Your Guide to IELTS: How to Score High in the IELTS Exam?

Your guide to IELTS is your gateway to the world of educational or career opportunities or immigration to a country that uses English as an official or educational language.
The IELTS test measures your ability to speak, listen, read and write in English in real situations. It is a proof of your English language skills in a reliable and internationally recognized way.

But how do you prepare for this test correctly and effectively? What are the best resources, methods and tools to help you improve your skills and increase your confidence? What are the most important tips and mistakes that you should know before taking the test?
Your guide to IELTS is our article for today, which includes a set of information and instructions that will help you prepare effectively to obtain the score you want in the IELTS exam.

Your guide to the IELTS: What is the IELTS test, what are its objectives, and what are the four skills it measures?

IELTS is an international test to measure the level of English for people who want to study, work, or immigrate to English-speaking countries. It is an abbreviation for International English Language Testing System

It is recognized by more than 11,000 entities in more than 140 countries around the world, including universities, educational institutions, governments, and companies.

The objectives of the IELTS test are to provide a comprehensive, objective and reliable assessment of applicants’ English language skills, and to provide them with an accredited certificate that reflects their true level.

It also aims to develop and improve testing and correction standards and supervise the quality of services provided to applicants.

What language skills does the IELTS test measure?

The four skills that the IELTS test measures are:

Listen

This part consists of four 30-minute sections, each section containing a recorded conversation or lecture.
The applicant listens to the recording only once, and must answer a set of questions regarding the content, purpose and meaning.

Reading

This part consists of three texts taken from academic or general sources; Such as: magazines, books, or newspapers. This part is 60 minutes long.
The applicant must read the texts and answer a set of questions related to the main idea, details and conclusions.

Writing

This part consists of two tasks, which the applicant must complete within an hour.
The first task asks the applicant to write a short report on a graph, table, map or diagram.
The second task asks the applicant to write an opinion article on a specific topic.

Conversation

This part consists of an oral interview between the applicant and the tester, lasting approximately 15 minutes.
The applicant must talk about himself, his interests and opinions, and answer laboratory questions on general topics.

Your guide to IELTS: preparing for the test

To explain how to prepare for the IELTS test, we must answer these questions:
Is IELTS easy or difficult? How much preparation is needed for IELTS? How do you create an effective and realistic learning and preparation plan that suits your time and capabilities for the IELTS test?

Is IELTS easy or difficult?

This depends on several factors, such as:

● Your current level of English: If you speak and write English fluently and confidently, then you will find the test easier than others.
But if you have difficulties understanding or using English, you may need more training and practice before taking the test.

● The type and level you choose: There are two types of IELTS test: academic and general.
The first is intended for those who wish to study in high-level educational institutions, while the second is intended for those who wish to immigrate or work in English-speaking countries.
Each type contains four sections: listening, reading, writing and speaking. Each section measures different language skills, and assigns a score from 0 to 9.
Each entity determines the level required to accept applicants. You may need a high or medium score, depending on your choice.

● Application and preparation method: You can apply for the test in two ways: paper or computer.
The difference between them is that the first takes longer to show results, while the second shows them in only five days.
Also, the IELTS exam method may affect your comfort and performance in the test. If you prefer to use paper and pen, you may find the paper method easier, and if you prefer to use a computer and keyboard, you may find the computer method easier.

Regardless of the application method, you should prepare well for the test by familiarizing yourself with its format, questions, and scoring criteria.

Therefore, it can be said that the IELTS test is not absolutely easy or difficult, but rather reflects your true level of English and your ability to use it in different situations.
Therefore, the best way to pass the test is to constantly improve your language skills, practice the types of questions expected, and recognize your strengths and weaknesses.
With this, you will be able to achieve the grade you desire and reach your goal.

How do you create an effective and realistic learning and preparation plan that suits your time and capabilities for the IELTS test?

How can I pass the IELTS exam? To pass the IELTS test, an effective plan must be developed that contains several steps that suit the goals and capabilities of the individual.

