IELTS Exam Preparation Online: Checkout the Best Books, Preparation Tips, Exam Fee & More

The International English Language Testing System or IELTS is the world’s most common English language proficiency test for research, work and migration, with more than 4 million tests carried out over the previous year. The results of IELTS are accepted by more than 10,000 institutions, including academic institutions, employers, professional organizations and administrations, in 140 countries across the world.

You may choose to give your IELTS test either in writing or on a computer, based on your comfort. There is no distinction in content, style or difficulty level between both the two choices. Note, you will just have to carefully select which course you want to take-International English Language Testing System Academic or International English Language Testing System General Training, based on the intent of the exam. However, if you want to study in the UK, you will have to give the International English Language Testing System exam eligible for UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI).

Test Format of International English Language Testing System

All four language skills are tested by the International English Language Testing System: listening, reading, writing and speaking. You’ll complete all the listening, reading and writing exams on the same day, one after another, with no gaps between each one. You can reserve a slot online on your chosen date and time for the Speaking Exam. If you fail to select a slot during the time period specified, you will be randomly set a time slot. Test time is less than three hours in total.

International English Language Testing System Listening Exam (30 Minutes)

Four recordings will have to be listened to and then the questions asked will be answered. The recordings are of native English speakers and the length of the test is 30 minutes.

International English Language Testing System Reading Exam (60 Minutes)

The International English Language Testing System Reading Test requires 40 questions to be answered and is designed to test you on a variety of skills in reading. For gist, key ideas, information, rational arguments, skimming, and finding out the attitudes, opinions and intentions of the authors, you will have to read.

International English Language Testing System Writing Exam (60 Minutes)

Based on the module you are taking, the International English Language Testing System writing test allows you to complete two tasks and covers topics of general interest.

International English Language Testing System Speaking Exam (11-14 Minutes)

Your spoken English abilities are tested by the International English Language Testing System Speaking exam. The test is reported in three sections and performed.

IELTS Exam Dates

The IELTS exam dates in India are accessible four times per month or 48 times a year and are usually held on Saturdays and Thursdays and provide versatility and comfort to test-seekers. With the International English Language Testing System sent to your device, you can choose between different dates and time slots in a day and have your results within 3-5 days. Although, the accessibility of the International English Language Testing System dates varies depending on the type of test and the module you have chosen-Academic or General Training.

Why is IELTS Important?

IELTS scores are needed as a prerequisite for resident status by governments in more nations than any other English language exam. Unlike many other suppliers, the International English Language Testing System General Training Test is the only non-academic test eligible for immigration to Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States.

IELTS assesses realistic communication abilities and offers an accurate evaluation of the four skills that are being assessed. It focuses on testing the candidate’s language skills instead of professional experience and provides two versions, Technical and General Training. Plus, in a private space without distractions, it makes for a one-on-one speaking examination with an examiner.

IELTS Exam Fee

According to the test form, the IELTS test fee in India differs. For detailed details about IELTS exam fees, please refer to the table below

Exam Type	Cost in INR
Computer-delivered International English Language Testing System	Rs 14,000
International English Language Testing System Life Skills (A1 and B1)	Rs 13,940
International English Language Testing System for UK Visas and Immigration	Rs 15,100
Pen and paper-based International English Language Testing System	Rs 14,000

Also Read: How do I know Which is more Suitable for Me IELTS or TOEFL?

IELTS Preparation at Home

The IELTS Practice Guide, which includes IELTS Sample Papers and techniques to help you practise without going to any formal coaching institute, can be referred to by students wishing to prepare at home. Books and tools from the International English Language Testing System are also great training materials popularly followed everywhere by many International English Language Testing System aspirants. Applicants can also link to the IELTS official website for more study materials. Here are a few instructions and strategies that help you prepare for the exam on your own with all the information and tools in your possession.

IELTS Preparation at Home: Listening

Of the four parts, listening is expected to be the easiest. Within 30 minutes, the nominee will listen to 4 separate recordings and answer 40 questions. The tricky part is, at the same time, you are going to listen and write the answers. So how are you doing with the listening portion of the examination?

• Prior to the final review, practise, practise, and practise, take as many trail tests as possible.
• The trick is concentration, listening to every aspect of the conversation being carried out. Most often, you will fail to answer one or two questions by losing the emphasis for a few seconds, this is where your score falls
• Learn to master various English accents.
• If you don’t listen to podcasts, watch English news outlets and enjoy English shows while you’re not doing trial tests, this helps to improve your listening skills and even better understand the accent of native English speakers.

Preparation for IELTS at Home: Reading

There are 3 parts of 40 questions in the reading portion, and you need to answer them within 60 minutes. Reading has to do with time management if listening is about to practise.

• Time your trail assessments while reading sections while training.
• Compared with 1 and 2, section 3 is comparatively harder. So, for the first two sections, take as little time as possible and get enough practice for the third section.
• Fine-tune your vocabulary ability. As time is the determining factor here, to proceed quickly, you should know the meaning of complicated terms.
• Before you read the file, take a look at the questions. As you read, make a note of keywords. It allows you to respond better.
• Build a gist from the paragraph in your mind as you read along.

