Listening

Recognising voice tone (questions, surprise, etc.), listening for keywords, listening for general information, listening for numbers, listening for discourse markers (firstly, secondly, Or 1 could say that another way, the most significant result was that ... ).

 

Reading

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Skimming (to get a general understanding)

Scanning (looking for specific information),

Vocabulary development, summarising, determining the writer's attitude and opinion.

 

Writing

Adjusting style according to purpose, writing paragraphs, introductions and conclusions, using conjunctions and reference, organizing information within a text, using supporting evidence to prove a claim.

 

Revision

Make the most of the work you study in class by reviewing it regularly. Re-read your class notes; note carefully any areas where you had problems. Work on them again and see your teacher if you still have questions. Try to use new vocabulary in your writing compositions, or in conversation. Practise grammatical structures in the same way, your teacher knows what you need and will try to help you overcome language problems. By going over lessons you will get the maximum benefit from your teacher's skills and work.

 

Out of class work

Most experts agree that the quickest way to improve in a language is to immerse yourself in it. Therefore, to improve your English skills, try to get into as many situations where you and other people are using English.

This may be difficult if you live in a non-English speaking country. However, try to find English interest groups, go to English films and listen to English on the radio. Read English books and magazines.

 

2 hours a day!

If you live in an English-speaking country this is much easier. Wherever there are people, you will be able to use and understand English. English books and magazines will also be easier to obtain. In egypt and other Arab countries you need to listen to about 2 hours a day of English Language videos/media and try to spend as much of your day as possible using English with other friends and family members.

You will probably end up dreaming in English, too!

 

Relax!

Try also to relax, and do some activities that you enjoy. An occasional break from your studies will give you fresh energy and motivation to continue studying hard.

 

The day of the test :)

After all your preparation for the IELTS test, follow these simple suggestions to ensure your test day goes smoothly.

• Plan to arrive early (perhaps half an hour). Then if you have unexpected transport problems or some other delay, you will have extra time to sort them out before the test starts. There is nothing worse than arriving late, upset and frustrated, when you need all your mental energy for the exam.

 

• Don't worry about the parts of the test that are finished, or those yet to come.

Concentrate fully on the module you have in front of you.

 

• Use your time carefully. Don't spend too much time on anyone answer; if you do, you may not answer the other questions properly. Don't finish quickly, then sit doing nothing. In the time remaining, check your answers - you might change a wrong answer to a right answer and gain extra marks.

 

The Listening test

• Before each listening section is played, read the questions through quickly. The vocabulary (and any diagrams) will give you some idea of what you are about to hear.

 

•  What kinds of questions you must answer: filling in numbers, choosing a description, finding the speaker's opinion. You will then make the most of what you hear, because you will know what to listen for.

 

The Reading test

• You have one hour to answer questions on three sections, so divide up your time - perhaps 15 minutes for the first section, 20 minutes for the second section, and 25 minutes for the third section (the sections get harder as you go on, so you might like to spend more time on the last one).

 

• As a general strategy, do not start by reading the passage. You do not yet know what information you are looking for, and you will waste precious time if you try to read and understand everything.

Firstly, read the heading of the text. This will give you a very general idea of what the passage is about.

 

Secondly, quickly read through the questions. How many questions are there relating to this text? What kind of questions are they? (sentence completion, diagram completion ...). This will help you focus when you read the text, as you will have some idea what to look for.

 

Thirdly, turn to the reading passage, and read it through quickly. The purpose here is to get a general understanding of the passage - you do not need to understand every detail.

 

Finally, turn again to the questions and begin to work through them, referring back to the passage when you need to, and reading important sections carefully and slowly. If at any time you cannot answer a question, or it is taking you a long time, leave it and come back to it at the end.

 

The Writing test

On a very practical level:

• write in pen (not pencil), as it is easier to read. Bring several pens to the test

with you.

• do not write a rough draft, then re-write it. You will waste valuable time.

• use time at the end to check for small errors: verb agreements, plurals, punctuation, verb tense. These things are easily corrected and affect what mark your work will receive.

 

The Speaking test

Some things to think about:

• Talk to your friends in English while you are waiting for your interview.

• Do not simply answer the examiner's questions; elaborate on your answers.

Talk as much as possible. This is not rude; the examiner needs to hear you talk a lot, so he or she can find out your proficiency level.

• You will find it easier to talk if you have something to say. Think about your opinions and your reasons for holding them. Think of important/ funny / exciting things that have

happened to you and be ready to talk about them.

• Phase 2 of the test requires you to speak for one to two minutes. Use all the

information on the card to help you, and practise with a timer so you know how long you should speak.

 

If you prepare carefully for the IELTS test using the practice tests and the strategies you will show your language skills to their best advantage.

Good luck!

IELTS course in Cairo Egypt