IELTS Exam Day Tips: How to Approach Each Section
International English Language Testing System ( IELTS )
Talk to ExpertOn IELTS exam day, ensure you are well-prepared for success. Get a good night's sleep and eat a nutritious breakfast to maintain focus. Arrive early at the IELTS test center with your valid ID, and wear comfortable clothing. Remember to manage your time wisely during the test, read instructions carefully, and stay calm under pressure. Utilize these tips to enhance your performance and achieve your desired IELTS score.
Every exam has its own requirements, be it preparation strategy, mock test strategy, or the actual exam-day strategy. Studying for the exam is half the process; the other half is having strategies to answer questions. In order to perform well on any exam you must, understand the pattern of the IELTS exam, choose the correct books and resources, and practice IELTS mock test. Without mock tests, IELTS sample papers, and their analysis, you will not be able to develop any strategy for the real exam. You must appear for as many mock tests as possible and must analyze each one of them in order to develop your strategy.
On the day of the IELTS exam, it is important to be well-prepared and calm to achieve the best possible results. The IELTS test day tips includes all key details from essential documents to bring and what to expect at the test center, to strategies for managing time effectively during each section of the test. Even though, majority of your exam day strategy will depend on your own analysis, we are providing IELTS exam day tips that will help you score well.
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IELTS tips and tricks for Speaking
- The first and the most important tip that we can give you is that you must keep calm and must speak organically. What does it mean by IELTS speaking organically? It means that you are not speaking what you have memorized; instead, you are speaking what fits the context. This can only come through practice. The examiner must not feel that you have memorized the pre-prepared templates and you are just regurgitating them. Let your conversation with the examiner be natural and organic.
- Keep the length of your answers relevant. If you decide to keep on speaking until the examiner stops you, that will be wrong as the examiner may never stop you and you may start losing focus.
- Do not learn answers ‘by heart’ and practice them. This process will make you more nervous, and the chances are you will not asked the exact same question you prepared for.
- Listen to the question carefully and then answer it. If you need any clarification, ask before answering so that your answer is relevant.
- Talk in English before your exam. The simple reason behind this is to get your mind to start thinking in English. The best way to talk in English is to first start processing your thoughts in English.
- If you are using some words that the examiner might not know, make sure to clarify them. For instance, if you have to talk about chapatti, you can clarify it as flat bread.
- Do not use a fake accent. Rather than a made-up accent, you should focus on clarity and coherence. Fake accent and forceful use of “high-level words” will not impress the examiner.
IELTS tips and tricks for Reading
- Don’t divide total time by the number of questions. You get 60 minutes to answer 40 questions, so does that mean you have one and half minutes on each question? No. This process is wrong, as there are different strategies that you need to consider. The initial few questions will take longer because you still have to figure out how the text is organized. You can decide to give a bit more time to the more hard passage, and a bit less to the easier one.
- Normally, on the IELTS reading section, as the test progresses the question become tougher. Hence, you need to utilize your time wisely. Remember that time is the most important resource that you have, so you must allocate it judiciously.
- It is not necessary to read the question first, and then read the passage to figure out where the answer is. It might work for some people, and may not for others. You can read the text quickly to get an idea of the content. You save time this way as you know which part of the text has the answer. First, try both approaches and see which one works better for you as there is no right or wrong approach. You can get to know this only once you appear for mock tests.
IELTS tips and tricks for Writing
- It is important for you to take some time to brainstorm before you start IELTS writing. If you know what you want to say, you will write quicker and more precisely. First take two minutes to organize your thoughts and then start writing.
- While you are brainstorming, prepare a proper structure so that you answer the question rather than swaying away from the topic. Make sure that you stick to the topic.
- Your answer should have coherence. In addition to this, flow from idea to another must be seamless and should not be abrupt. Make sure to use the transition words correctly.
- Divide your time wisely between Task 1 and Task 2. Task 2 is longer and requires more time and analysis. This habit of judiciously allocating your time will only come through mock tests and practice.
- Save the last five minutes for reading your answer again. This is done to make sure there aren’t any repeated words. This is called repetition in language, and is a fatal error in any language exam. Make sure to double-check your answer.
IELTS tips and tricks for Listening
- The biggest mistake that a candidate can make on the IELTS listening section is that of losing focus and swayed away by thoughts. If this happens, you are at a risk of missing out on the audio. Moreover, you must remember that the audio is played only once. So it is advised that you stay focused.
- Focus on the whole question, rather than looking for keywords in it. Two questions can contain one keyword but can be completely different. Keywords only tell you the context of the question, not the answer.
- Don’t write down everything as you are listening. If you are busy writing, then you are not listening.
- Similar to the reading section, look at the complete question and listen closely. You will be required to read, write and think at the same time but most of your time needs to be spent listening.
Documents Required on IELTS Exam Day
When preparing for the IELTS exam, it’s crucial to ensure you have all the necessary documents and items ready for test day. Here’s a comprehensive list of what you need to bring:
| Required Document/Item |
Description |
|---|---|
| Identification Document |
Bring the original ID that you used to register for the exam. This can be your passport or national ID card. Ensure it is valid and matches the ID used during registration. |
| Exam Confirmation |
Print a copy of your IELTS exam confirmation or have it accessible on your mobile device. This document may include important details about your test schedule and location. |
| Writing Instruments |
If you are taking the IELTS on paper, bring your own pens, pencils, and an eraser. For computer-based tests, the exam center will provide necessary materials. |
| Watch |
Since electronic devices are not allowed in the exam hall, a wristwatch can help you keep track of time during the test. |
| Transparent Water Bottle |
You may bring a transparent bottle of water (without a label) to stay hydrated, but no food is allowed inside the test room. |
| Money and Keys |
It’s advisable to carry some cash for any unexpected expenses, as well as your keys, though these should be stored securely outside the test room. |
Additional Reads:
Q: What is IELTS exam all about?
