What should I know before going for IELTS test?

May 6, 2021

The IELTS score marks a significant obligation for both academic admissions and immigration centers. A slight change in the IELTS score may have a fearful aftermath during the submission of the result. What your IELTS score will have a direct relationship with how your test went, or the test day feels. Alongside preparation for IELTS, it is equally important to have knowledge about the IELTS test day tips. It may be difficult for you to spend 2 hours 45 minutes while taking the exam as it may drain you completely. Moreover, the IELTS speaking test which is conducted at a later date also needs tips and advice.

If you are a beginner in IELTS preparation, you would need to know the test day tips that immensely help in scoring high.

Complete rest and relaxation: It is very necessary to take proper sleep of 8 - 9 hours. IELTS continues for a long time of 2 hours 45 minutes and that may drain you down. You may feel the need to take more breaks which is technically impossible. Habituating yourself with the time-bound exam by taking numerous practice tests is the best way to handle yourself throughout the exam.
Focus on comfort clothing, not a style: Nobody is going to mark you based on your appearance or what you’re wearing. All that matters is the way you write, listen, read, and speak as that will fetch you marks. Also, the test room may give you a chilly feeling as the air conditioning will be on throughout. It is advisable to bring in extra clothing to layer on if you feel cold.
Stay hydrated: Staying hydrated is always a necessity. In those long hours, you may feel thirsty and that may lose your concentration. You can carry a transparent water bottle that is only allowed
Be early: You need to be early on the test day as the process may take some time. If you’re late, you will not be allowed to enter the test center.
Washroom: Remember to visit the toilet before starting your listening, writing, and reading tests. In those 2 hours 45 minutes time, you will not be getting any break. You can visit the washroom if you need it during the test but that will just cost you more time.
No Phones: No electronic items are allowed in the IELTS exam
ID: IELTS ID proofs must be carried else you will not be allowed

Authentic IELTS Test-day tips from Previous Test-takers

After studying certain test-day tips from the previous test-takers, we have curated some of the most helpful ones below:

This candidate secured an IELTS band score of 8. He has asked test-takers to be mentally at peace considering that the test or will commence two hours from the official time. This means the listening test will continue after two hours of wait. The reason behind this is, the IELTS test centers ensure the security checks, collection of bags, then they test the headphones for the listening test, distribute the water bottles, and more.
A very significant test tip shared by this candidate is, you should visit the washroom only during the IELTS reading test (if you need to). He has explained how during his exam, he watched the test-takers requiring to give a thumb impression on a machine marking the exit time and again return to taking the test by repeating the same action. He was surprised to see no candidate visiting the loo during the reading test but a crowd was formed during the writing test waiting to give the thumb impression.
Ask for the extra sheet early during the IELTS writing test. You may feel like you don’t need one but during the test but you may require it when you are nearing the end. Filling out the details in the new answer sheet will take some time that will make you regret not taking the extra sheet beforehand.
Due to the pandemic, many IELTS test centers are getting closed. A very important thing to do checking if your selected test center is functioning. Also, make sure you know the location, the proper directions, and the time to reach the center. Always keep extra time in hand in case of excessive traffic.
This tip is specific for the IELTS speaking test, don’t modify your accent. You may feel the urge to speak to the examiner in a different accent but they don’t want that.