curated to meet the needs of beginners. This free course will help you better understand academic writing and its conventions. You will develop critical reading skills and explore different citation styles.
We hope this IELTS Preparation Guide is helpful and can help you achieve a better score. Furthermore, the IELTS free online courses mentioned above will help you learn IELTS online for free. We wish you the best of luck for your IELTS Preparation journey and test!
