A1. If you are preparing for an IELTS test, firstly you need to consider why you are taking the IELTS test at all. Are you planning to migrate to an English-speaking country, study in higher education, move on a work permit, or immigrate? Once you have figured out why you want to take the test, you can select the right IELTS test.
When preparing for the IELTS Academic exam, you will need to create a strategic plan and commit to it if you want to achieve your desired band score. For effective IELTS preparation, you will need to understand the exam format and familiarise yourself with the marking scheme and types of questions you can expect. It will help you to start practising immediately and improve your test skills. Read our comprehensive guide to learn practical tips and strategies to excel in your upcoming IELTS Academic test.
Understand the IELTS Academic test
The goal of the IELTS Academic exam is to assess your English proficiency level in four key areas which are listening, reading, writing, and speaking. These assessments are designed to check if you are ready to study at a higher education institute or for professional registration in an English-speaking country. Each section is designed by a team of experts to test different language skills. Take a closer look at each of the sections below to start preparing for your IELTS test:
1. IELTS Academic listening
This section tests your ability to understand key ideas, detailed information, opinions, purposes, attitudes of speakers, and the ability to follow the development of ideas in English.
|
Number of recordings (parts) |
4 recordings First two recordings: Everyday situations Last two recordings: Education or training |
|
Duration |
30 minutes (+10 minutes to transfer your answers to an answer sheet.) |
|
Number of questions |
40
|
|
Types of questions |
Multiple choice questions, matching information, headings, features, sentence endings, sentence, summary, note, table, diagram, or flow-chart completion. |
|
Marking scheme |
1 mark for each correct answer No negative marking |
You will have to listen to four recordings and answer questions based on them. The recording will be played only once, so you must pay close attention. The best way to prepare for this section is to start listening to different conversations in English accents and write down a summary of the conversations you hear.
2. IELTS Academic reading
The reading exam is designed to assess your reading skills which include whether you can understand the logic behind the text, pick up the small details in the text, and understand the overall purpose and meaning.
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Number of texts (parts) |
3 long academic texts of 2150–2750 words Academic topics at an undergraduate, postgraduate or professional registration level. |
|
Duration |
60 minutes (including transfer time) |
|
Number of questions |
40
|
|
Types of questions |
Multiple choice questions, identifying information, matching headings, features, sentence endings, sentence, summary, notes, table, diagram, or flow-chart completion. |
|
Marking scheme |
1 mark for each correct answer No negative marking |
You will have to read three long academic tests and use skimming and scanning techniques to answer the questions quickly. You can prepare for this section by reading academic journals, magazines and articles.
3. IELTS Academic writing
This section is designed to test a wide range of writing skills to see if after reading the text, you can you organise your answers clearly in a grammatically correct sentences and paragraphs using appropriate vocabulary.
|
Number of tasks |
2 tasks Task 1: Visual information Task 2: Point of view, argument, or a problem. |
|
Duration |
60 minutes (including transfer time) |
|
Number of questions |
2
|
|
Types of questions |
Task 1: Describe or summarise a graph, table, chart or diagram. Task 2: Agree or disagree with a point of view, discuss two opposing views, write about the advantages or disadvantages of a topic, or explain a given problem and offer a solution. |
|
Marking scheme |
Twice as much as Task 1. |
You will be given two tasks in the writing section. In task 1, you will have to describe visual information in full sentences, and in task 2, you will have to write an essay. Start your IELTS preparation by practising your writing skills to complete both tasks within the allocated timeframe.
4. IELTS Academic speaking
This section is designed to assess your English-speaking skills. It’s a face-to-face interview with an examiner where you will have to answer questions about yourself, your family, studies, work and other general topics. Remember, your speaking test will be recorded.
|
Number of parts |
3 tasks Part 1: Questions about yourself and general topics. Part 2: Talk about the topic from a card. Part 3: Extension of part 2 with the examiner. |
|
Duration |
11-15 minutes |
|
Number of questions |
3 parts
|
|
Types of questions |
Questions about yourself, family, work, studies, and general topics. |
|
Marking scheme |
Twice as much as Task 1. |
Your speaking test can be conducted on the same day as the other tests, or you might be asked to come back at a later date. To prepare for this section, practise your speaking skills on various topics with your friends and family or take the English Path IELTS Preparation course to build your confidence.
Start your IELTS preparation with English Path. Learn the tips and tricks from our experienced team of qualified teachers to achieve your desired score!
Frequently asked questions about the IELTS Academic test
Q1. What is the first step for IELTS preparation?
Q2. How long does it take to prepare for IELTS Academic?
A2. The IELTS Academic test preparation period differs for each student. It will take an average of 6-12 weeks to get the band score you wish for. You also need to consider your present level of English when you prepare for IELTS.
Q3. How should I start preparing for IELTS Academic?
A3. You can prepare for the IELTS exam with English Path. We could help you find your strengths and weaknesses and improve your English language with personalised exam techniques, practice papers, regular feedback and more.
Q4. What is a good band score for the IELTS Academic exam?
A4. Depending on the university or the higher education institute you wish to apply to, the minimum IELTS score requirements will differ. Most universities will generally require an IELTS range between 6.0 and 7.0.
Q5. What are the common mistakes to avoid during IELTS preparation?
A5. Some of the typical mistakes you should avoid while preparing for IELTS are rushing through the sections, not reading the exam format, not practising in a test mode and neglecting your teacher’s feedback. Pay equal attention to all sections and make practise your best friend.