Conducted by IDP, the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is one of the world’s most popular English language proficiency tests for candidates looking to pursue higher education abroad and global migration. The IELTS exam is available in two formats. The IELTS Academic and the IELTS General.
The IELTS Academic test is designed for candidates looking to pursue higher education across universities and colleges abroad. The IELTS General Test is for candidates who are looking to migrate to an English-speaking country such as Australia, Canada, New Zealand or the UK among others.
The IELTS exam evaluates the English speaking, writing, listening and reading skills of the candidate. Your total IELTS score will be a combination of the band scores from the four sections. You will receive IELTS scores based on each of the four skills on a band of 1 – 9, and you will also be awarded an overall band score. You can score whole (example 5.0, 6.0, 7.0) or half (example 5.5, 6.5, 7.5) bands in each part of the test.
Q: How can I practice for the IELTS exam?
After learning the complete format familiarize yourself with all the topics that you need to cover while preparing for the test. You can get online practice tests and make sure to do it while following the time. Prepare for the Listening test by listening to the audio recordings. Similarly, prepare for the Reading and Writing sections accordingly. Make sure you do as much practice as possible in order to get a decent IELTS score.
Q: What is the IELTS exam passing score?
There is no pass or fail in the IELTS exam. Students taking the IELTS exam are graded on their performance in the IELTS test using Bands from 1 – 9 for each skill of the test: Listening, Reading, Speaking and Writing. Candidates would also receive an overall band score which would be the average of all the individual scores received by the candidate and rounded to the nearest half band. The IELTS exam does not have a passing score. Universities abroad would have an IELTS minimum score requirement which is often referred to as the IELTS cut-off. This is the minimum score that candidates need to achieve to apply to the university. Candidates should note that getting the minimum IELTS score does not guarantee admission to the university. Candidates are required to score higher than the expected IELTS cut-off.
Q: What is a good IELTS score?
A good IELTS score can vary depending on your specific goals, such as study abroad requirements, visa applications, or employment opportunities. Different institutions and organizations may have different score requirements, so it is essential to research and understand the specific score expectations for your intended purpose. In general, a score of 6.5 or higher is considered a good IELTS score. However, this may differ based on the individual's needs and the requirements of the institution or organisation they are applying to.
Some universities and programs may have higher score requirements, especially for competitive programs or fields of study. It is crucial to review the score requirements of the institutions or organizations you are interested in and aim to achieve a score that meets their criteria. Additionally, consider your own personal goals and requirements when determining what constitutes a good IELTS score for you. Get more details at What is a good IELTS score?
Q: Which month is the best for taking the IELTS exam?
The choice of the best month for taking the IELTS exam can vary depending on individual circumstances and preferences. It's important to consider factors such as your level of preparedness, availability of study time, and the application deadlines of the institutions or organizations you are planning to apply to. Some students may prefer to take the exam during months with fewer personal commitments or distractions, while others may choose months that align with their study schedules or coincide with the application cycles of their desired programs or universities.
It's advisable to plan ahead and consider factors such as the time needed for preparation, availability of test dates, and personal circumstances. Additionally, it can be helpful to check the availability of test slots and the registration process on the official websites of IDP IELTS India. Ultimately, the best month for you to take the IELTS exam will depend on your specific situation and preferences.
Q: How is the IELTS Listening test marked?
The IELTS Listening test consists of 40 questions, and you get one mark for each correct answer. Your total number of correct answers determines your "raw score, " which is then converted into a band score. It is important to try to answer every question, even if you are not sure of the answer. A blank answer will get you zero marks. The table below shows the average number of marks required to achieve a particular band score in the Listening test:
| Number of correct answers (Raw Score) | IELTS Listening Band Score |
| 39-40 | 9.0 |
| 37-38 | 8.5 |
| 35-36 | 8.0 |
| 32-34 | 7.5 |
| 30-31 | 7.0 |
| 26-29 | 6.5 |
| 23-25 | 6.0 |
Q: Why indian students choose to study at Hult International Business School - UK?
Indian students choose to study at Hult International Business School in the UK for several reasons, including its highly ranked programs, global outlook, and career support. Hult offers a range of full-time master’s degrees, immersive bachelor's programs, and MBA options that prepare students to excel in the global job market. The school is the largest and top-ranked global business school, providing students with an incomparable universal outlook. Additionally, Hult's focus on experiential learning, extensive career support, and the opportunity to study at multiple campuses around the world are attractive to Indian students seeking a global business education. Furthermore, the school's emphasis on innovation and meeting the needs of students and employers may also contribute to its appeal to Indian students
Q: How to prepare for UK 10th board exam 2025?
Those who are preparing for the UK Class 10 exam 2025 are recommended to follow the tips below.
- Know the exam pattern
- Make a proper time table as per the syllabus
- Solve previous year question papers
- Make short notes of important formulas and theorems
- Revise regularly
- Figure out weaker areas and learn them well
With proper planning and hard work, students can easily clear the UK 10th board exam.
Raushan Kumar is a skilled writer and a Study Abroad Expert in the Editorial Team at Shiksha. He oversees various aspects of studying abroad, including educational opportunities, entrance exams, colleges, latest new... Read Full Bio
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