How do I prepare for the IELTS exam?

Introduction

This blog is primarily intended for students or workers in mainland China, sharing some useful advice I've summarized from my nearly three-week preparation for the IELTS exam. After mastering these tricks, you are expected to solve the questions in the IELTS exam accurately and fast, even if you are not quite familiar with some topics.

I’d had little contact with English after my sophomore year in the university, and I’m quite poor at writing and speaking English. Hoping to gain international competitiveness, I decided to go to Hong Kong for a one-year taught master's degree and then work there. As a result, the IELTS exam became the first barrier, with the result of at least 6.5 required to meet the admission requirements for computer science majors at universities in Hong Kong. So, I spent three weeks, about 5 hours per day, preparing for the exam, and got a satisfactory result, with a total score of 7.5(a listening score of 7.5, a reading score of 9.0, a writing score of 6.5, and a speaking score of 6.0). I recorded my progress in preparation and refined some critical skills to help others in need.

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Skills

As people know, the IELTS exam can be divided into four separate parts – listening, reading, writing, and speaking. For most mainland people, the most difficult part is speaking, followed by writing. Aiming to get higher scores within a limited time, you have to allocate time reasonably. For example, the highest criterion of the IELTS score among the universities I wanted to apply to is 6.5 in total, and 5.5 in each sub-score. More confident in listening and reading, I planned to get 6.5 in listening, 7.0 in reading, 6.0 in writing, and 5.5 in speaking, so I could meet the requirement of 6.5 in total by calculation. After getting a doable goal, I decided to spend 1.5 hours listening, 2 hours reading, 1 hour writing, and 0.5 hours speaking each day. By allocating time reasonably, you can get a higher chance of success.

Listening

The listening section score can be improved relatively quickly if you can master the techniques. As long as you can hear the key sentence, you can score points. Do not try to understand everything, especially when you are handling topics you are not familiar with.

Question Type Distribution:

• Fill-in-the-blank questions(52%)(usually appear in the first and fourth parts)
• Single-choice questions(22%)(usually appear in the second and third parts)
• Matching questions(18%)(usually appear in the second or third part)
• Multiple-choice questions(4%)(usually appear in the second or third part)
• Map questions(4%)(usually appear in the second or third part)

Key Points:

• Fill-in-the-blank Questions:

  1. First of all, check the word limit, which is usually “one word and/or one number”. Note that if there is only “one word”, then you can’t fill in numbers.
  2. Secondly, you need to quickly infer the part of speech of the space based on the words before and after the space.
  3. Then, by highlighting some words that can be used for positioning(such as years, names, proper nouns, etc.), to catch the key sentences.
  4. Finally, pay attention to the logical relationship – transitions and connections, such as “but”, “and”, “as well as” and “otherwise”, in the listening content.
  5. Note that upper and lower case do not matter!

  Note that upper and lower case do not matter.

• Map Questions:

  1. Firstly, check the direction and distinguish north, south, west, and east.
  2. Secondly, view known locations and say their names in your mind.
  3. Finally, note the markings on the map, such as doors, sharp turns, intersections, and rivers.

• Matching Questions:

  1. Treat them as fill-in-the-blank questions.

• Single-choice Questions:

  1. First, read all the questions and highlight the key words, such as “both agree”, “feel surprised”, and “the first”, which can limit options.
  2. Then, compare options and distinguish the key differences among them.

  Note that the content of all options may appear in the dialogue, and the correct one can be picked out by the keywords.

• Multiple-choice Questions:

  1. Treat them as single-choice questions.

In the IELTS computer-based test, you will have time to review your answers after each section. However, please use this time to review the questions in the next section, as the single-choice and multiple-choice questions are very complex and can be very stressful. After all four sections, you can start to review all the answers.

Reading

The reading section score can be improved significantly over a short period if you can master the techniques. You can answer all the questions correctly even if you don’t understand the entire passage. You should put the majority of your time into mastering these tricks.

Key Points:

• Fill-in-the-blank Questions:

  1. Firstly, confirm the location of the content in the passage:
     1. Through the description of the problem, such as “The summary below is based on Part C of the passage.”
     2. Through the position of the questions in the section. For example, the second question generally corresponds to the middle part of the passage.
     3. Through the keyword at the beginning of the question content, by searching for it in the passage.
  2. Secondly, infer the part of speech of the space based on the words before and after the space.
  3. Thirdly, search for the answers in the passage orderly, and all the answers should be the original words in the passage.
  4. Finally, read through the content, and make sure that it flows smoothly.

