Crack the IELTS Exam Preparation Code 2024: A Complete Guide

The IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is an English language proficiency test. If you want to migrate – for work or studies – to a country where English is predominantly spoken, you must clear the IELTS exam. Every year, 5.5 million people across the globe take this examination across 4000 test centers in 140 countries.

IELTS is developed and conducted by the British Council in partnership with Cambridge Assessment English and IDP Education. You will be tested on your four key skills – listening, reading, writing, and speaking. The IELTS exam pattern has two variations – Academic and General Training.

The IELTS Academic exam is for students seeking:

Higher education or professional registration
This exam tests your English proficiency at an academic level.

Whereas, the General Training exam is for:

Migration, secondary studies, or work
This exam assesses your everyday English knowledge.

Your IELTS exam preparation is very important. A good result can open doors to opportunities in countries like Australia, the UK, Canada, and New Zealand. This offers you a global advantage.

This guide lists all the resources you will need for IELTS exam preparation.

IELTS Preparation Online Free

There are many credible online resources for IELTS exam preparation. And the best part about them is most of these resources are free. Here is a list of some of the credible sources which will help you prepare:

IELTS website

The official website of IELTS provides you with preparation material. They offer training courses and practice tests. You will also have access to sample questions and answers to understand the expected answer type. You can enroll in their teacher-led courses to learn from the experts.

Manya

The Manya Group offers assistance for IELTS exam preparation by certified trainers. We have the option for both classroom and online preparation. Let us break down what each of these courses offers:

IELTS classroom/online training

This option is ideal for you if you are a student or someone primarily focusing on IELTS exam preparation. Here are the features you are offered in this mode of learning:

Manya has a student mobile application that allows aspirants to access unlimited mock tests at any time.
The app is integrated with IELTS exam syllabus books and is one of the largest question banks.
5 full-length mock tests – these have been created according to the actual IELTS exam pattern.
Teachers can identify knowledge gaps and correct them with AI-driven analytics.
Simulated module-wise tests on your reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills.
Students have access to the portal (for 6 months) for self-learning.
IELTS material is provided to each candidate for practice.
Interactive English challenges are organized to keep the learning process fun.

IELTS Private Tutoring

If you are someone seeking personal assistance for your IELTS exam preparation, this mode of studying is ideal for you. It provides the extra attention that you need, catered according to each student’s needs. Here are some of the features you will get access to in private tutoring:

Minimum 11 hours of tutoring.
5 full-length mock tests designed as per the IELTS exam pattern.
Personal trainer attention ensures focused learning.
Simulated module-wise tests to examine your reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills.
6 months of portal access for structured, self-paced learning.
Free assistance in IELTS registration and sending scores to universities.

E2 test prep

This website is mainly for General IELTS exam preparation. E2 provides sample mock tests with expert tutoring. You will also have access to live recorded classes and receive feedback on your speaking and writing skills.

IELTS Preparation Material

If you are preparing for IELTS, there are several materials that you can use. Here is a list of these important materials which will make your IELTS exam preparation process easier:

English language quiz/test: Before you begin preparing, you should assess your proficiency in the language. IDP offers free English language tests to help you evaluate where you stand and which areas need more attention.
Masterclass: Once you have an idea of your level of English language proficiency, you can enroll in a classroom or online program. You will be trained by experts who will assist you in building the necessary skills and help you understand the IELTS exam syllabus. During these sessions, you can also clear any doubts you have. Some courses also provide recorded sessions, allowing you to study at your own pace.
Practice test: Appearing for mock tests is a great way to practice. You not only get an idea of the type of questionnaire you will face but also learn time management. These tests are designed to give you an experience of the real exam, which in turn makes you more confident.
Books: If you learn better away from the screen, books are the best option. Several IELTS exam preparation books are available, designed according to the syllabus. These books contain practical exercises that test your knowledge. They also contain many frequently asked questions, which gives you an idea of the type of questions you can expect.
Webinars: These are live discussion sessions organized by institutes to allow students to interact with experts and get their doubts cleared. These webinars are a great place to interact with peers and share progress. If you have any doubts regarding the IELTS exam syllabus, you can get it cleared during these sessions.

