IELTS Bible: 5 Steps to Score 8+ Bands in IELTS Exam | Listening for IELTS PDF Download

What is IELTS?

International English Language Testing System also known as IELTS is one of the most popular English proficiency tests among non-native speakers who want to study, work or migrate to countries where English is the native language.

Why did EduRev make this guide?

• We wanted to answer the question "How to Prepare for IELTS" once and for all in the best / perfect way possible.
• Since students waste a large amount of time, effort, and money while preparing for IELTS just because of a lack of the right direction. We believe it will be very very valuable for every aspirant.
• This guide was made to teach and help students to follow a direction while preparing for the IELTS exam by making sure they STUDY WHAT MATTERS. We did the hard work of building the strategy for your IELTS exam so that you can achieve your dream.

Given below is the Step-by-step Guide to scoring well in the IELTS exam

Step 0: What to do before you start your preparation 
Step 0.1: Identify which IELTS exam is for you

Are you a student or are you looking to work abroad? This is for you to know that there are two IELTS test categories available that you can choose depending on your occupancy – IELTS Academic or IELTS General Training. Remember, the test you choose should be based on what you want to do. IELTS can help you with a variety of life choices, like moving abroad, getting the job you’ve always wanted or even just improving your English language skills. So before you book your test, be sure to check which one is right for you.
Read about two types of IELTS exams in detail below: 

IELTS Academic

If you are looking to get admission to a university program, then IELTS Academic is what you should prepare for. It measures whether your level of English language proficiency is suitable for an academic environment and reflects aspects of academic language while evaluating whether you’re ready to begin training or studying.
You should take IELTS Academic test if you want to do any one of the following listed things:

• Study at an undergraduate level or postgraduate level anywhere in the world
• Apply for a Student Route visa (Tier 4) at a university that is a Student route (Tier 4) Sponsor in the UK
• Work in an English-speaking country for a professional organization.

IELTS General Training

The IELTS General Training test aims to measure your English language proficiency in a practical, everyday context. The tasks and tests reflect both workplace and social situations.
You should take the IELTS General Training test if you want to do any one of the following listed things:

• Work or undertake work-related training in an English-speaking country
• Emigrate to an English-speaking country

Step 0.2: Choose a mode to attempt the test and start preparing accordingly

A. Pen-Paper Based

If you’re wondering what exactly is this mode of IELTS exam, it is just like all the exams you’ve sat in since you were in primary school. In paper-based IELTS, you’ll take the test in a traditional manner - at a desk with question papers and answer sheets for Reading, Listening and Writing tests in an official IELTS test center. You’ll have to write your answers in either pen or HB pencils. The Speaking test will be carried out one-on-one with a certified IELTS examiner. Your results will be available after 13 calendar days from the test date.

B. Computer-Based
In case you’re unable to take the test on paper, IELTS offers another way that allows you to take the same test with the same level of difficulty and the same marking scheme but on a computer. With this format, you get to choose from more test dates and time slots – for both, Academic and General Training. The test slots are available up to three times a day and seven days a week. Plus, you get your results within 3-5 days.

Step 1: Understand the 4 Modules of IELTS

The modules of IELTS are the building blocks of the test. This is what the exam actually comprises, hence, it is very essential to attain complete knowledge of all the modules of the test.
Here is a brief guide for you to start your journey through the modules:
There is a total of four modules of IELTS:

A. Listening

You will listen to 4 different recordings and answer 40 questions. The test takes approximately 30 minutes. You will have an additional ten minutes to transfer your answers to an answer sheet. You only hear the audio once.
A detailed guide is provided on the EduRev app for your listening practice. Click here to open the guide.

B. Reading 
The IELTS Reading test consists of 40 questions, designed to test a wide range of reading skills. These include reading for gist, reading for main ideas, reading for detail, skimming, understanding logical argument and recognizing writers' opinions, attitudes and purpose. IELTS Reading level varies according to the category of the test, viz, Academic or General Training Test.
A detailed guide is provided on the EduRev app for your reading practice. Click here to open the guide.

C. Writing 
The Writing test takes 60 minutes and comprises 2 tasks. Depending on whether the test taker is taking the Academic or General Training test, Tasks 1 and 2 vary.
A detailed guide is provided on the EduRev app for your writing practice. Click here to open the guide.

D. Speaking 
The Speaking test takes between 11 and 14 minutes and consists of an interview between the test taker and a trained/certified examiner.
A detailed guide is provided on the EduRev app for your speaking practice. Click here to open the guide.

Step 2: Choose a Single Source of Preparation

Once you are well acquainted with the different sections of the IELTS exam, your next approach should be to pick up the right study materials to prepare for your exam. Don’t just waste time juggling between sources as it takes up a lot of time and you end up confusing yourself.
EduRev offers a range of practice tests, with tips and tricks to score your desired band score in the exam. Check out the Module-wise detailed courses for your preparation here.

