Are you planning to do IELTS preparation at home? Though this can seem to be a daunting task, self-study for IELTS offers several benefits to study abroad aspirants.
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is considered one of the primary tests of English language proficiency across the world. It is a must for those looking to get admission into higher education institutions in English-speaking countries or even those seeking job opportunities and future residency prospects in the same.
IELTS scores are also important for visa/immigration authorities in several countries. While many people choose group coaching or other professional coaching, it is possible to prepare for the test at home. Read this guide to learn how to prepare for IELTS exam at home.
Table of Contents
- What is IELTS and Why is It Important?
- Why Should You Consider Preparing for IELTS at Home?
- How to Prepare for IELTS at Home Without Coaching: Top 10 Tips
- Download E-Books for IELTS Preparation
- How to Improve English Through Online Tools for IELTS Preparation
- How to Start Preparing for IELTS at Home
- Other IELTS Exam Preparation Tips
- Download IELTS Sample Papers
- Conclusion
- Popular Study Abroad Destinations
- Important Study Abroad Articles
What is IELTS and Why is It Important?
IELTS, or the International English Language Testing System, is a globally recognized English language proficiency test. It evaluates the English language skills of non-native speakers who wish to study, work, or migrate to an English-speaking country.
The test assesses your English proficiency in four areas: reading, listening, speaking, and writing. IELTS is accepted by over 12,000 organizations across 140 countries. It is also required for visas in countries like the UK.
Most universities usually set a minimum IELTS score for their admissions. Thus, by securing impressive scores in the IELTS, you can not only study internationally but also advance your career globally.
How Can You Familiarize Yourself With the IELTS Test Format
You can browse through IDP and British Council websites, which offer comprehensive information about the IELTS exam format. In general, there are 4 sections in the IELTS test, which are listening (40 questions), reading (40 questions), writing (2 tasks), and speaking (3 parts).
Additionally, you can look at past years’ IELTS exam papers to better understand the types of questions asked.
Why Should You Consider Preparing for IELTS at Home?
Compared to enrolling in an IELTS coaching course, preparing for IELTS at home has many benefits. These advantages include:
- IELTS preparation at home is more convenient as you can study from anywhere at any time without spending time traveling.
- There are no time restrictions, and you can create a study plan that fits your schedule.
- You can save money by preparing at home rather than enrolling at a coaching institution.
- Several high-quality online study materials and practice tests are available, which you can use to prepare at home.
- You can personalize your learning, find your weaknesses, and focus on improving those. Such personalized preparation may not be possible in a coaching environment where teaching is tailored according to everyone.
How to Prepare for IELTS at Home Without Coaching: Top 10 Tips
Here are some tips that will help you prepare for IELTS at home without any coaching:-
- Do your basic homework: The very first step is to download the official guide and read it carefully. Learn all about the reading, listening, writing, and speaking sections in detail. Start planning and preparing at least 3-6 months before your IELTS exam.
- Keep testing yourself: Keep alternating between practice sessions which are timed, and also give yourself optimal time for understanding texts and questions. If you have ever appeared for actual practice tests, check out examiner comments and model answers to assess your performance.
- Online IELTS training: You will find online IELTS training workshops, podcasts, guidance sessions, resources, and other materials in abundance.
- Keep examination time restrictions in mind: You should have a clear understanding of the entire framework of the IELTS examination. You should keep practicing with timed tests as mentioned. Keep in mind the time limit of the examination and the time limits for every module or section. If you cannot complete your modules within their respective time limits, or you lose focus all of a sudden due to time pressures, you may lose vital marks and miss multiple questions.
- Enhance English skills the fun way: You should not only keep practicing tests and reading through course material but try to enhance your vocabulary more holistically. For instance, you can increase your lexical resource by watching English movies, going through videos and podcasts, watching English television channels, reading magazines and books.
- Keep distractions away with dedicated study hours: Self-learning requires immense discipline and dedication. Ensure that you are regular with your study schedule and are attentive for the duration without any distractions. Break down your learning into manageable chunks and take breaks to avoid burnout.
- Develop a study plan: Make a practical study schedule that aligns with your needs and commitments. It is best to set aside dedicated time for each section of the IELTS exam.
