IELTS Preparation Online - The Best Solution

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a standardized test that measures the English language proficiency of non-native speakers. It is widely accepted for study, work, and migration purposes.The test is accepted by nations where English is the predominant language of communication, like - the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United States. IELTS is accepted by universities, government institutions, and immigration authorities.

Colleges and universities have certain scoring requirements for international students. This is to guarantee that all students profit from the English-language courses offered.

Did You Know 

• By 2020, there were over 3 million IELTS test takers worldwide.
• The test is offered in over 140+ countries.
• The test can be taken in two formats: Academic and General Training.
• The test consists of four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.
• The total test time is 2 hours and 45 minutes.
• The scores are reported on a 9-band scale, with scores ranging from 1 (non-user) to 9 (expert user).
• The test scores are valid for two years.

It's worth mentioning that the IELTS Exam is recognized and accepted by over 10,000 organizations worldwide, including universities, employers, and government bodies.

Ways to Prepare for the IELTS Exam

Now that you have your eye on the university of your dreams and you know the score you must reach to seek admission, then comes the question - how to study for the test. Should you go to a coaching facility or practice at home all by yourself?  

You can prepare for the IELTS exam with methodical and systematic planning and a thorough understanding of the test's format.

• Knowing the exam pattern is the first step in preparing for any exam. An accurate list of books and resources follows it. Additionally, students can refer to the IELTS Preparation Guide, which includes IELTS Sample Papers and tips for studying without going to any formal coaching institute.
• Before you even start reading the books, you must thoroughly go through the IELTS official website (https://www.ielts.org/) and understand what IELTS is all about. The website offers example test questions for every section, official IELTS practice exams, official IELTS study guides, and much more. Don't forget to frequently visit the website and complete the study material and questions.
• The days when YouTube only had music videos and movie trailers are long gone. For everyone, especially people preparing for competitive tests, online education is a blessing. You can find several quick video lessons covering every aspect of the exam online. Utilize the advice and the concepts it mentions, but do not rely entirely on them.

Here is the collection for IELTS Preparation Videos.

 

• IELTS Ebooks offer numerous skills to improve your comprehension of English and are the perfect substitute for a teacher. From the variety of essay topics offered inside the EBook to the various vocabulary exercises that help with paraphrasing and the proper usage of some of the major key terms examiners require you to utilize, Ebooks are undoubtedly one of the best resources.
• If you are having trouble at home with your IELTS preparation, you can sign up for upGrad Abroad’s Study Abroad booster program, which aids in IELTS preparation. The six-week course includes 25 hours of live online classes, four one-on-one speaking practice sessions, four one-on-one doubt-clearing sessions, fifteen writing assignments with correction and feedback, two full-length mock tests, and one-to-one analysis of two full-length mock tests.
• You can also take offline IELTS classes that will give you more opportunities to practice and improve your speaking skills. It will allow you to learn in a distraction-free environment where you can concentrate on learning and improving your skills.

IELTS Preparation and Things to Keep in Mind

You should take a practice test because that is the best way to identify your weaknesses. It is crucial for students to understand what to expect from the test format before they start practicing. Reviewing each section's test content, questions, and task types can help students become more familiar with it. The last piece of advice is to start exam preparation at least three to six months in advance.

Below are a few things you need to keep in mind while preparing for the IELTS exam:

Polish your reading

The IELTS reading module is challenging not because reading is hard but because it necessitates in-depth reading within a constrained time frame. For people to succeed in this part, several methods are suggested.

Some advice reading the questions first, noting the answers as they occur in the passage, and then answering them. Another is to read the passage's topic, read each paragraph's first and last lines, and then go on to the questions to comprehend where the specific answer is while reading the complete passage. You must put several methods into practice to ascertain which method suits you the best.

Assess yourself and determine your level

Doing mock tests to find your weaknesses is the first part of assessing yourself that you must constantly undergo to direct your preparation and revision efforts in the right direction. This is helpful when taking a test like the IELTS since it can show you what structure to use, what words and vocabulary to use, and how to place words in a well-constructed sentence.

