Feeling nervous about your IELTS test? Being well prepared is the only way to overcome the stress and anxiety and gives you the best chance of getting a good band score.

To help you get test-ready, we have some handy tools and advice that will help you prepare for IELTS.

Plan your studies

IELTS Ready Premium is a great way to help you get started on your IELTS journey. Our most comprehensive IELTS preparation course comes with a personalised study plan to help you manage your time effectively and focus on the areas where you need more practice.

The IELTS test consists of Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking Sections, whether you take IELTS on Computer or IELTS on Paper. Use the study plan to learn at your own pace and ensure you get the band score you need in every section of the test.  

If your writing ability is weaker than your other English language skills, for example, spend more time focusing on that. Another way to make sure you are ready is to practise a different skill every day leading up to your test date.

As you improve your English skills in each section, remember to try and re-try the practice tests available with IELTS Ready Premium to see if you find the sections less challenging to complete.

Listen, watch, learn

A fun way to improve your Speaking and Listening skills is to listen to music and watch movies and TV in English. This will help you train yourself to understand and speak the language as it is used in the real world.

Listening to music is a great way to memorise words. The combination of rhyme, rhythm, and melody will help your brain to focus on what is being said and to remember the words.

Entertaining movies and TV shows help us predict what will be said by providing visual cues. An actor’s body language and their tone of voice help us understand what’s going on in relation to what is said, so watch as much as you can.

Booking your IELTS test

When you take IELTS on Computer, you will save time on test day because there will be no need to transfer your answers to an answer sheet. You will also get your test results in 1 – 5 calendar days, so you will know within less than a week if you achieved your required band score.

If you need to increase your band score in one or more sections of the IELTS test, taking IELTS on Computer gives you access to One Skill Retake. No need to retake the whole IELTS test if only one area needs improvement!

Test day tips

To avoid stress on the day of your IELTS test, follow some simple tips from recent test candidates to learn how they handled themselves.

Good advice includes getting enough sleep the night before, eating a nutritious breakfast in the morning, arriving on time and asking questions if you are unsure about anything while you take the IELTS test. If you take IELTS on Computer, ask the facilitator how to make notes and use the highlighter function if you need the help.

As long as you’ve prepared, you can take the IELTS test with confidence and achieve your goals! Find an IELTS test date that suits your schedule here