Test day - some helpful IELTS tips
1. Get a good night's sleep
Make sure that you get enough rest the night before the IELTS test. Tiredness will directly affect your ability to concentrate.
2. Eat breakfast
Eat a good meal before the exam. Your brain definitely functions better when you’re not hungry.
3. Wear comfortable clothes
Wear appropriate clothing that won’t distract you from concentrating on the exam. Don’t wear clothes that are too tight, and consider the fact that the exam room might be cold or warm so dress in layers.
4. Take a soda to the exam hall
You are allowed to take a transparent bottle of water, pencil, eraser and passport to the exam hall. But instead of water, you can also take a bottle of soda to keep your awareness and blood sugar high as it contains both caffeine and sugar.
5. Pay attention to spelling & punctuation
Spelling and punctuation are very important throughout the entire IELTS test and you’ll lose points if your answers are spelled incorrectly or you use punctuation incorrectly.
6. Pay attention to the word limits
Keep in mind that you will lose marks if you exceed the word limits. So pay attention to where the answers should be “not more than three words”, as well as the writing tasks, which should be 250 and 150 words.
Tips for the IELTS writing test
Don't use spoken English in your writing.
Write Task 2 first, as it contributes more to your total score.
Make sure your handwriting is legible, tidy, and neat.
Tips for the IELTS speaking test
Listen to the questions carefully before you answer.
Don't answer the question if you're unsure about what to answer. You can ask the examiner to repeat or clarify the question for you.
Be confident and relaxed, and do your best.
Tips for the IELTS reading test:
Don’t spend too much time on the questions you can’t find an answer for.
Move to the next question and get back to that question if you have any time left at the end.
Read all the questions and underline the keywords before reading each text.
Tips for the IELTS listening test:
Skim the questions before listening to the recordings.
Make sure that you can write the dates in the correct format.
If you have any problem hearing the recordings, raise your hand and ask for help.
Practice on both British and American pronunciations, as some numbers and words are pronounced differently.
Things to Do (And Not to Do) on The IELTS Test Day, And The Days Before
Things to do LONG before your IELTS test day
Learn about the test format and timing
Get familiar with the speaking and writing band descriptors
Study and practice as much as possible
Time yourself
Do a full-length mock test.
Things to do on the last day before the test
Know the location.
Check your speaking test details.
Review your notes
Eat and drink a healthy meal.
Think about a positive outcome
Get your stuff ready.
Relax
Things to do your test day
Eat a full and healthy breakfast.
Bring a valid ID
Arrive early at the test center
Go to the bathroom before entering the test room.
Focus only on the test
Listen carefully and don’t be shy.
Don’t stop at a single question.
Important things to remember:
Do not cheat
You are not allowed to use a dictionary, spell-checker, or mobile phone during the test.
Do not lend anything to or borrow anything from another test taker once the test has begun.
The supervisor is not allowed to help you with any of the test questions
Do not talk to or disturb other candidates
Do not eat or smoke in the test room
You are not allowed to take any materials from the test room.
Do not leave the test room without first getting permission from a supervisor.
If you break these rules, your test result will be withheld you will not be refunded.
These were some important tips that I’ve gathered to help you prepare for the IELTS test and succeed on your test day. Remember to put them into practice, do your best, and trust yourself!