Focus on skill improvement

As you have become more fluent in English and improved your language proficiency, now is the time to improve your listening abilities by becoming accustomed to sound, environment, and speakers.  Include your friends and family in your plan; let them assist you in identifying any potential red flags. It will be easier for you to gain impartial knowledge of how you're performing if you have a reliable source of feedback.

Practice whenever you can

You can learn numerous words that will help you enhance your spoken and listening English by interacting with various types of people. Your practice sessions don't have to take place during set hours. Your regular routine can include them, making it more interesting, enjoyable, and productive.

Use authentic material

Most students have no idea what material to practice. Not every online listening test or reading paper would adhere to the IELTS exam syllabus. Most students assume they are performing well after practicing with unauthentic material, only to be unpleasantly surprised by the actual test when the questions seem different. To succeed on the test, look for authentic materials like the IELTS test series.

IELTS Test Format

IELTS test takers have an advantage if they are familiar with the test's format. IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training are the two tests offered; however, both are graded in exactly the same way. 

The first three parts of the test —Listening, Reading, and Writing—will be taken on the same day (there are no breaks between these tests). Depending on the local arrangements, your speaking test will either take place on the same day, seven days before, or seven days after the other tests.

Listening Section:

This element of the IELTS exam is divided into four sections, each of which includes audio clips. The first would be about social needs, while the other two would be about educational conditions. The audio clips might be a dialogue or a speech that will last approximately three minutes and only be played once. Short answers, note completion, MCQ, and various other questions will be asked based on these clips. This section's syllabus includes

Audio 1 - Dialogue based on social situations

Audio 2- A monologue addressing social issues that people face daily

Audio 3- A conversation between four people about education

Audio 4- A monologue about a topic related to academia

Speaking Section:

Part 1 (Introduction followed by an Interview) - In this activity, candidates must introduce themselves in around 4-5 minutes by discussing their family, hobbies, interests, educational history, and more.

Part 2 - Candidates will be given a flashcard with a topic printed on it for this stage of the IELTS speaking exam. They can think for a few minutes, acquaint themselves with the issue, and speak for 2-3 minutes. Following that, the interviewer may ask some follow-up questions to assess the candidate's subject knowledge.

Part 3 (Discussion) - A thorough examination of the topic presented in Part 2 and the candidate's speech and comprehension will be thoroughly examined. Candidates will have the chance to learn more about the topic and cover it in greater detail. It normally takes 5 to 6 minutes to finish this task.

Know more about  IELTS Exam listening vocabulary.

Reading Section:

• The reading modules have three parts, each of which has 40 questions, the majority of which are multiple-choice.
• Candidates' abilities are examined by short answer questions which include topics like fact identification, sentence or summary completion, identifying writer's attitudes/views, and matching list or phrases.
• Students will have 30 minutes to complete the portion, and 10 minutes is the transfer time.

Know more about IELTS Academic Reading. 

Writing Section:

• There are only two questions in this section of the IELTS exam. Candidates will be given a diagram, data, or a table in the first question, and they must then represent the information in their own words. This question has a word limit of 150 words.
• In the second question, candidates are given an argument or point of view problem. The goal is to evaluate the candidate based on their response's opinion, justifications, ideas, and evidence. Candidates will have 60 minutes to complete this portion in total.

Know more about IELTS Academic Writing

Speaking Section:

Part 1 (Introduction followed by an Interview) - In this activity, candidates must introduce themselves in around 4-5 minutes by discussing their family, hobbies, interests, educational history, and more.

Part 2 - Candidates will be given a flashcard with a topic printed on it for this stage of the IELTS speaking exam. They can think for a few minutes, acquaint themselves with the issue, and speak for 2-3 minutes. Following that, the interviewer may ask some follow-up questions to assess the candidate's subject knowledge.

Part 3 (Discussion) - A thorough examination of the topic presented in Part 2 and the candidate's speech and comprehension will be thoroughly examined. Candidates will have the chance to learn more about the topic and cover it in greater detail. It normally takes 5 to 6 minutes to finish this task.

