Preparing for the IELTS Test
We continue our series of publications on the IELTS test - an exam that tests English proficiency.
Recall that in two previous articles we gave a general description of the IELTS test, talked about its assessment system, and also described in detail the features of the four sections of the exam - Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing. If you wish, you can read the previous articles about IELTS here and here .
Today we would like to talk about the features of preparing for IELTS - to figure out what are the most common ways to prepare, what are the advantages and disadvantages of each of them, as well as share useful links and offer tutorials that will make the training more effective.
And as always, we ask you to write your wishes and comments in the comments. Thanks!
There are several ways to prepare for the IELTS English test - group classes, individual lessons (in-person or using the online platform), online programs, as well as self-study. Before you begin preparing for this serious exam, we recommend that you find out which method of training will be effective specifically for you. The most suitable option is the help of a qualified teacher who will evaluate your level of English, and then, based on the data received, will draw conclusions about which teaching method will be the most optimal for you. However, the type of training can be chosen independently. We advise you to carefully study all the advantages and possible disadvantages of existing methods for preparing for the IELTS exam.
Preparation for the IELTS exam in a group (courses)
The main advantage of this type of training is the possibility of a detailed study of the structure of the upcoming exam under the guidance of experienced teachers at an affordable price. You can also familiarize yourself with samples of possible tasks and work out each of the four parts of the IELTS test in detail.
The disadvantage of such training is the need to comply with the general pace of study and the class schedule, as well as the lack of an individual approach to each student.
The group teaching method is excellent for those who a) are just starting to prepare and want to master the theory of the test, b) speak the language well and are so disciplined that they can work out all the tasks independently after the course.
Individual IELTS Exam Preparation
The advantage of this type of training is the ability to independently choose the duration and intensity of classes. In addition, the curriculum is developed taking into account your level of knowledge and the result that you need to achieve.
The disadvantage of individual training can be called the high cost of classes and the lack of the opportunity to work in a group, learn from other people's mistakes, or vice versa, excellent answers. A group is also an element of competition. In private lessons, you are one on one with the teacher, so you only compete with your best result.
IELTS Exam Preparation Online
The main plus of distance preparation for tests is the opportunity to study from anywhere in the world. In order to start training, you only need access to the Internet. Classes are conducted using interactive tests and textbooks with the necessary grammatical and lexical material.
The disadvantages of such training include the complete lack of teacher control over the learning process. If you don’t have enough motivation or need clarification for each task, this method of training is not for you.
Preparing for the IELTS test on Skype The
indisputable advantage of this training is the same comfort as with online preparation, but with interactive experience. In addition, the teacher can fully prepare you for the exam, focusing on all possible errors.
The disadvantages of learning on Skype include classes that require the personal presence of a teacher. Also, poor internet can interfere with Speaking training.
Self-preparation for the exam
The main advantage of self-study is the ability to conduct classes at any time convenient for you and without large financial costs. You will only need to purchase the necessary books and audio materials.
The disadvantages of self-training include the complete lack of control over the learning process. You may also have difficulty finding a partner for conversational practice.
When preparing for the IELTS exam yourself, there is completely no way to get professional advice.
Teacher participation is essential in preparing for IELTS Writing (written part) and IELTS Speaking (oral part).
Only an experienced teacher will be able to correctly draw up your training program, as well as monitor the learning process, gradually increasing the load and assessing your knowledge in accordance with the examination requirements.
However, the choice of teaching method is purely individual. It depends on you how to prepare for the exam. But remember that the right strategy is the key to success.
Useful Tutorials for IELTS Preparation
To date, a large number of diverse literature has been developed, specifically targeted at those who wish to pass the IELTS. All these books and manuals can be used both for teaching courses and for self-study. However, it should be borne in mind that each IELTS textbook has its own purpose, so it must be selected strictly for individual requirements. So, all educational literature presented on the market is conditionally divided into several categories, and the student decides which one to choose.
Now there are many books aimed at introducing the exam itself. They describe the IELTS format, strategies for passing it, the features of sections and tasks, and also provide useful tips and tricks. For example, the books 101 Helpful Hints for IELTS, Strategies for Study, and Insight into IELTS. Such literature is ideal for acquaintance with the requirements and features of IELTS, helps to determine your own strategy for passing this test and learn about the possible difficulties that may arise during the exam.
A separate category of specialized literature for preparing for testing includes manuals with practical exercises. Such books contain tasks of various types and complexity from different sections, as well as the correct answers, tips and detailed explanations. For example, “202 Useful Exercises for IELTS”, “Cambridge Practice Tests for IELTS”, “IELTS: Practice Now” and many others. These manuals will be an excellent option for completing practical tasks during preparation for the test.
The best tutorial for IELTS is universal. It should contain both useful information about the exam itself and practical tasks. Such are the collaborators Kaplan IELTS, Oxford IELTS Masterclass and Barron's IELTS. These books are considered the best literature for preparation, as they contain a lot of useful information regarding the structure of the test, its tasks and requirements, as well as many useful tips and exercises for practice.
Trial tests to prepare for IELTS
It is very important for candidates for IELTS to get good experience in performing tasks of various types. And for realizing this goal, trial tests are idealcontaining exercises typical of the test and time limits. With their regular passage, the student can more carefully study the features of the tasks of each section, test their knowledge and gain invaluable practical experience in passing the sections, taking into account the limited time.
It is completely impossible to pass the IELTS online test test, only its individual parts. This is because the test consists of 4 parts: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking, of which only two can be checked by a computer (Listening and Reading), and the other two (Writing and Speaking) can not even theoretically be checked for a computer. In practice, all parts of the test are checked by people, and when IELTS is passed, it takes 10 working days.
Why you should use IELTS online tests
• you can take test tests at home, at work, and on vacation - anywhere where there is Internet,
• automatic scoring for an exam gives a real idea of the current level,
• you can create your own test: you can pass as an imitation of a real exam, as well as a training test or diagnostic,
• the candidate has the opportunity to feel the time pressure. This experience will help to cope with the time limit on a real exam.
The disadvantages of IELTS online tests are that they do not accurately evaluate essays (only by basic criteria) and do not evaluate Speaking at all.
Online IELTS tests:
• www.examenglish.com/IELTS/index.html (on the right side of the site).
• www.testden.com/challenge/free-ielts.asp(simple registration required).
• takeielts.britishcouncil.org/prepare-test/free-practice-tests (several practical exercises).
• www.roadtoielts.com/area1/RoadToIELTS2/Start-AC.php?prefix=TD (complete online tutorial from the British Council).
• olpt.s3.amazonaws.com/online-practice-ielts-ac/index.html (trial test from IELTS.org).
Finally, here you can find links to many materials for download on the IELTS test.
In the next publication, we will talk about the features of registration for the exam and the procedure for passing IELTS.
The author of the article is Vyacheslav Davidenko, founder of MBA Consult
