IELTS Preparation

The listening test is the first section in the main IELTS test and trust us, it’s important in any test to get a great start. IELTS Listening is in 4 sections. You have to listen to conversations and talks and answer questions about them.

• Section 1: A conversation between 2 people in an everyday setting. There are 10 questions from this section and it lasts for about 6-7 minutes. This is the easiest listening section.
• Section 2: A talk by 1 person also in an everyday setting with 10 questions. This is a little more difficult than section 1.
• Section 3: A conversation between 2, 3 or 4 people in an academic setting. The speakers are usually students and teachers in a university or college. There are 10 questions from this section which lasts for about 6-7 minutes. This section is a little harder that section 3.
• Section 4: The toughest section of the listening test. There is only one person speaking and the context is always an academic lecture. There are 10 questions from this section with no breat in the middle.

Gaps in the Audio Recording: You will be able to see the questions all the time. You can see the test booklet in a paper-based test and your screen in the computer-delivered IELTS. Sections will have several gaps in the recording to let you study the questions. In all 4 sections, there will be a gap before the section begins to help you prepare. Sections 1, 2 and 3 will be divided into 2 parts each and there will be a gap in the middle to help you prepare for the second part of these sections. Section 4 has no gap in the middle to help you prepare.

• Understanding main ideas: Grasping the overall message.
• Identifying specific information: Extracting details like names, dates, or numbers.
• Following instructions: Comprehending directions or processes.
• Recognizing opinions, attitudes, and purposes: Inferring speakers' viewpoints or intentions.
• Understanding the development of ideas: Following how arguments or narratives are structured.
• Visual-spatial Comprehension: Being able to understand the parts of a machine/device as described in the recording or following directions given in the recording.

Accents Used in IELTS Listening Recordings. It seems likely that the accents used are standard or neutral forms from each of the represented countries. Specifically, the test includes:

• British accent: From the UK, typically a standard Received Pronunciation (RP) or similar neutral form.
• Australian accent: From Australia, focusing on urban, standard Australian English.
• New Zealand accent: From New Zealand, also urban and standard.
• American accent: From the USA, a neutral General American accent.
• Canadian accent: From Canada, a standard urban Canadian accent.

• Matching: Match items from the recording to a list of options.
• Multiple Choice: Choose the correct answer from a list.
• Sentence Completion: Fill in missing words in sentences, focusing on key information.
• Form Completion: Fill in information on a form.
• Note Completion: Fill in gaps in notes, often from lectures or discussions.
• Table Completion: Fill in missing information in a table.
• Summary Completion: Fill in missing words in a summary, typically for academic monologues.
• Short Answer Questions: Write short answers to questions, testing fact retrieval.
• Plan/Map/Diagram Labelling: Label visuals like plans or maps, using graphic clues.
• Flowchart Completion: Fill in steps in a flowchart, showing process development.

Now, let's assume that you're a competent user of English. These are the best tips we can share with you. Each of these strategies is extensively demonstrated in SMART IELTS by Study Unifees.

• Develop Test-Specific Skills: Practice multitasking by reading questions, listening for answers, and writing simultaneously.
• Employ Strategic Guessing: First, pre-guess the answer. Analyse the questions and make a prediction about what form the answer will take- is it the name of a person, a phone number or the title of an assignment?

TOP TIP:

• Use the prep time wisely: Before each section starts, the recording gives you time to read the questions from that particular section. Read the questions, predict the overall context of the talk or conversation and the stages it will take place in. Mark keywords in each question with your pencil or cursor.
• Use Order while listening: All Listening answers will occur in order/sequence. This means that you will get the answer to question 1 first in the recording and then, the answer to question 2, after which the recording will give you the answer of question 3. This happens throughout the listening test- every single answer is in sequence. Your plan when the recording starts: look carefully at the keyword or question 1 and wait for the recording to give you the answer to question 1. As soon as you get the answer to question 1, write it down quickly. Then, look at the keyword of question 2 and wait for the recording to give you the answer to question 2….repeat till the end of the section/test!

There are 3 passages and a total of 40 questions from the passages. 2 passages will have 13 questions each and the third will have 14. The passages and questions will be in order of increasing difficulty; this means that the first passages and its questions will be the easiest and the 3rd passage and its questions will be the hardest. The passages are long (we'll come back to that later) and vary in subject matter.

