IELTS candidates struggle with their test preparations. As the IELTS exam day comes closer, they become more conscious about what they should do and avoid doing to get better results. This article tells you the dos and don’ts you should follow before and on the IELTS test day.
The do’s before and on the IELTS test day.
- Study and practice as much as possible
Practice talking in English with family members or friends. You can also practice talking with yourself. It would help if you were comfortable with English, so make sure to speak in English wherever possible at home, with friends/family, or wherever you go.
- Do speak naturally.
Most of the examiners check whether the student’s English language is in their natural tone or not. So it is advisable not to speak too loud or too low because it might make you more nervous. You should avoid memorizing answers. Instead, you should give an opinion, give examples, and discuss the cause and effect. You can also talk about hypothetical situations, everything instinctively and to the point.
- Do ask the examiner.
If you do not understand anything or want to know the meaning of any word, you must ask the examiner. But note that you should not ask too many questions to an examiner and not request them to explain every word in detail.
- Do give preference to grammar.
Generally, many test-takers get nervous during the IELTS speaking test, struggling to speak grammatically correctly. The preferable way to eliminate the fear of speaking incorrect English words or sentences is to record yourself while talking in English and listen to how your speech sounds. If you feel there are any mistakes in your speech, then again, you should speak, correct those mistakes, and record until you achieve perfection.
- Do a full-length mock test.
Appearing for the full-length mock test can help you prepare well for the IELTS. Your mock test must come with an analytical report to show how you could have done better on the test and help you avoid mistakes on the real test. There is plenty of IELTS Online Test available for practicing.
- Do build your vocabulary
Try to learn English words that You can use in multiple contexts. Find new words through active reading and listening. Understand how to use the words contextually. Keep writing down the words and practice them many times. Write down the new words and phrases so that it becomes easy for you to revise.
The don’ts before and on the IELTS test day
- Don’t try to memorize the answers.
Some students might think learning answers by memorizing them will help them impress the examiner. You’re mistaken. An examiner will never be impressed with the memorized answers. This mistake can lead to a loss of points.
- Don’t agree if you don’t want to
Many test-takers think that if they disagree with the opinion/thoughts of the examiner in the speaking module, they might lose points. But this doesn’t seem right. Examiners are not concerned with your opinion. Instead, they want to test your ability to speak.
- Don’t use big words.
Many candidates think strong vocabulary might bring them good marks, but that’s a common misconception. It would help if you used only those words with which you are comfortable, but at the same time, also make sure to present that you have a wide-ranging vocabulary. The examiner will also judge you by how you pronounce words to ensure that you give equal importance to the pronunciation of new words.
- Don’t stay quiet
In the speaking section of IELTS, you should not stay quiet. If you don’t have anything to say, then pause a few seconds, think, and say something that would relate to your sentences. For example, when you don’t know the answer to a question, say, ‘I’m sorry, I don’t have much idea about this but…’. It is always good to attempt an answer rather than stay quiet.
- Don’t divert
You should not speak, which is irrelevant to the given topic. When asked about your name and hometown, try to limit your words in the answer. If the examiner asks you questions related to your hobbies, you must answer in minimum words, without explaining any history or any incident related to your hobbies.
- Don’t cram
Studying the night intensively before is impossible because you will have no idea what topics will be on the test. So instead of cramping, stay focused and be calm. Being confident matters the most.
We hope these points of DO’S and DON’TS will help you. Keep these in your mind and crack the IELTS exam well so you can be admitted to international Universities.
Know the test tips and Strategies
Finally, learn the exam tips and strategies and apply them to practice exams. This will help you learn how to manage your time and how to utilize it effectively to complete each section of the exam. Time management is one of the most essential aspects when it comes down to tests. However, at the end of the day, it rests most on your language skills.
Understand and analyze each module of the test thoroughly. For example, understand the IELTS reading Practice test – how many passages there are, how long they are, how many questions there are, the types of questions there are, etc. This will help you understand where you should be given more time, and where it should be less. When you have learned and answered every type of question, you will not be surprised on the test day with something new. Once you feel comfortable answering True, False, and Not Given questions for example, then you will not be afraid of them when you see them on test day.
Good luck..!!
