Common Mistakes to Avoid During Your IELTS Preparation & Exam Time

Common Mistakes to Avoid During Your IELTS Preparation & Exam Time
March 16, 2023

Are you concerned about the IELTS Preparation to fulfil your desire to study or live abroad? If so, you must understand the importance of the exam and the necessity of careful planning. IELTS is generally regarded as evidence of English language competency in many nations, including Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Unfortunately, many applicants make typical mistakes during the test and preparation, which might harm their results and chances of passing.

We will discuss the common mistakes to avoid during your IELTS preparation and exam in this blog while you study for and take the IELTS exam for Canada, UK, or the US. We'll also provide helpful advice to ace the IELTS test and accomplish your objectives. 

4 Benefits of IELTS Exam You Should Know

What are the Benefits of Taking the IELTS Exam?

IELTS provides various advantages for those who wish to study, work, or immigrate to English-speaking nations. The benefits are the same for taking the IELTS for the UK, the US or Australia. Many of the benefits of IELTS include the following:

  • Widely recognised: IELTS is widely acknowledged by hundreds of organisations worldwide, including universities, colleges, and governmental organisations.
  • Correct evaluation: IELTS evaluates your ability in the English language by measuring your abilities in four important areas: speaking, reading, and writing.
  • Validity: IELTS test results are valid for two years, allowing you to apply to several institutions or for immigration.
  • Individualised approach: IELTS gives you the option between two exam forms, Academic and General Training, according to your requirements and objectives.

Let’s Look at the IELTS Pattern

Following is the IELTS pattern and structure of each section:

  • Listening: There are four recordings of native speakers in the Listening section, all of whom have different accents and dialects. Based on these recordings, you must respond to 40 questions.
  • Reading: There are three sections in the Reading part, and there are 40 questions overall that must be answered in 60 minutes.
  • Writing: This part has two writing assignments; task 1 has you produce a report, while task 2 has you write an essay.
  • Speaking: The speaking segment evaluates your proficiency in English communication through a one-on-one interview with a trained examiner.

What are Some of the IELTS-Accepted Countries?

Nowadays, IELTS is approved by more than 10,000 organisations in over 140 countries globally. Popular study locations, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom, are among these nations.

IELTS is recognised by international companies, governments, and professional associations. IELTS is frequently necessary for professionals seeking registration in their respective disciplines, such as nursing, medicine, and engineering.

For immigration purposes, IELTS is accepted in countries including Canada and New Zealand. IELTS is required in these nations for various visa types, including job, study, and skilled immigration. IELTS for Australia is also included.

Common Mistakes You Are Doing While Preparing for the IELTS

Unfamiliar with the Exam Format and Guidelines

The IELTS is a proficiency-based test, so you must know how to take the test. The score you get on the IELTS will be used to calculate your band score, which determines your final score. 

Not Focusing on Every Skill Set (Reading, Listening, Writing, Speaking)

Most of the time, you will find that your focus is too much on one skill set and needs to be more on others. The more you focus on these skill sets, the better you will be at the IELTS exam

Lack of Vocabulary

You must know how to use words correctly because, currently, there are so many words used in everyday life, and if you do not know what they mean, then it can be very difficult for you to understand them or write them down on paper.

Not Using the Latest Practice and Mock Test

You must use the latest practice tests and mock tests along with your other resources to understand how these questions would appear on real IELTS exam papers. 

Lack of Time Management

You may be thinking that it's the easiest thing to do, but it is the hardest thing to do. The IELTS exam is an extended test, and you must give yourself enough time. 

Common Mistakes Many Students Make During the IELTS Exam 

Lack of understanding of exam instructions or questions

One of the major mistakes that most people make is needing help understanding the exam instructions and questions. This is because they must read them thoroughly and understand each question. 

Not managing time wisely

Another common mistake you should avoid is rushing through the test without a plan. You need to plan out your time to take a break when needed and return to it later in the day without losing too much time.

No planning of writing before starting the essay

It is a common mistake to start writing without knowing what you will write. You must plan your essay and have understood all the questions asked in the test. 

Failing to address all questions in the writing or speaking section

The IELTS test is an integrated one, where both writing and speaking skills are assessed separately during one sitting; therefore, candidates need to address all questions raised by examiners during their exam session so as not to make mistakes later as well as enable them to reach their targets successfully in their final score report.

Lack of confidence while speaking test

A candidate needs to be confident about their skills while answering questions, especially when speaking tests where they must speak fluently on various topics related to the given task without hesitation or repetition of words or phrases. 

3 Top Tips to ace IELTS exam

Great Tips for the IELTS Preparation

Understand the IELTS format and scoring system

The IELTS test consists of three sections: Reading, Writing and Speaking. Each section has a specific time limit of 35 minutes. The test is conducted in English, and candidates must score at least 23 points in each section for a successful attempt. The overall band score is calculated by adding the scores obtained in each section and dividing it by four.

Make a study routine

You can start preparing by going through the English alphabet, then practice sentence construction, reading passages and writing essays on topics like career options or travel destinations.

Practice regularly by taking mock tests

Taking mock tests is another way of practicing for the real exam; it helps you get used to the format of written responses, time limits etc., so that you are prepared when you take the real exam!

Improve your reading and listening skills

The first step in IELTS preparation is improving your reading and listening skills. This will help you understand what is being said, focus on the important information in a passage, and learn to use descriptive words correctly.

Work on your writing and speaking skills

Several years ago, it was thought that writing an essay was the only task required by the IELTS test. However, it is now understood that speaking (or giving a presentation) is just as important as writing when preparing for the exam. 

Expand your vocabulary

It has been found that many people need to remember words during the IELTS test because of their limited vocabulary base or incorrect use of English grammar rules such as word order or tense changes in sentences. 

Get Connected with Eduversal Global!

We at Eduversal Global, an IELTS Coaching in Delhi NCR, provide professional instruction for IELTS preparation with a tailored strategy to support your success. Our knowledgeable teachers offer personalised attention and feedback to help you enhance your language abilities and test performance. Eduversal Global can assist you if you want to take the IELTS exam for Canada, the USA, the UK, or Australia. Take the first step towards your ambitions by contacting us to learn more about our IELTS coaching.

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