Ever wondered what it takes to study abroad?Let me share my journey. Just like you, I had the aspirations to pursue my higher education overseas. I had everything sorted and even received my conditional acceptance letter but the bigger task of taking the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) test was still waiting. The only limitation was that I almost had no time to prepare.
So, what did I do to ace the IELTS when I was running short of time?
Here’s my tried and tested IELTS last-minute tips!
Below are some of the IELTS exam last minute tips. These tips will guide you both before and during the test:`
Check the date and time of the test:
It is imperative to double-check the date and time of the test. On the day of the exam, be prepared to reach the venue before time and keep some extra time in your hand as you might not be allowed to take the test if you arrive late.
Carry ID proof:
Identification proof is a must-have. You need to carry identification proof such as the same passport or national identity card that you had used while registering for the examination.
Arrive early:
You should make sure that you know the location and the time required to travel from your home to the test center. Don’t be late on the examination day or else you will not be allowed inside. Try to reach the center at least one hour before the examination time.
Stay hydrated:
Water is available at the test center. You are not allowed to carry dark bottles, but transparent ones work. It is important to stay hydrated during long hours of examination.
Sleep and eat well:
It takes roughly 2 hours 40 minutes to attempt all four sections: writing, speaking, reading, and listening. There will not be any breaks between the different test sections. Make sure that you eat and rest well before the examination so that you can attempt the questions without falling sick or sleepy.
Wear comfortable clothes:
Try to keep your clothing simple and comfortable. Wear something that is presentable and makes you feel confident.
Don’t carry mobile phones:
Phones or electronic gadgets are not allowed inside the examination hall. Under no circumstances, mobile phones will be allowed. Applicants need to leave their mobile phones, laptops, or any other electronic gadget out. You need to leave all your personal belongings outside the examination hall in a locker.
Don’t worry about pen, pencil, and eraser:
Do not carry any paper inside the examination hall. You will also be offered a pen, pencil, and eraser in the examination center. While attempting the speaking test, one just needs to carry the ID proof and nothing else. No pencil box or pouch is allowed in the examination hall.
Do not carry a personal watch:
There will be a clock in the examination hall as personal watches are not allowed inside.
Use the washroom before the test starts:
Even though the applicants are allowed to use the washrooms during the reading and writing sections, it is better to save time and use the washroom before the test starts.
Stay focused:
Make sure you attempt the examination after carefully understanding the format and syllabus. Stay focused and calm throughout the examination.
Tips to Follow During IELTS Examination: Section-Wise Tips
Writing Section Tips
The writing section will have two tasks. Do not spend more than 20 minutes on task 1. For task 2, you will need a minimum of 40 minutes.
Wrap up task 1 in about 150 words and task 2 in 250 words. Do not waste time by writing more than required.
Task 1 requires you to analyze the data given to you in the form of graphs, charts, or tables and summarize it in your own words.
Task 2 of the writing section of IELTS requires you to write an essay against an argument/point of view/issue.
Do not waste time by counting words. Keep track of the number of sentences. Find out the approximate number of words in a sentence and count the sentences to have an idea about the word count.
Spend a decent amount of time writing an impactful introduction and conclusion. Conclusions are extremely important, so don’t miss them under any circumstance.
Writing should be clear, coherent, inherit an academic tone, and of high quality.
Vocabulary and grammar need to be top-notch. Make sure the writing structure, style, and tone are in sync with the question.
Use small and crisp sentences in the writing tasks. Organize the write-up in small paragraphs to increase readability.
Reading Section Tips
Practice the habit of reading before the test so that you can read quickly during the test.
Read each question properly before you answer them or mark possible answers while reading them.
Ensure that you use the correct spelling as mentioned in the passage.
Don’t get stuck on one question. Move to another one without wasting time.
Time management is important when attempting the reading section.
Don’t use any rough sheet for writing answers. Directly write it down on your answer sheet without wasting time.
Applicants will not have time to read and understand the whole write-up. Skim through the entire paragraph and scan the relevant information and details.
Tips to Follow During IELTS Examination: Section-Wise Tips
Writing Section Tips
The writing section will have two tasks. Do not spend more than 20 minutes on task 1. For task 2, you will need a minimum of 40 minutes.
Wrap up task 1 in about 150 words and task 2 in 250 words. Do not waste time by writing more than required.
Task 1 requires you to analyze the data given to you in the form of graphs, charts, or tables and summarize it in your own words.
Task 2 of the writing section of IELTS requires you to write an essay against an argument/point of view/issue.
