Getting ready for IELTS in Australia could be challenging for students and working professionals. This stress is brought on by the need to meet the criteria of uncertain deadlines for the completion of visas, registrations, and admission to academic programs. Depending on your situation, you may be preparing for either IELTS Academic or IELTS General Training. In either scenario, the secret to achieving the band score you need is learning how to navigate this exam’s format.
Students and migrant professionals in New South Wales have it easier by having access to IELTS Classes Sydney to avoid having to take this exam multiple times, with some even passing it on the first try.
This article will highlight some of the structural differences and key preparation strategies for each of the IELTS exam modules.
IELTS Academic and General Training: Understanding the IELTS Difference
Before you jump into practice, the first and most important thing is to define which of the two IELTS test modules is relevant for your purpose:
- IELTS Academic: This is designed for students who would like to study at a tertiary institution in Australia. This module evaluates your readiness for the academic world and focuses on the assessment of your ability to study and analyze data, and read and write complex and cumulative texts.
- IELTS General Training: This version of the IELTS is needed for some Australian visa applications, for some pathways to obtain Australian permanent residency, and for some unrestricted, full professional registration. This version of the IELTS focuses more on practical, day-to-day communication in various professional and social settings.
The Listening and Speaking sections of both versions of the IELTS are the same. The Reading and Writing sections are different in each version, and these differences are more pronounced in the Reading section.
Mastering the 4 IELTS Modules
To do well on IELTS, the ability to speak and write in English is not enough. You also need to be able to manage your time well and understand the different types of questions.
1. Listening: Get Accustomed to Australian and Other English Accents
The Listening section is made up of four recordings, two of which are conversations and two of which are lectures.
- Be ready for specifics: Many times, the answer you need to provide is in a specific format, such as spelling a name and/or providing a multi-digit number.
- Look out for trap words: It is very common for the speaker to answer their own question midway through a sentence. For example, “We will meet at 3:00 PM—actually, let’s say 3:30 PM.” When in doubt, think critically to the end of the sentence and then provide your answer.
2. Writing: Structure is Everything
Writing consists of two different tasks that need to be completed in 60 minutes.
- Task 1: Academic test takers describe visual stimuli (graphs, process, and/or charts) in no less than 150 formal words. General test takers write a letter based on a given prompt.
- Task 2: Write an argumentative essay of no less than 250 words. A strong essay has clear, well-structured paragraphs. Write the main point of the paragraph, elaborate with an example or evidence and summarize.
3. Speaking: Prioritize Fluency Over Fancy Words
The speaking module is a face-to-face or online interview divided into three different parts.
- Use the highest level of vocabulary only if it is used in a natural sounding way. Otherwise, focus on the logical flow of thoughts, a high degree of grammatical accuracy and an even pace. It is much better to take a brief pause to collect your thoughts than to answer the question with a lot of filler words like “uh” or “mmm.”
Guided Preparation and Mock Tests
Self-study is a very valuable part of a test preparation strategy, but it has the biggest blind spots in speaking and writing because of the difficulty in self-assessing writing and speaking. Joining a structured program gives test takers an opportunity to find common mistakes in writing with personalized feedback.
If you are looking for a more directed form of test preparation, English wise is one of the few institutions to offer tailored IELTS Classes Sydney. These classes include all the focused mock exams, strategy sessions, and time built in to practice different components of the test to measure your test day preparedness.
Final Thoughts for Test Day
- Replicate Testing Conditions: Take timed practice test modules at the same length as the original.
- Pay Attention to Reviews: When you review a test, look at the questions you missed and then read the explanation. This will help you identify how the mistake was made whether it was because you misread instructions, you were lacking vocabulary, etc.
- Time Management: On the actual test, do not spend an excessive amount of time on a single question. Choose the answer you think is best, move on, and come back to it if you have time.
You can definitely achieve the band score you need with disciplined study and practice, review of tests, etc.
