Become familiar with the test format
When you have decided that you need to take the IELTS test, it is worthwhile making sure you are prepared. The first step is to be aware of the format of the test. How long is the reading test? What do I have to do in the writing? What is the examiner assessing in the speaking test? You can find out a lot of the basic information about IELTS by using the links on this site.
[sc name=”full-membership”]Take reliable practice tests
A quick search on the internet for ‘free IELTS practice tests’ will give you hundreds of results (it might even be how you found us!), but it is essential that you are taking tests that are truly preparing you for IELTS. There are many sites written by people with only a very limited knowledge of IELTS offering practice material and tests that are likely to cause more harm than benefit. It should be no surprise that we are recommend our online course, which been written by IELTS trainers with over 10 years of experience in IELTS preparation, so you can be confident that our lessons, exercises and practice tests will prepare you for the real thing.
Join a preparation course
Of course we recommend you enrol in our complete online course as a member – you will have instant access to the lessons, exercises and practice tests in our complete online IELTS course, and can keep track of your progress as you study. To create your enrolment, click here – it takes less than 30 seconds and it’s completely free!
Just before test day
One of the most common questions we are asked by candidates about to take their test is what they should do in the final days beforehand. Our advice is to study up to 24 hours before your test, but in that final 24 hour period, it is very important to relax, do something that you enjoy doing but isn’t too tiring and get plenty of rest. Eat a good breakfast on test day and take an iPod or some music on your mobile phone when you go to the test, and don’t start talking to other candidates in your native language. You need to make sure that your brain is already thinking in English before the test begins.