Do not waste time by counting words. Keep track of the number of sentences. Find out the approximate number of words in a sentence and count the sentences to have an idea about the word count.
Spend a decent amount of time writing an impactful introduction and conclusion. Conclusions are extremely important, so don’t miss on them under any circumstance.
Writing should be clear, coherent, inherit an academic tone, and of high quality.
Vocabulary and grammar need to be top-notch. Make sure the writing structure, style, and tone are in sync with the question.
Use small and crisp sentences in the writing tasks. Organize the write-up in small paragraphs to increase readability.
Reading Section Tips
Practice the habit of reading before the test so that you can read quickly during the test.
Read each question properly before you answer them or mark possible answers while reading them.
Ensure that you use the correct spelling as mentioned in the passage.
Don’t get stuck on one question. Move to another one without wasting time.
Time management is important when attempting the reading section.
Don’t use any rough sheet for writing answers. Directly write it down on your answer sheet without wasting time.
Applicants will not have time to read and understand the whole write-up. Skim through the entire paragraph and scan the relevant information and details.
If there is just a week left for your IELTS exam and you have a lot to prepare, don’t panic. You can still score a band 6 or 7 if you use your time wisely and efficiently. Here are some last-minute preparations for IELTS that you need to follow if you have just a week in hand.
Day 1 - Familiarize yourself with the structure
Before appearing for IELTS, it is imperative to get yourself acquainted with all about the examination. Since there is a time crunch, you need to superficially get oriented with the exam format and its sections.
While it will fetch you a clear picture of IELTS, it will also give you an idea of all the things you need to study in the next six days. Here are a few things you need to understand to get an overview of IELTS.
IELTS Exam Format
Overview of the Reading section
Overview of the Listening section
Overview of the Speaking section
Overview of the Writing section
IELTS scoring system
Day 2 - Last-minute tips for IELTS Reading
While preparing for the reading section of IELTS, you will come across a lot of reading passages and you will be asked questions based on that. If you read every word of a passage, you won’t be able to complete the test within time.
The trick is not to take too much time and significantly utilize key reading strategies. That’s when the art of skimming and scanning comes into play.
If you gather this art while practicing your reading tests, make sure to use this method as it would help you to boost your score by saving some time for other questions.
Day 3 - Last minute tips for IELTS Listening
For the Listening section of IELTS, it is of paramount importance to orient yourself to English audio. You will easily be able to access English radio programs, news programs, or podcasts from BBC and that would prepare you with the accents and tone. Learning the accent and tone would help you to grasp the lines that are played during the test and quickly identify them.
Most importantly, you won’t feel lost. You can also take specific Listening sample tests for practice and try to keep up with the recording. Even if you miss one question, don’t get stuck on it, rather move on or you’ll lose the other questions as well.
Day 4- Last-minute Tips for IELTS Writing
The Writing Section of IELTS includes two sections – a description of a diagram/chart and writing an essay in response to a point of view or problem presented to you. In order to ace this section, the best last-minute tip for IELTS writing is to take on as many practice papers as you can.
Try to simulate the actual test conditions as much as you can while writing. You can also choose a quiet spot while taking the test so that you can concentrate, keep aside 1 hour 15 minutes to 2 hours and work on the writing tasks uninterrupted, write your responses instead of typing them to increase your speed, and set strict deadlines for the writing questions.
Evaluate yourself once you are done writing the two tasks and ask yourself if you are able to complete the tasks in the set time or if you fell short of or exceeded the minimum word count.
Day 5- Last-minute tips for IELTS Speaking
Just like the writing section, simulating the IELTS speaking condition will improve your performance on the day of the test. You can also get someone who is fluent in English to listen to you when you will be speaking.
This would prepare you for the day of the examination when you will have to speak in front of the examiner. Here are a few steps you can follow to make the preparation as realistic as possible:
Pick up a topic of relevance
Set a timer and do not take more than one minute to think about the response
Set another timer and start speaking for one to two minutes
Record your speech for self-evaluation
Day 6 - Taking mock test
Having spent one day each on every section, it is now time to test yourself with a full-length mock test. Take an IELTS mock test for free and evaluate how you fare in it. This would be a great chance for you to assess your weaknesses and strengths and improve accordingly. Set aside around 3 hours of uninterrupted time while taking a mock test and be strict about it. The IELTS time duration for each of the sections is as follows:
60 minutes for Writing Section
60 minutes for Reading Section
30 minutes for Listening Section
14 minutes for Speaking Section
After having finished the mock test, don’t evaluate it right away.
