How to prepare for the IELTS test-The most powerful academic courses, models and books
Your comprehensive guide to preparing for the IELTS test
Prepare for the IELTS test with the most powerful preparation courses, academic books and sample tests
Preparation for the IELTS test, one of the international tests for the English language, the test measures the level of language proficiency in reading, writing, listening and speaking.
More than three million people take this test every year for study, work, travel and immigration purposes in English-speaking countries.
To get a good score in the IELTS test, applicants must prepare for it well and methodically.
In WWNEED.COM, we present to you this article. We learn about the content of the test, the pattern of the questions, and some tips that help you prepare for the IELTS test effectively and with confidence, and the resources needed to study.
How can I prepare for the IELTS test?
The IELTS test is a crucial and important test in the event that you are applying for university studies, searching for work, or the requirement to obtain an immigration visa for one of the English-speaking countries, including Britain, Canada, New Zealand and Australia.
Therefore, you must prepare very well and be fully prepared before entering the test. Among the most important effective steps through which you can prepare for the IELTS test well are:-
1- Determine the goal
The first step in preparing for the IELTS test is to determine your goal for taking the test. Do you want to study , search for work, or intend to immigrate to an English-speaking country, and accordingly, the appropriate type of test for you is determined.
2- Understand the test format
You should know what type of test you need, what are the sections and content of the test, the pattern of questions you encounter in each section, and what is the time allotted to complete each section.
3- Practicing the English language
One of the important steps and tips to prepare for the IELTS test is to use the English language regularly in your daily life to develop your skills in the four sections of the test, whether by:
- Reading: reading newspapers, magazines and stories in English.
- Watching: Watching foreign programmes , educational series and newsletters in English.
- Listening: Watching podcasts and radio programs in English improves listening skills.
- Conversation: Speaking with your friends, colleagues and family in English develops speaking skills and gives you self-confidence.
- In addition to learning new vocabulary and new grammar and applying them in different contexts.
4- Plan to study
You must specify your current language level and the score you seek to achieve in the IELTS test. You can find out your level now through a free English placement test from the British Council .
On this basis, you must set a schedule for studying and specify the materials and sources that you use, such as academic books, audio materials, and previous exam forms.
5- Join the IELTS course
Join one of the IELTS preparation courses through many educational platforms that offer free or paid IELTS courses online or in dedicated centers.
These courses help you understand the test format, develop skills for the four sections of the exam, and learn the strategies required to answer the questions in an intelligent way.
These courses also offer tips and interactive activities to prepare for the test.
How long does it take to prepare for the IELTS test?
The duration of preparation for the IELTS test depends on your current level of English and the score you want to achieve in the test.
There is no specific or unified time for preparation, but in general it is recommended that you start preparing several weeks or months before the test date, depending on your level.How to prepare for the IELTS test
Is the IELTS test difficult?
It cannot be said that the IELTS test is difficult or easy in general, as this depends on the applicant’s level of English, the skills he possesses, and the preparation he made for the exam.
The IELTS test is a test that measures a candidate’s ability to communicate in English in a variety of situations and reflects the use of the language in real life.
Therefore, the best way to make the exam easier is to continuously develop your listening, reading, writing and speaking skills through a variety of sources.
In addition, familiarizing yourself with the form and content of the test and the method of correction and evaluation helps you to improve your performance and increase your confidence.
You can try some practice tests to get acquainted with the content of the test and the wording of the questions to make it easier to deal with them in the final test and to know your strengths and weaknesses and work on improving them. What is the content of the IELTS test?
The IELTS test is divided into 4 sections, each section includes different tasks and a specific time to complete the tasks.
The four sections include:-
1. Reading section
Number of questions : 40
Time : 60 minutes
The reading section of the IELTS test aims to test your skills in understanding, comprehending and reading different types of texts in English .
This section consists of 40 questions divided into three texts, each part contains one long text and a group of questions related to it, about 13-14 questions for each text.
The quality of the texts differs between the academic version and the general version of the test. In the academic version of IELTS, the texts are academic, scientific, or literary, and require a high level of analysis and attention.
