Obtaining an English language certificate is one of the first steps you have to take when you want to migrate, work, or study in an English-speaking country.
Many English-speaking nations require proof that foreigners interested in working, setting a business, living, or studying in their country are proficient in English.
An International English Language Testing System (IELTS) certificate (or its equivalent) with the required scores is a good indicator that you can speak, write, and read well in English, which will help you have an easier time integrating into a new country and adapting to a different lifestyle and culture.
Most universities in English-speaking countries also require international students to submit an IELTS certificate. It is a requirement for the application process for an undergraduate or postgraduate course taught in this language and the student visa as well.
Your IELTS certificate also serves as proof that you will do well in your studies and complete them with flying colors.
Preparing Well for Your IELTS Exam
Since your English language proficiency plays a critical role in your plans for working, migrating, or studying abroad, you need to aim for the highest scores possible.
This means studying and preparing well for your IELTS test.
Aside from reviewing well for the exam, our qualified IELTS coaching team says you need to avoid crucial mistakes during the preparation stage to get the scores you are aiming for.
The five common mistakes you have to avoid while preparing for your IELTS test are:
1. Not planning ahead.
In most countries, the IELTS test is conducted at least twice a month. But regardless of how quickly you need a certificate, avoid taking a scheduled exam without time enough to prepare for it.
This means choosing an exam date that gives you at least four to six weeks of prep time.
Make sure you have enough time to prepare for the test. A month or more of preparation allows you to study and review well for the exam, increasing your chances of getting high scores.
Additionally, when you are well-prepared for the exam, you can manage your anxiety and be more confident, allowing you to perform better on your test day.
Keep in mind that if you are currently working, you won’t be able to study all day every day. As such, make a plan and schedule a test date that gives you plenty of time to prepare.
2. Not considering an IELTS review or preparation course.
Although engaging in self-study is a great way to prepare for the IELTS, disregarding the option to take up a review or preparation course is something you shouldn’t do.
Enrolling at a training center that provides IELTS review courses allows you to be fully prepared for the test.
In the course, you will get an overview of the flow of the exam and, more importantly, learn tips and techniques for answering the reading, listening, and writing parts of the test.
Also, you will get coaching and tips for the speaking test, which many consider the most difficult part of the exam.
The combination of self-preparation and structured review courses can increase your chances of getting the test score you need.