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Taking the IELTS exam can feel like running a marathon – it’s long, requires focus, and every second counts. Whether you’re aiming to improve your English for studies, work, or personal development, managing your time well in the IELTS exam is crucial. In this blog, we’ll explore some effective strategies to help you stay on top of the clock while you tackle each part of the exam. And since you’re taking the IELTS in London, we’ll even sprinkle in some local insights to keep things fun and interesting!
Time management can make a huge difference in your IELTS score. While you may know your English skills well, using them efficiently within the limited exam time is what will set you apart. Each section of the exam – Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking – has a specific time limit, and if you don’t manage your time wisely, you may run out of it before finishing a section. But don’t worry! With some practice, time management becomes second nature, and you’ll feel more confident when exam day comes around.
Before diving into time management tips, it’s helpful to quickly review the structure of the IELTS exam:
1. Listening: 30 minutes (plus 10 minutes to transfer your answers)
2. Reading: 60 minutes
3. Writing: 60 minutes
4. Speaking: 11-14 minutes (conducted as a face-to-face interview)
Now that you know the format, let’s look at specific time management strategies for each exam section.
The IELTS Listening section can be tricky because you only hear the recordings once. You’ll have to answer 40 questions over four recordings, and the recordings range from conversations to lectures.
– Read ahead: During the brief pauses between recordings, read the questions ahead. This way, you’ll know what to listen for in the next section.
– Don’t dwell on one question: If you miss an answer, don’t panic! Move on to the next question and keep listening. You’ll have time to transfer your answers to the answer sheet at the end.
– Use the transfer time wisely: At the end of the Listening section, you’ll have 10 minutes to transfer your answers from the question booklet to the answer sheet. Make sure your answers are clear and spelt correctly.
And here’s a fun London-specific tip: the recordings might include accents from different English-speaking countries. Living in London, you might already be used to hearing people from around the world – consider it good practice for your exam!
The IELTS Reading section consists of three passages with 40 questions. You’ll have to answer questions like multiple-choice, matching headings, and true/false/not given.
– Skim first, read later: Don’t try to read every word of each passage. Instead, quickly skim through the text to get the gist and then go back to find the answers.
– Divide your time: You have 60 minutes for this section, so spend about 20 minutes per passage. This ensures that you have enough time to answer all the questions.
– Don’t get stuck: If a question takes too long, skip it and return later. It’s better to answer easier questions first and then spend more time on the harder ones.
London-specific content can also help you here: if you’re living in London, you might come across many of the topics you see in the reading passages in your daily life. Whether it’s a museum exhibit you’ve visited or an article you’ve read in a local paper, make those connections and use them to help you better understand the passages.
For many students, the Writing section is the most challenging part of the IELTS exam. It consists of a 150-word description or explanation (Task 1) and a 250-word essay (Task 2).
– Spend your time wisely: You have 60 minutes, so spend around 20 minutes on Task 1 and 40 minutes on Task 2, as Task 2 carries more weight in scoring.
– Plan before you write: Before diving into your essay, take a few minutes to brainstorm your ideas and structure your answer. This will help you write more efficiently and avoid mistakes.
– Leave time to review: Always leave the last 5 minutes to proofread your work. Check for spelling and grammar errors – even small mistakes can affect your score.
If you’re taking your IELTS exam in London, why not practice your writing in real-world settings? Visit a café, like the famous ones in Covent Garden, sit down with a notebook, and try writing a timed essay about something you’ve experienced in London. Not only will it improve your writing skills, but it will also make the process more enjoyable!
The Speaking section is often the most nerve-wracking part of the IELTS exam. It’s conducted as a face-to-face interview with an examiner and lasts 11 to 14 minutes.
– Practice speaking naturally: Don’t memorise answers – the examiners can tell. Instead, practise speaking about different topics with a friend or tutor in a conversational way.
– Answer fully, but don’t ramble: Give detailed answers but avoid going off-topic. Make sure you address the question directly and clearly.
– Stay calm: If you don’t understand a question, it’s okay to ask the examiner to repeat it. Take a moment to gather your thoughts before answering.
If you want to improve your English and ace the IELTS, consider taking an IELTS preparation course in London. London can be your playground for practising speaking English! With people from all over the world in the city, you can easily strike up conversations in English in places like Borough Market or even with fellow passengers on the Tube. These real-life experiences will boost your confidence for the Speaking section.
If you’re looking to learn English and take the IELTS exam in London, our IELTS London courses are designed to help you achieve your goals with expert guidance and practical strategies.
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