3 simple checks to ensure you’re ready for the IELTS test

Many students take the IELTS test before they’re ready just to “see how they go”. But this often leads to an IELTS band score lower than desired which makes students feel disappointed, stressed and sometimes even demotivated. This can also be quite costly as each test costs over 200 eu.

Therefore, it is better to take the necessary time to prepare enough and apply for the test when you know you will achieve the band score you need. So now you may ask, “how do I know if I’m ready to take the IELTS test?

Well, there are 3 important things to do to make sure that you’re ready to take the IELTS test.

1. Take several trial tests.

Make sure you’ve practised by taking enough IELTS past-papers. Mark your reading and listening practice tests according to the mark conversion table. This will give you a good idea of what score to expect in the real IELTS tests.

2. Time yourself

Be sure you can complete the 40 questions in the Reading test and transfer your answers to the answer sheet within the 60 minutes. Practise completing Writing Task 1 in 15 minutes and Writing Task 2 in 35 minutes. Be sure to leave 5 minutes for each task to check your work for errors in grammar, vocabulary and that you have answered the question appropriately. 

3. Get feedback from an IELTS professional

It might be hard to mark yourself on your Writing and Speaking performance. It usually requires a third-person, a professional or a native speaker, to detect your mistakes and give you feedback.  An IELTS professional will advise you when you’re ready to apply for the test and get your desired score. On IELTS Elephant, you can take online IELTS lessons or get feedback on your IELTS Writing skills from an IELTS examiner. You will also receive a predicted band score based on the Official band descriptors.

Conclusion

The IELTS test can be more challenging than expected and requires good preparation. It is also quite costly, so make sure you can achieve your desired score before you apply. Our advice is to not apply for the IELTS test until you are ready. 

If you want to know more about the IELTS exam, and to check whether you are ready to take the test, feel free to contact us. Finally, make sure you have mastered all the strategies taught in this complete preparation course before you attempt to take the IELTS test.

Good luck with your IELTS journey!

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