Everyone knows that practice makes perfect. This is something we have all heard before from our parents, teachers, grandparents and nearly from all those people who took up the responsibility to oversee our education, learn a new skill or perform a new task. Usually, when we take the step to try out something new, the first step is not always the route to success.
Then again, this is where the phrase “practice makes perfect” actually makes sense. The same goes for when you face the IELTS Examination. Before you give the final exam, it is vital that you practice before sitting down to taxing the exam. Know that the IELTS practice test could take you to a future that offers abounding opportunities and possibilities, so you have to make sure you pass it in the first attempt.
Here are some factors you need to consider before taking the final exam.
The IELTS Differs from Local School Tests
Most people take the IELTS examination as being one similar to regular English tests, orals, or examinations. Although there are a few similarities, you should know there are also subtle differences and one must be aware before taking the final examination. A big difference that experts at JNSEdu also highlight, would be the reading examination, which is similar to the comprehension tests you face in schools, where you will have to answer the questions based on the text.
In a school set up, your teachers would encourage you to expand your answers in detail, whereas in the IELTS examination, you would have to keep your answers as short as possible, to the point and within the required word count. In IELTS, the only interest of your examiner is to see your ability to understand what you read and be able to put your understanding in a few number of words. Per answer, your reward would be a mark, so you have to keep your answers to the point.
It Is Vital To Know the Structure of the Exam
The IELTS Examination structure differs from one examination to the next one. Before you enter the venue of your exam, it is important that you know what lies ahead, how the structure of the paper is and how you have to allocate your time to make sure you spend the appropriate time on each section. In most cases, people tend to spend more time on just one section, unaware that other sections would require more from you. At the end, you will rush to answer all your questions.
When you go through training, or during the IELTS preparation workshop, your instructor would guide you and give you all the necessary advice on the structure of each paper, what the questions would be a line in the sections and the estimated time you need to spend on each one. During a practice session, your instructors will give you sample questions (as they would appear in the exam) to help you get a better understanding. It is a good idea that you should practice as many past IELTS examinations as possible, ask your instructors questions and clear all your doubts. In the speaking section, make sure you clear all your doubts on any word you fumble upon at any time.
Know the Passing Criteria
You should know that the IELTS examinations marking take place on extremely strict criteria. Your examiners would mark you on criteria that will help to reflect your final band score. To pass the IELTS exam, you have to reach a certain band score. During an IELTS preparation session, you will receive an introduction on which criteria you will receive the marks. This criterion works on a scale that ranges from 0-9, where zero is the lowest mark possible and 9 is the highest you can receive. As you participate in the IELTS workshop, you will be able to gauge where you may fail on the criteria scale. When you know and understand this, you will be able to practice and work to improve yourself in order to fall higher on the scale when you perform your final exam.
Enrolling in Practice Workshops Increases Your Passing Rate
When you choose to enroll in an IELTS preparation workshop, this proves to be a perfect opportunity for those who want to take the IELTS examination. During the workshop, your instructor can provide you with helpful tips you will need in order to pass the examination. Sometimes, people feel nervous when they have to listen to a piece of dialogue and answer questions accordingly. This can be a daunting thought for sure, however, during the IELTS preparation workshop, your instructor would be able to give you some useful tips on how you can tackle this exam.
An important thing to note for the listening section is that your examiners would not have any interest in the vast knowledge you have on a particular topic, but they want to see your command on your English Language.
The key to passing your IELTS examination is to ensure that you practice well. Take your time to understand each section and take the exam only when you are sure you are well equipped.