IELTS Test Day preparation

The IELTS is the most popular English language proficiency test for migration and is designed to assess your English language ability. But once you do your preparation, it is actually no more difficult than any other language exam. Always remember to check the score you require based on your visa and the institution/organization you plan to apply to.

Key Points regarding IELTS test day

Identification documents

On the day of your IELTS test, a member of the staff would ask for your ID, which should be the same as the one you used while booking the test. This ID should be unexpired and also have a clear photo of yourself.

Before your exam begins, in the centre, a high-resolution photo of yourself will be clicked to be included in your Test Report Form (TRF). In selected countries, a fingerprint scan will be taken as well. All this is to reduce your waiting time and speed up the registration process.

In the test room

Once it’s time to enter the test room, an invigilator will guide you to your seat, where you’re only allowed to have your ID, pens/pencils, eraser, sharpener, and a transparent bottle of water.

You’re not allowed to speak to any other candidate, and in case you have a doubt regarding anything in the test, you can raise your hand and a staff member will come to assist you

Test Breaks

If you need to take a break to go to the washroom, you can just raise your hand and request the same to a staff member. You will not be allowed to take a break during the first or last 10 minutes of any test sections, so it is advisable to always keep a track of the time. There will be a wall clock in the test room.

After the test

Once you have finished your test, you must notify the invigilator and don’t leave your seat unless you are advised to leave.

Once you’re done with all the 4 sections of the test, you can collect your checked-in belongings and leave from the centre. The provisional results will be available online 5-7 days after your computer-delivered IELTS test or 13 days after your paper-based IELTS test.

The result can be collected from the test centre or will be posted to you, depending on which facility you had chosen.

Tips to follow for the IELTS test day

Get proper sleep/ rest the night before 

The total test time for the IELTS exam is 2 hours and 45 minutes and it is important to be alert and aware during this entire time. So it is advisable to make sure you get proper sleep the night before the exam

Carry a pen and pencil

Make sure to carry a pen, pencil and eraser with you on to the exam centre. You can also carry two pens with you, just in case one of them stops working.

Carry the required id and documents

Make sure to carry your passport and other required documents with you, as you’ll be asked for it on your arrival at the test centre. In case you forget to bring your ID you may not be allowed to write the test. In some countries, you may also be asked to provide a fingerprint scan.

Arrive a bit early

Try to reach the test centre at least 20 minutes in advance, so that you won’t have to rush in for the exam without having some time to mentally prepare yourself. Plus you may not be allowed to enter the examination hall if you reach there late.

Check-in your personal belongings

You’ll have to check-in your personal items such as your mobile, wallet, bag, books and so on as they are forbidden inside the exam room. These items will be safely stored until you complete the test.

Go to the washroom before the test

The test duration is around 2 hours and 45 minutes, and although you will be allowed to take a toilet break during the exam, the time you lose for that may make you more nervous.

Think in English

If your first language isn’t English, one of the best ways you can prepare yourself just before writing the exam is by thinking in English instead of your other first language. That’ll help you in being more confident with the language.

Keep a track of time

Although watches aren’t allowed in the examination room, there will be a clock inside, so keep an eye on it to have a track of the time for each test.

Stay calm

One of the most important things to remember is to keep calm and not get nervous. That’ll make it easier for you to recollect your preparations and be more confident during the exam.

Special arrangements

If you require special arrangements due to a disability or another condition, you can request for it and adjustments will be made for you on the day of your test.

Tips to follow during the IELTS tests

Here are some tips to remember while attempting the test, for each section:

IELTS Listening Test

• Check to make sure your headphones are working properly.
• If you’re not able to hear the recording clearly, raise your hand and inform the examiner immediately.
• Read through the questions before the recording starts.
• While listening, you can write the answers on the question paper.
• After you’re done writing all the answers, it is advisable to go through them once again to double-check the spelling and grammar.

IELTS Reading Test

• Check the word limit given in the question.
• Keep a track of the time.
• Write your answers directly on the answer sheet, because unlike the Listening test, there won’t be additional time given for transferring the answers later.
• Try to look out for the specific answers to the given questions and not try to understand the whole paragraph.

IELTS Writing Test

• Check the word limit given in the question and stick to it.
• Write at least 150 words for task 1 and at least 250 words for task 2.
• Try not to spend more than 20 minutes on Task 1.
• Follow a content structure with an introduction, conclusion, and two body paragraphs in between.
• After writing, double-check the content word count, as well as the vocabulary and grammar.

IELTS Speaking Test

• Think in English while planning what you want to speak about.
• Speak in a friendly conversational manner.
• If you feel nervous while speaking, stop and take a few seconds to collect your thoughts and then continue.
• Don’t try to focus too much on your accent, just try to speak slowly and clearly.

Also check :

• IELTS vs OET
• IELTS vs PTE