It’s my story of how much time it took me to prepare for the IELTS exam, what free resources are available for IELTS exam preparation, and what the registration process is. Simply put, it’s a personal experience of IELTS, from aiming to take the exam to receiving the results in hand.
Like most students, it took me almost a year to make the decision to actually take the exam. One of the reasons was my procrastination, fear of losing money, and doubts about achieving the required score. Now that I have taken the exam and received my results, I would say it was misguided of me to think that the IELTS exam is tough.
What I would Suggest Students -Totally my personal Experience
I wasn’t bad at English, but the fear of exams was clearly visible in my situation. It took me a long time to decide because of the cost of the exam. It’s a genuine concern when you are saving money little by little, sacrificing your wishes. It took me almost six months to save enough money for the exam. In such a situation, it is obvious to think that I might not achieve the desired results and could lose my money.
I would suggest not to rush into taking the exam if you are not fully prepared. Being fully prepared doesn’t mean starting to procrastinate, as I did. It simply means being well-prepared and confident that you can pass the exam.
Where to Find the Materials for IELTS Preparation?
I did not join any institute for exam preparation. I prepared for the exam at home using free resources available on the internet. So, if you are someone who is a self-initiator and doesn’t require any external motivation, go for home preparation. However, if you are someone who needs guidance, motivation, and a little push, consider joining an institute, but keep the financial aspect in mind as it will cost you more money. However, once you do your IELTs, you can easily apply for fully funded scholarship programs. IELTS is one of the credible and most accepted English Language Tests.
If you want to prepare for the exam by yourself at home, here are the helpful platforms and content that have assisted me in preparing for the exam.
IELTS Daily- One of the top best free resource platform
Throughout my journey, I followed the IELTS Daily website for free resources (speaking, listening, writing, reading). I have also watched YouTube videos and live streams. They offer the best content on the internet.
You can find it here:
They also have a mobile application that you can download to practice speaking, writing, listening, and reading. I would recommend joining their weekly live stream on YouTube as it’s quite helpful and provides great insights on how to approach certain sections of the exam.
IELTS with Liz- Helpful free material and Ideas
IELTS with Liz is another platform that I followed for the preparation of the IELTS exam. It offers the best ideas for writing, speaking, and reading materials as well. The content available on the platform is useful for practice.
These websites also offer premium content that you can access by paying them some money. However, I believe there is enough free content available to prepare for your exam.
9.0 IELTS-up Online lessons
9.0 is a youtube channel that is best for practicing IELTs writing (both Task 1 and Task 2). Though there are few lessons, they are very easy to understand and help to solve writing tasks. You can also find their web page to get practice questions and complete guidance on IELTs.
These free resources are helpful as they provide complete guidance, practice questions and help with tips to solve particular questions.
How to Register for the IELTS Exam?
I took the IELTS exam through the British Council. I registered for the course almost a month before, which gave me enough time for preparation. It’s very simple and easy to register. You go on the website. Choose whether you are giving IELTS General or Academic.
Once you Choose, it ask few questions:
- Where would you like to take your test?
Choose your country/ territory where you want to appear for the test
- Which format of the IELTS test would you like to take?
The IELTS test can be taken either on paper or on a computer. Personally, I was skilled at typing, so I preferred the computer-based test. However, some people are not comfortable with typing, so they choose the paper-based option. Depending on your preference and comfort level, you can choose either format.
- When would you like to take your test?
You can select a date from the calendar for the show. Once you’ve chosen a date, click ‘search’ for the test. It will display complete details of the test, including the location, timings, and the test fee.
Your listening, reading and Writing test will be on either computer or paper based. For the Speaking test, there will be a video call. The speaking test has transitioned from its previous in-person format to a more technologically advanced video call format.
Note: Both the written and speaking tests are scheduled for the same day, thereby eliminating the need for candidates to make multiple trips to the test center. However, it also depends on the country you are living in. So do check that.
After completing the registration process, you will receive an email containing payment instructions. Payment can be made using a bank card (debit/credit). I strongly advise you to carefully review their refund policy to ensure that, in the event of any unforeseen circumstances preventing you from attending the exam, you can initiate a refund request.
British Council Free Resource
Once you register for the exam and make payment, you will also receive an email regarding free resources, mock tests, and a complete plan for IELTS exam preparation. If you are someone who cannot create a plan, you can follow the format provided by IELTS, which is also very helpful.
I would strongly recommend you take a mock test so that you can get an idea of the actual test format and become comfortable with it. I will share my personal experience of how ignoring minor details affected my exam.
What mistakes I made during my test and you must be careful with that.
When I came out of the exam hall, I thought to myself, “How on earth can I make these mistakes?” What happened when the test started, we received instructions regarding the test.
The first part is listening. You listen to audio and then answer different questions. It is highly recommended to familiarize yourself with the question types. I did the first part calmly and the first part is always easy.
But when I was on the third part of the listening test, I messed up. I thought we could just click the answer but it didn’t happen. Hence, lost track of the listening as well because I was stuck on it. I did everything click, tick and nothing happened. The main problem is it doesn’t allow you to tick or click or anything. It was simply a drag and drop option. Due to unfamiliarity with the question types I was left behind and this simple mistake cost me a lot.
Therefore, if you are choosing to give a test you must know that there are questions where you simply tick the box, there could be questions where you just drag the answer and drop. Remember, there would be no instructions regarding these simple things. It requires you to understand what it needs from you.
The second mistake was also a kind of blunder I would say I did make. There was also a listening part. I was listening and answering the questions.
Suddenly I lost the question. For example, questions were given in a vertical sequence followed by one question and then below another. Somehow in my mind I was familiar with the sequence and my all focus was on listening. Suddenly, I lost track and couldn’t find the next question.
The reason was it had transitioned from horizontal to vertical and my eyes were fixed on looking below, but the question was on the side.(given vertically) . I thought the question was missing. Though it sounds silly and you can imagine how someone could make such a mistake.
So let me answer you, it’s all about Time. Since you are listening, you have to quickly follow the conversation. One mistake or getting lost for one second can be a disadvantage.
Therefore , I highly recommend you to familiarize yourself with the rest format. Again I would say, it is not about difficulty, it’s about the timing, quick understanding and familiarity with questions types and tone of voice.
The more you practice, the better you will get at solving the questions.
It is the same for the reading part, the more you read and familiarize yourself with question types,it will be easier on exam day.
Speaking depends on your vocabulary, wider knowledge of language and how you can communicate better with others in different settings. Would you be able to have a conversation in academics, professional setting and can talk about anything easily. It’s like a conversation. Believe me the examiners are the best who make you comfortable and let you express yourself without any hesitation.
I am sharing this because I wanted to tell students that it’s not as difficult as it seems. If a single person can learn from my experience it would be an honor.
I wish best of luck to all those who are aiming to appear in any exam. Remember, hard work always pays off. All it needs from you is to show patience and consistency. All the best.
I am currently exploring different scholarships including Australia awards, Rotary fellowship program.
Credit: Anonymous. 😊