• True-or-False-or-Not-Given Questions:

  1. First of all, read and understand the question. Note that 90% of the judgement questions are in the order of the passage. So, tackle two questions at a time and highlight the keywords(only, all, most, etc.).
  2. Usually, the answer to the first question is not not-given.

• Single-choice&Multiple-choice Questions:

  1. Use the keywords in the question stem to locate the original text.
  2. When it comes to choosing the title of the passage, the last one or two paragraphs of the passage often help.

• Chart Questions:

  1. The answers are mostly nouns.
  2. The content of the question is usually a sequential paraphrase of a part of the passage.

• Paragraph-topic Questions:

  1. First of all, cross out the corresponding heading in the example.

  2. Secondly, each heading can be selected once, so you can skip the difficult headings and return to them when you solve out others.

  3. Two solutions:

     1. Find out the key sentence of the paragraph, and see which heading is the paraphrase of this sentence.

     2. Find out the keywords of the paragraph:

        	Example 1	example 2	example 3
        Heading	…X…	…X…	…X…Z…
        Paragraph	…X…	…X…X…X…	…X…Z…
        Note	A keyword in a heading appears once in a paragraph, and the heading is usually not the right option.	A keyword in a heading appears multiple times in a paragraph, and the heading is usually the right option.	More than one keyword in a heading appear in a paragraph, and the heading is usually the right option.
        Result	false	true	true

• Matching Questions:

  1. Firstly, read all options, highlight the keywords of each option, and memorize all of them.
  2. As long as the keyword or a synonym for the keyword in the option appears in a paragraph, you can confirm the option. Since we’re not selecting the central idea of the paragraph, but the information it contains, so you can select it if it appears.
  3. You may see “NB You may use any letter more than once”. It means some options may be selected twice. However, there has never been a case where an option has been selected three times.

For Chinese students, reading time is usually urgent, so it is necessary to master the above method so that you can finish the questions when you finish reading the passage. First of all, you should look at the titles of three passages and judge the difficulty level to allocate time. Commonly, a relatively easy passage should take 12-15 minutes, while a difficult one should take 20-25 minutes. Then, when you come to a passage, you should look at the question types you need to cope with. Matching questions or paragraph-topic questions are usually not in the order of the passage, while the other are often orderly. Therefore, give priority to solving other question types. When the keywords of matching or paragraph-topic questions appear, which you should remember them in your mind, you need to solve the corresponding questions. Just solve the questions crosswise like this, and when you have finished reading the passage, all the questions should have been answered.

Writing

It is difficult to improve your score on the IELTS writing section in a short period of time. However, you can accumulate templates that suit you and write a relatively standard article, so your score won’t be too bad.

Part 1

Basic Principle: Just describe what you see, no comments and conclusion.

Structure:

1. Introduction: Paraphrase the question by changing some words.
2. Overview: Describe the two most important objects in two sentences, without referring to exact numbers or years.
3. Detail 1: Describe objects exactly, by numbers or years or trends.
4. Detail 2: Describe the other objects exactly, by numbers or years or trends.

Categories:

• Line Chart
• Bar Chart
• Pie Chart
• Table
• Process Diagram
• Map

Key Points:

• Line Chart / Bar Chart / Pie Chart / Table:
  1. In the overview section, select intuitive and representative data for comparison, and avoid involving details such as numbers.
  2. In the detail section, you should cover all objects completely, but not blindly list all the numbers.
• Combination Chart:
  1. In the overview section, you cannot compare different types of graphs. You need to find the main features of each graph and describe them respectively.
  2. In the detail section, you need to describe two graphs separately. Use sentences, such as “According to the bar chart” or “Looking at the pie chart”, to illustrate which object this paragraph refers to.
• Process Diagram:
  1. There are no numbers or trends in the process diagram, so you should not compare the stage.
  2. In the overview section, you should describe how many stages the process involves, and the key stages of the process.
  3. In the detail section, the subject needs to be clear so that you can choose whether to use active or passive voice. For instance, city can develop, while glass should be collected. Moreover, use sequential words to indicate precedence.
• Map:
  1. Pay attention to the tense. Use past tense for past time, future tense for future time, and present tense for the rest.