While in the general version, the texts are more related to practical or social life and require an average level of understanding and response.
In general, the reading section of the general version of IELTS is easier than the academic version. The types of questions asked in the reading section also differ and may include:
- Multiple-choice
- short answers
- Complete sentences
- Complete a table, graph, or map.
- Define headings for paragraphs
- Determining true, false, or not mentioned
Where you have to extract the required information from the text and insert it in the form of a table, graph or map.
There are some strategies you can follow to increase your chances of answering correctly, such as:-
- Read the instructions well and stick to the required number of words and correct spelling.
- Read questions before texts and search for key words and main ideas.
- Read texts quickly, identify important information and get rid of unnecessary details.
- Use punctuation, commas, headings, and numbers to organize texts and make them easier to understand.
- Check the answers after each part and make sure they match the texts.
- The need for time management in this section and it is recommended to allocate 20 minutes for each text to answer questions related to it.
2- Writing section
Number of questions : 2 essay questions
Time : 60 minutes
The writing section of the IELTS test consists of two tasks, in the first task you are required to write no less than 150 words and in the second task 250 words.
This section also varies according to the type of test, whether academic or general.
In the academic test, the first task is a graph, table, pie chart, or chart, and you have to write a descriptive report on what you understood and what you see from the drawing, meaning converting the drawing into a written text without adding your opinion or external speech.
In the general test the first task is to write a formal or informal letter to someone.
As for the second task in both exams, it is about writing an essay on a specific issue and presenting your opinion, criticism or solutions according to the type of question.
To prepare and solve the questions of the writing section of the IELTS test, you must take into account some skills such as:
- Start preparing early by reading various sources.
- Learn to manage your time well and not waste it thinking or correcting.
- It’s best to set aside 20 minutes for the first task and 40 minutes for the second.
- It is also recommended that you start with the second task because it is longer and requires more words as well as thinking and writing.
- Understand what is required of you in each task and follow instructions.
- Map out your thoughts before you start writing.
- Increase your collection of grammers , vocabulary and useful sentences. Try to use more academic sentences and vocabulary to prove your mastery of the language.
- Dividing your writing into organized and connected paragraphs and using appropriate punctuation helps you arrange the paragraph and get a higher score.
- Pay attention to the number of words required in each task, not less than required and not exceeding it, because increasing the number of words may increase your mistakes and affect your score.
- Use a writing template that includes an introduction, body, and conclusion to organize the essay.
3- Listening section
Number of questions : 40
Time : 30 minutes
The Listening section aims to assess your skill in understanding spoken English in different situations.
This section consists of four parts, each part contains an audio recording and several questions related to it, as you listen to each recording only once and write your answers on a special paper while listening.
After each registration you get some time to review your answers, at the end of the section you get 10 minutes to transfer your answers to the official answer sheet and this is for the paper exam only.
The four parts of the listening section are:-
- A conversation between two people in an everyday social context such as a hotel or restaurant reservation or opinion poll.
- A monologue in an everyday social context such as a conversation about local facilities or safety or evacuation instructions.
- A conversation between up to four people in an educational or training context such as a university teacher and a student discussing an assignment or project.
- A monologue on an academic topic, such as a university lecture, scientific research, or presentation.
The questions that appear in the listening section differ in type and difficulty. Some of the well-known types are:
- Multiple choice.
- matching.
- Fill in: You write missing words or numbers in a table or text.
- Naming: Say the name of a person or thing you hear on the recording.
- Select: Select a person or thing from a map or image.
- Classification: Each item from the list is categorized into specific categories
The type of questions does not matter, the most important thing is to focus on recording, questions and answers well, so you should focus on some strategies such as:
- Read the questions before hearing the recording and anticipate the possible answer.
- Follow up the questions with the speaker or speakers in the recording and do not go ahead or lag behind them.
- Pay attention to keywords and important details in the recording and the questions and answers.
- Make sure to write the answers correctly in terms of spelling, symbols, uppercase and lowercase letters, singular and plural. Any wrong letter counts the whole word wrong. Pay close attention.