Know more about IELTS Speaking Preparation 
IELTS Exam Pattern and Syllabus:

Section	Duration and Number of Questions	Content	Marks
Listening	4 recordings 40 questions 30 minutes + 10 minutes is the transfer time	Four recorded monologues and conversations	40
Reading	40 questions 60 minutes	3 passages which can be analytical, factual, discursive or descriptive	40
Writing	2 questions 60 minutes	Writing task (Minimum 150 words) Essay (Minimum 250 words)	Every task is graded separately. Task 2 is given more weight in the evaluation process than Task 1.
Speaking	3 questions 11-14 minutes	Part 1: Questions and Answers Part 2:  Speaking on a familiar topic in detail Part 3: Structure discussion	-

Highlights about IELTS Exam

Conducting Authority	IDP Education
Registration Fee	₹15,500
Sections	Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking
Exam Modules	Paper-based and Computer-delivered
Result Validity	2 years
Applicable for	Study abroad and immigration to English speaking countries

 

Know More about IELTS Exam Fees .

 

How to Prepare for IELTS Exam at Home?

You can try these easy strategies to study for the IELTS exam at home, including researching the four sections—speaking, listening, reading, and writing; taking practice tests; recording your mock speaking test; and honing your reading abilities by reading more books, periodicals, and newspapers. Begin honing your reading comprehension through blogs, newspapers, books, and magazines. You may expand your vocabulary by practicing writing questions and picking up new words each day. Take as many listening tests as possible to perform well on the listening part.

Know more about How To Prepare For IELTS At Home | 

Preparation Books For IELTS Exam

To score well in IELTS, using the best books for preparation is essential, and you need perseverance, tenacity, and the capacity to learn new ideas. Additionally, selecting the appropriate study materials is crucial because they aid in your comprehension of the topics presented in the exam paper. A few IELTS preparation books are listed below:

Barron’s IELTS Superpack

Barron's IELTS Superpack combines all essential IELTS resources into a package that will greatly aid you in passing the test, therefore the name "super pack." Barron's IELTS is part of a comprehensive package of four books, including IELTS Practice Exams with MP3 CD, IELTS Strategies and Tips with MP3 CD, Essential Words for the IELTS, and a complete review of the subjects. It also includes two general and four academic module practice exams.

The Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS

In addition to offering advice from knowledgeable individuals who have aced the test, this book offers peeks into the blunders and experiences of IELTS candidates as they prepare for the exam. As it includes a DVD, applicants can use it to prepare for the speaking and listening sections.

Official IELTS Practice Materials

It is written by official IELTS examination partners and provides helpful study advice while explaining how each test section is evaluated. Students will receive sample tests with general and academic training sections, tapescripts, answer sheets, examiners' feedback, and more.

Road to IELTS

The British Council has created a highly engaging online course with interactive activities, mock exams, and tutorial videos. With around 100 interactive activities and video tutorials, it has facilitated the preparation for all four IELTS sections. It provides a classroom-like experience despite being an online course.

IELTS Trainer

It provides six comprehensive practice exams while assisting you to build up towards greater success in the examination. It is among the best books for preparing because it provides a lot of advice. It includes sample examinations for various sections and CDs for listening tests. It has a tonne of answers and test paper guidance.

Here are a few more IELTS Books For IELTS Preparation . 

Important Free Ebooks/ Sample Paper for IELTS Exam

You may improve your reading, listening, speaking, and writing in English to the level desirable for studying or working in abroad by using the free IELTS Ebooks and sample papers available online. Since it comprises numerous questions similar to the actual exam, these serve as the foundation for IELTS exam preparation. If you want to ace your IELTS test, look no further. upGrad provides free IELTS preparation material that can be downloaded from our official website that aids in improving your listening, reading, writing, and speaking IELTS exam performance.

