In this article, we will talk about how to get IELTS training. When you prepare for any exam, you study your texts, but for this particular test, there is no text. In the case of IELTS, you will need to train your listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills all at once.
Therefore, a combined effort from yourself and a tutor is necessary. This article will shed some light on how you can get the training and maximize your band score.
Listening
During the listening, you have to use your brain to process the information you gather from the listening track and the questions booklet, and take notes, underline keywords from questions; then, you have to process the information to find out the correct answer and write it down in the correct grammar form and spelling.
Your answer will not be correct if you misspell and write an answer that does not suit grammatically in the given blanks. So, try to follow the practice regime below.
- Your sources should be authentic native speakers of English for listening. The speakers can be Australian, North American, British, or Irish – you never know.
- TuneIn radio is a good source for your daily listening workout. You can choose a channel by location in the world. You can find an Irish channel and practice or choose any other English-speaking nation.
- While you listen, listen for 8 to 10 minutes at a time – an hour at least in one sitting. Try to increase the time of practice.
- Or you can choose to use YouTube. Choose a talk show like BBC HardTalk or any other talk show that comes with a subtitle track.
- Practice by shutting down the visual cue like the monitor. Turning it off will heighten your listening sense. Take notes.
- Read video subtitles while watching YouTube, listen to the track simultaneously, and take notes. Never pause the video to read subtitles; rewind after the video has ended. This will increase your reading and processing power altogether. You will slowly build a tolerance to the fast-changing subtitle, and your reading speed will increase manyfold. You will be able to keep up with the actual test recording.
Reading
Reading requires you to interpret what is written in a passage. So, along with fast reading (you train it during listening), you can develop your interpretation skills by doing a few things.
- Manage a good English tutor.
- Do a lot of translation from various contents, starting from easy to difficult. Read The Atlantic, New York Times, the Guardian, etc.
- Choose an article and translate it slowly and have your Tutor correct them. Read daily for 1 to 2 hours and complete step 2 for each article you read.
- Take the reading part of a mock test from the back of your practice books each week. Tests can boost your understanding if you take tests at long intervals – train reading and comprehension, and take a weekly test to see how you are fairing. This gives you time to figure out your problems and come up with solutions. Always analyze and learn from your mistakes.
Writing
Writing is an art. So, if you want to be expressive through your words effectively, you need to know your ways with words.
- Remember that you will be listening to many topics during listening practice.
- Pick a topic from there.
- Read about the topic by doing online research.
- Now try writing freely on the topic first. After the first attempt, have a look at the writing. Show it to your Tutor, and work on your mistakes.
- Do not be biased about anything. Accept everything and write freely as you see fit.
Speaking
Speaking is also another skill.
- You will get a lot of topics from the listening section.
- Just like a regular practice, almost the same.
- Train for at least an hour every day.
- Take one listening test each week.
If you keep training like this without fail, you will improve. Good luck.