Step 3: Module-wise preparation strategy

All the modules of IELTS are unique in themselves. So, dealing with each section around the same approach is the wrong method. Since, there is nothing to cram or learn in the IELTS exam, thinking quickly on your feet is necessary.
Let’s look at the module-wise approach for each section:

Step 3.1: How to master the Listening module for the IELTS exam

In the IELTS Listening test, you will need to answer 40 questions in response to four recordings. The Listening test is the same for both the IELTS Academic test and the IELTS General Training test.

• Know the test: Getting a grip on the listening module is the foremost step to begin your preparation. You must know the format, marking scheme, pattern and types of questions asked in the exam. EduRev has compiled a complete guide for the IELTS Listening exam pattern and format. Click here to check it out. 
• Focus on improving your vocabulary and listening ability: The aim is to make listening to a part of your daily life. You can find a variety of interesting and fun content online. Start with topics you are most interested in, before moving on to more academic material. 
• Listen to a variety of English language resources, such as podcasts, news reports and Ted talks, which will expose you to new vocabulary and different accents (you may not just hear British accents during the IELTS test recordings). 
• It’s all about the keywords: You will have time to read the instructions and questions before the recording begins during the test. When you read the questions, highlight the relevant terms and make an attempt to guess the context of the recordings by figuring out who will be speaking and what the speech will be about.
• Beware of distractors: What you hear first may not be the right answer, so watch out for distractors. For example, the speaker may say one thing but then reverse their answer. You may also find that the speaker mentions all the options with slight differences in meaning. Pay attention to the details. 
• Follow the instructions carefully: If the instructions state to ‘use one word only’, make sure you don’t write more than one word. You don’t want to lose points for not reading the instructions properly. 
• Don’t wait too long to hear the answer: If you feel like you’ve waited too long to hear the answer, the chances are you’ve already missed it. A big advantage of the IELTS listening test is that you don’t need to go back and forth to answer the questions; they are all in order, so just relax!
• Transfer your answers carefully: At the end of the paper-based test, you get an extra ten minutes to transfer your answers to the answer sheet. Take care with spelling and capitalization. If you’re unsure about the correct capitalization, you can write your answers in all capitals. Take one last look at your answers to ensure they are grammatically accurate and you’ve followed all instructions. 

Step 3.2: How to master the Reading module for the IELTS exam

Due to the length of the texts, the IELTS reading portion can be a little scary. But if you follow the best preparation strategy and the correct tactics, it should be simple. Follow the below-given steps to master the reading module:

• Know the test: The most important thing you can do to start preparing is to understand the reading module. You must be familiar with the exam's structure, scoring system, question format, and pattern. For the format and pattern of the IELTS Reading exam, EduRev has put together a comprehensive guide. To read it, click here. 
• Practice makes a man perfect: If you enjoy reading, improving your English reading abilities can be fun because it allows you to relax at home while immersing yourself in a book. Read all you can, from books to blogs to newspapers to scholarly publications. The better, the more variety. Reading a lot will speed up your reading and help you pick up new words.
  Although if you are not a fan of reading, start reading books before you start your academic reading because it will help you increase your speed and enhance your vocabulary. 
• Develop your reading techniques:There is only one hour to read the three lengthy documents, which have a combined word count of approximately 2,750. Therefore, picking up some basic reading skills will be quite beneficial.
  • Skimming: Every paragraph should be focused on a single key subject that is introduced in the topic phrase. You can more easily respond to some of the questions below by highlighting and identifying the first sentence of the paragraph.
  • Scanning: ‘Scanning’ is the technique used to locate specific keywords or phrases. When you’ve found a keyword, read the surrounding text in detail to find the answer you are looking for.
• Focus on keywords: Texts in the IELTS reading section are packed with lots of new vocabulary. Don’t be discouraged. You don’t need to understand every word, and you can always use contextual clues to guess the meaning of a word you don’t understand. 
• Follow the instructions carefully: If the instructions state to ‘use one word only’, make sure you don’t write more than one word. You don’t want to lose points for not reading the instructions properly. 
• Make the most of your time!: Remember, you have just one hour to answer 40 questions, which equates to one and a half minutes per question. Leave difficult questions until the end; you can always go back to them later. 
• Fill in the answer sheet as you go, as you will not be given extra time to transfer your answers to the sheet (unlike in the listening section). Imagine how awful it would be to have all of the answers, but no time to write them on the answer sheet! 

Step 3.3: How to master the Writing module for the IELTS exam

Additional preparation is necessary for the IELTS writing test. Even people who live in English-speaking nations may struggle with this module because most people don't have to write anything for the majority of the days of the year. While most people engage in speaking, listening, and reading in English on a daily basis.

