This document provides tips for excelling in the different components of the IELTS exam: 1) For the listening test, predict topics and vocabulary in advance, pay attention to any corrections, and notify staff if you cannot hear clearly. 2) In the reading test, check your spelling and grammar, pay attention to word limits, and skim and scan efficiently. 3) For the writing test, use clear structure and organization with topic sentences and supporting details in well-constructed paragraphs. Plan, write, and proofread your work. 4) In the speaking test, talk as much as possible to demonstrate fluency, be spontaneous in developing your answers, and practice common examiner questions

1. IELTS INSIGHT
Something no one has ever told
you before
Compiled by IBM Institute

2. MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR LISTENING TEST
Enhance “the power of prediction”
• Look ahead at the questions during the 1 minute and 30 second gap in
the test.
• Imagine the topic and the possible vocabulary involved.
Listen carefully to ‘misspoken’ words
• An example of this is where the day, date or location is corrected by the
speaker.
Aware of distractions:
• For example, the speaker may say ‘So, we shall meet on Tuesday, oh no..
Wednesday  careful to put the correct information down,

3. MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR LISTENING TEST
Read, write and listen at the same time
• If you cannot hear the audio clearly, let a staff know straightaway
• Keep calm! Do not worry if there is a word you do not understand; move
quickly onto the next one
Check your spelling and grammar.
• Common mistakes happen due to lack of “s” for plural noun
Pay attention to the word limit
• For example, if you are asked to complete a sentence using no more than
two words, if the correct answer is ‘leather coat’, the answer ‘coat made
of leather’ would be incorrect
• If the question asks you to complete the note ‘in the…’ and the correct
answer is ‘morning’, note that ‘in the morning’ would be incorrect; the
correct answer is 'morning'

4. Timing is everything!
• Instead of spending 20 minutes on each, they should spend 15 minutes on
the first, 20 on the second and 25 minutes on the third.
• Do not spend too long on one passage or question
Skim ‘n’ scan
• Skimming and scanning involves looking for particular information, such as
dates, opinions, quotes, comparisons or anything that may be important
to the article.
• Look out for the title, headings and any special features such as capital
letters, underlining, italics, figures, graphs and tables
MASTER IN READING TEST

5. Check your spelling
• The word(s) you use must be taken from the Reading text; you must not
change the form of the word(s) in the text
• Be careful to use singular and plural correctly
MASTER IN READING TEST

6. LET YOUR WRITING TEST SHINE
Structure, structure, structure!
• Ensure all the necessary information in an essay, such as thesis
statement, topic sentences, supporting ideas, well-constructed
paragraphs and a conclusion. Achieving this formula is the half-way point
to achieving a decent score.
• One idea in each paragraph is the best
PPP – Plan, Produce, Proof
• Planning will lessen the risk of writing any word that pops into their mind
and sticking to a structure as set out in the plan. Proof reading is also
important, as students will lose marks on silly grammar and spelling errors.

7. Plan your answers
• Analyze each task properly and spend some time making notes
• Highlight key words in the tasks to make sure that you’re on the right
track.
Use synonyms for the same meaning words
• Do not copy whole sentences from the question – you will receive no
marks for this
Be patient and pay attention during the whole test
• Write your answers in full; answers written in note form or in bullet points
will lose marks
• Pay attention to spelling, grammar and punctuation
• Avoid informal language
LET YOUR WRITING TEST SHINE

8. BE A NATIVE SPEAKER IN SPEAKING TEST
Talk as much as you can
• Relax, be confident and enjoy using your English
• Develop your answers
• Speak more than the examiner
Talk as fluently as possible and be spontaneous
• Ask for clarification if necessary
• Express your opinions; you will be assessed on your ability to
communicate
• The examiner’s questions tend to be fairly predictable; practice at
home and record yourself