The IELTS exam can be something that ESL learners dread. The following tips aim to aide you in the preparation of the exam and provide valuable insight on the setting.
- Do not Memorize
This test is not about expressing prepared material. Rehearsed answers lack authenticity and may have grave consequences. Yes, you want to be prepared, but not to the extent that you use the wrong answer for the wrong type of question because that is the only thing you have in your arsenal of words. The exam deals with how you respond to conversational questions, so grow in that aspect.
- Extend and Quantify
It is very easy to answer a question with yes, or no. It is very important for students to be able to extend on their yes or no. This shows maturity in your thoughts – explaining why you have a certain perception about a topic induces more conversation and has a positive influence on your prospects of passing the exam.
- Feelings Matter
Use emotion to quantify your feelings and perceptions to a certain topic as this creates a level of understanding even when you use the most basic vocabulary.
- Listen Carefully
Listening is very important when learning, it is just as important when taking the exam. Do not be afraid to ask the examiners to repeat the question. It is better to be sure of what is being asked than to answer in an unfavorable manner.
- Be Yourself
Forget the expectations of the examiners in terms of the ideal candidate. Be yourself. Express what you know and feel. Quantify your responses using personal feelings and experiences. The examiners love a candidate who is comfortable and confident with who they are
- Use Intonation
Intonation expresses emotion to the highest degree. Knowing when to raise your voice and when to lower it makes it easier for you to get your point across. This skill makes it more of a breeze to emphasize your points without repeating yourself.
- Use Conversation Fillers
Conversation fillers such as ‘Well let me give that some thought’ shows that you are considering the question being asked very carefully and you are prepared to give an honest and genuine answer. It’s better to think about a question carefully than to answer rapidly and miss the point completely.
- Use Your Learning Experience
Use tips you learned in the classroom in preparation for the exam. The tips gathered in class can do so much for you in terms of starting your answer in the correct manner, and closing it off in the best way possible.
- Confidence
Believing in yourself goes a long way. Confidence can be seen and sometimes felt. When the examiners can feel that you are confident, they are easily swayed. They engage more and they are more lenient towards your mistakes.
- Fluidity of Conversation
It cannot be stressed enough how important fluid conversation is. Make sure that the way in which you answer is in line with the question being asked. Do not jump from topic to topic, and as challenging as that may be in the given environment, keep it simple, making sure that you give enough information in your responses. The conversation needs to flow.
Most of these tips are covered in the examination preparation. Keep your focus, and the sooner you can master the art of having a conversation in class, you can practice it in a more challenging environment, in public.
