IELTS

Both are the standardised tests required to test English proficiency of a candidate for applying abroad. IELTS is used for educational, immigration and occupational purposes, and is accepted by over 9,000 institutions across 130 countries worldwide majorly in UK, New Zealand and Australia. TOEFL also has worldwide acceptance now. TOEFL exam, questions are almost multiple choice, whereas, IELTS requires you to respond to a range of different question types such as short answer, gap-filling and short essay tasks. The IELTS is significantly shorter than the TOEFL exam, taking approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes versus four hours to complete the test. You may visit the respective websites to take the mock tests and understand the difference and which exam you want to take. The "better" test depends on individual specific needs and goals. 

Skimming and scanning are two essential reading techniques that can significantly improve reading efficiency, especially in timed situations like the IELTS exam. Here's how each technique helps:SkimmingPurpose: Skimming is used to get a general idea of the content and structure of a text without reading every word.How It Works: When you skim, you basically read the introduction, headings, subheadings, and the first and last sentences of each paragraph. This allows you to understand and grasp the main themes and ideas.Benefits:Time-Saving: By quickly identifying key points, you save time while still understanding the overall context.Focus on Relevance: Skimming helps you decide which parts of the text are worth a closer read based on the questions you need to answer.ScanningPurpose: Scanning is used to find specific information or details within a text.How It Works: When you scan, you look for keywords, phrases, or numbers related to the information you need. You move your eyes over the text quickly to locate this data.Benefits:Efficiency in Finding Data: Scanning allows you to locate answers to questions without having to read through entire sections, which is especially useful for quickly answering specific queries.Highlighting Key Information: It helps identify important details like dates, names, statistics, or definitions, allowing for a more targeted reading approach.Impact of Skimming and Scanning on Reading EfficiencyBy incorporating skimming and scanning into your reading practices, you can significantly enhance your ability to process large volumes of text quickly and effectively. This is crucial in exam environments where time is limited. Mastering these skills will allow you to tackle reading passages more confidently and increase your chances of answering questions accurately within the allotted time.Skimming and scanning are essential reading techniques that can significantly improve reading efficiency, especially in timed tests like the IELTS. Here's how each technique contributes:SkimmingDefinition: Skimming involves rapidly moving your eyes over the text to get a general idea of its content without reading every word.Benefits:Quick Overview: It helps you grasp the main ideas, themes, and structure of the passage, allowing you to better understand the context before you dive deeper into specific details.Time-Saving: This technique allows you to read through passages quickly, enabling you to allocate time more efficiently across all questions.Identifying Keywords: While skimming, you can notice keywords, phrases, or sections that seem relevant to the questions, which can guide your focused reading later on.ScanningDefinition: Scanning is a technique used to locate specific information or details within the text quickly.Benefits:Finding Information: This method enables you to quickly locate dates, names, statistics, or answers to particular questions without reading everything.Efficient Focus: By knowing what information you need, you can target your search within the text, reducing the time spent reading irrelevant parts.Avoiding Information Overload: Scanning helps you filter out unnecessary information, allowing you to concentrate only on what is pertinent to the questions.Combined UseUsing skimming and scanning together enhances your overall reading efficiency. Start with skimming to understand the passage's general idea and structure, then use scanning to find specific answers or details. This two-step approach allows you to maximize your comprehension while minimizing the time spent on reading, which is crucial during exams like the IELTS. By practicing these techniques, you can improve your ability to handle complex texts more efficiently.

Preparing for the IELTS exam at home might be sounding tedious but it is simple and effective if it is to be done in right ways. Below are the step-by-step guide to help you get ready for IELTS test day:The IELTS has four parts: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Understanding how each part works will help you prepare better.Figure out what your strengths and weaknesses are in English. This way, you can focus on what you need to improve.Decide on a target score and create a study schedule. Make sure to spend time on each section of the test.Use good study materials to boost your IELTS preparation at home. One should practice English daily at their home with their friends, family, or relatives.Regularly do full-length IELTS practice tests to get used to the exam format and timing at homeJoin study groups or forums to share tips and get feedback from others.