Perhaps the most important steps for creating a preparation plan for the IELTS test are the following:

1. Determine the type of test you want to take, whether academic or general.
2. Get to know the format of the test, its sections, and the types of questions you may encounter in each section.
3. Know the level you need in each skill (listening, reading, writing, and speaking) and the scale that is used to evaluate your performance.
4. Develop a study plan that specifies your goals, schedule, sources, and methods for review and evaluation.
5. Practicing each skill regularly and in a variety of ways using real materials appropriate to the type of test
6. Use effective strategies to answer questions and manage time.
7. Request feedback from teachers, colleagues or friends on your performance and identify weaknesses and strengths.
8. Continuously improve your skills based on feedback and evaluations.

How can you determine your current level of English and the gap between it and the level required to pass the IELTS test?
This step is very important because it helps you identify your strengths and weaknesses in each language skill, and thus determine your priorities in preparing for the test.

Your guide to IELTS: How to determine Your current level of English?

There are several methods you can use to measure your current level of English, including:

● Using free online tools: There are many websites and applications that provide short and easy tests to evaluate your level of English.
These tools give you a general idea of your level on each section of the test, and give you an approximate score from 0 to 9.
But you should take these scores with a grain of salt; Because it may not reflect your actual level or the official marking criteria for the test.

● Get an evaluation from a certified teacher or center: This is the most accurate method; To determine your level of English, it depends on the experience and skill of a qualified and trained person to evaluate your language.
You can contact a private tutor or educational center that provides test preparation services, and ask them to conduct a diagnostic test for your level in each section of the test.
You can ask them for a detailed evaluation of your performance. This method may cost you some money, but it is definitely worth it.

Your guide to IELTS: How do you determine the gap between your level and the required level?

After you know your current level of English, you must compare it with the level required by the entity you wish to apply to.
Each body sets a specific score in each section of the test, and the total scores of the four sections, as a condition for accepting applicants.
You can search for these requirements on the entity’s website itself, or on the (IELTS Essentials) website, which provides a list of entities that accept the test and the scores required from them.

When you know the required score, you should compare it with the score you obtained in your current level assessment.

The difference between them is the gap you have to fill to achieve your goal.

For example, if your score on the Listening section is 6, and the required score is 7, the gap between them is one score.

This means that you need to improve your listening skills by one notch to reach the required level.

How do you choose the appropriate sources, methods, and tools to develop your four skills? To develop your four English skills, you should practice the language regularly and in different ways.

Here are some tips that may help you:

Choose sources that suit your level and interests
You can use reliable websites and applications to learn English; These sites provide you with interactive lessons and activities covering all language skills.

You can also read articles, books, and magazines that interest you in English, watch programs and videos in English, or listen to songs, podcasts, and talks in English.

There are many books and resources available to help you prepare for the IELTS test.
Some of them are recommended by the British Council, which is one of the organizers of the test.

Your guide to IELTS: The most important sites for preparing for the IELTS test

According to web search results, these are the best sites to help you prepare for IELTS:

The Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS

This study guide is ideal, containing everything you need to prepare for the exam for both modules (Academic or General Training)
It also covers exercises to understand the test and improve your score with tips and clear explanations of test strategies.

IELTS Official Practice Materials Volume

The book provides sample tests for the academic model and the general training model for all sections of the test: listening, reading, writing, and speaking.
In addition to displaying the answers and examiners' notes. The book also includes a CD for listening tests.

Action Plan for IELTS Self Study Pack
This book is a short self-learning guide for students who intend to take the IELTS test.
It reviews all types of questions in detail and provides students with the final work plan, models, and extensive exercises to achieve the highest score in the IELTS test.

IELTS Liz website

This website was created by Ms. Liz, a British teacher who specializes in teaching IELTS.
She is an expert in this test, and through her website she provides many exercises and exercises for free.
Plus a lot of useful tips. You can also watch her videos on her YouTube channel IELTS Liz.

