Top Five Mistakes to Avoid When Preparing for the IELTS Exam

Nobody is perfect, and hence, mistakes are prevalent in examinations. Even the most prepared candidates can unknowingly make errors, but every point matters in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test. Given how candidates take this exam with hopes of studying abroad, avoiding the common pitfalls is crucial. 

Whether you’re starting your IELTS exam preparation course or are well underway, steering clear of the most frequent mistakes is key to a good result. Let’s take a look at what they are.

‍

1. Being Unfamiliar With the Test Format

One of a novice’s most frequent errors is overlooking the IELTS test format. This test has four sections: listening, reading, speaking, and writing. It assesses different facets of one's English language skills.  

• Listening: This entails hearing recordings of fluent English speakers and responding to the following questions.  
• Reading: This entails reading passages and responding to questions based on them, similar to comprehension questions. 
• Speaking: You will converse and speak as directed during an interactive test with an IELTS examiner. 
• Writing: This involves two tasks: responding appropriately, structuring your thoughts, and using proper grammar and vocabulary, which are crucial. 

2. Bad Time Management

Time management is crucial because each test section has a timer. Many novices just concentrate on preparing for the test without considering time constraints.  For instance, the Reading section has 40 questions and a 60-minute time limitation. Hence, you can spare roughly a minute and a half for each question. 

As you start your IELTS exam prep, begin inculcating time management skills too. You can start by simulating test conditions through timers, while gauging how long you spend on each question and whether to optimize it. 

Next, prioritize test sections based on their allotted marks, and build reading strategies to skim through questions to save time. You can also practice conscious speaking so that the ‘Speaking’ section is concise when you take it.

3. Not Focusing on Pronunciation

Most students focus on their accent instead of getting their pronunciation perfect. IELTS examiners know you are an international candidate; hence, your accent won’t be a big deal. However, the way you pronounce words when speaking will. 

When preparing for your IELTS test, practice speaking every word. For example, if you’re saying ‘probably,’ you should not say ‘probly’ or ‘prolly,’ as they’re incorrect. The best way to handle this is consistent practice and nothing else. You can even consider practicing with a native English speaker, maybe a tutor or a friend, to hone your skills and be best prepared for the examination. 

4. Only Relying on Prep Materials

IELTS textbooks and practice exams are examples of standard preparation materials that only address the format and structure of the test. They are perfect for practicing test tasks and comprehending the questions that examiners will ask you, but that is only one aspect of the situation. To be a well-prepared applicant and ace your test, you must also practice speaking English in everyday situations.

Using English in everyday situations, such as watching television shows and movies, and conversing with native speakers, is part of a comprehensive exam preparation strategy. Doing this will instill an intuitive understanding of the language. You’ll be more spontaneous during the ‘Speaking’ section through an unforced manner of conversation. These will expose you to various accents, writing styles, and vocabulary. 

5. Building Only One Skill 

While some students may be proficient in written English, others may be more proficient in spoken English. You must, however, achieve proficiency in each of the four IELTS test sections and prepare well for them.  

Develop a comprehensive study plan to improve your English proficiency and prepare you for the IELTS exam.  Consider these:

• Identify your strengths and weaknesses in each skill, and devote more time to strengthening the latter. 
• Engage in learning activities that combine different skills, such as reading an English article (Reading) and then discussing it with a friend (Speaking).
• Allocate ample time for practicing each skill so that you can be adept at all of them. 
• Set achievable goals for each prep session to ensure improvement. 

‍

In Conclusion

It's understandable to feel intimidated by the test, but you can take it confidently with the correct preparation. You can be confident that your exam will go well if you know what to avoid and how to prepare strategically.