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