IELTS-How to prepare?

I have compiled this as an E-book with some additional links to IELTS preparation materials and mock tests.You can download it here.

What is IELTS?

IELTS stand for International English Language Testing System.The IELTS is conducted to help the universities and colleges to assess the English skills of a student. Since many students go to other countries to study, its crucial for the universities to check their English skills as it is the medium of communication in other countries.There are two modules namely Academic and General training. The Academic module is for the students who wish to study in other countries, whereas the General training module is for people who wish to work,immigrate in other countries.

TEST FORMAT:

The IELTS test is divided into four sections namely Listening,Reading,Writing and Speaking. All candidates sit the same Listening and Speaking test. The Reading and Writting test are different for Academic and General modules.

Listening:

The listening test takes around 30 minutes. There are 40 questions in 4 sections. The candidates are each provided with separate headsets to listen to the listening test which is recorded on a CD and played only once.During the test, the candidates are to read the questions provided in the question sheet and check the correct answers in the answer sheet.An extra 10 minutes will be given to transfer the answers to the answer sheet. A range of native-speaker English accents are used in the listening test.

Reading:

The reading test takes 60 minutes. There are 40 questions based on three reading passages. The candidates have to answer the questions during the 60 minutes, as there won't be any extra time to transfer the answers to the answer sheet.

Writing:

The writing test takes 60 minutes. There are two sections in this test. The candidates should write a minimum of 150 words for section 1 and minimum of 250 words for section 2. The questions will be different for the Academic and General modules.

Speaking:

The Speaking test takes almost 15 minutes and consists os an oral interview between the candidate and the examiner.All speaking tests are conducted in a private room and recorded.this part consists of three sections. In section 1, the candidate answers general questions about themselves. In section 2, the candidate is given a topic on which he should speak for a minimum of 2 minutes. the candidate is allowed to prepare for a minute before he speaks. In section 3, the examiner and the candidate engage in a discussion about abstract issues based on the topic given in section 2.this lasts for 4-5 minutes.

How to Prepare?

Preparing for IELTS depends on each candidates English skills. Some may require to undergo a special coaching class for a month whereas few may prepare on thier own with the help of study materials. So the first step would be ranking your English skills by your own (you will obviously know how good you are in English). If you still can't rank yourself, then you may take the free mock tests available in internet,they may be helpful in ranking your english skills.

Now that you have ranked yourself, you may have an idea about wether you need a coaching or not. People who think they have a bad grammer should consider goin to a coaching.people who are generally good in English may consider self preparation. They can search in google to get lots of free IELTS materials.

Now that i have said everything i know of, i wish to remind a few important tips.

• Take rest the previous day of Exam. Don't wake up for a long time on the previous night to exam as it will only make you tired and sleepy during the exam,and you won't be able to concentrate properly in the exam.
• Remind yourself that IELTS is also an easy exam like others and avoid getting nervous during exam.
• Start preparing for the exams earlier to avoid confusion at the last minute.
• Take lots of practice tests as it will help you in time management and help you get familiar with exam and thus reduce nervousness during exam.
• All said,GOOD LUCK!