Best Strategies for IELTS Preparation

• Candidates should focus on vocabulary, tenses, grammar, and sentence structure.
• Candidates should write precise, relevant answers and avoid writing long paragraphs and sentences.
• Candidates should also conform to the word limits in the practice tests to finish the exam in the time allocated.
• Candidates should test themselves in 2 hours and 45 minutes time-frame, just like on exam day. This will help them know what it feels like to take the reading, writing, and listening tests consecutively.
• Candidates should not spend too much time on the questions to which they can’t find an answer. They should move to the next question and get back to it if they have time.
• Candidates should practice British and American accents, as some numbers and words are pronounced differently.
• Focus on grammar is very important, and it should be made sure that all the tasks are grammatically correct.
• Candidates should ensure they have a good vocabulary and correct pronunciation for all the test papers.

Step by step- step process to prepare for the IELTS Exam

Deciding Between General and Academic Training

Depending on your requirements and goals in terms of your personal, academic, and professional goals, you can take either one of the tests. Possible additional factors include some English-speaking nations' visa requirements. Choosing between the IELTS Academic and General Training exams requires careful consideration of several factors.

IELTS Academic – This test is for people who want to pursue higher education (college, university, etc.) or if they want to pursue training in a professional field such as medicine or engineering. This version evaluates a candidate's readiness for academic studying or English-language training, as the name suggests.

IELTS General Training – If you plan to work or migrate to an English-speaking nation like the US, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, or the UK, you must take the General Training exam. When taking the IELTS General Training exam, candidates are judged on their everyday use of the language, with content and questions focused on workplace and social situations.

It is advised that you take some time to learn about what you require to help you achieve your personal, professional, and academic goals before deciding which IELTS exam to take. You can go forward with your objectives by being aware of the requirements for education, training, employment, and/or relocation and having a solid plan.

Best Way to Improve Your Vocabulary for IELTS

Most students attempt to learn English vocabulary for the IELTS, but they don't practice distinguishing words they use in a practical situation from those that only look impressive on paper. For the best results on the IELTS exam, words should be carefully chosen and used in the appropriate context.

Below are a few tips on improving your IELTS vocabulary:

• Reading aids vocabulary development and correct word usage. You learn to utilize a word or phrase in the appropriate context when you observe it being used. Additionally, it makes the word easier to remember in the long run. Read a lot of books, newspapers, and articles written in English.
• Newspapers provide precise, formal writing that aids in developing an IELTS-relevant vocabulary. Before looking up a word's precise definition online or in a dictionary, highlight it using a highlighter. 
• Watching English-language movies and TV shows is a very underrated method to learn new words and phrases in a conversational tone. Having the subtitles on as you watch will also make it easier for you to follow the dialogue and keep up with what is being spoken on-screen.
• People score poorly on the IELTS writing section because they have not practiced writing, which is crucial for success. Consider keeping a notebook or daily diary where you recount what you did throughout the day. Use the internet or a dictionary for grammar, syntax, and spelling checks. 
• You can also use the shadowing technique that involves listening to someone speak and repeating what they say and how they say it. It is a helpful method for learning accurate pronunciation.

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Complete Process on How to Prepare for IELTS Reading Section

In your reading section of the IELTS test, you will find three sections, each with one long text.

These texts are excerpts taken from books, magazines, or newspapers. You don't need to be an expert to respond to them because they typically revolve around topics of general interest. These extracts can be factual, descriptive, analytical, or discursive. They might also include visual components like charts, diagrams, or pictures. A glossary will be available if jargon or technical terms are used.

Below are a few tips to prepare for the IELTS reading section:

• Practice reading different English text types to build the habit of reading.
• To make it simpler to identify answers afterward, carefully read each question before responding. While reading, if you can, make a note of possible answers. Make notes or highlight any text section if taking the IELTS on a computer.
• Start with a cursory reading of the text to have a general idea of what it is about. Once you are familiar, read it carefully, keeping in mind the questions to which you need to find the answers.
• The passage contains all the answers, so you don't need to rely on your knowledge to complete the questions. Don't miss them by reading carefully. Hence, read the passage very carefully to not to miss them.
• Make sure you are using the right spellings from the passage in your response.
• There may be questions sometimes to gauge your understanding of the given passage. The question can, for instance, focus on the topic, highlighting certain words or ideas that characterize the passages' core message.
• Write your responses on the answer sheet if you are taking the IELTS on paper. You won't be given extra time to transfer any of your answers later.