Templates:

• Line Chart / Bar Chart / Pie Chart / Table:

  The [line/bar/pie] [graph/chart] [gives information about / compares sth. in terms of sth.] [between A and B / from A to B].

  It is clear that sth. [increased/decreased] [slightly/gradually/significantly] over the period shown. Overall, sth. experienced a [growth/fall] in sth.

  In sometime, sth. [was / stood at] [about/around/over/below] some number. The [percentage of / proportion of / figures for] sth. [was/were] lower, at some number respectively. Sth. rose to some number, while sth. …

• Map:

  The first picture shows the layout of sth., and the second illustrates sth.

  Overall, the most noticeable difference is sth.

• Process Diagram:

  The picture illustrates the process used by … to …

  There are some stages in the process, beginning with sth. …

Common Phrases:

• Trends:

  • increase(an increase), rise(a rise), growth(a growth)

  • decrease(a decrease), fall(a fall), decline(a decline)

  • remain stable, stay unchanged

  • fluctuate

  There was a significant increase in A.

  A rose sharply from X to Y in 2010.

  A saw/experienced a dramatic growth over the period.

  The number stayed unchanged throughout the year.

  Net migration peaked at /reached a low of almost 250,000 people in 2004.

  Homebuyers in New York also had to pay significantly more, with prices rising to 5% above the 1989 average.

• Size:

  Water consumption per person in Brazil, at 359m3, was much higher than that in the Congo, at only 8m3.

  Regarding instant coffee, consumption levels were relatively similar across the five cities, with around 50% of residents buying it.

• Proportion:

  A accounted for the highest proportion, with 60% of the total.

  A represented the largest share in the chart.

  The figures for industrial and domestic water consumption stood at around one fifth of that amount.

  The second largest system, in Paris, is only about half the size of the London underground, with 199 kilometers of route.

  The permanent exhibition space in the redeveloped gallery will be about twice as large as it is now because it will occupy the area that is now used for temporary exhibitions.

  Coal was used to produce 50 of the total 100 units of electricity in Australia in 1980, rising to 130 out of 170 units in 2000.

• Location:

  A motorway was built to the north/south/west/east of the village.

  The library is located in the north of the campus.

  The garden is surrounded by residential buildings.

  The bus stop is opposite the school entrance.

  The new railway line runs parallel to the main road.

  Further development of the village took place around motorway intersections with the railway and one of the main roads.

  A was replaced by B.

  A was removed/demolished.

  The building was expanded/converted into a hotel.

  At present, visitors enter the gallery through doors which lead into a lobby.

• Process:

  The process begins/starts with the collection of A.

  Initially, After this, Subsequently, Finally

  The cycle repeats itself daily.

Part 2

Structure:

You should write at least 250 words in about 13 sentences in 4 paragraphs. At the beginning, you need to spend 10 minutes reading and understanding the question, planning your essay structure, and planning ideas for the two main paragraphs.

1. Introduction: In 5 minutes, you should introduce the topic and give a general answer in 2 sentences.
2. Two main paragraphs: In 20 minutes each, you should write 90 to 100 words in 5 sentences in each paragraph.
3. Conclusion: In 5 minutes, use 1 sentence to paraphrase the answer that you give in your introduction and never write anything new.

Categories:

• Discussion – Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
• Opinion – Do you agree or disagree?
• Problems and Solutions – What are the problems and how can they be solved?
• Two-part Questions – Why…? / What are the reasons…? + Do you think…?

Templates:

I have compiled a general template for reference only.

• Discussion:

  People have different views about [topic]. Some argue that [View A], while others believe that [View B]. Personally, I think [your opinion].

  On the one hand, some people think that [View A]. One main reason is that [reason for A]. This is because [explanation], which can lead to [result]. For example, many people have experienced that [example], showing that [support for View A].

  On the other hand, others believe that [View B]. They argue that [reason for B], and as a result, [positive outcome]. For instance, in several countries, [example], which proves that [support for View B]. I personally agree with this view because [your own reason].

  To sum up, while some people support [View A], I still believe that [View B] is more reasonable in today’s world.