IELTS Buddy

This site offers many exercises and exercises that you can download and save to your personal computer.
It also covers all sections of the IELTS test (listening, reading, writing, and speaking).
But what is unique about this site is the “Model Answers” for the writing section of the test.

IELTS Mentor Website

This site provides you with sample questions with the correct answers for each section of IELTS.
It also covers important topics, such as: grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation. But what is unique about this site is the “Model Answers” for the writing section of the test.

This website aims to improve your IELTS score by providing comprehensive video lessons, practice questions and practical advice.
You can also get support from professional teachers and connect with other students.
You can try the site for free for a week, then choose a subscription plan that suits your needs.

IELTS Advantage

This site provides high-quality and reliable content for exam preparation.
You can benefit from articles, videos, podcasts, and courses on every aspect of the exam.
You can also register for VIP programs that provide you with customized and personalized services.

Road to IELTS

This is a service provided by the British Council to students registered for the IELTS test.
You can access a range of educational resources, interactive activities, training papers and explanatory videos.
You can also track your progress and get an evaluation of your performance.

IELTS up website

This site aims to help you develop your skills in each section of the exam.
It provides you with explanations, examples, strategies, and training questions. It also covers topics such as English grammar, vocabulary, and common errors.

IELTS Exam

This site provides you with worksheets, previous test papers, and model answers to benefit from in preparing for the test.
Some test takers also share their experiences and advice.

Use various methods to develop your skills

You can use self-learning methods; Such as: memorizing words, doing exercises, and taking tests on yourself.

You can also use cooperative learning methods; Such as: speaking with a partner or friend in English, participating in online conversation classes or clubs, or seeking help from a teacher or language counselor.
You can also use interactive learning methods; Such as: joining forums or groups on social media interested in the English language, writing comments or messages in English, or reading and listening to the opinions and experiences of others in English.

Your guide to IELTS: How to practice test questions and patterns and develop strategies to manage time and stress and answer with confidence?
To practice test questions and patterns, you can use the free preparation materials provided by the British Council.
You can prepare on the go with their training apps, videos, and online lessons.

To develop strategies to manage time and stress and answer confidently on the test, you can follow some of the following tips:

● Plan your time wisely: Determine how much time you need for each section of the test and maintain an appropriate pace for each section.
● Read the instructions carefully: Make sure you understand what is asked of you in each question and only answer what you are asked.
● Use logical guessing: If you are not sure of the answer to a question, do not leave it blank.
Try to use the information in the question or in the context to get closer to the correct answer.
● Review your answers: If you have some extra time at the end of each section, check your answers and correct any spelling or grammatical errors.
How to benefit from the common experiences, tips and mistakes of previous professional applicants? No IELTS test taker is error-free, even if he obtains a high score.

Mistakes are an integral part of the process of continuous learning and improvement; Therefore, you should benefit from their mistakes instead of avoiding them or being ashamed of them.

When you read or hear about the mistakes of previous professional applicants, try to focus on the following points:

● What mistakes did they make in each section of the test?
● What are the reasons and factors that led to these errors?
● What are the effects and consequences of these errors on their grades and performance?
● What solutions and actions did they take to correct these errors and prevent their recurrence?
● What lessons and lessons did they learn from these mistakes, and how did they help them develop their skills?

Free online IELTS practice test

There are many resources available on the Internet that help you prepare for the IELTS test for free and flexibly, as we mentioned.
You can use these resources to develop your skills in each section of the test, learn about the type and format of questions, practice solving them, and get advice and guidance from experts in the field of IELTS.

Some sites that provide a free online IELTS practice test include:

IELTS Tutorials

This site offers more than 20 free practice tests for each section of IELTS.
You can also download the IELTS Tutorials application on your smartphone and enjoy preparing for the exam at any time and from anywhere.

IELTS Simulator

This is a service provided by the British Council to those who wish to experience the exam day before attending.
You can take a full listening, reading, and writing practice test, and get your results with feedback within 7 business days.
You can choose the type of exam, whether academic or general, and get 13 practice tests for free.