What is the most important thing to qualify for international education? Proper financial planning and good scores in plus two or graduation might not be enough. You need to prove yourself worthy of living in the country you wish to study. How well you communicate in English is something you have to prove to get a call from your dream university. IELTS is the bridge you need to take to reach your destination.
The International English Language Testing System, introduced in 1980, tests a candidate’s English listening, reading, speaking, and writing skills to understand if they are fit for international education. The number of students from India going abroad for higher education has increased over the years, and IELTS has become increasingly popular among them. In fact, there has been a 15% rise in number of Indian students taking IELTS. Irrespective of the test playing a crucial part in the process, all are not willing to enroll in IELTS coaching online for preparations.
Here’s some advice for students willing to study in Canada or anywhere else from the experts at popular websites like AbroAdvice.com about the ways to prepare for IELTS at home.
Let’s get started!
1. Know the Format First
Going in blindly will not be of any help. You will see how cricketers analyze the pitch first before making a decision about what to choose if they win the toss, bowling, or batting. Similarly, when you take up the challenge of preparing for IELTS all by yourself, take some time out to understand the format first. Learn how questions are divided into four sections: listening, reading, speaking, and writing, and how much time you get to answer the questions. It will help you plan well and prepare for the test.
2. Strengths and Weaknesses
There are many who can speak fluently in English but take time to understand the instructions shared in English. IELTS tests both speaking and listening abilities, and you have to nail them both. So, when you start preparing for the test, evaluate yourself. Understand where you are lacking and work on that area. If you feel you are having trouble conveying a message correctly through writing, put more effort and work on your writing skills. The objective here is to focus on the area you are not good at and sharpen your skills to ace the test.
3. Create a Study Schedule
International aspirants have a lot to do. Students have to work on multiple things when they plan to pursue higher studies abroad. So, to ensure nothing gets hampered and you have the right grades to confirm your seat, create a study schedule for an easy way forward. Also, set a goal. Targeting an IELTS score will help you prepare properly. You must plan in a way that you get to work on each section properly and ace the test. The experts also suggest students take breaks and avoid working on the chapters at a stretch. Since the test is stressful, you have to work on the lessons with a fresh mind to understand each element properly.
4. Find Updated Study Materials
Standardized tests like the IELTS keep changing their syllabus to make things more challenging for students. Before you start complaining, understand how English is evolving and what all countries are looking for. So, when you sit to study for IELTS, make sure you have the updated study materials. The popular websites offering help to students preparing for international education keep themselves updated every time. Check the prices at which they are offering the books and other study materials. If you feel the prices are not too much, go ahead and buy the things you need for preparation. Also, check for practice test papers, instructional videos, sample questions, etc., to prepare well and bag the right opportunities.
5. Appear for Mock Tests
You need to check if you are on the right track. Mock tests are the best way to do it. These tests are exactly the same as the final one and give you the chance to put your preparations to the test. You would understand the areas that need more improvement and work on them accordingly. Well-known institutions organize mock tests for students. Check the requirements, fill out the form, pay the fees, and test yourself. IELTS is your ticket to international education, and you must not leave any stone unturned when you prepare for the same.
6. Work on Your Time Management
Effective time management is the key to a good IELTS score. Everything depends on how well you manage your time and find correct answers to each question. Most students struggle to keep up with things and are unable to complete the paper on time. The experts suggest students solve more and more practice test papers to handle these problems. Time yourself for each section and try hitting the target. The more you practice; it will be easy for you to answer all questions and score well on the test.
7. Ask for Feedback
When you start preparing for IETLS all by yourself, it becomes difficult at times to understand the areas you need to work on and what is going wrong. There’s no harm in asking for feedback from international education consultants or any expert. It will help you improve your skills and find a way to ace the test. If needed, sign up for a free consultation with any of the renowned international education consultants to be well-prepared for the final test.
Final Thoughts,
IELTS is one of the popular tests among international aspirants, and the test score is accepted by many universities across the globe. While students have the option of enrolling at any coaching center, some prefer to prepare for the test at home. There’s no hard and fast rule that you have to get admission to one of the coaching centers for better preparation. You can prepare at home if you follow all the points mentioned above. Be serious about what you are doing and invest time to prepare for IELTS at home.