The Ultimate Guide to IELTS Prep

The Ultimate Guide to IELTS Prep

Nov 06, 2021

You've chosen your dream college. You've submitted your portfolio. You've also submitted your college application essay. You've even aced your Zoom interview. You have everything it takes to start anew in a foreign country: knowledge, determination, charisma, a spotless transcript, a portfolio that would make anyone jealous; you've ticked all the boxes except the English language. What to do? What to do?

Tatata-taaaaa! (superhero music)

I can help you out! I'm going to outline a study plan based on IELTS Express courses which will guide you step-by-step from the overview of the exam to hand-picked activities that will help you maximise your score.

DISCLAIMER: This self-study guide will definitely not work wonders if your English level is below B1 or if you're planning to take the exam within a week but have no clue about what IELTS is. You must make a commitment to study English, and do it every day.

IELTS Express courses contain strategies and tactics that will tell you HOW to approach each question type.

But IELTS Express courses do not provide grammar and/or vocabulary books, lessons, or courses.

  1. Not sure what the IELTS exam is? Or where to start? Head over to the OVERVIEW and then you can test your knowledge with the INTRO QUIZ.

  2. Measure your English level, identify your strengths and weaknesses with the FREE IELTS PLACEMENT TEST. The test covers only 3 skills: Reading, Writing, and Listening (but tests the grammar and vocabulary sub-skills). The test uses authentic test questions and is marked using the official IELTS marking criteria.

  3. If you want an evaluation of your speaking skills, you can choose a speaking test from the Speaking Correction section.

  4. The Placement test will help you choose the right IELTS Express course and/or service. If the guidelines and instructions are followed conscientiously, your learning journey will lead to a higher score.

    • A comprehensive review of all question types presented on the IELTS

    • Strategies that will help you answer all question types found on the exam

    • Tips that will show you how to answer test questions quickly and efficiently

    • Audio for all listening exercises

    • Authentic videos for all parts in the Speaking test

    • Sample answers for both Writing (Academic and General Training) and Speaking tests.

  5. Finally, practise for the test using authentic answer sheets and other helpful resources.

    Tips:

    • Study efficiently. If you don't have much time, only study where you need extra help.

    • Use the strategies. These strategies will help you score well on IELTS.

    • Use the explanatory answers. These answers will explain why 3:n answer choice is wrong.

    • For many of the items, the answers will only be approximate. Your answer need not

      match the one provided as a sample.

    • Study a little every day. Don't fall behind. Keep at it.

And voila! Here's your master plan. If you're having a hard time being motivated or following a study plan, you could write and sign a study contract. A contract is a document that establishes procedures. You should not break a contract-especially a contract with yourself.

If you book your Strategy session with me, based on your placement test results and/or IELTS exam scores (if you've previously taken the exam) I can outline a learning strategy for you which will include the number of hours you need to put in for each skill, a tour guide of a full IELTS Express course, plus resources to improve all 4 skills.

The choice is always yours!

Your IELTS bestie,

Florina

Enjoy this post?

Buy Florina | IELTS teacher a coffee

More from Florina | IELTS teacher