Focus on the IELTS English Proficiency Test

IELTS English Proficiency Test is one of the English Proficiency Tests that academic universities consider.

It can be daunting for people who don’t speak English as their first language and that is why, it is very important to stay motivated while preparing for this test. Preparing for the IELTS test requires dedication, strategy, and the right resources. By staying motivated and following specific preparation tips for each section, you can increase your chances of achieving a high score and there are a lot of strategies to do that.

• Identify the motivation:

  There can be two types of motivation while preparing for this test. The first one is intrinsic motivation which is getting satisfaction by improving the band score and enjoying English. The second type of motivation is extrinsic motivation, which means working hard to pass the IELTS exam to get admission to the university of your choice.

• Create a Study Plan:

           Break down your preparation into manageable chunks of study materials. Allocate specific times for studying each section of the test.                   Having a structured plan can reduce anxiety and increase productivity.

• Stay Positive:

It’s normal to face challenges when English is not your first language. Focus on your progress rather than perfection because it can help              maintain a positive mindset.

• Use Quality Resources:

  It’s always confusing for new students to decide what resources to get for the preparation of the test and invest in good study materials. Knowing you have the right tools can make studying less frustrating and more efficient. Support is necessary during this time, so a good teacher will help keep your motivation high.

• Eat and Sleep well:

        Students need to rest properly so that they can successfully pass this test.

To learn more tips for staying motivated while studying for the IELTS, check out these ‘5 Tips on Staying Motivated when Preparing for the IELTS’ by E2 Test Prep.

There are also a lot of students who re-sit in the IELTS test because of not receiving the required bands. IDP IELTS provides some tips and suggestions for those students in the article ‘When the going gets tough: 5 tips for re-sitting the IELTS test’. Check out this blog if you are also re-sitting the IELTS exam.

What are the key things to consider for each section? Let’s break it down.

Moving on to the test layout, it has four sections including Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking. All these sections require proper time because if you lose track of time, you won’t be able to finish the test on time. This happens with a big proportion of students, and it is important to allocate time at the start of the exam.

Reading:

• Practice skimming and scanning techniques to understand the key information.
• Allocate a specific amount of time to each passage and question set during practice to manage time well.
• A strong vocabulary can help you understand texts better. Make a habit of learning new words and phrases regularly.

Writing:

• Practice writing essays and reports within the given time constraints.
• Create a clear plan for managing your time between Task 1, which is shorter, and Task 2, which is longer.
• Reserve a few minutes at the end to review and make any necessary corrections.

Listening:

• Concentrate on listening carefully during the first playback of the audio.
• Don't get hung up on difficult questions; move on to the next one.
• Use any leftover time at the end to review and verify your answers.

Speaking:

• Cultivate the skill of expressing ideas clearly within the allotted time.
• Practice with a timer to boost confidence and enhance your pacing.

To learn more about each section in detail and how to avoid common mistakes, check out this very recently published article by British Council ‘IELTS preparation: resources, materials, and avoiding common mistakes’.This article will give you a glimpse of what mistakes to avoid and how to overcome the difficulties of each section individually.

IELTS at Ashton College

Ashton College requires international students to demonstrate English language proficiency as part of their admission process. One way to meet this requirement is by achieving a competency standard on a standardized English language test, such as the IELTS. Ashton College values the IELTS test for its comprehensive assessment of a candidate's ability to communicate effectively in English, which is crucial for success in their academic programs. To learn about the requirements of admissions at Ashton College, visit this page.