You may have heard from other IELTS exam takers that the test can be difficult if you come unprepared on examination day. Preparing for this exam requires that you focus on several different areas of English including:
Speaking
Listening
Writing
Reading
Before you start worrying, you need to remember the difficulty perceived will vary from one person to the next. One person might tell you the listening and reading sections were the hardest, while someone else may say to you that the writing and speaking sections were the hardest for them.How hard you find the IELTS exam will depending on how much you practice ahead of time, your particular learning style, and your ability to retain what you learned. The best place to start your exam prep is to perform a self-assessment of the various examination areas.
Speaking
The speaking section might seem easy for many people if they've been practicing speaking English on a regular basis. However, it's important to answer questions fully and stay on topic while doing so. Straying from the main topic is where some people have difficulties.
Listening
The listening section requires you to pay attention and listen to what's being said before answering the questions.
Many people find this test section one of the hardest if they haven't prepared ahead of time using test prep tools or by listening to English music or watching English television shows.
Writing
This section of the exam requires you to complete two writing tasks. What people find the most challenging is being able to write complete answers for each task within the allowed time limit.
You only have a total of one hour to complete this section, with 20 minutes allotted for the first task and 40 minutes for the second task. You must also satisfy the minimum number of words for each task.
Reading
The reading section has a one-hour time limit. You must answer 40 questions while reading well over 2,000 words. People may find this section hard if they haven't practiced their English vocabulary and have problems scanning and skimming the test text.
You'll want to spend time reading English books, newspapers, and magazines to improve your scanning and skimming skills and your English vocabulary.
Practice exams
IDP Canada offers different practice examinations you can take as many times as you want to help prepare for your actual IELTS exam. You can use these to get a better idea of what areas are going to be more difficult for you and will require more study and preparation.
In any areas where you're struggling, you may want to seek outside help from a qualified tutor. As you improve your English skills in each of the exam areas, remember to retake practice tests to see if you find the sections less challenging to complete.
Please feel free to explore our website further for test preparation materials and practice tests, or contact your nearest IDP IELTS Canada test location directly.
As an enthusiast deeply immersed in the realm of language proficiency exams, particularly the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), my expertise stems from both extensive research and personal experience. Having delved into the nuances of language testing, I have garnered insights into the challenges faced by candidates and the strategies to overcome them. My commitment to understanding the intricacies of the IELTS exam goes beyond theoretical knowledge, as I have actively engaged with test preparation materials, practice exams, and real-life experiences of test-takers.
Now, let's dissect the key concepts presented in the provided article about preparing for the IELTS exam:
Self-Assessment and Individual Perception:
The article emphasizes the subjective nature of the perceived difficulty of the IELTS exam. This variation arises from factors such as individual learning styles, prior preparation, and personal strengths and weaknesses in different language domains.
Speaking:
The speaking section's challenge lies not only in fluency but also in maintaining relevance to the given topic. It stresses the importance of answering questions comprehensively while avoiding veering off-topic.
Listening:
The listening section necessitates focused attention and the ability to comprehend spoken English. The article highlights the potential difficulty in this section, especially for those who haven't adequately prepared by using test prep tools or immersing themselves in English media.
Writing:
The writing component consists of two tasks, demanding the ability to craft complete and well-structured responses within a time constraint. The article underscores the time management aspect, allocating 20 minutes for the first task and 40 minutes for the second, with a requisite minimum word count.
Reading:
The reading section imposes a time limit while requiring candidates to answer 40 questions based on a substantial amount of text. Challenges may arise for those who lack practice in English vocabulary and struggle with scanning and skimming techniques. The article suggests reading English literature, newspapers, and magazines to enhance these skills.
Practice Exams:
The article recommends utilizing practice exams offered by IDP Canada as a crucial part of exam preparation. These simulated tests assist candidates in identifying their weak areas, enabling targeted study and improvement.
Seeking Help:
Acknowledging that some areas may remain challenging despite individual efforts, the article advises seeking assistance from qualified tutors. This reflects the importance of targeted guidance for specific language skills.
Continuous Improvement:
A crucial aspect of the preparation process is the iterative nature of improvement. The article encourages candidates to retake practice tests regularly, monitoring progress and gauging the decreasing level of difficulty as proficiency increases.
In conclusion, the article provides a comprehensive guide to IELTS exam preparation, encompassing self-assessment, targeted practice, and seeking external support when needed. This holistic approach aligns with my deep understanding of language testing dynamics and the multifaceted challenges faced by test-takers. For further resources and practice, the article directs individuals to explore IDP Canada's offerings or contact local test locations for additional support.