Day 7 - And you are done
Do not keep the last day cramming in anything new. Take out your mock test from the last day and evaluate it. Analyze ways to fix your mistakes and see where you went wrong. That’s about it for the day.
Things to Avoid During IELTS Exam
As the IELTS test day gets closer, you may struggle to understand what things to do and what to avoid. As we have already understood about the doable, listed below are a few recommendations that you should avoid on the day of the test.
1. Don’t be in a hurry to answer the questions
It is better for you to take a second or two to think about what you want to say before speaking. This would help you quickly organizing your thoughts and giving a more thorough answer. If you rush to answer, you may come up with an answer that is disorganized and hard to follow.
However, don’t taketoo much time to prepare an answer that you think is just right. For Part 2 of the speaking test, it is better to prepare a few notes on the paper you're given. For the listening test, before the recording starts, quickly read the questions and focus on listening for answers to those questions.
2. If you don’t understand a question, don’t answer it
During the IELTS examination, there might be a few questions you do not understand. If that happens during the IELTS Speaking test, you can ask the examiner to repeat the question or explain it to you.
Though it is fine to ask for some explanation or clarification, you should avoid asking it over and over again during the exam.
3. Do not refrain from correcting yourself
Don’t be afraid to correct yourself in the IELTS Speaking test if you realize that you made a mistake. This would make the examiner understand that you know you made an error and that you're able to correct it.
4. Try not to memorize answers
It is not at all recommended to memorize answers because having a scripted answer prepared ahead of time is not helpful as the examiner will be able to tell that your answer is scripted, and this will affect your score.
5. Avoid the use of complicated words
Some candidates think that using “big” words during the writing and reading test is a good strategy. It is important that the words should be used properly and sound natural.
You may use some words incorrectly if you don’t completely understand them and this could have an effect on your speaking and writing scores.
6. If you are unsure about the grammar, don’t use it
Do not use grammar that you’re not completely comfortable with. Make sure that you use different elements of grammar properly such as verb tenses, transitions, connectors, etc. It is better to be safe than sorry so don’t use anything you're unsure about.
7. Don’t keep quiet
Make sure you speak during the speaking test and write during the writing test. Your examiner expects you to talk and write in order to evaluate your language skills.
Being silent during the speaking test or leaving blank spaces instead of writing will leave a negative impression on the examiner. This is also applicable for the reading and listening tests and answers left blank will be marked as incorrect.
8. Don’t forget to get to the main point
When answering questions for your writing and speaking exam, do not forget to get to the main point. It is better to avoid repeating or rephrasing the question. Don’t talk around the question or add unnecessary details, and then get to the point. This is a waste of valuable time and could affect your score.
9. Don’t be nervous
While appearing for your IELTS test, it is important to not let your nerves get the better of you.
Though it is natural to feel nervous, to keep your nerves under control during the test day, try some breathing exercises, give yourself some quiet time, eat well before your test, and have a good night’s sleep.
The IELTS last minute tips for the exam day are an important resource to ensure you do not face exam nervousness. These tips will help you become ready to take the exam confidently and not miss out on minute details. Recommended Reads for IELTS:
Here, we have listed some things you should avoid in the IELTS speaking, listening, writing, and reading sections.
Speaking
The IELTS speaking section is a quick test, so familiarizing yourself with the test format and last minute tips for IELTS speaking can help you ace the test. Let’s explore the best IELTS speaking last minute tips:
Speaking too softly or too loudly: Speak at a moderate pace and volume so the examiner can hear you clearly.
Not using a variety of vocabulary and grammar: Show off your range of English skills by using more complex vocabulary and sentence structures.
Speaking Timidly: Project your voice and speak with confidence. The examiner needs to understand you clearly.
Giving Short Answers: Elaborate on your answers and provide details to showcase your vocabulary and speaking skills. Avoid one-word responses.
Going Off Topic: It's easy to get sidetracked, but stay focused on the question and avoid introducing irrelevant information.
Repetitive Language: Using the same words or phrases constantly shows limited vocabulary. Use synonyms and express yourself in a varied way.
Parroting the Question: Don't simply repeat the question back to the examiner. Rephrase it and provide your own thoughts and insights.
Poor Pronunciation: While an accent is natural, strive for clear pronunciation so the examiner can understand you.
Memorizing answers: Don't try to memorize scripted responses. Speak naturally and authentically.
Listening
Here are some of the best IELTS last minute tips for the listening test you can follow during the test:
Not Paying Attention from the Start: The recording is only played once, so focus from the beginning to catch important details.
