IELTS prep

READING:

To do well in reading test, you will need to understand the task type, read quickly and efficiently

Before your IELTS read as much as you can of different types of test, read articles with an academic style

practice developing skills such as summarising the content, giving heading to paragraphs, thinking for alternative words

Start by looking at the titles, headings, the first paragraph, and the first sentence of the other paragraphs

Look at the questions and highlight the key words. As you are doing this, think of alternative words

Make sure you are familiar with the question types

SPEAKING:

Know what the examiner is looking for

Be aware of the language area

Take any opportunity to speak in English with family, friends, teachers

Your vocabulary and grammar must be correct, use a variety of words for a single concept, and use complex sentences

Be clear and easy to understand; stress, intonation, connected speech, consonant clusters

Warm up your mind by thinking in english before you go into the test

If you have an attack of nerves, pause and say "I'm sorry, I'm very nervous. Can you give a second", take a deep breath and carry on

Don't lear your answers by heart

Don't get stressed about getting everything correct

LISTENING

You need to understand native speakers talking quickly

Improve your listening skills with materials online

Choose a lecture and listen; pick the main ideas

Make sure you understand the question types

Use the introductory time to read the instructions, and make sue you know what to do

Note key words, listen for signpost words and phrases. Be aware of synonyms

Make sure you don't write more than the maximum number of words allowed for each answer

Check grammar and spelling, if doubt, guess

WIRITING

Effective time management is the key to achieving yout best possible band score

look at the marking criteria

use this criteria to highlight your weak areas

Write paragraphs, focus one idea in each paragraph and introduce it with a topic sentence

Make sure you structure your essay with an intro, a body and a conclusion

Use your own words to paraphrase the question and make sure you demonstrate the range of your vocabulary

Don't use bullet points or note form

Make sure you understand the IELTS test

Clarify your objectives

Analyse your strengths and weaknesses

Organise and schedule your time