IELTS Preparation Books

When choosing a booking for IELTS exam preparation, ensure the books adhere to the IELTS exam syllabus. Here is a table of some of the best books you can refer to prepare for the exam:

Book name	About the book
IELTS Cambridge Test Books	Contains authentic test papers from the previous year. The questionnaire remains the same whether you choose the offline or online test. Remain a step ahead in your preparation by practicing from this book.
Grammar for IELTS Writing Task 2	Comes in the form of an e-book. Contains key grammar tips and tricks that will help boost your score. Consists of exercises as well from which you can practice grammar.
IELTS Academic Module: Target Band 7	A great tool for IELTS exam preparation. Has an excellent Writing section with important strategies and tips to ace the exam. However, a drawback of the book is that you will require a secondary book with it for practice tests, as this book doesn’t include any.
Official IELTS Practice Materials Volume 1 and 2	IELTS offers practice materials for both Advanced and General examinations. These full-length practice tests are a must to help you understand how the questionnaire is and at what pace you need to be working.

IELTS Preparation Full Course

Several institutes are offering full courses for IELTS exam preparation. At Manya, IELTS exam training is offered in classrooms, and private tutoring is also available.

The IELTS exam syllabus is designed to test your grasp of the English language. There are two formats for the exam — Academic and General Training. While the IELTS exam pattern remains the same for both, the complexity and difficulty level varies between the two.

Academic

This IELTS exam pattern is for aspiring students who want to study in a foreign university where English is predominantly spoken. Based on your performance in this exam, you will be admitted to undergraduate and postgraduate courses.

General

This exam format is for those migrating to an English-speaking country for work, secondary education, or to settle down. People planning to move to New Zealand, Australia, and Canada must appear for the General test.

Skills tested in the IELTS exam

Whether you are appearing for the Academic exam or the General exam, you will be tested on your English reading and writing skills. However, only candidates appearing for the Academic exam are tested on their listening and speaking skills as well.

Check the details of the examinations given in the table below:

Section	About	Question type	Challenges
Listening	Divided into 4 sections Each has a recording followed by 10 questions each. First two sections test your understanding of social needs. Two individuals converse among each other, followed by a monologue Final two sections test your educational and training knowledge. Conversation between four people, followed by a monologue.	Multiple choice questions Short-questions Incomplete sentences Table/chart completion Diagram labelling Matching	You will have to listen to a cassette, but just once. You are allowed to write any keywords, names, or other data if needed. Sometimes, the words are repeated or spelled, but not always. During this 30-minute test, you need to answer 40 questions.
Reading Academic exam	3 passages are provided on topics of general interest. You will have to answer 40 questions. Passages can be from newspapers, journals, magazines, and books. One text contains a detailed logical argument.	Multiple choice questions Short-questions Incomplete sentences Table/chart completion Diagram labelling Matching lists/phases Choosing a suitable paragraph heading from the list Identifying the writer’s views True or False	Reading the texts and answering all the questions can be difficult to complete in 60 minutes. Some exam candidates face difficulty in interpreting the text.
Reading General Training test	3 passages of increasing difficulty You will have to answer 40 questions. Passages can be from instruction manuals, notices, leaflets, advertisements, magazines, and newspapers. First text is relevant to basic linguistic survival in English. Second text is related to the training context Third section tests your ability to read extended texts. Focuses on instructive and descriptive texts rather than argumentative
Writing Academic test	Two tasks to be completed in 60 minutes. Task 2 has more weightage than Task 1. In Task 1, you will examine a diagram or table and present the information in your own words. You will be assessed on your ability to present, organize, and compare data. You will also be tested on your ability to describe an object and the stages of a process and explain how it works or something. In Task 2, you will be presented with a point of view. You will be assessed on your ability to provide a solution to the said problem, justify your opinion, compare different opinions, and challenge ideas.	In IELTS Academic Writing Task 1, visual information can be shown as: Table Chart Process Graph Map In IELTS Academic Writing Task 2, you will have to write an essay expressing your point of view.	Some candidates have found the IELTS writing test challenging because of the time constrain.
Writing General Training test	There are two tasks to be completed in 60 minutes. Task 2 has more weightage than Task 1. In Task 1, you will respond to a given problem with a letter requesting information or providing a solution. You will be assessed on your ability to engage in personal correspondence, provide general information, and express likes, dislikes, wants, complaints, and opinions. In Task 2, you will be presented with a point of view. You will be assessed on your ability to provide a solution to the said problem, justify your opinion, compare different opinions, and challenge ideas.
Speaking	It comprises 3 sections, amounting to 11-14 minutes. Section 1: Introduction (4-5 minutes), Section 2: Cue Card (3-4 minutes), Section 3: Detailed Discussion on Section 2 (4-5 minutes). You generally have to talk about yourself, your life, your aspirations, and your town. You must be prepared to talk on these subjects. The examiner will show you a card, and you will have to express your opinion in simple words. This will test your ability to communicate. This conversation will be recorded.	Introduction and questions on familiar topics. You will be assigned a topic on which you will have to speak. Followed by a broad discussion.	Sometimes, this stressful situation can become overwhelming, and you might not be able to express yourself properly. You will have only 15 minutes to prove your English communication skills.

