Information about how to earn the best IELTS score possible
So, the most obvious thing to do is to practice a lot and make sure that your reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills are sufficient to get the IELTS Band Score you want.
First and foremost, I recommend that you familiarize yourself with the test’s requirements by visiting the official IELTS website (www.ielts.org), but in the meantime, I’ll help you out by offering some background information.
Half the struggle, in my opinion, is knowing how to take the IELTS Training Centre in Dubai. Consider how much easier it was to take a test the second time around because you knew what to expect! Because I failed my driver’s test FOUR times, I should know!
What is the purpose of the IELTS test?
The first step is to be sure IELTS is the right exam for you.
The International English Language Testing Method (IELTS) is a language evaluation system for persons who desire or need to study in an English-speaking setting. Unless you have a specified IELTS Band Score, many jobs, institutions, and immigration agencies will not accept your application.
When determining when to take the test, keep in mind that your IELTS Band Score is only valid for two years.
The next step is to figure out which IELTS test version best suits your needs. The Academic and General Training versions of the IELTS test are the two that are available. You should take the IELTS Academic version if you wish to study at an undergraduate or postgraduate level; the IELTS General Training version if you want to emigrate or work in another country.
In both versions, the four sub-tests or modules are reading, writing, hearing, and speaking. The Listening and Speaking sub-tests are identical in both the Academic and General Training versions of the IELTS, however, the Reading and Writing sub-tests are different. A skilled examiner who has received considerable training will analyze your writing and speaking skills and offer you a Band Score in those sub-tests.
How can I sign up for the IELTS test?
I recommend that you get a copy of ‘The IELTS Handbook’ and ‘IELTS Information for Candidates’ from the IELTS website. Both of these books address how to apply for the test, but I’ll give you a quick overview and some of my personal thoughts here.
- You submit an application to take the test in an IELTS Test Center near you.
You can find the address, contact information, and upcoming exam dates for your nearest test center on the official IELTS website.
- Go to the IELTS Test Centre and get an application form. You can get an application form from the IELTS website if getting there is difficult for you. You can also request one from the Test Centre be shipped to you.
- Choose a time to take the test and fill out the application form. Depending on your needs, make sure you select the proper module: Academic or General Training.
- If at all feasible, have your application form reviewed by a native English speaker.
- Take your completed application to the Test Center of your choosing, along with two passport-sized photos and the test fee.
- Bring the same identification you used on your application form to the exam. If the two pieces of identification aren’t the same, you won’t be able to take the test. If you are unable to do so for whatever reason, please contact the Test Centre as soon as possible.
- The Test Center will send you a confirmation letter with the test day and time, as well as some day-of instructions, once your application has been approved.
What should I do on the day of the examination?
First and foremost, get a good night’s sleep and a good meal the night before (yes, I’m a mother!). Keep in mind that if your speaking test falls on the same day as your writing test, you will need to have lunch.
Keep in mind that your identification will be examined when you arrive.
You are not permitted to bring any personal things, including your cell phone, inside the examination room. You’ll be able to store them outside the room in a designated area.
Once the invigilator (test supervisor) has announced that the exam has begun, no conversation is permitted. If you have a question, simply raise your hand.
The hearing test is done first, then the reading and writing tests (I will give you further details about the different sub-tests in my next posts). Your Test Center will inform you of the time (and date) of your speaking test.
After that, what happens?
All you have to do now is wait for the results of the test. The results of an IELTS test are sent out on the 13th day after the test, so you should receive them in two weeks. On the 13th day after the test, you may be able to collect your results at the Test Center, but you must enquire. The Test Centre, on the other hand, will not be able to provide you with your results through phone, fax, or email.
Instead of a certificate, you will receive a Test Report Form (TRF) containing your IELTS results. Keep in mind that you only get one copy of your Test Report Form. Keep in mind that you have the option of requesting up to five additional copies of your results to be provided to the organization that requested them (university, immigration, etc.)
Now, hopefully, is the time to celebrate! Don’t worry if your IELTS score isn’t good enough; see my post ‘What to do if your IELTS score isn’t good enough.’ It’s still feasible to save the situation. In any event, it’s time to move ‘onwards and upwards!
Here’s to getting the best IELTS score possible!
