Is online IELTS Preparation the new normal?

As an IELTS expert, I answer many questions about IELTS Exam preparation.

Most questions are related to how best prepare for this all-important exam during a global pandemic.

Online education is fast becoming the new norm at a time when few people want to leave their home unless completely necessary.

Many still think there is a magic formula for preparing for the IELTS exam and I think it’s time to finally quash this myth once and for all.

Here are a few hard truths about IELTS Online Test Preparation.

Hard Truth #1: IELTS Test Preparation is Different for Different people

While some people might be ready for taking their IELTS tomorrow; some might only be ready to after six months of hard work, practice and study.

It just depends on the individual, and their language level.

This fact applies to native speakers, speakers who have received an Education in English instruction and English as a 2^nd language learners.

Students often feel that this isn’t the right test for them. Unfortunately, just because something worked for someone you know, doesn’t mean the same will work for you.

It is important to understand your areas of improvement and take some form of instruction, whether face to face or online, and identify areas of weakness.

There are various diagnostic tests available on the internet. You can attempt those diagnostic tests and find out your weak areas yourself, but there is no better a diagnostic tool than personal instruction.

A second point I can make is that any exam preparation is different for different people. it all depends on what strategies the individual best responds to.

Hard Truth #2: Focus and Direction plays a key role

We all know there is a lot of free information available on the internet, and we know you want to “teach yourself” using this free information. Believe me, I talk to people on a daily basis who thought the same thing.

Why should you take IELTS Training when there is so much free material available on the internet?

Well, it is free, but the problem is, it’s not structured.

A good IELTS Online coach will be able to provide you with a proper training plan and tips (but no tricks as there aren’t any, sorry guys), and most importantly, feedback on areas in which you need the most improvement.

Guys, you have to think a lot before choosing whether to join a preparation program or engage in self-preparation and ask yourself, do you know what your weaknesses are, do you know the direction you need to take, have you got the motivation and dedication to see your preparation through?

I get it!

IELTS is an expensive exam; but I think it’s better to take exam practice seriously and engage in structured expert preparation if you can afford to.

IELTS Online Test Preparation Recommendations

1: Understand your Language and Test Level

The first thing that you should do when you decide you’re going to prepare for IELTS at home is to understand exactly what your current level is.

If you do this, then you can plan a realistic timeline and set some realistic goals and preparation exercises.

It’s a bad idea just to book an IELTS test date before knowing and assessing your level. You will most likely regret it and come away with a bad taste and no experience gained.

Most online IELTS classes will be able to provide you with free mock IELTS test that you can take to assess your own level, although these are sometimes questionable in their reliability and accuracy.

Even better is to work with a teacher or coach. If they are experienced enough, they should give you good guidance on both your language level and test level and what to do to prepare.

This can also inform you in your own goal setting. Don’t be a passive learner!

2: Build on your Weaknesses

If you followed the advice in the last newsletter and gained some practical advice on your current level, the important thing is to stop doing practice tests.

That’s a strange thing to suggest but doing the ‘official’ practice tests were enough to give you an understanding of the test format.

This is now the opportunity to focus on improving the weak areas you have identified.

Even a native speaker should look for an Online IELTS coach that can provide skills-building advice and lessons in grammar, topic vocabulary and skills approach to perfect the IELTS exam.

3: Start Practicing Again

If you have been able to establish a working pattern that focuses on your weaknesses, it’s time to start practicing IELTS questions again.

With the improvements you have made, this time, you can focus more on understanding the format of the test, such as how the questions and information is presented and the strategies you can use to aid you.

Lots of online courses have designed full length mock tests for IELTS very similar to the final IELTS exam, some even have module-based tests.

Without doubt, using ‘mock tests’ will help you broadly in your language abilities, but you must realise that they cannot substitute the ‘official’ publications and there may be inaccuracies and mistakes in the materials online.

Despite this, it may be the case that you realise you are good in listening and weak in writing, and if so, then you can practice more questions within the writing module.

I have found that writing proves that greatest challenge, not just in the task format, but in students having relevant ideas and getting them down on paper. It’s not easy!

4: Get Feedback from an Expert

You may feel that you are ready for the IELTS, so it’s incredibly helpful to get feedback about your progress from someone who knows what they are doing.

This can be a tutor in your daily life or a trained IELTS preparation partner.

If you decide to do this before taking your test, chances are you will have a lot more knowledge and confidence, which will make it much more likely for you to succeed on your first try!

Guidance from an expert always plays an important role in succeeding in IELTS.

Truth be told, many students take the exam, but only pass the second time, after this expert advice.

If you’re disappointed with your score or don’t know who to turn to, I know how you feel.

Sometimes you just need someone to tell you all the things you’re doing wrong and what you need to do right! and that’s me! 🙂

There’s no easy, quick solution but if you want personal, targeted feedback, you can try my paid Written and Video Feedback Service.

If you’re not ready for that, you can get coaching and advice, from me, in my Private Facebook group.

Just share your essay to get a free response. 😉

What’s my Final Message for IELTS Preparation Online?

Remember, you are an individual.

IELTS preparation is not going to look the same as your colleagues or friends. By all means, buddy up with someone if you can, but understand motivation, needs and current abilities will all be different.

If you want to succeed on your first attempt, you have to be honest with yourself about your weaknesses and you need to be realistic in your timeline. Most importantly, if you need help, get it from an expert! Remember, many students take the exam, but only pass the second time, after this expert advice. (This post was part of a series of emails sent on my newsletter. You can read past emails here.)

Next Step 1

Have you taken the IELTS, but didn’t get the score you expected? 😳

Feel you’re ready for the IELTS, but need Feedback? 🙂

Need someone to guide and motivate with the correct advice? 😐

I feel for you…… I’m Jonathan

I’ve coached hundreds of students to get the IELTS Score they need for work, study or emigration. 🙂

If you’re disappointed with your score or don’t know who to turn to, I know how you feel. 😐

I see students follow video after video or post after post without making any visible progress.

Sometimes you just need someone to tell you all the things you’re doing wrong and what you’re doing right!

and that’s me! 🙂

Next Step 2

There’s no easy, quick solution but if you want personal, targeted feedback, you can try my paid Written and Video Feedback Service.

If you’re not ready for that, you can get coaching and advice, from me, in my Private Facebook group.

Or if you’re looking for more focussed coaching or your test is coming up soon, I accept private 1-1 students and also run small group sessions too.

You just need a reasonable internet connection, and the motivation and willingness to get feedback and act on it!

or if you have a IELTS related question, just drop me a line at ieltsjonathan@gmail.

I try to answer as many emails as I can.

Finally, subscribe to my newsletter, so we can keep in touch.