If you need to pass an English language test for your visa or studies, you may be asking yourself – how much time should I set aside to prepare for the IELTS language test?
Those looking for an easy answer will be disappointed because there is no one-size-fits-all approach.
Luckily, there are plenty of ways to prepare for an English language test. We’ve put together this useful explainer of ways you can prepare for the IELTS (International English language testing system), one of the most commonly used English tests.
Whether you have a year to prepare or you’re wondering how to prepare for IELTS in a week, E2 Test Prep has resources to suit your time and budget that will boost your confidence and, more importantly, your test score.
Understand the structure of IELTS tests
Firstly, you must know that there are two types of IELTS tests, general and academic. Make sure you confirm well in advance which of these two tests you’ll be taking so you don’t waste time preparing for the wrong test.
There are four sections in the IELTS test: listening, speaking, reading and writing. The general and academic tests include the same listening and speaking test sections, but the reading and writing sections differ. Whether you need to prepare for the general or academic test will depend on your circumstances and your reason for taking the test.
Listening
For the listening test, you will hear four conversations in English and answer questions about them. The four conversations will include different sized groups of people speaking and various contexts. You will listen to a conversation set in a social, academic, and educational context.
Speaking
The speaking test involves a short conversation between you and the examiner. Initially, you will be asked questions about yourself, including your hobbies and interests, your home and family life, work and study.
Then you will be given a card with a topic on which you will speak for two minutes. You will have one minute to prepare what you are going to say. After your two minutes of speaking, the examiner will ask you questions about the topic.
General reading
The general reading section of the test is based on several texts to be read, and questions about them answered. The texts are like those you would encounter in your everyday life in an English speaking country. Answer formats include multiple-choice; identifying information, views and claims; matching exercises and sentence completion.
Academic reading
The academic reading task is much like the general task; however, the texts are more academic, stemming from journals, newspapers, and the like, and geared to those wishing to enter university, academia, or seeking professional registration.
General writing
The general writing task contains two sections, during which test takers must write two texts. The first is a letter, and the second is an essay.
Academic writing
The academic writing task begins with test-takers writing a response to a chart, data, graph or diagram in their own words. You must summarise or explain the data provided. The second task is the same as the general writing task.
How to prepare for IELTS at home with high-quality materials
When preparing for the IELTS test, it’s important you use high-quality IELTS preparation material. This will ensure you are preparing in line with the requirements of the test.
E2 offers a range of high quality IELTS preparation packages, which you can use to study IELTS online. Depending on your budget and timeline, you can choose a bronze, silver or gold package from E2. While your success is ultimately in your hands, these packages give you the best possible chance to pass IELTS on the first go and obtain a high score.
IELTS Academic/General Bronze
The bronze package gives you six months of access to the materials provided and contains both a mock test and many practice questions and assessments to help you understand what areas you need to work on to succeed. It also includes a one-on-one tutorial with a teacher, which will give you valuable, personalised feedback on your performance.
IELTS Academic/General Silver
In addition to the features listed above, the silver package includes an additional tutorial with a teacher. This means you could complete the mock test and then have a one-on-one tutorial with an expert, giving you even more insight into where you have performed well or need to improve. The silver package gives you nine months of access to the materials, which is excellent for those who have begun studying well in advance.
IELTS Academic/General Gold package
The gold package includes all the features of bronze and silver. It contains an additional one-on-one tutorial with a teacher, giving students access to over two hours of personalised feedback and training.
If you’re not ready to commit to a package, E2 has a broad range of free IELTS exercises and materials you can use to supercharge your test preparation.
A great place to start is with E2’s YouTube channel and podcast. These resources will help you get into the swing of test preparation. You can even go through a full free IELTS mock test on Youtube, hosted by our E2 experts, Jay and Mark.
Taking a full mock test with E2 will help you understand where you need to improve to achieve your desired score. You can purchase a Mock test through your E2 Test Prep account. It is a real-life test simulation including a timer and a realistic grade, and you will receive personalised feedback you can use to improve your result.
For those who like to multitask, a podcast is a handy way to prepare as you can listen in and learn while preparing dinner for the family, commuting or doing some exercise. With a new episode every week, the Everyday English podcast will help you improve your English fluency.
Set realistic expectations
One way to help you understand your current language skills and what you can hope to achieve in the time you have available is to take the E2English placement test.
This 30-minute test is available for free, and the results will act as a diagnostic tool to help you understand your overall English language skills. It’s a great tool if you’re trying to figure out what language level course you should enrol in, so make sure you set aside time to complete it.