The passages are from the following areas:

1. #1

   Gen Z does not read! Ok, you do read but most of your non-academic reading is byte sized and IELTS passages are huge in comparison- about 700-800 words.

   Solution: Start reading journals, international news sites and even storybooks.

2. #2

   The passages are on a variety of topics and you may not have awareness of most of them. Look at the table above and ask yourself how many of the topics and sub-topics you know something about.

   Solution: SMART IELTS Resource Center (Coming soon!) with detailed articles on several high-frequency topics.

3. #3

   You've never encountered many of the question types before. Question types like identifying paragraph headings and YES/NO/ NOT GIVEN are almost unique to the IELTS.

   Solution: Get familiar and practice a lot. SMART IELTS by Study Unifees helps you to do just that.

4. #4

   Your vocabulary may not be great. Ok, IELTS has a glossary in which they explain jargon, but they do not explain the meanings of advanced words.

   Solution: SMART IELTS Vocabulary games and flashcards. (Coming soon!)

SMART IELTS by Study Unifees is the solution. Go through 12 hours of structured video lessons on Academic IELTS Reading and while you're doing so, attempt all the skill-based tests packaged with the lessons. After that, test your progress in Reading on the 10 full-length tests in SMART IELTS.

The Academic IELTS Writing test comprises two tasks.

• Task 1 (150 words, 20 minutes): Involves describing visual data, such as charts, graphs, or tables, summarizing key trends or comparisons. A map task requires describing changes or layouts of a location, while a process task involves explaining a sequence, like a cycle or manufacturing process.
• Task 2 (250 words, 40 minutes): An essay requiring a clear argument or discussion on an academic topic. Essay types include: Agree/Disagree (state your position), Advantage/Disadvantage (weigh pros and cons), Problem/Solution (address issues and suggest fixes), Discussion (explore opposing viewpoints), and Two-Part Question (answer two related questions).

One of the best features of the SMART IELTS by Study Unifees is that it offers detailed evaluations of your writing. Try it now with your free trial. Write a full writing test and see how accurate our writing scores are and how detailed the evaluation and advice is.

Among all four sections of the IELTS exam, Writing consistently records the lowest average band scores for test takers worldwide. While several factors contribute to this trend—such as limited grammar range, vocabulary issues, or time pressure—the most important reason is that many candidates are simply unaware of the IELTS Writing Band Descriptors, and therefore fail to write according to the specific criteria on which they are assessed.

The IELTS Writing Band Descriptors are the official scoring guidelines used by examiners to assess writing tasks. They include four major areas: Task Response (or Task Achievement for Task 1), Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource, and Grammatical Range and Accuracy. Each of these carries equal weight, but most test takers are either unaware of these criteria or do not understand how to apply them effectively. As a result, even those who are fluent in English may underperform in the Writing section simply because they are not writing in a way that matches what the exam requires.

For instance, a student might write an essay that is grammatically correct and well-organized but score poorly because they failed to fully address the task or lacked lexical variety. Others might write informally, use bullet points, or repeat ideas, all of which go against the expectations set out in the band descriptors. Without specific training or feedback aligned to these standards, test takers often do not know what they are doing wrong—or how to improve.

To achieve a high score on the IELTS Writing section, you must align your responses precisely with the four band descriptors: Task Achievement/Response, Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource, and Grammatical Range and Accuracy.

For Task 1, make sure you select and summarize key information without inserting opinions or unnecessary details. For Task 2, clearly address all parts of the question, present a clear position, and develop ideas with relevant examples and logical reasoning.

Your writing must also be well-organized. Use clear paragraphing, logical sequencing of ideas, and a range of linking devices that are accurate and natural (not overused).

To meet the Lexical Resource criterion, use a variety of precise vocabulary, avoid repetition, and ensure word choice fits the context. For grammar, you need to demonstrate a mix of complex and simple structures with a high degree of accuracy.

Writing task 2 is the longer and more important task. It's more important because it constitutes double the marks of task 1. Here are the top ten tips for doing well in writing task 2.

