Passing the IELTS Test: Online Learning Strategies and Recommendations

It took me a long time to achieve band 7.5 in the IELTS test, and here are some of my insights along the ‘IELTS journey’ that I recently took. Ok, so maybe you are deciding between the IELTS, TOEFL, or Duolingo tests and have decided upon the IELTS test as I did. The right methods can make a world of difference, especially when you do your preparation solely online. I will start with an overview of the IELTS and then get to some of the strategies that helped me the most.

Understanding the IELTS Test Format

Before beginning your preparation, it is essential to understand the format of the test so that you can prepare efficiently. As the most popular test of its kind, the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is carefully designed to evaluate how well you can use English across four skill areas: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. It is my guess that you will probably be taking the IELTS academic test, but both versions (the general IELTS) of the test have the same skills, though the Reading and Writing sections differ slightly in content and focus.

For most students and in my opinion, the writing test is by the far the most challenging. There are two sections to the test:

• Task 1, where you have to describe a graph or some set of data.
• Task 2, where you’ll need to write a full essay with a minimum of 250 words

I put most of my attention on the writing and then tried to use the free British Council study resources to help with the reading and listening sections.

The second most difficult part of the test for me was the Speaking test. This is an interview, in which you’ll answer some questions, speak on a subject, and discuss it. Having studied the different topics and structure of the test helped me to focus on giving appropriate responses to the speaking questions and lessen test day jitters.

What are my most useful free recommendations for IELTS preparation?

Firstly, for the IELTS reading and listening section the British Council website is a top contender:

1. British Council IELTS Preparation

A great site with lots of free practice tests and valuable information. In my opinion book your test through the British Council and not the IDP as there are more resources on the British Councils website.

2. IELTS Liz

She was a past IELTS examiner and her free resources and insights are some of the best I have found. Check out her IELTS videos on youtube as well as many helped me with the speaking and writing sections.

3. English Grammar Cafe IELTS Blog

Although this site is smaller, there were certain pages that really helped me to understand the types of writing questions’ and some of the IELTS exercises and sample essays are really useful.

Youtube channels like ‘Engvid Adam’s IELTS study course’ and ‘IELTS advantage’ are really good channels to watch as well.

Choose what works for you!

Of course there is a lot of flexibility and variety when it comes to choosing an IELTS study method and having different approaches can make a huge impact. Unlike in-class courses, you can create your own schedule when you ‘self learn’. You can work lessons into your job, family or any other obligations (this is especially true for distance learners , busy professionals or students who have inconsistent schedules). Whether at home, in a cafe, or traveling, online IELTS study platforms allow you to access lessons and practice materials whenever and wherever.

Additionally, some IELTS online courses offer a personalized experience whereby you can have 1-to-1 lessons. Most platforms employ adaptive tools that approach you with your strengths and weaknesses in mind so you can examine what you are still lacking. You’ll also discover lots of interactive resources, including practice tests, quizzes, and discussion forums that simulate a real IELTS exam environment. This approach not only helps you build your skills but also your confidence going into test day.

My Study Strategies for IELTS Success

Adopting smart study strategies will help you get the most out of your online IELTS preparation. Effective Strategies for Online IELTS Preparation Success

What helped me succeed was:

● Creating a structured study plan with weekly goals
● Focusing on one skill at a time until I felt some progress (I spent a week on IELTS writing and found I improved my essay structure and grammatical accuracy by reading lots of sample essays).
● Using online mock tests under timed conditions (For all IELTS elements))
● Reviewing mistakes and seek feedback from IELTS teachers
● Incorporating English into your daily routine (listen to the radio when washing up etc.)

Here are three bullet points that I put together to summarize effective online IELTS preparation strategies:

● Plan Study Sessions: Organise your study plan in sections, working on each skill (Listening, Reading, Writing, or Speaking) separately. Dedicate days to modules and set targets to measure your progress. This method gives you the full picture without being overwhelmed.

● Use High-Quality Online Materials: Video lessons, practice tests, and interactive exercises. As previously mentioned, The British Council is one of many platforms offering structured courses, while sites as the English Grammar Cafe and IELTS Liz can aid in building your understanding of the IELTS test, essay structure, vocabulary and lexical resource. As such, adding these resources to your routine rapidly enhances your understanding.

● Regularly Practice Mock Tests: Take online mock IELTS tests to get used to the exam environment and manage time efficiently. Review what you did right, and what you need to work on and make that your priority. It helps in training yourself to take the test.

Also, practice English daily read the news, listen to podcasts, and write short essays. Hence, these habits will subconsciously help you with Vocabulary, Grammar & fluency as a whole.

What I’ve read about other ‘test taker’ experiences

The best results, it turns out, come from a mix between structured learning and flexibility, others seem to say. Everyone has their own individual criteria for achieving their goals, whether it be scoring a certain number in each section or a band to pass… Aim to establish realistic goals in the short-term and long-term for each section of their IELTS. Read a set number of passages or write a certain number of essays per week, focusing on the area that still needs to be improved. To keep motivation up and momentum going, use small wins and celebrate the small milestones

Take advantage of the expertise available through online platforms. To stay motivated, I found live classes, video lectures, and personalized feedback from experienced instructors really kept me going. You could also find valuable tips from these resources that can help you during the exam and in better understanding the complex topics. Feel free to participate in online forums or study groups, as they can give you a place to discuss ideas, ask questions, and learn from others. If you want a supportive, community-driven approach, try typing ‘IELTS study forums’ on Google to connect with fellow learners and high-quality materials.

Final Thoughts: Achieving Your IELTS Goals

Consistency and a positive mindset are your best friends in the process of preparation for the IELTS. While online learning is more flexible than ever, what I found was only my determination and following a sound IELTS study plan kept me strong towards getting the magic band 7.5 that I needed. Remember, Stay organised! Use a variety of resources and don’t be afraid to reach out for help when necessary. When I passed my IELTS test I felt I should write a short article to help other students with useful resources and insights, and I hope this has been useful to you. I wish you well with your IELTS journey!