How to gain control of your free time

Before The Test

Your aim before the IELTS test day is to prepare yourself as best as possible to help reduce any stress or nervousness you might experience during the test.

I have put together for you some obvious, but often forgotten Test Day Tips to make the exam process easier.

Be Prepared

Find out as much as possible about IELTS Test procedure so that you know what to expect; this will put you much more in control and relaxed.

If you still have questions after reading this post, contact the Test Centre directly. They will answer any questions you have.

Be Aware

You should have completed a variety of practice tests to give you some idea of where you are on the IELTS Band Scale.

If you are taking lessons, you teacher should help you with this by giving you feedback.

If you are interested in feedback on your writing or speaking you can contact me directly for Writing and Speaking Correction courses.

The reason feedback is important is it gives you an idea of your approximate level before the test so that your expectations are as realistic as possible.

You will also know what where your weaknesses are and what work needs to be done, if you need to re-sit the test.

Be Ready

The day before the test you should get everything you need together, re-read the instructions that the IELTS Test Centre sent you, the ‘Rules and Regulations’ and ‘Advice and Information’ from the application form.

In particular you should make sure you take the same ID that you used for the application.

If you don’t have this ID, you won’t be allowed to sit the test.

Be Fit

Make sure you have a good night’s sleep the night before the test.

There is little logic in cramming the night before. As a language test, the IELTS Test is not an exam you can cram for. You are either ready to take the test or not.

The best thing you can do is to relax as being tired will only affect you performance negatively in the test.

If you must do something ‘constructive’, do a passive activity like watch a film in English, or read an article on a topic you will enjoy in English.

On the Test Day

Don’t spend your time before the test drinking too much coffee or chain-smoking.

Be Ready

Eat a substantial breakfast to give the energy to last the morning.

An energy snack like bananas or some chocolate are a good substitute if you’re not A breakfast fan.

Don’t be Late

Make sure you leave for the test with plenty of time.

Arrive in good time relaxed. You don’t want to arrive at the test centre rushing and stressed or worse, late and not permitted to sit the test.

Also, be early for the Speaking Test, usually in the afternoon and speak to any other candidates to calm your nerves.

Be Organised

You are not allowed to take your personal belongings into the exam room; you have to leave them with the invigilators.

Don’t take items of high value, or large amounts of money.

Don’t Waste Time

Always visit the bathroom before going in to the exam room. Invigilators should show you where the bathroom is.

Ideally, you don’t want to waste valuable time during the test, being accompanied to the toilet by an IELTS member of staff.

After The Test

Don’t worry

As you do not get feedback from the exam, just the Band Score there is little point in worrying about your performance in the test.

Be Reflective

However, if you are conscious of any mistake you made or difficulties you had, it is always a good idea to note these down.

Being reflective will help you analyse your results when you receive them.

If you have to re-sit the test again these notes will also help you plan an effective strategy for preparation.

and Finally

You can use tips and information on this website to help make it easier to obtain a higher score, but remember you still need to work at learning the language to be successful.

Please share to someone you know and in the meantime take a look at my Facebook Page and Website for IELTS answers and you can also join my Facebook Group here too.

Good Luck

 

Jonathan