IELTS experts at EduRev recommend the following strategies to help you write well on test day:

• Start by understanding the question precisely. You must identify the type of questions asked and revolve around the same. Do not just read the question once and start writing without understanding it as this increase your chances of getting the question wrong. 
• Always make an outline: Before you start writing, you should make an outline. An outline will save you time by keeping you focused as you write, so you don’t deviate from the topic. An outline will also help you organize your ideas and put them in the best order before you start writing.
• Put your best foot forward: Determine the sequence in which your ideas will be presented while organizing the opinion essay at the outline stage. As the first and most crucial impression on your reader, your strongest body paragraph should come first. This will ensure that your reader has a positive impression of your essay.
• Keep a word count: Word count is very critical to your score in the writing module. 
• Keep it simple: It is important to remember that the IELTS writing tasks are not testing how well you know the subject, or how smart you are. Your capacity to communicate ideas coherently and clearly in English is evaluated. 
• Provide proof for your claims (an example or an explanation), then tie the evidence back to your thesis in the final sentence of your paragraph.
• Proofread!: This can be a challenge for timed tests, but it is essential to reserve a couple of minutes after each writing task to proofread. You should look for small mistakes in spelling and grammar.

Step 3.4: How to master the Speaking module for the IELTS exam

You could feel anxious before your IELTS Speaking test, but with these 10 pointers from the best IELTS Experts and lots of practice, you can overcome your anxiety and improve your IELTS speaking band score.

• Don't use big and unfamiliar words: You may want to impress the examiner with big and complex words in your Speaking test. But to be safe, avoid using words you are not familiar with.
• Use a range of grammatical structures: Try and use a range of grammatical structures using complex and simple sentences to express what you want to say. Know your own errors and practice speaking to friends in English, or record yourself to see if you can spot errors.
• Don't worry about your accent: With a face-to-face Speaking test, the IELTS examiner understands a wide range of accents and will be able to understand what you say, unlike an AI machine. If you can communicate well, then there is nothing to worry about. 
• Pause to think:There is no harm in taking a brief pause to think about what to say. You can use phrases to give you time to think during the Speaking test - phrases such as:
  • That's an interesting question
  • I have never thought about that, but…
  • Let me see
  • That's a good point
  • That's a difficult question, but I'll try and answer it
  • Well, some people say that is the case, however, I think…
  • Let me think about that for a minute
• Avoid using fillers: Speak confidently and avoid using filler words. We generally use fillers when we don't know what to say, however, this shows the examiner that you can't access the appropriate language or ideas so it's important to avoid them.
• Smiling helps pronunciation: Smiling can help calm your nerves which in turn helps your pronunciation. Make sure to enunciate clearly, opening your mouth wide enough so that sounds come out clearly.
• Don't speak in a monotone: Putting emphasis on certain words and pausing at sections in your speech can make your conversation with the IELTS examiner more engaging.

Step 4: Be Consistent with your practice

• You should stay away from all the distractions for the time period you are preparing for the exam because if your preparation is on and off, it drains out your energy.
• Prepare all sections of the exam daily as it increases the speed and helps you maintain focus on each and every topic.
• You should keep giving at least one mock every week to keep a check on your performance.
• Practice more questions on areas where you feel you lag.

EduRev has compiled a complete course for your practice of each module. You can check out the course here.

Step 5: Belief in Yourself

Believe in your infinite potential. Your only 
limitations are those you set upon yourself.

• Without self-belief, you will not be able to perform well in the exam even if you study a lot. 
• Stay positive throughout the journey and march towards your dream.
• It can be beneficial to psychologically be ready for the exam center setting. 
• In order to get accustomed to the test experience, study images of testing facilities and imagine taking the test. 
•  You prepare yourself for the test experience before you actually take it, which lessens the stress you feel during the test.

FAQs related to IELTS Exam

Q.1. What is the validity of the IELTS exam? 

IELTS score is valid for two years after which it is perceived as invalid by many countries, institutions, or immigration offices.

Q.2. Where can I take IELTS?

The network of IELTS test centres managed by IDP: IELTS Australia offers you more than 200 test locations in 45 countries.

Q.3.  How much does it cost?

IELTS test fees vary from country to country. Your IDP Education student counsellor will advise the test fee for your country in your local currency, or contact your nearest test centre. The IELTS test fee is the same for both versions of the test (Academic and General Training).

Q.4. How do I book/register for the test?

Your IDP Education counsellor can assist you in choosing a test date and location.

Q.5. What if I need to postpone or cancel my IELTS test?

Please contact the test centre where you booked your IELTS test. If you postpone or cancel your application more than 5 weeks before the test date, you will receive a refund minus an administration charge. If you postpone or cancel within 5 weeks of the test date, you will be charged the full fee unless you have a medical reason.