How to Prepare for the IELTS Test

In this article we help you answer this question by offering you a look at our test preparation videos, as well as links to helpful websites and resources that may benefit you in achieving your desired scores on your IELTS test.

In order to properly prepare for the IELTS test you should start with basic understandings of the pupose of the test, its outline, and your basic strategies for approaching each section of the test.

What does IELTS mean?

The word IELTS stands for the International English Language Testing System exam. This system measures the user’s proficiency level of English when looking to work or study in an English speaking country.

It tests four sections; Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing.

IELTS Test Outline

Before you start practicing for your chosen IELTS test, you need to become familiar with the content format, as well as the type of questions being asked.

Once you have an understanding as to the format of content and test questions, then you can begin to build your test taking strategies.

The image below outlines the basic format of the IELTS test. The questions will vary based on the type of test taken.

Prepare for the IELTS

EduKitchen presents resources, websites, and our very own test preparation videos that highlight important test taking strategies when understanding the test.

Now available on the blog is the ETI Academy Shop where I have a new IELTS eBook available along with a course on how to prepare for the test!

Click here to view the collection of IELTS ebooks in the shop!

At the end of this article you can sign up to receive our IELTS eBook email series for supporting your success with each section of the various tests.

IELTS Test Preparation Resources

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The Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS for Academic & General Training with Answers with DVD-ROM (Cambridge English)

Which IELTS Test Is Right For You?

The videos below will provide IELTS test preparation tips on how to prepare to take each section and the differences between the two types of IELTS exams (General vs. Academic), as well as, what to expect on test day.

After watching the videos, visit the recommended websites below to see available resources and books you can use to further prepare for the test.

Academic vs. General IELTS Test

IELTS provides opportunities to individuals based on goals.

If your goal is to study then you need to take the academic exam.

If you goal is to work, then the general exam is for you.

Read on to find more details about the differences between the two types of IELTS exams (Academic vs. General) can be found in the Reading and Writing sections.

Now lets watch our test preparation videos to better understand the format of each section, as well as how to best approach each section according to the test you choose.

IELTS Listening Section Format

It is important to note that the listening sections for both the General and Academic exams are the same.

This video presents a general overview as to the format of the listening section of the IELTS exam.

It will also provide test prep tips on how to prepare to take the exam and what to expect on test day.

IELTS Speaking Section Format

Below is a video which presents a general overview as to the format of the speaking section of the IELTS exam.

It will also provide test prep tips on how to prepare to take both the General and Academic exams and what to expect on test day.

IELTS Reading Section Format

Whether you take the General or Academic exam, you will find the reading section questions to be the same.

This video presents to you a general overview as to the format of the reading section of the IELTS test.

It will also provide test prep tips on how to prepare to take the exam and what to expect on test day.

IELTS Writing Section Format

This video presents a general overview as to the format of the writing section of the IELTS exam.

It will also provide test prep tips on how to prepare to take both the General and Academic exams and what to expect on test day.

Start here with grammarly!

IELTS Test Preparation Books and Web Resources

There are many test preparation books available to help with studying for the IELTS exam. We provide links to the most comprehensive list of web resources to help compare and make a decision as to which book is best for you.

British Council – Take IELTS

This website highlights all of the important and relevant information to understanding the IELTS exam.

It outlines how to register, how to decide which test is best for you, and offers free test sample questions for each section of the test.

Apply Board – 5 Best IELTS Preparation books

This website identifies the top five books for preparing to take the IELTS exam for international students.

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