The listening section of the IELTS test needs continuous practice and training because it includes four skills: listening, reading questions and writing, so you must prepare very well.
4- Conversation section
Questions : 12-15
Time : 15 minutes
The speaking section of the IELTS test aims to test your English speaking skills through an interview with the examiner, who is a competent person and is a native speaker.
The speaking test is taken at a separate time from the written test, either on the same day or a week later.
This section consists of three parts, each part contains a topic and questions related to it. The quality of the topics varies between the academic version and the general version of the test.
The types of questions that are asked in the conversation section also differ and may include:
personal questions
The tester asks you about your name, education, family, hobbies, friends and other personal information between 5-8 questions.
descriptive questions
Where the tester asks you to describe a specific thing, such as: a person or a place, an event, a memory, an object of opinion, and other subjects.How to prepare for the IELTS test
Discussion questions
The tester asks you questions that relate directly or indirectly to the second part of the section and require you to give your opinion or give examples, comparisons or analyses.
How do I prepare for the IELTS test?
After getting acquainted with the content of the test, the style of the questions, and choosing the appropriate version of the test, the stage of preparation for entering the test begins.
By planning and setting a study schedule commensurate with your time, level, and goals, in addition to identifying the sources that you use in studying and preparing, such as attending preparatory courses.
And the use of academic books specialized in the IELTS test, which includes the study of academic English, which may be somewhat different from the standard English.
And the necessity of training for the test by solving the models of the experimental tests and the common questions in the previous versions.
And you is interested in providing all that is useful and varied, we will provide you with the most important appropriate resources that help you to prepare well for the IELTS test and pass the test with the highest score.
IELTS preparation courses
One of the best recommended resources for preparing for the IELTS test is to join an online preparation course.
This step saves you a lot of effort and time and ensures that you get all the information about the exam format, evaluation method, answer keys, and develop the skills of the four sections of the test.
Fortunately, there are large numbers of courses that help you prepare for the IELTS test, whether free or paid online, through educational platforms, or in educational centers affiliated with the British Council around the world.
Some of the best of these courses are:-
IELTS courses at the British Institute IELTS Coach
The British Council is the organization responsible for administering the IELTS exam, so it offers IELTS Coach preparation courses of high quality.
These courses help you improve your English and focus on the skills you need most to improve your IELTS score.
You can choose a full course or a course dedicated to one of the test sections. These courses are designed to focus your time and energy on developing the skills you need to reach your IELTS score faster.
These courses include a preparatory writing course, a preparatory speaking course, and a preparatory reading and listening course.
IELTS Academic Test Preparation Edx course
The most powerful free online IELTS course offered by the Australian University of Queensland via the global Edx platform.
This course covers the four core test skills of listening, reading, writing and speaking, and provides tips, strategies and interactive activities to prepare for the test.
It is a strong and effective course recommended by a large number of examiners who have taken the IELTS test and obtained good grades. Its duration ranges from 8 lectures at a rate of 5-10 hours per week.
Coursera Specialization IELTS Preparation course
Specialization course to prepare for the IELTS test via the Coursera platform provided by the University of California in partnership with the University of Irvine in the United States.
The course is divided into 3 courses including the 4 test sections intended to help you increase your IELTS score. These courses will also help you to become more familiar with the different types of questions in the test with examples.
In addition to the many tips and strategies outlined in the training courses to perform your best to achieve the results you seek.
You will learn about the exam format and structure as well as the types of questions to expect and the test-taking strategies to use.
Learners also have opportunities to participate in discussions to extract useful ideas from other learners in their preparation for the exam.
At the end of the course, you will receive an accredited certificate from the University of California, Irvine.
IELTS Preparation courses Udemy
The global Udemy platform offers a wide range of preparatory courses for the IELTS exam.
It includes free and paid courses that include detailed explanations of all test sections, question content, and strategies that help you solve questions in a smart and easy way.
In addition to tips, instructions and training to get the highest score in the exam.
Among the best of these courses: –
IELTS Band 7+ Complete Prep Course
The course is the best-selling on the Udemy platform, and it is a comprehensive course that covers every section of the IELTS test in detail.
