Q&A for How to Prepare for IELTS

Calendaring things out is really important. Having things that absolutely have to get done on a certain date in your calendar is one of the first steps to getting yourself organized. Try to organize your study plan by things that need to get done within the next couple days, things that you can do next, and things that you can do later on.

You may want to refer to a book called "Word Power Made Easy" written by Norman Lewis. There are some practices there that will help you, especially if English is not your first language.

Practice as much as you can. Try to find someone to converse with who also speaks English.

Try to read at least one hour a day and work more on common words. so that your spelling will develop.

Listen to everything you can; speak to as many people as you can. Learn the language in chunks and set phrases, use a basic set of grammar you are confident with (for now!) and see how you can use it in many different ways and situations. Don't translate in your head or rely on your first language. Use what you know, use it a lot, and use it effectively.

Try to use new words during conversations. Flash cards are also very helpful.

Read classic books if your native language is English. If you are learning this as a foreign language, watch shows in English. Listening to English songs is another good way to pick up on some words.

You can find different writing prompts on the internet, and use them to practice. Spend more time prepping for this portion.

You can practice in your free time. If you have free time, try to not waste it, and try to be punctual.

You can surf the Internet for the latest IELTS books. There is a set which contains 10 books. It contains all past exam papers and their answers. You should try to read English literature books. Also, try to read other people's essays and stories, either on the Internet or in books. This will help you to organize your essays. You should try to watch movies, shows, etc. in English. If you are a foreigner, try to make using the English language routine. If you can't find movies/shows in English, turn on English subtitles.

Improve your English to at least B1 level before starting. It would also depend on whether you need the IELTS for work or academe. Many higher paid jobs will require a band 7 score or higher.

The best place to start is by visiting the ielts.org website and purchasing an up to date student book, with CD for practice.

Take a class at a local community college or through a community organization. Sometimes local libraries have literacy programs for free. You will do much better with specific instruction than by trying to learn by yourself.