Discover the do’s and don’ts for each module of the IELTS exam: listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
We know that the most important thing for you is obtaining a good score. We also know that figuring out where to begin your IELTS exam practice and preparation can be challenging.
That's why today we want to share some suggestions on how to prepare for the exam and a couple of tips that you can apply in the IELTS modules: listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
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Step by step for your IELTS exam practice
We know starting your IELTS exam practice can feel overwhelming, so let's help answer some of your questions: how do I start studying? Should I read and write in English as much as possible?
Should I review lessons and grammar books in English that I studied in school? Or should I hire a teacher to help me with my IELTS exam practice?
You will likely answer these questions during your preparation process. To make it easier for you, we have taken the following steps that can help you know where to start.
- Get acquainted with the exam format: you should have a clear understanding of the modules of IELTS, the types of questions in each module, and how to approach them to get a good score. Additionally, it's important to be aware of the time limits and timed conditions throughout the test.
- Create a study plan: after understanding the exam, it's important to plan your upcoming weeks to focus on studying the most relevant materials and dedicate time to practise the skills that will be assessed.
- Be disciplined: one of the pillars of any type of preparation and study plan is to stick to the schedules you have consciously set. It is necessary to get used to reading, listening, writing, and speaking in English in different contexts and circumstances.
- Take advantage of the free resources available: in the British Council, we offer a wide variety of IELTS preparation resources, including practice tests, tips, exercise examples, and much more so that you feel self-confident when you take your test. Explore our IELTS Ready programme that offers you a wide range of study materials and expert guidance. Also, when you book your test, you will receive exclusive, free and unlimited access to IELTS Ready: Premium!
- Take the free IELTS practice test: one of the best tips before taking the exam is to do a practice run of it, where you don't have the pressure to achieve a good score, but it's a way to familiarise yourself with the exam in depth.
- Read, write, and get feedback: the final step is to immerse yourself as much as possible in the English language. Read magazines, write a journal, listen to music and podcasts, watch movies, have conversations with your friends, and connect with communities that are dedicated to improving their English at all costs.
This way, you can also receive feedback from others regarding your pronunciation, communication, and vocabulary, as part of your IELTS exam practice.
Learn the do’s and don’ts to apply on your IELTS exam practice
While commitment and practice are essential, these tips will help you improve your approach during your IELTS exam practice.
To facilitate your preparation, we dedicate this space to each module of the exam, so that you have a more comprehensive and clear understanding of how to approach the test on the day you take it.
How to prepare for Listening
This module consists of four tasks, including monologues, speeches, and conversations, and you will have 30 minutes to complete it.
Do’s
- Listen to monologues, dialogues, or conversations to practise your listening skills.
- Make use of preparation time by jotting down keywords and important ideas.
- Follow the instructions and stick to the word limit for each exercise.
Don’ts
- Rely on just one resource or believe that a practice test is enough. It is highly recommended to use all the materials you can find during your IELTS exam practice.
- Focus on only one type of accent or context. You should prepare for any type of English conversation.
- Concentrate on just one question. You should pay attention to all the details to answer not just one, but all the questions.
How to prepare for Speaking
This module consists of a three-part conversation with the examiner and lasts 11 to 14 minutes. The first part is about personal, family, and everyday topics; the second part is about a specific topic chosen by the examiner; and the third part is a discussion where your ability to engage in a conversation will be assessed.
Do’s
- Make use of the preparation time to your advantage, even if you already know what you will say. It can help you better organise your ideas before speaking.
- Learn to use connectors (additionally, further, indeed, although etc.) to give fluency and coherence to your sentences.
- If you don't understand what you are being asked, it is better to ask to clear up any doubts.
- Speak for the full two minutes in Part 2 of the test.
- Recognise two different points of view in Part 3 of the test.
Don’ts
- Avoid giving short answers throughout the exam, as this can work against you. Being too concise or using monosyllabic responses may make it seem like you are not fully engaging with the examiner or demonstrating your language skills.
- Go back to your speech to correct an error. It's better to keep going and continue responding.
- Speak quickly. It's more likely that you'll make mistakes if you rush to answer.
- Give memorised answers. This can make the conversation feel unnatural.
How to prepare for Reading
This module gives you 60 minutes to answer 40 questions, divided into three sections.
Do’s
- Read as much as you can: books, blogs, magazines, newspapers, reviews, etc.
- Focus on the titles and subtitles of the texts. This will give you a general idea of what you will be reading.
- Highlight the keywords in the questions to find the answer more easily.
- Familiarise yourself with all the types of questions in this module.
Don’ts
- Focus on just one question. If you don't know the answer, move on to the next question and then come back to the ones you haven't answered.
- Don't answer or connect responses solely based on keyword matches. Make sure your answer is coherent and complete.
How to prepare for Writing
This module has two parts: a 150-word task and a 250-word essay. The first part is worth one-third of your grade, and the second is worth two-thirds.
Do’s
- Always write in paragraphs, not in isolated ideas.
- Compare information and use different references to strengthen your argument.
- Use sufficient punctuation to separate ideas and ensure clear communication.
- Highlight your opinion and points of view regarding the presented situation.
Don’ts
- Use an incorrect tone in your texts. It is important to determine whether your response should have a formal, informal, or personal tone to understand how to write and answer appropriately.
- Compare ideas but rather describe them. Avoid repeating information to prevent redundancy in your response.
- Do not structure information in bullet points. This can result in point deductions as it does not connect sentences or ideas.
- Avoid using too many connectors, as it can make your writing sound unnatural.
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