Also Read: IELTS Writing Task 2 Samples: Exam Questions & Answers to Target Minimum Band 8

IELTS Preparation at Home: Writing

Writing requires 2 pieces, assignment 1 and assignment 2. Task 1 includes the analysis of a situation or the analysis of a graph/chart or diagram. You will be asked to write a lengthy essay on a given subject in task 2.

• In a realistic way, writing tests your skills in the language. Prior to putting it on the page, prepare the writing mentally and think about the essay’s structure.
• Break the material into short paragraphs of 4 to 5
• Start with an enticing introduction and finish with concrete conclusions.
• Don’t repeat the phrases; use a bunch of synonyms.

IELTS Preparation at Home: Speaking

The speaking test occurs a few days before or after the other three modules. For a seamless get through, this test allows you to wear your courage on your sleeves. The whole examination lasts about 15 minutes and consists of three sections: introduction, person long turn and two-way conversation between both the interviewer and the examinee.

• Start the sentences well and finish them.
• Do not repeat the terms or phrases
• Train at home by talking about different topics with your pals and asking them to give input
• Build simple sentences that are error-free.
• Get your pronunciation correct

How to Choose a Good IELTS Preparation Book?

Consider carefully what you want to get out of it when selecting one of the different IELTS preparation online books. Although some books are more general, others provide training in academia. The academic International English Language Testing System training books provide far more details than general training books.

Another thing you need to keep in mind is that selecting your own reading material can aid you to prevent a boring book. Let us just face it, some books from the International English Language Testing System are simply not as fascinating as others. While you’re studying, picking something that you’re focused on will help you avoid going to sleep!

Also Read: IELTS, OET, & PTE Misconceptions: Myths and Facts Unveiled

IELTS Exam Preparation Online Books

As you begin preparing for your exam, this will also help you stay motivated. Eventually, think about working with a tutor to start preparing for the writing and speaking part of the IELTS exam, as they can give you feedback that a book can’t. Or, you might want to try an online mock exam to get a good sense of what to anticipate. Some of the top IELTS preparation books are as follows.

• Barron’s IELTS Superpack Book

The Barron’s IELTS Superpack bundles all the Barron’s IELTS materials required into one convenient package, hence the super pack name! This book is a good pick as IELTS preparation material.

• The Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS Book

The Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS caters to both academic and general training, unlike other IELTS preparation books. It provides advice and tips based on the knowledge of previous test-takers, along with simple examples of how high scores can be obtained. With eight official practise tests and a step-by-step guide for each segment, you can hone your skills. Lastly, for all listening exercises and practise tests, you will also obtain audio and video.

• Cambridge IELTS 14 Academic Student’s Book with Answers Book

IELTS 14 Academic Student’s Book with Answers with Audio: Authentic Practice Tests, part of the Cambridge IELTS Academic Series, includes four authentic Cambridge Assessment English exam papers. The advantage of this? Well, they’re just like an actual exam. There is also an introduction to all modules and the overall scoring system, as well as a comprehensive section of responses, in addition to four full tests for academic candidates. Students have access to downloadable audio for listening materials, similar to other preparation books.

• Official IELTS Practice Materials 

Written by official IELTS partners, the Official IELTS Practice Materials explain how each section of the IELTS test is evaluated and provide valuable study tips. Students will receive practise tests covering all sections of academic and general training, answer sheets, tapescripts, typical feedback from the examiners, and more.

• Road to IELTS

This book is one of the best books for IELTS preparation. Road to IELTS is an interactive online course offering mock papers, tutorial videos, and other interactive exercises, which is not technically a book.

Also Read: 20 Collocation Words for IELTS: What are Collocation Words and its Significance

Quick IELTS Preparation Time Tips

If you’re not prepared enough, the IELTS test can be a little difficult. Also, to score well, it’s critical that you start your planning well in time. It’s a three-hour exam that tests all four language skills-listening, reading, writing, and speaking. You can also do your IELTS preparation at home if you’re focused and dedicated

So here are a few IELTS preparation tips to help you perform well in your IELTS exam:

• Please ensure that you hold the correct ID proofs. Bring the same identity card that was used at the time of the test submission.
• Double-check the location, date and time of the exam. Keep enough travel time to stop getting late.
• No watches are permitted in the Exam Room, there’ll be a wall clock in the Exam Room to relate.
• Be alert when the supervisor gives orders, ask again if you have any questions.
• Start to try all the questions because there is no negative labelling.
• Don’t try to cheat or copy the work of some other student.
• Drop your belongings outside of the examination area, as instructed by the supervisor.
• Don’t take the question paper or the comment sheet back with you.

Conclusion

By reading this blog you might have gotten an idea of IELTS preparation. Whether you do it from home or coaching, these tips and strategies will always give you extra credit to successfully crack a good band score. Never skip a day without practice, as practising daily can improve your vocabulary and fluency day by day.

No matter how new you are to this, if you practice regularly and give a lot of IELTS practise tests before the actual exam, you will score well. Go through other blogs related to IELTS on IELTS Ninja by just searching for the keyword in the search option.

Also Read: What should I Prioritize: Learning Vocabulary or Collocations for IELTS Preparation?