Unlock Ielts
By Richa Raj > April 25, 2023
Imagine that you're an Indian student dreaming of studying abroad. You know that in order to be able to do so, you'll have to take the IELTS exam and score high. However, like most non-native speakers of English, you feel a bit overwhelmed with the vast amount of information and skills needed to ace the test.
Don't worry! In this blog post, we'll be discussing seven essential study tools that every aspiring IELTS test-taker should have, regardless of their level of English proficiency. From online resources to practice tests and flashcards, we've got you covered. By incorporating these study tools into your daily practice routine, you can boost your confidence, understanding, and skills in all four sections of the IELTS exam: listening, reading, writing, and speaking.
But before we dive into the specific resources for acing the IELTS exam it is important to understand why is this exam very significant for international students.
Part 1: Importance of IELTS Exam
Let's start by explaining why taking the IELTS is important when it comes to studying abroad as an international student?
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is recognized as a standard measure of English language proficiency worldwide. It assesses test takers' ability to read, write, listen to and speak English in academic or work-related contexts.
Most universities worldwide require applicants who are not native English speakers to submit their scores from either the Academic version or General Training version of the test.
To provide you some statistics according British Council Data states around 135 countries recognize this exam including world-class education destinations such as Australia.
Moreover,, The higher your score on the IELTS test will help determine which universities offer admission based on specific requirements provided by them or government bodies overseeing foreign enrollment requirements.
Now let's move ahead with keeping in mind how daunting it feels preparing for such a critical examination let alone succeed in it. Here are essential study tools that we recommend every aspiring test taker to have in their kit.
Part 2: The Challenges Faced By Test Takers
No matter how long you’ve been studying English, taking the IELTS test can be a daunting task. Many test-takers feel overwhelmed by the amount of information and skills needed to succeed, which is why it's important to identify common challenges encountered while preparing for the exam:
- Lack of time: You may not have sufficient time between your work or college hours.
- Insufficient study materials: Learning a foreign language requires wide-ranging resources and being selective about what useful resources comes handy is crucial for success.
- Increasing stress levels: Preparing for an exam can make you anxious and stressed if studied wrongly
We’ll discuss some solutions to these issues further ahead, but first, let us begin with understanding online resources that one could utilize before appearing for the examination rather than hoping someone else will guide through each step.
Part 3: Online Resources - Best Study Tools For IELTS Test Takers
The Internet provides an abundance of convenient study resources that cover each section of the IELTS exam, including Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening. Here are a few examples of online tools recommended by many experts:
1) Magoosh.
This online learning platform offers comprehensive video lessons and practice quizzes designed to help students prepare thoroughly for the IELTS exam.
2) British Council
Besides providing reliable preparation materials from experienced testing professionals they offer dozens of free practice tests covering all aspects of the exam including patterns like Academic/ General Training versions with special add ons such as Understanding IELTS Speaking Scoring
3) ProProfs QuizMaker.
Useful tool not only for preparing ahead but also practicing past year papers
4) YouTube Channels Like Rachel's English,
helpful in developing accent reduction programs
5) Quizlet.
Another popular resource popular amongst students, allowing them to organize their notes and create customized study tools like flashcards.
Using these resources will help you develop an understanding of the exam format, gain new skills and knowledge as well as learn handy tips and tricks to excel in the test.
Part 4: Practice tests
To prepare for the IELTS exam, taking practice tests is essential. You can find plenty of cutting-edge software available online with many providers offering free trials. These practice tests simulate the real exam environment and enable a student to identify areas that require extra effort.
Furthermore, Since IELTS exam durates around 2 hours 45 minutes giving mock tests simulating unique conditions - such as sitting for three-hour long sessions back-to-back rather than one hour-long sessions – give students a realistic sense of what it’s like answering so many questions under such limited time constraints.
While practising exams continuously do not forget it’s equally important to reflect on feedback on submitted points highlighted.
Part 5: Flashcards
Flashcards have been used by decades learning numerous subjects both during school days or even in later courses. Portable and affordable tool useful for memorizing new vocabulary words that may appear in the IELTS exam is particularly helpful for those rusty with their English Vocabulary.
One clear benefit of using flashcards is its portability factor thus being able to take it anywhere anytime helps spend short intervals between work or college.
Part 6: Boost Confidence With Enhanced Language Skills
Improving your language proficiency level especially English makes quite a difference and impacts how confident you feel about taking an examination in that language!
Here are some ways you could adopt -
1) Watch English movies or TV shows.
Watching entertaining movies or series enables improving English sides from accent reduction all way long developing new phrases giving effective communication techniques
2) Speak more publicly
Just streaming movies alone cannot help much but speaking up more frequently in daily life wherever possible will not only enhance your communication skills but also reduce fear for speaking up in public at times of examination.
3) Participate in Conversation clubs or School Teams
Specially organized groups offering conversational sessions allow speaking with others openly thus sharing debates and enhancing overall conversational English
4) Read regularly.
This goes without saying the more you take charge of reading books, articles, blogs even social media posts it helps to advance how one understands word choice or expressions used in different forums.
Part 7: Aspiring Students' Success Stories
We know that consistent efforts make a difference- especially when one sees what fellow student aspirants around us are achieving. Share their success stories include those high scoring students who tremendously validated their scores overcoming challenges.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, taking the IELTS exam requires dedication and hard work. However, by utilizing study tools such as online resources, practice tests, flashcards and enhancing overall communications abilities can significantly improve your chances of achieving a good score.
UnlockIELTS.com is specialized in providing the best textbooks and ielt training material accessible at an affordable price for anyone requiring it. With access to our comprehensive training materials with customizable test papers to fit various time frames it’s rare that you’d run out of essential IELTS study material.
Sign up now with Unlockielts.com and focus on getting ready to ace that IELTS exam!