Of course, the IELTS isn’t the kind of English examination you might have had to deal with in University or secondary/high school, which is even why many test takers go over and beyond with the most unassuming approaches. In their minds, “it has got to be difficult.” “What with the lengthy passages, or the one-on-one interviews with unfamiliar English native speakers, or the 1-hour writing?”
This is overthinking at its best, and it lures students away from the possibility that the exam could actually be way easier than it appears to be.
Now come with me as I help you ease your mindset into preparations for the IELTS…
Do Not Assume it is Too Difficult or Strange
Success in every endeavor begins with the mind. The minute you allow stories of people who have written IELTS more than once and failed to gain footage in your mind, your attitude to learning gets infected. And with an unoptimistic attitude to learning comes bad results.
You must know that you're tested for the usual English Language skills, such that you are already familiar with from primary, secondary, to university. As long as English is your second language—not your mother tongue, but the language you often read in, transact business with, and listen to in movies, you are already good to go.
Do Not Overestimate the Essence of Multiple Instructors
There is understandably the tendency to go to anyone and anywhere for guidance, which isn’t such a bad idea. But…
While it may be beneficial to resort to numerous concepts and strategies, do not assume that using multiple instructors could be of help to YOU: Every instructor brings to the table skills and strategies that work for him or her. And they have developed this with practice. Jumping from one tip to the other, especially when you have limited time to prepare, can have the unintended result.
Instead, I would recommend you try out a few instructors you can find on YouTube at first. Apply the reading/listening strategy you learn from all of them, and stick to only one that works with you. Use this particular pattern with practice consistently throughout your preparation.
For the record…
In your search for instructors, look out for track records. This is the part where you ask questions and read or watch reviews to be sure the Instructor you're consulting has a good record of success... And what I mean is... go for that trainer with an average number of students scoring above 6.5.
Even though a band 6 on all sections is a good result that is acceptable in a lot of institutions— it is more often than not the benchmark— it is a score that a second language speaker fresh out of school can even attain without training.
Do Not Assume That Taking a Break after Preparation Would Be Beneficial
Of course, it is important to take frequent breaks in between practice to lounge, and watch movies; generally, allow your brain to regenerate cells to help you assimilate better, but do not allow too much lax time after your training before taking the exam.
Yes, you might have learned all the required techniques and tips for all question areas, but you cannot guarantee that your accuracy will stay constant after a 2-week break. From experience, the vigor and intellectual skills you have developed during your training are bound to dwindle during that lax time.
MY SUGGESTION ABOUT THE TRAINING DURATION
A one-month training is adequate for a second language user. And for a first language speaker, you could do well with less preparatory time. For someone who has stayed off reading and writing for a considerable length of time after school, 6 to 8 weeks could suffice. However, you would need a professional Instructor to assess you at first and determine your skill level before commencing training.
I wish you the best on this journey!
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