This course contains more than 30 hours of educational content through videos as well as teaching materials, practice tests, and personal notes.
This course aims to help you achieve an exam score of 7 or higher.
Ielts preparation books
One of the most effective steps to prepare for the IELTS test is to study approved academic books and study materials that include an explanation of the test content and study the questions in each section in detail and the method of model answers.
Here is a collection of the best books recommended by the British Council to prepare for the IELTS test, such as:-
Action Plan for IELTS Self Study Pack
This book is a short self-learning guide for students who want to take the IELTS test. It reviews all types of questions in each section in detail and provides them with a final work plan.
In addition, it also provides them with sample tests and intensive exercises to achieve the highest score in the exam.
IELTS Official Practice Materials book
The book includes sample tests for the academic test and the general training version for all sections of the test, listening, reading, writing and speaking.
In addition to presenting the answers and the examinees’ notes, the book also includes a CD for the listening tests.
You can buy these books from British Council educational centers or order them online.
Your guide book for IELTS
This book contains a summary of more than 25 IELTS books, the most powerful tactics and methods of language development, and it also explains the method of studying and how to solve each part of the test.
Your guide book for IELTS
This book contains a summary of more than 25 IELTS books, the most powerful tactics and methods of language development, and it also explains the method of studying and how to solve each part of the test.
Cambridge IELTS Series Books
The Cambridge Distinguished Books series contains real IELTS tests from the University of Cambridge with detailed explanations and answer keys.
These books help to identify the type of questions and the level required in the test. You can purchase these books from Cambridge Press, the official website on the Internet.
The Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS
The Official Guide from the University of Cambridge A comprehensive guide providing everything you need to prepare for the exam for both forms (Academic or General Training).
This guide contains 8 practice tests with sample answers and feedback from examinees, as well as tips, examples and strategies for understanding the format and content of the IELTS test and increasing your score.
IELTS test forms
The IELTS Sample Test is a sample test set that includes expected questions and correct answers that help you practice and prepare for the IELTS test.
It is the best opportunity to experience the real-world exam environment, familiarize yourself with the exam content, measure your level and performance, and get a feel for the exam level.
You can get free IELTS training forms that are available for free through:
Idp ielts site
Idp Ielts is part of the IDP Education group which is a global leader in international education and examinations.
It is an official partner of the IELTS test in cooperation with the British Council.
Idp provides practice modules for the IELTS Academic and General Test, including questions and answers for the Reading, Writing and Listening parts.
And computer-based IELTS training modules that include questions and answers for the reading, writing and listening parts, in addition to a simulation experience for the electronic version.
In addition to IELTS speaking test practice modules, including questions and answers for the three parts of the conversation, tips and advice.
As well as IELTS Assist models that include questions and answers for one of the IELTS components that you choose reading, writing or speaking, and you get the highest evaluation from IELTS experts.
Cambridge Assessment website
The University of Cambridge is involved in the development and writing of the IELTS test which means they are best at providing you with useful IELTS resources to help you prepare for test day.
The site provides a large number of free IELTS test questions, all you have to do is choose the paper you want to practice on and download it directly without any action.
Cambridge practice tests include:
- Free IELTS test questions
- Frequently Asked Questions
- IELTS Academic Questions and Answers
- Audio files for the listening section
- Common mistakes
- Experimental tests
- IELTS test guide with tips on preparing for test day
In addition, we have collected for you, at WWNEED, a comprehensive guide that contains various sources for preparing for the IELTS test, including academic books, previous tests, and a set of expected questions and typical answers.
In addition to the Cambridge Academic books listed in the Books section, the books and practice tests are designed by experts in IELTS test assessment.
We are pleased to have you join the library to find everything you are looking for and more in all fields.
We have provided you with a comprehensive report on how to prepare for the IELTS test and a set of approved and recommended sources for the best preparation for the test to get a high score.
We can help you prepare for the test. We are waiting for you in the comments. Send us and we will provide you with everything you need, God willing.
Good luck my friends.