IELTS exam method

The more anxious and uncomfortable you are, the more difficult it is to maintain fluency and keep your thoughts and words flowing. It may be difficult for you to use a wide range of vocabulary and grammatical structures accurately and with the intended meaning. But you have to keep your mind in check. And believe that you can.

In this article, we share with you information about the IELTS exam and how to prepare for it psychologically.

What is the IELTS exam?

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is one of the most popular English language tests used to assess the language proficiency of those who intend to study or work in an English-speaking context. It is one of the most widely used proficiency tests and affects the lives of many students, as well as migrants, as test results are used to make crucial decisions about test takers.

What you don't know about the IELTS exam:

IELTS is available in 140 countries, and last year over 2.9 million tests were taken. It is recognised by over 10,000 organisations worldwide, including employers, universities, professional bodies and immigration consulates.

IELTS is jointly owned by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia and Cambridge English Language Assessment.

IELTS exam method:

The IELTS exam format is unique in that the IELTS Listening and Speaking sections are the same for all test takers.

While the reading and writing sections differ depending on whether you choose the Academic or General Training section.

As for the academic unit, it is suitable for university admission at the undergraduate and graduate levels and for professional registration.

While the General Training module is suitable for immigration purposes to an English-speaking country and for people who wish to train or study below degree level.

IELTS Exam Details:

Test takers are tested on listening, reading, writing and speaking. All test takers take the same listening and speaking questions. There are differences between the IELTS Academic test and the IELTS General Training test in the reading and writing questions.

• The tests are designed to cover the full range of ability from non-user to expert user.

• The listening, reading and writing questions are completed in the morning. The listening questions start at 9.30am and are followed by the reading and writing questions.
• The three sections last for three hours. There is no break during this time.
• The Speaking section is usually held on the afternoon of the test day between 1:20 and 5:20 pm, however Speaking tests may be scheduled at a later time.
• Each test taker spends 11 to 14 minutes in the speaking interview.
• All speaking interviews are usually completed by 6:00 p.m., but this cannot be guaranteed.
• The conversation question time is randomly selected and cannot be changed.
• The interview time is scheduled in the morning when you register for the exam. Please note that the test center cannot guarantee the test taker's preferred time.

Please note: Speaking interviews are usually scheduled for the afternoon of the test day; however, interviews can be scheduled within the seven days prior to or seven days after the test day. If test takers are not scheduled for an interview on the test day, they will be contacted (via email or phone) to direct them to their speaking test location.

IELTS exam method in detail:

Listening : 4 sections - 40 items - 30 minutes

General Reading: 3 sections - 40 items - 60 minutes

General Writing : 2 tasks (150 and 250 words) - 60 minutes.

Academic Reading: 3 sections - 40 items - 60 minutes

Academic Writing: 2 tasks (150 and 250 words) - 60 minutes

Conversation: Speaking 11 to 14 minutes

IELTS Exam Rules and Regulations:

On the day of the test, test takers must bring:

• Exam registration identification document.
• IELTS only accepts a passport or Canadian permanent resident card as an identity document.
• The identity document must match what the test applicants indicated on their application form.
• The ID card must not be expired before the test date.
• If test takers are registered with their passport and take the test using their permanent residence card, they are not allowed to take the test; vice versa.
• Expired copies or documents will not be accepted.
• Applicants for the ID test must have a number, signature, date of birth, photo and expiration date.
• If test takers do not submit original documents with the required items, they will not be accepted for the test and will have to reapply.
• There are no refunds or cancellations for bringing the wrong or expired ID.
• Confirmation email
• 2 HB or 2 B pencils
• eraser.

IELTS exam prohibitions:

Test takers must not:

• Impersonating someone else.
• Attempting to cheat, copy another applicant's work for the test, or disrupt the test.
• Use or attempt to use a dictionary, spell checker, electronic recorder or mobile phone for the duration of the test, as any test taker who does so will be disqualified.
• Talk to or disturb other test takers once the test has started.
• Smoking or eating in the examination room.
• Retaking any part of the test in any way, any test taker who does so will have their test results disqualified and will be subject to prosecution.

• Remove any materials used during the examination, including, but not limited to, examination papers, speaking task cards, answer sheets, or worksheets.

Psychological preparation for the IELTS exam:

When you start preparing for the test, do the following:

• Study period schedule
• Break large tasks down into manageable ones.
• Set achievable goals and objectives.
• Perseverance even under difficult circumstances.
• Create ways you can monitor and measure your learning progress.

You can sign up for IELTS preparation courses through our website to get help.

Tips during the IELTS exam:

breathing

Remember to take calming breaths every few minutes. Taking deep breaths periodically during the test can help reduce any feelings of anxiety.

To prevent your body and wrists from cramping at the computer, do some subtle movements in your seat. Roll your shoulders forward and back, point and flex your feet, breathe again, then curl your wrists and make and release some fists.

Remember your position

Avoid slouching To avoid feeling tired and fatigued during the exam session, the best way to sit at the computer is to keep your back straight and place your feet on the floor, push your hips back as far as possible in your seat.

Your knees should be at or slightly lower than your hips.

Get more information about the IELTS test by browsing our platform, Almadrasah.com.

For more information about IELTS preparation, click here.