Taking the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) test again and again in the hope that you will somehow clear can be very disheartening. We understand that any kind of failure can place additional pressure and doubt on you. However, it is common to have these feelings.

Sometimes, it is not the lack of preparation but the approach you have taken to prepare for the test. It’s okay! We are here to guide you better on how to adopt a different strategy and cultivate habits for you to clear an IELTS test and make your dream of studying abroad come true.

Here are some rocking tips for you to consider while preparing for an IELTS exam and score well:

1. Understand that you are not alone

• The most important thing that you must understand is that you are not the only student who has not scored well in the exam, so stop being so hard on yourself

• There is nothing wrong with having difficulty attaining your targeted band score. You just have to believe in yourself and get into the war stronger than before

• It is important to accept your failures too because good things happen to those who suffer to achieve them

• Get inspired from other students’ stories for some IELTS motivation, pull your socks up and start working hard. It will give you the mental strength and headway to start again

2. Take some time to regenerate and recharge

• Once you feel good and confident enough then your next step is to take time to time to regenerate and recharge. The amazing thing that you should do is just jump back into the fray and book the next available date for your test!

• The step you can take is to practice speaking more with family and friends using the English language. Listening to more English-based programs, especially news broadcasts, and spending some time reading books and newspapers as well!

• Once you think you are ready to give your exam again then it’s time for you to start preparing with new strategies and hacks

3. Understand which part of the test you have to work on

• It’s time for you to be introspective and truthful with yourself, it doesn’t matter how many times you have failed but repeating the mistakes will never lead you to your destination. You can begin by asking yourself these questions:

  • Which part of the test did I score the least on? (Speaking, Listening,Writing, and Reading)

  • Which part of the test did I struggle the most at? (For example, the essay writing component)

  • Which part of the test did I spend the most time preparing for?

• Once you find out which area you need to work on, then start preparing more for the same.

4. Adjust your study habits and dedicate a fixed time to practice and learn

• Sometimes it is not what you study but how you study! This is where you need to get strategic with your time to help you focus better

• Ask yourself, “Which part of the day do I feel the most energized and awake?”. For some it is the evening, for many some, it’s in the early morning. Whichever time suits you the most, you should be carving out at least two-time blocks a day to practice and learn

• Let’s say reading and writing essays are your core weaknesses. Then you should spend at least an hour or two a day on them

5. Practice sample tests under exam conditions

• Practicing sample tests can be good for you, read about students who have cleared an IELTS exam, and try to opt for their strategies. This will help you uncover key areas during your sample tests quickly and address them swiftly

• This will help you practice and prepare for that portion of the test so that you won’t trip up and waste time on test day

• In fact, you can give yourself tighter timelines than usual to ensure you are maximizing your time. If a test duration is 60 minutes long, then try to complete it within 55 or even 50 minutes. Because if you can accomplish this time, you’ll be far more relaxed on the actual test!

6. Get professional help

• For clearing an IELTS exam you need some professional help to accelerate your learning. Most students go for this, and it has helped them to succeed

• At IDP we provide a wide variety of prep courses, webinars, and tools that you can use to help you score better

Prepare yourself for your IELTS test with IDP today

Do not let any temporary setbacks stop you from chasing your dream to study, work, and live abroad. Being well-prepared for your IELTS test is key to scoring high. Do check out our resources here, and once you are ready, book your IELTS test with us today!