The IELTS Online test adds a layer of convenience for students looking to pursue their overseas education, after all, it can be taken from the comfort of your home!
However, just because it is an online test that you can take at your preference doesn’t mean it will be any simpler. The test format is still the same with the same marking criteria as IELTS on paper or IELTS on computer tests taken in a test centre.
The various test skills, from Listening to Writing, will be assessed and marked by real human examiners and the standards of the tests will not be compromised. You will need to bring your A-game on test day to get the band score you desire!
In this article, we will take you through the essential steps you can take to score well for your IELTS Online test.
How to prepare and ace the IELTS Online test (Five things to do)
1. Understand the format of the IELTS test
The IELTS test format will still be the same as the IELTS on paper and IELTS on computer test.
You will still be assessed across the Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking skills. It is important that you pay attention to the tasks that you will have to accomplish for each section, as well as how you will be marked.
2. Practice Listening, Reading & Writing on the computer sample tests
It is very easy to have a sense of complacency without any pressure when taking the test at home, this might cause you to take your time when there are strict time limits to adhere to.
Additionally, it might be easy for you to make mistakes both by misunderstanding the tasks at hand or making spelling and grammar mistakes.
Thankfully, at IDP, we have a wealth of resources you can use to get prepared for your IELTS Online tests. These include attending our free Masterclass where you can learn from and interact with IELTS experts as well as practising our series of free IELTS on computer sample tests as well!
3. Practice speaking with friends or take a mock Speaking test via online video call
Because the Speaking test will be done through video calls, you should get familiar and comfortable with it.
While you will not be able to mimic the format directly with your friends, you can follow this set of free practice questions here. Do not worry about your accent, rather, you should be focusing on the three different parts of the Speaking test.
You can ask your friend to:
Ask you questions about yourself where you can elaborate further
Assign you a topic from the free questions above for you to speak about
Discuss further on the previous topic for your to practice going deeper on your ideas and formulating arguments
Remember to do all this through online video calls such as Google Hangouts and Zoom where you can see your friend face to face to mimic as closely as possible the real test.
4. Prepare your surroundings and desk for exam-like conditions
While we are sure your work desk and surroundings are comfortable, it’s best to simulate exam-like conditions where all your stationery, pieces of paper and materials are well prepared.
This means, removing any potential clutter you might have on your desk, turning down any noisy devices or air-conditioners that could distract you.
You also want to ensure your handphone is either far away or on silent mode. The last thing you want is for your phone to go off during the Speaking test!
5. Be well hydrated and meditate before your test
Sure, you might be taking the test from the comfort of your home, but you need to keep yourself in a relaxed state as much as possible.
So be sure to keep yourself hydrated as much as possible as well as do some light exercises and even meditate for an hour or two before your test.
As long as you have done your preparation, you should feel confident and ready to score!
Ace your IELTS on paper test with IDP today
While the IELTS Online test is coming soon, the format won’t change - so take this time and get amply prepared!
At IDP, we have a world of resources and IELTS support that you can rely on to help you score better!
Be sure to check out our IELTS preparation materials here as well as read hand-picked tips on how to prepare and ace the test.
And once you are ready, you can book your IELTS test here!