• Opinion:

  Some people believe that [topic], while others argue against it. Personally, I strongly (agree/disagree) with this idea.

  A can bring significant benefits. One main reason is that [reason]. This is because [explanation], which can lead to [result]. For example, many people have experienced that [example situation], showing that [point].

  On the contrary, B may cause a number of problems. Firstly, [problem 1]. Secondly, [problem 2]. Finally, [problem 3]. For instance, [example/evidence], which illustrates why this opinion is less convincing.

  To sum up, although some people may disagree, I believe [your opinion] is the better choice in today’s world, as it brings more positive outcomes in the long run.

• Problems and Solutions:

  There is no doubt that [topic] has caused various problems in modern society. In the following paragraphs, I will explain these problems and offer some solutions.

  There are several challenges arising from this issue. One main problem is that [problem]. This is because [cause/explanation], which can lead to [negative result]. For example, many people have experienced that [example situation], showing how serious this problem is.

  To solve this issue, one possible solution is [solution 1]. This could help because [explanation of effectiveness]. Another effective measure is [solution 2], which may improve the situation if governments or individuals take action.

  To sum up, although [topic] brings many difficulties, I believe that with suitable solutions, the situation can be improved in the future.

• Two-part Questions:

  It is true that [topic] has become a growing issue today. In this essay, I will explain why this happens and give my opinion on the matter.

  There are several reasons why [phenomenon] occurs. One main reason is that [reason]. This is because [explanation], which can lead to [result]. For example, many people have experienced that [example situation], showing that [point].

  If the question asks for opinion (positive/negative):

  In my opinion, this trend can be considered (positive/negative) because [reason].

  If the question asks for a solution:

  To deal with this issue, one possible solution is [solution], which could help [positive effect].

  To sum up, this trend is mainly caused by [reason], and it can be improved if [solution] is implemented.

The article in part 1 requires more practice, while the article in part 2 requires accumulating ideas, which can be obtained through Simon’s website.

Speaking

Personally, I think the speaking section is the most difficult section of all four sections in the IELTS exam. People need plenty of comprehensible input to output, while most Chinese live in a completely Chinese environment. As a result, it is nearly impossible to improve your speaking score significantly over a short period of time. However, you are still encouraged to practice speaking every day during your preparation, and the question bank offered by ‘IELTS BRO’ can really help a lot.

Key Points:

• Part 1:
  1. 4 to 5 minutes
  2. 10 or 11 questions: 3 + 4 * 2
  3. 3 topics: introduction, mini topic 1, and mini topic 2
  4. Try to show fluency, don’t stop and think, and don’t worry about vocabulary or grammar.
  5. answer questions + give reasons
  6. Stop with confidence, don’t keep talking, and smile at the examiner.
• Part 2:
  1. 3 to 4 minutes: 1 minute to prepare and speak for 2 minutes
  2. 6 main topic areas: a person, a place, an object, an event, an activity, your favorites
  3. Prepare ideas and vocabulary instead of grammar or linking words.
• Part 3:
  1. between 3 and 6 questions
  2. give long, detailed answers
  3. 4-step method:
     1. answer the question directly
     2. explain your answer (reasons)
     3. give an example
     4. explain the opposite/alternative (what would happen if …)

Basically, you need to go through all the oral questions in the question bank for the current season to avoid encountering topics you are not familiar with. You can reduce the difficulty of preparation by reusing an object for multiple topics, but the final score will still depend on your usual ability.

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Material

1. Cambridge IELTS examination papers
2. IELTS Simon
3. ChatGPT
4. IELTS BRO

Containing free Cambridge IELTS examination papers, the ‘IELTS BRO’ is a software that can be used to practice tests to familiarize yourself with the computer-based test. Meanwhile, Simon’s website is a good place to learn how to write articles for IELTS, and ChatGPT can help you improve your speaking level. Finally, you need to record your own wrong questions to effectively train your abilities.

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Others

• Exam Preparation:
  1. Maintain normalcy and don’t try new foods or clothing.
  2. Be steady, and take a deep breath if you get nervous.
  3. Be comfortable, and bring a coat to prevent the air conditioning from getting cold.
  4. Drink less water, eat less refined carbohydrates, and adjust your work and rest schedule.