Know More About IELTS Reading Test

Complete Process on How to Prepare for IELTS Writing Task 1

Writing Task 1 of the IELTS asks you to write a summary of at least 150 words after some visual information, typically in the form of a table, diagram, process, map, graph, or chart. In addition to describing and comparing the data, you must select the main features. In other words, you need to create a succinct data report.

Below are a few tips to prepare for the IELTS writing task 1:

Reading Instructions Carefully

It might sound like a simple piece of advice, but most students typically ignore it. No matter how excited or anxious you are about the exam, you must take a minute to read the instructions and familiarise yourself with the questions.

Adequate Language

The first thing to be kept in mind is to use adequate language while describing the information or comparing graphs. You sometimes need to write the same thing differently. Be sure to be original and innovative here, and avoid repeating anything.

Paraphrasing is a Must

If you were considering simply copying the answer, keep in mind that the examiner will have a keen eye and that this tactic could cost you losing marks. This is why paraphrasing is so crucial. Use synonyms and related words to do this.

Keep the Tenses in Mind

Many IELTS candidates become entangled in the web of tenses. They either use the incorrect tenses or mix two of them. You must know the tense to use to prevent such an error. For instance, if the information provided is in the past tense, you must write your answer in the past tense, and vice versa.

Never Stop Practising

There are several books available to practice writing task 1. There are also topic samples, especially for this task.

Make Use of Adequate Vocabulary

You must make a complete list of your vocabulary while paraphrasing and describing. Instead of testing your knowledge, your examiner will mostly focus on how adequately you use words. Likewise, ensure that you are using adequate connectors to link sentences.

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Complete Process on How to Prepare for Listening Preparation

There are four sections with ten questions each in the IELTS Listening test. You get 10 minutes at the end of the listening test to transfer your answers to the answer sheet. The test lasts about 30 minutes.

Below are a few tips to prepare for the listening section:

• There will be a variety of accents on the IELTS listening test to reflect English's international nature. So, you should become accustomed to hearing accents from many English-speaking nations.
• While maintaining focus during the IELTS listening test can be challenging, doing so is crucial if you want to succeed. You need to get better at active listening if you want to improve your concentration.
• The instructions should be strictly followed by the students, especially when it comes to the word limit. You can only write this many words if the question specifically asks for no more than three. Four-word answers are not acceptable.
• To ensure that you are prepared for test day and can respond appropriately to the questions you ask, you should become familiar with the various types of questions.
• Get in the habit of hearing only once. Many teachers give their students three or four chances to listen to a recording. However, it is highly advised to practice the exam in an exam-like setting, which requires listening once.

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Complete Process on How to Prepare for Speaking Preparation

You could feel anxious before taking the IELTS Speaking test, but with lots of preparation, you can gain confidence and achieve the band score you desire.

In part 1, you will speak with an IELTS examiner about yourself for 4 to 5 minutes. Topics might include work, family, or personal interests.

In Part 2, you will be given a card with a topic, one minute to take notes, and a pencil and paper to prepare your answer; you will then speak on the topic for two minutes.

In part 3, you will speak with the IELTS examiner about the topic given in part 2, going into further detail. It should take 4 to 5 minutes to complete Part 3.