- Complete practice tests: Take full-length IELTS practice tests with time limits in order to create the test day environment and enhance your time management skills.
- Review and analyze: It is important to review and examine every practice test. This way, you can find your weaknesses and work on improving them.
- Make use of online communities: There are plenty of IELTS online forums and communities. You can join these communities to connect and ask questions from other test-takers and those who have already cracked IELTS.
Important Resources to Read for IELTS Exam
How to Improve English Through Online Tools for IELTS Preparation
Working on your English skills can seem a bit challenging at first but with practice, it is possible to achieve a good command of each aspect of the English language: speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
Beyond practice tests, boost your IELTS preparation with IELTS tools like Quizlet, Forvo, Word Reference, and Lang 8. You can also record yourself answering questions and listen to podcasts to strengthen your pronunciation.
How to Start Preparing for IELTS at Home
IELTS Reading Tips
- You will be tested on your reading skills for aspects like information, primary thought, gist, skimming, understanding of any rational argument, and also knowledge of intentions, views and attitudes of authors.
- Read as much as you can. You can browse through newspapers, books, blogs, and more. Any writing in English will do since you will have to be adept at giving smaller responses, matching facts, completing diagram labels, offering full sentences and matching headings during the test.
- Practice the sample IELTS questions to familiarize yourself with the various question types.
IELTS Writing Tips
- The more you write, the better you will become at it. Try to write at least once a day, even if it is just for a few minutes.
- Ask a friend, teacher, or tutor to read your answers and give you feedback. This will help you to identify your strengths and weaknesses to make improvements.
- To score well in this section, it is important not to focus on writing long answers. Instead, write answers that are coherent and clearly convey your thoughts.
IELTS Listening Tips
- The listening section has 40 questions, such as sentence completion, description completion, completing forms, and multiple-choice questions.
- It is important to stay focused during this section as the recordings are played only once. If you miss out on any crucial information, you won’t be able to answer the questions. You can practice this part of the test at home with a timer.
- Since IELTS features recordings in diverse accents, you should expose yourself to different accents through international channels and online resources.
IELTS Speaking Tips
- You should try conversing in English with your friends and family. The more you speak, the more comfortable you will become.
- Record your mock speaking tests and see how you are performing and identify areas of improvement.
- You should also review potential topics for the speaking section and prepare vocabulary and talking points for different categories(work, hobbies, education).
Other IELTS Exam Preparation Tips
Here are some more practical tips for those who want to know how to prepare for IELTS at home.
Must-Have Books and Resources for IELTS Preparation
When doing IELTS preparation at home, it is important to have the proper study materials. We have listed some of the must-have books and other study resources you should acquire if you want to prepare for IELTS at home:
- Official IELTS Practice Materials
- Workbook for IELTS Life Skills A1 (Official Cambridge Test Practice A1)
- Ideas for IELTS Essay Topics E-book
- IELTS Trainer
- The Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS
- Cambridge Grammar for IELTS
- Barron’s IELTS Superpack
- Cambridge IELTS 14 Academic Student’s Book with Answers with Audio
- Road to IELTS
- Common Mistakes at IELTS Advanced And How to Avoid Them
- IELTS 15 Student’s Book (General & Academic editions)
Best Apps and Websites for IELTS Preparation
There is a wide variety of apps and websites available that can be used for your IELTS preparation. You can use the below apps and websites and prepare for IELTS at your home:
- IELTS Prep App
- IELTS by IDP
- LearnEnglish Apps (LearnEnglish Podcast, LearnEnglish Videos, LearnEnglish Grammar, and LearnEnglish Sounds Right)
- The Official Cambridge Guide IELTS Mobile App
- IELTS Word Power
- IELTS Exam Prep
- IELTS Vocabulary Flashcards
- IELTS Skills
- BBC Learning English
- The Vocab24 Vocabulary Builder App
Manage Your Time Effectively
As the IELTS exam is a time-based test, time management is very essential. Here, we have listed some of the best tips to help with your IELTS preparation at home:
- Consider designing a practical time schedule for your preparation. You can set aside a few hours every day for IELTS preparation.
- Set realistic study goals for every day, week, or month, and make sure to achieve them.
