Hola! I am grateful to have a chance to write an article after busy days. I’ve decided to explain how I am preparing for the IELTS test. To begin with, I should note that I am not an expert to learn English and I don’t know the outcomes of this progress. I am going to take the IELTS test on the 11th of September. So, let’s see how these strategies will last.
- Test format and strategies
Obviously, you should apprehend the structure of the test. I watched several videos on Youtube and read posts in the group “Modern Mongolians” on Facebook. Learning tips from people who got a high score is constructive to begin a journey. I recommend that comprehend some strategies for each section and try to use them. Honestly, it is not easy to get a high score in a short time, unless your English proficiency is sufficient. So, be realistic and start preparing months before your test.
2. Reading
In the beginning, it was really hard to read long and difficult texts and find answers to the questions. There were many unknown words and I used to struggle to understand the passages. At that moment, I have frustrated a little because I used to get only band 5. But, to be honest, it is relatively easy to improve reading skills. I’ve been memorizing new words on “hippocards” for 6 months. Also, the app “Quizlet” is really helpful. I’ve deduced that memorizing many words in a short time is useless. I tend to forget them quickly. Instead of that, I memorize about 10 new words in a day and a few days later, I review those words. The ability to use vocabulary is crucial, otherwise, you will be a walking dictionary. When I do IELTS reading, I don’t skim the passage. It is easier for me to read the questions first, then find the answers. Currently, I do mock tests on ieltsonlinetests.com. It is more convenient to prepare for reading than printing a book.
3. Listening
It is the most comfortable section of IELTS. ieltsonlinetests.com is the best way to prepare for the listening section. My advice is to practice one listening test every day. I also watch films without subtitles. Watching TV shows rather than movies is much easier to understand because the plot is slower. Try to be multi-tasking. When you are cooking, cleaning, or walking, listen to podcasts, tedx talks, and news about your favorite topics. Moreover, accustom your ears to different accents.
4. Writing
Most people avoid writing an essay. It seemed to me that writing is the most difficult section, but the truth is, people can get a high score with a lot of practice. Firstly, you should watch videos and read blogs about writing tasks 1 and 2. Also, read a variety of sample essays and try to memorize some vocabularies, connectors, and linking words from them. It was hard to come up with ideas and write in time at the outset. Grammatical range and vocabulary are apparently imperative. “Grammarly” helps to correct some grammatical mistakes. But conferring with a teacher and receiving some advice is necessary.
5. Speaking
It is the hardest part for me. Spoken English is not the same as writing. I struggle to talk fluently and think of what to say quickly. I haven’t practiced a lot, so I can’t give adequate advice. I thought that I can prepare by myself, but getting out of my comfort zone is difficult. I will take a class to improve my general speaking skill. You can watch IELTS interviews on Youtube. I suggest a channel called “English speaking success”. The teacher is really good at interpreting.
Finally, these are what I am doing now and I hope this progress will culminate in success. I am doing as much as I can every day but at the same time, I am feeling a bit discouraged. Cultivating my overall English skill is way more essential than preparing only for the test. I will read this article 2 months later, after receiving my score. Goodbye :>
