Preparing For the IELTS Exam

GENERAL TIPS:

Vocabulary -

Record expressions that can be used in a variety of academic contexts.
Record phrases (rather than single words)
Use a good monolingual dictionary to check collocations.
Do not try to learn words very specialized.

Ideas -

List of important issues in today's world (such as technology, social change).
Record useful phrases for these topics.
Practice speaking and writing about them in English.
Use newspapers, magazines and websites like the BBC for more information.

READING:

Tasks -

Skim and scan to form an overall picture of text quickly.
Make sure you know exactly what is required for each task.
Check all instructions carefully.
Use this task to find additional clues about the content and organization of the text.

How to improve -

Think about the main idea and organization of the text and details.
Remember that the key vocabulary can be explained in the text for you.
Do not use a dictionary until you have completed the task and check your answers.

WRITING:

Length -

Timed writing practice to improve your speed.
Never write responses below the minimum length.
Remember that Task 2 is longer and has more points, so leave enough time for that.

Focus - (Task 1)

Describe the information, not the schema itself (eg, you do not need to say exactly what is shown on the vertical and horizontal axes of a graph).
Select the items and choose those important figures in support.
For practice, compare charts, graphs and charts in newspapers or on the Internet and analyze them. Notice how the graphs are used on TV programs.

Preparing For the IELTS Exam

(Group 2)

Analyze the question carefully.
Make a plan of the paragraph before you write.
Check that all parts of the question are addressed.

Organization and precision -

Use linking words to make your message clear.
Always allow time to edit your writing.
Know your most common errors and check for them.

EXPRESSION:

Control -

Train to speak at length.
Talk aloud to you in English when you're on your own.
Register to speak on various topics as often as you can.

Pronunciation -

Listening to spoken English (eg, radio / TV / film) as much as possible.
Peat sentences after the speaker in recordings to help you speak in phrases and use stress and intonation.
- Record and listen to you talk as much as you can.

LISTENING:

Tasks -

Use the preparation time to think about the tasks and focus.
Make sure you know exactly what is required for each task, and control instructions.

How to improve -

Remember that you only hear the recording once. Do not pause the CD when you practice.
After checking your answers, listen again and try to find the cause of any problems.
Finally, listen again to the tape script and highlight useful phrases.

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