Getting Stuck on One Question: If you miss something, don't dwell on it. Move on to the next question and come back if time permits.
Not Taking Notes: Jot down key points while listening to aid your recall during the question section.
Misunderstanding Pauses: Pauses in the recording might not indicate a change in topic. Stay focused on the overall flow of information.
Misinterpreting Synonyms: The recording may use synonyms for previously mentioned words. Be prepared to understand different phrasings of the same idea.
Writing
Coming to the IELTS writing section, there are 2 tasks: task 1 and task 2. Writing tips for IELTS can help you understand the test format better and help you avoid common mistakes. Check out the most helpful tips and tricks for IELTS writing:
Not Answering the Question: Make sure your writing directly addresses the prompt and all its aspects. Don't go off-topic.
Not following the task instructions: Write exactly what the question asks for, focusing on the task type (descriptive essay, argumentative essay, etc.) and word limit.
Informal Language: Use formal language throughout, especially in the Academic Writing Task. Avoid slang, contractions, and casual expressions.
Poor Grammar and Mechanics: Proofread your writing carefully to minimize grammatical errors, typos, and punctuation mistakes.
Limited Vocabulary: Use a variety of words to showcase your vocabulary range. Avoid repetition and simple sentence structures.
Lack of Organization: Structure your essay logically with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.
Not Using Cohesive Devices: Use transition words and phrases to connect your ideas and create a smooth flow in your writing.
Reading
Here are a few last minute tips for IELTS reading you can follow while taking the test:
Reading Too Slowly: Practice reading comprehension passages beforehand to improve your reading speed without sacrificing accuracy.
Not Skimming and Scanning: Skim for main ideas and scan for specific details as instructed in the questions.
Getting Stuck on Unknown Words: Don't get bogged down by unfamiliar words. Try to understand their meaning from the context or skip over them if they are not crucial.
Misinterpreting Similar Words: Pay close attention to synonyms and paraphrases used in the passage to avoid misinterpreting the meaning.
Rereading the Passage Multiple Times: While some rereading might be necessary, don't get stuck in a loop. Manage your time effectively.
Not Highlighting Key Points: Underline or highlight important information in the passage to aid you in answering the questions.
Not Transferring Answers to the Answer Sheet: Make sure to mark your answers on the answer sheet correctly before time runs out.
The IELTS exam tests your English language proficiency for academic or professional purposes. With focused preparation, a strong understanding of the format, and avoiding common mistakes, you can increase your chances of achieving a desired score.
Remember, even with limited time, focused efforts and utilization of available resources can make a substantial difference in your IELTS last minute preparation journey.
It is not possible to crack the IELTS exam by studying for only one day. However, if you have already done some preparations beforehand and want to do some revisions, you can take a sample test and ask someone else to assess your skills so as to get unbiased feedback.
What should I do one day before IELTS?
The day before the exam, you should focus on ensuring that you check the date and time of the examination venue, know about the transport route and read the terms and conditions carefully. Besides, if you feel like it, you can take a sample test to get a last-minute revision before the test.
How can I prepare for the IELTS at the last minute?
The last-minute preparation for IELTS requires you to relax and not think much about the examination and take a deep breath before entering the exam hall. To improve your speaking skills, you can talk to people of different nationalities in English before the exam.
How can I get 7 bands in IELTS?
To achieve a Band 7, you will need a strong understanding of English grammar and vocabulary along with the ability to communicate effectively in all four test areas. Here are some tips:
Take practice tests
Focus on your weaknesses
Develop a study plan
Immerse yourself in English
Consider enrolling in a preparation course
What should I carry on the day of the IELTS exam?
Here are things you should carry on the day of the IELTS exam:
Valid identification (A passport or government-issued ID is mandatory)
A copy of the test confirmation email
Pencils, pens, and erasers
Watch (a digital watch might not be allowed)
What is the poor score for IELTS?
There's no official “poor” score. The minimum acceptable IELTS score depends on the specific requirements of the university or immigration program you are applying for. However, a Band 7 is generally considered a good score.
What is the most difficult part of the IELTS exam?
As per the several surveys on IELTS modules, students report that the writing section is the most difficult amongst the four. However, a realistic plan and consistent practice can help you gain a good score in the IELTS writing section.
Urvi has 3 years of experience as a content writer and marketer. Over years, she has established herself as a study-abroad expert and is adept at crafting compelling and engaging content for students. Self-driven and passionate professional, she likes writing poetry and has authored a poetry book ‘Thoughts of a Wallflower’.
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