If you're preparing for the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), you might be wondering how to make your studying journey both effective and enjoyable. Fortunately, achieving IELTS success doesn't have to be a monotonous task. By incorporating fun and creative approaches into your preparation, you can enhance your language skills while keeping your motivation high. Letâs explore a range of engaging tips and techniques to make your IELTS journey not only productive but also enjoyable. From interactive learning activities and plans to incorporating music and movies into your study routine, these fun tips will help you stay motivated and make progress toward your IELTS goals.
Enjoyable tips and tricks for IELTS success
Achieving success in any exam can be a little stressful task but you can make your IELTS preparation full of fun. As there are no shortcuts that guarantee success in the IELTS exam. The only path to triumph lies in strong preparation and dedicated practice. Therefore, you can use these tips and tricks to enhance your prospects of attaining a remarkable band score:
1. Structure your plan
Approach the IELTS exam with the same mindset as any other test. Begin by carefully planning and adhering to your devised strategy.
Establish a specific goal, such as achieving a 6.5 score
Recognise your personal areas of strength and areas that require improvement
Assess the available time you can dedicate to preparation
Allocate your time wisely, prioritising areas where more attention is needed
Construct a study timetable that allows you to effectively manage your time. Be realistic in your planning to avoid overwhelming stress and exhaustion.
2. Join study groups or find study partners
Learning languages should never be approached in isolation, as their fundamental purpose is communication. Merely secluding oneself and committing grammar rules and vocabulary to memory will not yield a high score. While it may assist in IELTS Reading and Listening practice, it will ultimately hinder improvement in Speaking proficiency.
Furthermore, the old saying holds true: a problem shared is a problem halved. Collaborating with a partner can yield benefits such as discovering new information, alleviating stress, building confidence, and setting attainable goals. Foster a close working relationship and maintain honesty to achieve success in the IELTS exam.
In the absence of a close English-learning companion, the internet provides valuable resources, you can also visit the official website of IDP IELTS to access the free preparation material and tools. Seek out platforms where you can connect with fellow IELTS students, or even approach examiners and tutors with your inquiries. Even dedicating a small portion of time each week to engage in conversation via platforms like Skype will boost your confidence in using spoken English with others.
3. Explore authentic exam papers
It is common knowledge that practicing with IELTS sample tests is essential for every student. It is so evident that we won't include it in this compilation. By now, you might have already completed numerous IELTS writing exams... or have you?
Were you aware that many of theIELTS writing exam papers available online are not authentic samples from the actual IELTS exam? While it is beneficial to practice with questions that closely resemble the IELTS format, some practice materials may be fabricated by your tutor or textbook author to assist you.
However, it is equally crucial to engage with genuine past papers to gain a true sense of the actual exam. Your success in the IELTS exam relies on your familiarity with its structure and content. You can visit the IDP IELTS website for the most useful and reliable material.
4. Apply your skills in real-life contexts
What motivates individuals to undertake the IELTS exam? The reasons are manifold - some aspire to secure overseas employment, others aim to pursue studies in the USA, some seek governmental career opportunities, and so on. No one takes the IELTS exam solely for the certificate it provides, and it is not obligatory for academic purposes.
This examination evaluates your English language proficiency and assesses your genuine language level. Therefore, to succeed in the IELTS exam, it is insufficient to merely learn "IELTS phrases" or vocabulary lists and solely concentrate on strategies and question patterns.
Instead, English should be perceived as an authentic means of communication. It necessitates engaging with English language materials such as daily news articles, podcasts, and television shows. Regularly composing emails and journals in English is imperative. And, lastly, engaging in spoken English conversations with other individuals on a daily basis, as opposed to speaking to oneself, is crucial.
5. Maintain your well-being
Among students, particularly in Asian regions, there exists a common belief that devoting endless hours to studying, at the expense of everything else, is the key to passing an exam. However, this approach, despite resulting in extended study hours, is not necessarily efficient.
In life, achieving a balance is essential. Your physical well-being plays a crucial role in enabling your brain to process information effectively. Do not allow the pursuit of IELTS success to hinder your overall health and well-being, as it may ultimately impede your progress. Regular exercise and sufficient sleep are vital for maintaining optimal brain function. It is important to note that if you push yourself to study excessively without breaks and rest, you may end up retaining less information than if you had taken proper breaks and allowed yourself to rest.
6. Make studying engaging
If you possess a strong command of the English language, you will be well-equipped to excel in the IELTS exam. Therefore, it is crucial to recognise that anything that enhances your English abilities contributes to your IELTS goals.
What does this entail?
Indulging in your favourite American or British TV shows may appear to be a time-wasting activity when you should be dedicating yourself to IELTS preparation. However, that is not necessarily the case. If you actively listen and engage with the content, it can be considered a valuable component of your studies. Similarly, reading a post on Reddit may seem like an unproductive use of time, but if you approach it with genuine interest and challenge yourself to derive deeper meanings from the text while taking note of collocations, it becomes a beneficial exercise.
This ties in with the previous point because when you feel the need to take a break and unwind by watching a movie or listening to a podcast, you can simultaneously relax and enhance your English skills.
7. Gamify your study sessions
Transform your study sessions into engaging games by incorporating challenges and competitions, either individually or with study companions. Utilise a timer to maximise efficiency, attempting to tackle a multitude of IELTS practice questions within a predetermined time frame.
Additionally, craft flashcards featuring vocabulary words or grammar rules and set goals to memorise them within specific time constraints, further enhancing your learning experience. Another interactive approach to studying is to simulate mock speaking sessions with a study partner, taking turns practicing IELTS speaking tasks and providing feedback to each other.
This not only adds an element of fun but also enhances your speaking skills and boosts confidence in a realistic setting. Additionally, consider gamifying your vocabulary learning by creating word association games or challenging yourself to use newly learned words in daily conversations or writing exercises, fostering active retention and application of language skills.