Online English Classes - How to be IELTS ready?

When you embark upon learning a new language, you already have a fair list of reasons as to why you want to learn this new skill set in the first place. A certification validating your proficiency is the next step to embellish this newly acquired skill on your resume. But what truly defines your proficiency in English? Is it the certification course offered by an online spoken English class?

What we are discussing here are the universal standards necessary for ensuring that you can ascertain your language proficiency as a whole. Many online English speaking courses in India as well as globally aspire to offer English lessons for IELTS exams.

Several online English tutors also are qualified with the skill sets to teach students as per the IELTS curriculum.

What is IELTS?

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is designed to help you work, study or migrate to a country where English is the native language. This includes countries such as Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK and USA. Your ability to listen, read, write and speak in English will be assessed during the test. IELTS is graded on a scale of 1-9.

IELTS is jointly owned by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia and Cambridge English.

Why take IELTS?

If you are looking to work, live or study in an English-speaking country, then you must be able to demonstrate a high level of English language ability.

English is the third most spoken language in the world, with 379 million speakers worldwide. Being able to communicate in the native language of the country you wish to work or study in, has a wide range of benefits. It is also essential for job opportunities as well as integration into the community.

IELTS is the most popular test for those looking to migrate to Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the UK. It is globally recognized by more than 11,000 employers, universities, schools and immigration bodies including 3,400 institutions in the USA.

How to be IELTS ready?

IELTS includes sections on Speaking, Reading, Listening and Writing. Whether you are taking the IELTS to study at a university abroad or to demonstrate English language proficiency for a job, you need a score of 7 or higher to pass. And, we know that preparing for the test can be intimidating, which is why we have put together a series of useful steps to help you begin with your preparation.

Step 1: Take a Practice Test

Start your preparation by taking a practice test to identify your weaknesses as well as strengths. Once you know your weaknesses, you are 50 % done. You exactly know what to work upon. Not only is it vital to improve on your weaknesses, but it is equally important to build up on your strengths to create a solid foundation for the test.

Step 2: Familiarize Yourself with the Test Format

Before you begin practicing, it’s extremely essential to be aware about the test format. Make sure that you understand the parts of the test and the types of questions. There are more than 10 different types of questions for Reading and Listening. Likewise, there are more than 10 different kinds of questions for Writing. Once you understand the test format and question types, prepare yourself by doing IELTS practice tests. Getting yourself acquainted with these will be an added advantage because each of them requires a different approach and strategy. Conduct your preparation under the specified time in order to become accustomed to the pace of the test. The IELTS test has a time limit and if you are unable to complete the modules within the allocated time, you will not be able to complete your exam.

Step 3: Understand and Know about the Band Scores

English language skills are measured against band scores in the IELTS test. These band scores range from a band 0 to a band 9, where band 9 being an expert user and band 0 where the user did not attempt any question. You will receive an overall band score as well as an individual band score for each part of the tests.

Step 4: Develop your English Proficiency and IELTS Strategies

It is vital to focus on English skills while working on IELTS. Both are equally important to achieve Band 7 and above. Start your preparations for the test at least 3-4 months before. Self- Learning is necessary. You can even tell someone to give you feedback on how you speak and write. If you are unable to find someone to provide feedback, find an institution that can guide you and provide necessary guidance. Finding a platform or an institution which will help you improve your English skills as well as IELTS strategies.

Immerse yourself in English. Read things such as newspapers, magazines or blogs that interest you in English. Write something every day, it can be a diary, penning down your thoughts or you can try communicating with an online community such as people on a Facebook or WhatsApp group that share an interest with you. Developing a good Vocabulary is essential as it is a huge part of the IELTS test. It covers 25% of your total mark in Speaking and Writing. It is also tested in the Reading and Listening tests. This process can be helpful during the Speaking Round, where you need to answer questions specifically. This activity will teach you that even if you miss something, you can recover to continue answering the next questions.

Step 5: Study and Set Goals

To get a good band score in the IELTS test, make English a habit. You should definitely talk in English, read, write and watch anything and everything in English. Setting simple study goals can help you achieve success. A 5 minutes’ task can help you achieve a lot. You can start with something as simple as reading English news stories, writing a letter to a friend or watching English-speaking movies, listening to English-speaking audio books, podcasts, radio and music, speaking to colleagues, friends and family in English and learning a new word every day which can make a huge difference.

Step 6: Assess your English Skills

You can find IELTS Mock Test or Progress Check online which gives you indicative band scores for each part of the IELTS test as well as official feedback on your performance. You can practice online tests and check your progress and work on your shortcomings accordingly. You can also try to solve as many sample question papers for IELTS as possible. This will help you improve your language as well as boost your confidence.

Step 7: Know Everything about Your Test Day

Try to take information beforehand about the things you need to have on your test day. Don’t stress yourself too much. You need to sound confident about yourself, panicking can be negative at that point for you. Give your best without worrying about the result. Additionally, a few things that you should consider:

1. Arrive early to allow time to register and be seated for your test
2. Check in your personal belongings such as phones, smart watches, books and notes
3. Bring your personal identification for smooth check-in process

There are many different approaches and strategies that you need in order to succeed in IELTS. When it comes to improving your English and practicing for the IELTS test, there really is no substitute for practicing a little every day. You can try these 7 steps to start your IELTS preparation plan. The most effective strategy is to find out your weaknesses, work on them and then have your work assessed by an experienced IELTS teacher. We are sure that these strategies will help you get the desired IELTS band score. Start preparing for the IELTS early and use targeted strategies to increase your chances of success. Remember hard work and persistence is the key to success during the preparatory phase of the examination. Appear for the test when you are ready! Keep practicing!

Contributed By- Anjana Dutta

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