Even if you are fluent in English, if you come from a country where English is not your main language you must take an exam to measure and prove your ability if you want to live, work or study in an English-speaking country.
How do I prepare for IELTS?
The IELTS exam is validated by over 10,000 institutions worldwide. There are many advantages to having this qualification on your CV, so it is important to prepare for IELTS well.
- Time management:
To take a test of this scale, preparation is essential. The 4 sections: speaking, listening, reading and writing must be prepared by taking regular breaks.
- Know how to spread out your studies:
No matter what exam to prepare for, it is never advisable to study 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It is advisable to organize your studies in a rational and balanced way by taking well-deserved breaks.
- Prepare yourself well:
Anticipate the exam by recreating the environment you will face: familiarize yourself with the exam format, practice by setting a time limit.
- Surround yourself with language:
Talk to a native speaker, listen to different accents, do exercises, practice your writing by starting a blog or writing short stories. Thanks to new technologies, it is now possible to practice by installing applications on your laptop, tablet, following online tutorials or registering on a learning platform.
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The best training applications
What applications are needed if you have books, a teacher or tutorials to prepare your IELTS?
The applications are easy to use, always available, regularly updated and easy to use. With the number of applications available to everyone, you can easily get lost. Here are the 3 best applications to prepare your IELTS.
- IELTS pre app :
This application is available on IOS as well as on Android. Free, it covers all sections of the exam with videos, quizzes, practices and exercises.
- IELTS Test pro 2019 :
With more than 3000 questions created by experts, this application offers exercises and worksheets to help you review.
- BBC learning english :
BBC is the reference for all things English. With this application, get a lesson every day and practice your English strategically.
Online courses
To prepare you for your exams, there are many online courses available, three of which are listed below:
- Understanding IELTS:
This free online course is designed to help you prepare for your exams by giving you an overview of what to expect by tackling the 4 sections you will encounter during your exam.
It lasts 6 weeks for 2 hours per day
- IELTS preparation course :
This platform puts all the tools at your disposal: applications, videos, tutorials, blog and email support.
- IELTS Band 7+ :
Udemy's IELTS Band 7+ has been created by an IELTS and TOEIC specialist to help you acquire all the necessary skills to face the exam but also to reach a level of English that you will use outside the exam.
The English Language Evaluation Tests
There are many tests available to assess a person's ability in the English language. Among these tests, the best known and recognized are IELTS, TOEIC and the Cambridge English exam.
- IELTS or International English Language Testing System :
This exam is in two stages: the first stage, which consists of assessing the person on their listening, reading and writing, takes place in one day, the second stage, which assesses the speaking, can take place 7 days before or after, or the same day as the rest of the exam.
In total, this exam lasts 2h45 and you will be graded between 1 and 9, 9 being the "expert" level.
The result of your IELTS exam is valid for two years for a fee of $200 to take it.
- TOEIC or Test Of English for International Communication :
The TOEIC is generally taken online except for countries where the internet is not readily available.
Like IELTS, the test covers reading, listening, speaking and writing. Each section is worth 30 points and a 10-minute break is given after the first two. The exam is taken in a single session that lasts half a day.
It is more advantageous for a person who does not handle stress well in front of foreigners to choose the TOEIC because the speaking part is recorded but not taken in front of an examiner.
Depending on your country, the rate can vary between $165 and $250.
- The Cambridge English exam :
Unlike IELTS and TOEIC, the Cambridge English exam does not score your abilities. There are three levels: PET for the lowest level, FCE for the intermediate and CAE for the highest level. The fee depends on your level and the centre from which you will take the exam.
The exam will say whether or not you failed and has no expiry date, so you can post it on your resume indefinitely.