Your personal circumstances will decide how well you can prepare – but remember, everybody can find a way to approach the IELTS test as prepared as possible. E2 is committed to making it as easy as possible to achieve your English language goals, no matter your situation.
Some of you might be asking yourselves, ‘can I prepare if I’m a single parent?’ or ‘can I study for IELTS while at home with a baby?’ The answer is yes. Just remember that if you have significant obligations outside of your test preparation, you may need to begin preparing earlier than someone else with more free time.
How to prepare for IELTS in a month
If you’ve found yourself pressed for time and need to prepare for IELTS in a hurry, investing in the E2 IELTS express package is a great option to help you prepare for IELTS in a month.
The IELTS 30 day course includes live classes and recordings in case you miss one. With these resources at your disposal, you’ll become more comfortable for your coming test day.
If you have a specific skill you would like to reinforce, there are also speaking and writing intensive packages at your disposal to focus on each skill respectively.
Find ways to prepare for your test without stress
Test preparation doesn’t have to be stressful. You can do simple things to help your English skills along, even in your downtime. For instance, hop on the E2 TikTok channel. Here you can practice and learn English without the pressure.
We also have an IELTS youtube channel with heaps of free content on how to prepare for the general and academic versions of the test. Here you can find very useful videos like how to pass IELTS in 2022 which help you learn at your own pace.
Did you know E2 Test Prep is an official partner of IDP, the biggest IELTS examiner worldwide?
Our final piece of advice to you
Learning English can seem a daunting experience, but you can take simple steps immediately to start your journey to English proficiency and an excellent IELTS score. Sign up to E2 Test Prep, make use of all our learning resources and tune into our podcast and Youtube channel. We assure you’ll feel closer to your English learning goals day by day.
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Amoaki SUSANA Dede says:
I had an overall band score of 7 in my first attempt with 7.5 in speaking , 7 in listening, 6.5 in writing and 6in reading, I will like to improve on my reading skills because I find it very difficult in understanding the reading module, thank u
You
Ayesha Rasool says:
Am interested in how I can take online classes
Chandalala says:
I am looking forward to achieving the required scores on first attempt.Thank you!
Siobhan MacDonald says:
We wish you all the best, Chandalala!
Faridah says:
Hi, am Faridah from Uganda.I registered with you people but when it comes to payments,I don’t have a Visa card. Is there any other option other than the two options you have?
Right now am using my phone but that’s the challenge I have met. Thanks
Siobhan MacDonald says:
Hi Faridah,
Thank you for getting in touch.
Please reach out to our Support Team and they will be happy to assist: https://support.e2language.com/s/contactsupport?language=en_US
Linda chibbamulilo says:
I want to pass ielts on first attempt so I need your help in ielts academic
Siobhan MacDonald says:
Hi there! Please visit our website to sign up now http://www.e2language.com
Nkechi Mary says:
Please I’m in Nigeria trying to join the English speaking team, but I don’t know where it’s located here
Siobhan MacDonald says:
Please sign up here: http://www.e2language.com
Sylvia nanyangwe says:
I’m interested online ,but what’s the mode of payment
Siobhan MacDonald says:
Hi Sylvia – thank you for reaching out! Please get in touch with our Support Team for a package recommendation here: https://support.e2language.com/s/contactsupport?language=en_US
Good luck!
Sunita kandel says:
I got 7 in all modules . But I find reading difficult. So you please provide me the tips and tricks for reading.
Siobhan MacDonald says:
Hi Sunita – thank you for your feedback! We would recommend reaching out to our Support Team for a package recommendation. Here is the link: https://support.e2language.com/s/contactsupport?language=en_US
Good luck!
Taiwo says:
Hi there, do I necessarily need to go to class or can it be online and how is the fee like. Thank you.
Siobhan MacDonald says:
Hi Taiwo, thank you for reaching out! E2 Test Prep is an online platform dedicated to helping students pass their English tests from all around the world. If you would like to prepare for free, please sign up here: https://app.e2language.com/Registration Good luck!
Siobhan MacDonald says:
hi Taiwo, you can sign up for free here https://app.e2language.com/Registration
Stacey Hannaway-Johnson says:
Hello Siobhan
I signed up for the free version of E2 Prep, and was allowed to register for live classes. I have noticed that the classes are always at odd times like 2 3, 4 in the a.m. so I have not been able to do any of them. I would like to get access to more material, including live classes and one-on-one help. Is this the right tool for me?
Siobhan MacDonald says:
Hi there – once you have a paid account you will have access to the Recorded Classes. You can also set up your timezone data so that you can attend the Live Classes in your own time.