- Take breaks from your study sessions to avoid over-pressuring yourself.
- Complete practice or mock tests under time constraints.
How Can Online IELTS Forums and Study Groups Help
If you opt for self-IELTS preparation at home, joining online forums and communities can help greatly in the following ways:
- You can share your practice test essays and get feedback on your writing and grammar.
- You can ask questions and share your doubts with the people who have already cracked the IELTS exam.
- Get valuable preparation tips from other candidates by reading the forum discussions.
- Connect with other candidates and boost your motivation to study.
Conclusion
In conclusion, preparing for IELTS at home without coaching is a feasible and effective strategy for many candidates. It requires self-discipline, a structured study plan, and the right resources.
Utilizing a range of available materials such as online courses, practice tests, and language learning apps, along with engaging in regular reading, writing, listening, and speaking exercises in English, can significantly improve proficiency.
Additionally, understanding the test format, regularly assessing one’s progress, and seeking feedback from peers or online communities are crucial components of effective home preparation. This self-directed approach not only fosters a deeper understanding of the language but also instills confidence in candidates, enabling them to approach the IELTS exam with the skills and knowledge required to achieve their desired score.
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FAQs
How can I practice for the IELTS in 30 days?
You can follow the below tips to prepare for IELTS in 30 days:-
- Understand the IELTS exam format thoroughly.
- Dedicate preparation time for all four sections.
- Study the materials and focus on improving your weak areas.
- Listen to English podcasts, read newspapers, and communicate in English with others.
- Complete as many practice tests as you can before attempting the exam.
How can you maintain motivation during your preparation period?
During your IELTS preparation period, maintaining your motivation is vital. Here’s how you can do it:-
- Avoid setting big goals at once and break them down into small goals.
- Take a break between your study sessions.
- Relax yourself without stressing about the exam.
- Connect with candidates from online forums and communities.
How can I start IELTS preparation at home as a beginner?
To begin with, start by knowing the exam format, then start practicing each section consistently. To improve your speaking skills, record yourself answering mock questions. Start developing a fine hold on your reading skills through blogs, newspapers, books, and magazines. Enhance your vocabulary by learning new words every day and practicing writing questions. Lastly, in order to score well in the listening section, practice as many listening tests as possible.
What are the four sections of the IELTS exam?
The four sections of the IELTS exam include:
- Listening (40 questions)
- Reading (40 questions)
- Writing (2 tasks)
- Speaking (3 parts)
Can I prepare for the IELTS by myself?
Yes, you can prepare for IELTS by yourself. Numerous study materials and online resources like guides and practice tests can help you understand the exam format. You can acquire these study materials to prepare for IELTS by yourself.
What steps should you take to set realistic IELTS preparation goals?
Here are some of the things you should consider to set realistic IELTS preparation goals:
- Determine the IELTS score you want to achieve.
- Understand your current English proficiency level.
- Ensure there is enough time to prepare for the exam.
Why is daily practice important for IELTS success?
Daily practice is important for IELTS success because it helps you strengthen your English skills. You will excel in all aspects, like listening, speaking, writing, and reading. In addition, daily practice will boost your confidence and give you enough time to prepare and revise everything.
Is it possible to take the IELTS exam from home?
Yes, it is possible to take the IELTS exam from home. In order to take the test, you have to install the Inspera Exam Portal software on your laptop or desktop.
Can I crack the IELTS in 3 days?
It can be very challenging to crack the IELTS in 3 days. However, if your English proficiency skills are top-notch and if you have already prepared for any other English proficiency tests, it might be possible to pass the IELTS in 3 days. Nevertheless, intensive preparation is essential to crack the IELTS exam.
Can I pass IELTS without coaching?
Yes, you can pass the IELTS exam without coaching if you practice all the sections consistently. However, it is advisable to take coaching so that you can clear your doubts in case you face any challenge in solving any particular section.
How to prepare for IELTS at home?
In order to prepare for the IELTS exam at home, you can try these simple tricks such as: do your research about all four sections; speaking, listening, reading, and writing, attempt practice tests, record your mock speaking test, develop your reading skills by spending more time reading books, magazines and newspapers.
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Disclaimer
The above tips are the Author's experiences. upGrad does not guarantee scores or admissions.