Are you planning to study overseas? IELTS is almost a must to be accepted by universities round the world and that perhaps has you feeling nervous and worried. So how can candidates navigate the exam in order to achieve the score they need? We thought we’d share some tips to give you a head start!
1. Plan when you need to take the test
The worst thing to do is to rush to take the IELTS! The university you have applied to will give you an indication of the level of English required for your desired course and also when you need to submit this score in order to be accepted onto the course. So plan wisely and make sure you don’t stress yourself.
2. Prepare for the Exam
Many candidates find the question types and strict time limits of the IELTS exam challenging. Here at the British Council we offer face-to-face training with our experienced teachers who give your feedback on your performance as well.
3. Be realistic about your level
Join an English course designed to raise your level of English to obtain the IELTS score you need. At the British Council, we give every student a placement test in order to understand their general level of English first, before helping them to choose the course that would suit them best.
4. Regular writing practice
Many students need to develop their writing skills and learn how to structure an essay. Students of our IELTS courses practice writing regularly on a variety of topics in order to support this.
5. Expert advice
Consult our team of Academic Advisors and get support with any part of the IELTS exam. They can also direct you to additional online resources or help you make a study plan so that you can optimise your leaning.
6. Extra classes
All British Council students have access to myClub, which has free extra classes every week, including IELTS workshops so that you get more than enough guidance and practice before you take the IELTS.
7. Develop skills and extend vocabulary
Many students need to develop skills and vocabulary for the test. Synonyms (different words with the same meaning) are widely tested, and our courses help to support this.
8. Timed practice sessions
All of our IELTS courses include timed practice, and we also offer an additional short course (one-week) which consists only of timed exam practice with feedback from an expert IELTS teacher.
9. Practice all question types on the test
All our IELTS courses are designed to fully prepare candidates for every possible question type. Furthermore, you can do extra IELTS writing practice and get it checked by an experienced teacher too.
10. Practice with other IELTS users
All our classes include important exam strategies and tips on how to manage the exam, as well as practice in all four skills: listening, reading, speaking and writing. The best part is you won’t be learning alone! You’ll get to practice all you’ve learnt in a classroom of friends are also taking the IELTS.
We hope that these tips help! Our SMART students have definitely benefitted from these 10 ways and more at the British Council. Are you looking to get SMART too?
Join us in our SMART IELTS Intensive course. For more information visit https://www.britishcouncil.my/english/courses-adults/ielts-preparation.