How to Prepare for IELTS at Home

Are you planning on doing your IELTS exam preparation at home? Even though it might be difficult, it’s not impossible. Here are a few things you must do to prepare for IELTS at home:

Step 1: Understand the IELTS exam pattern. Identify which exam you want to appear for. As mentioned above, the General test includes only two sections, whereas the Academic test does four. Knowing the test format can help your strategies.

Step 2: Create a study plan according to the IELTS exam syllabus. We know that the four main skills tested in the IELTS examination are listening, writing, speaking, and reading. According to the test pattern, divide the IELTS exam syllabus into achievable targets. Make sure your study plan is realistic, something that you can follow.

Step 3: Gather all the materials you will need for IELTS exam preparation. Do not start before you have almost all the needed materials. Look for reliable sources and gather a variety of study materials, including instructional videos, sample questions, and test papers.

Step 4: Work on your vocabulary by watching English movies, reading the newspaper, listening to podcasts, etc. The more you listen to the language being spoken, the better you understand it. This is also a great way to boost your pronunciation.

Step 5: Make sure every week you are practicing a mock test. This will help you track your progress. You can identify areas that require more attention. It is also a great way to learn time management during the exam.

Step 6: Seek feedback and support from mentors in your life. Use their advice to strategies better. You can use these insights to work on areas where you feel you need more practice.

IELTS Exam Preparation Tips

Here are a few general tips for IELTS exam preparation:

Thoroughly understand the IELTS exam pattern. This will help you identify areas that require your attention.
Improve reading skills by developing a habit of reading. Read anything that interests you – it could be a book, a newspaper, or an online article.
Work on your listening skills by hearing podcasts, the daily news, or a movie. You can also practice making a list of new words that you learn in the process. This helps make your vocabulary stronger.
Develop fluency and work on your pronunciation by communicating in English. Actively seek feedback and apply them.
Enhance your writing skills by practicing essays once or twice a week. You can refer to books for ideas on essay topics.

Here we have provided some detailed tips that can help you overcome the challenges that you face in each particular section.

Listening exam tips:

Answering all questions correctly can be difficult. We suggest students get at least 30 questions right, which will promise a good score.
Try listening to audiobooks or podcasts and list any information you can remember. This is a great way to practice.
You are allowed 10 minutes at the end to transfer answers to the answer sheet, so make sure you don’t panic during the process. Stay calm and put in the right answer.

Reading exam tips:

Make reading a habit. Read daily to increase the speed at which you are reading.
For the IELTS exam preparation, practice listing points from the paragraphs that you are reading.
Practice tests can help you understand how you to manage time during the exam.

Writing exam tips:

As Task 2 has more weightage than Task 1, spend 20 minutes completing the first one and dedicate the remaining 40 minutes to Task 2.
Practice writing at home to ensure your speed meets the exam’s standard.

Speaking exam tips:

Focus on calming your nerves. You need not worry about your words or pronunciation; just continue speaking.
If you fumble, don’t panic. You can start again.
Practice communication with your peers in English to boost your confidence. Seek feedback from them on how you can improve.

IELTS Exam Preparation through MANYA Education Resources

At Manya, there are several resources for IELTS exam preparation. Here is a list of the resources you will have access to at Manya:

Resource	Feature
Mock tests	One of the best ways to track your progress. These mock tests are conducted weekly and can be used to evaluate the areas requiring more attention.
Certified trainers	Manya has certified trainers. The courses are taught under the guidance of these experts.
Private Tutoring	If you don’t feel comfortable learning in a group or need a little extra hand-holding, this feature allows you to get trained in private classes.
Workbook	You will be provided with workbooks for practicing what you learn.
Technology aided training	You will learn from experts via live training. This has made learning more inclusive.

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