Below are a few tips to prepare for the Speaking section:

• Answers should not be memorized, especially for Part 1, as the examiner cannot accurately assess your English language proficiency. If you have memorized your answers, the examiner will be able to tell, which could lower your final band score.
• When taking the Speaking test, you might want to use big complex words to impress the examiner. But to be safe, stay away from unfamiliar words. Mispronouncing words or using them in the incorrect context increases the likelihood of committing mistakes.
• To best explain yourself, try using a variety of grammatical structures in both complex and simple sentences. Know your mistakes, speak to friends in English, or record yourself to see if you can catch them. It is crucial to practice using the proper tenses when speaking in the past, present, and future because you will be graded on your ability to correctly employ various grammatical structures.
• Avoid using filler words and speak confidently. Fillers are commonly used when we are at a loss for words, but the examiner can tell that you are struggling to find the right words or ideas. It's crucial to stay away from them as a result. Steer clear of the following fillers: like, you know, umm, yeah, well, etc.
• You must speak on a topic for around two minutes in IELTS Speaking Test Part 2. To improve and master the terminology linked with each topic, practice talking about typical IELTS topics with friends, family, or coworkers. Tourism and travel, education, transportation, the environment, family life, sport, and recreation are common topics you might practice.

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IELTS Test Day Advice

Below are the most important IELTS test-day bits of advice that will help you reduce stress and get an excellent band score.

• You should arrive early on the day of your IELTS exam to allow time for registration, an ID check, getting your picture taken for the test report form, checking in your personal belongings, and finding your test room. You might not be permitted to take the exam if you arrive late.
• After having your ID checked, your picture taken, and your belongings placed in a secure room, you will find your exam room and wait in line to verify your passport. Depending on the test center, you may also be required to provide an electronic fingerprint. A desk with your name on it will be assigned to you. Besides your passport and a transparent water bottle, you won't be allowed to bring anything into the test room. There must be no labels on the water bottle, and it must be clear.
• Raise your hand and let the supervisor know if you need to leave the test room to use the washroom. Bring your passport with you when you leave the room, and when you return to the room, they'll verify it again and maybe your digital fingerprint.
• Indeed, breakfast is the most crucial meal of the day. It causes those neurons to fire and activates the brain. You can better concentrate on the test by eating a healthy breakfast. Make sure to eat something brainy like yogurt, eggs, grains, oats, or fruit.
• For information regarding the exact location and time of your test, check your confirmation email. On the day of your IELTS exam, plan your transportation route in advance and aim to arrive early. This will ease the concern about being late and leave room for unforeseen interruptions.
• Test takers should feel confident and at ease when taking the exam. Additionally, by doing this, they will be able to avoid further distractions or uncomfortable moments during the exam, which can result in lower focus and time wastage.
• In the listening test, ensure that you can hear the test properly. If you are having trouble hearing the recording, immediately raise your hand and inform the examiner.
• A wall clock will be present in each test room. You need to be aware of the time during the test so that all questions can be completed.

 How to Prepare for IELTS in 3 Months?

Contrary to what many students believe, studying for the IELTS exam is not simple. The right amount of time and effort is needed to achieve the desired exam result. For many students, a three-month period is ideal. You simply need to plan an effective schedule for your IELTS preparation.

When your IELTS test is three months away, there are six things you may do:

• Knowing exactly what the examiners want and delivering it is the quickest and most efficient approach to improving your score. However, you can't just learn something and obtain a good band; you also need to work on your English and test skills.
• Grammar mistakes are the most common. It takes practice to write and speak without making grammatical mistakes. Find a qualified English teacher to check your writing for grammar mistakes. This may help you in enhancing your IELTS band.
• Be surrounded by English. Read or listen to English-language books or newspapers or watch English-language television. Additionally, use every opportunity to write in English. Find enjoyable ways to practice and adopt the ideology of learning with fun. The more you practice a skill like English, the better you get at it. 
• We frequently waste a great deal of time under the impression that we have plenty of time for preparation. So, make a good plan and work on it. Make a list of the specific areas you need to work around. Put all the irrelevant activities on hold and focus solely on your IELTS preparation. You may get the IELTS band you want by working hard and being smart.
• Get subscriptions to well-known global publications covering various topics, such as business, finance, current affairs, politics, and economics. Along with several YouTube channels, you may also find several websites for acing your speaking and reading tests.
• Finally, list all the topics you must cover and the areas that need improvement. Make sure the list is extremely detailed. Keep track of how much time you will have each day for preparation. Tick off each box after finishing the task for the day, make an effort to be consistent and don't forget to practice.