• Understand the Question: Analyze the prompt to identify the essay type (e.g., agree/disagree, problem/solution).
• Plan Your Response: Spend 5 minutes outlining your ideas to ensure clarity and structure.
• Write a Clear Thesis: State your position or main argument in the introduction.
• Use Clear Paragraphing: Organize your essay with an introduction, 2-3 body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
• Support Ideas with Examples: Include relevant examples or evidence to strengthen arguments.
• Use Varied Vocabulary: Employ a range of words, avoiding repetition, to boost lexical resource.
• Apply Complex Sentences: Use a mix of sentence structures to show grammatical range.
• Maintain Coherence: Use linking words (e.g., however, therefore) for logical flow.
• Manage Time Effectively: Allocate 40 minutes, including planning, writing, and reviewing.
• Proofread Quickly: Check for grammar, spelling, and clarity in the last 2-3 minutes.

To achieve a Band 7, candidates must meet the following criteria, rephrased to ensure originality while reflecting official standards:

• Task Achievement (Task 1): Accurately describe and summarize visual data (e.g., charts, graphs) with relevant details, clear comparisons, and an overview, though some minor details may lack full development.
• Task Response (Task 2): Address all parts of the essay prompt with a clear position, well-developed ideas, and relevant examples, though some points may need more elaboration.
• Coherence and Cohesion: Organize ideas logically with clear progression, using a range of cohesive devices (e.g., however, therefore) appropriately, though there may be minor overuse or underuse.
• Lexical Resource: Use a range of vocabulary, including some less common words, with general accuracy, though minor errors may occur without impeding communication.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Produce a variety of complex sentence structures with good control, with some errors that do not hinder clarity.

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The IELTS Speaking test, lasting 11-14 minutes, assesses your spoken English through a face-to-face interview in three parts.

• Part 1 (4-5 minutes): Involves an introduction and general questions about familiar topics like family, hobbies, or daily routines, testing your ability to discuss personal experiences fluently.
• Part 2 (3-4 minutes): Requires you to speak for 1-2 minutes on a given topic from a cue card (e.g., describing a memorable event), with one minute to prepare, evaluating your ability to organize and express ideas coherently.
• Part 3 (4-5 minutes): Involves a discussion with the examiner on abstract or complex issues related to the Part 2 topic, such as societal trends or opinions, assessing your ability to analyze and articulate arguments.

The test evaluates fluency, coherence, vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation, crucial for academic or professional communication. Preparation involves practicing varied topics and improving clarity.

IELTS examiners are highly qualified professionals who assess Speaking and Writing tests, ensuring fair and consistent scoring.

They require an undergraduate degree, a TEFL/TESOL qualification (e.g., CELTA), and significant teaching experience. Examiners undergo rigorous training and ongoing monitoring to maintain scoring consistency. They are trained to create a supportive environment to help candidates feel at ease during the test.

The IELTS Speaking test assesses a candidate's ability to communicate effectively in English across three parts: general questions, a cue card monologue, and a discussion. Skills are evaluated based on four criteria outlined in the publicly available IELTS Speaking band descriptors: Fluency and Coherence, Lexical Resource, Grammatical Range and Accuracy, and Pronunciation. The descriptions below align with these descriptors, focusing on Band 7 expectations (good performance with minor errors).

• Speak Fluently: Maintain a natural flow, avoid long pauses, and use fillers sparingly.
• Expand Answers: Provide detailed responses with examples, not just yes/no answers.
• Use Varied Vocabulary: Incorporate diverse words and phrases, avoiding repetition.
• Pronounce Clearly: Ensure clear pronunciation with correct stress and intonation.
• Show Grammatical Range: Use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures accurately.
• Stay Confident and Coherent: Speak confidently, organize ideas logically, and stay on topic.

• Engage with the Examiner: Build rapport by maintaining eye contact, smiling, and responding naturally, as this creates a positive impression.
• Demonstrate Advanced Vocabulary: Use precise, topic-specific words and idiomatic expressions naturally to showcase a high language level.
• Vary Sentence Structures: Combine complex and compound sentences effectively to demonstrate grammatical flexibility and sophistication.
• Maintain Clear Pronunciation: Focus on accurate word stress, rhythm, and intonation to ensure your speech is easily understood, even with minor errors.
• Develop Ideas Fully: Provide well-structured, detailed responses with clear reasoning or examples to show depth and coherence in your answers.