How to Prepare for IELTS at Home?

Understand the IELTS Test Format

Are you planning to prepare for IELTS at home? If yes, then before that, you need to understand the test format first. IELTS, or International English Language Testing System, is a popular exam to check the English proficiency of a candidate. Thus, it is very important to do well and learn IELTS at home or with the help of experts like Gradding. So, let's now understand the complete format well:

IELTS Listening Section

One of the sections in this exam is listening. In this, you've to listen to the audio and then answer the questions based on it. So, if you are planning for IELTS exam preparation at home, then you need to understand the format for this section:

Format	4 Recordings Conversation between 2 people Monologue in everyday context Conversation between 4 people Monologue on an Academic Subject
Duration	30 Minutes
Questions	40
Marks	40
Question Types	Multiple choice Matching Map/Diagram Labelling Sentence Completion Table/Summary Completion

IELTS Writing Section

Another crucial section to prepare for IELTS at home without coaching is writing. In this section, you have to write answers to the questions provided. So, here is all you need to know about it:

Format	2 Tasks Summarize the diagram/graph Write an essay on a given topic
Duration	60 Minutes
Questions	2
Marks	Bands
Question Types	150 and 250-word answers

IELTS Reading Section

The next section is reading. If you plan to prepare for IELTS at home for free, then this is where you can make the best choice. In this section, you have to read the provided passages and answer the questions based on them. So, let’s check more details of the same:

Format	3 Long Tests
Duration	60 Minutes
Questions	40
Marks	40
Question Types	Fill gaps in a passage Matching headings Short answers Multiple choices

IELTS Speaking Section

The next section to focus on during the IELTS preparation online is speaking. In this section, you have to answer by speaking. You've to talk about the topic provided and answer the questions related to it. So, let's check the details of the same:

Format	3 Parts Introduce yourself Speak on Task Card Questions Related to Task
Duration	11-14 Minutes
Questions	40
Marks	Bands
Question Types	Introduction About Yourself Speak on the Given Topic Answer Questions on Topic

In this section, you read about the different sections of IELTS and their format. Now, let’s take a quick look at the IELTS preparation plan to understand it well.

Section-wise Preparation for IELTS exam

Now, IELTS preparation at home is easy with professional help. In this section, you can go through the tips from the professionals to understand how to prepare for IELTS at home without coaching. So, let's check them out:

IELTS Listening Section

If you're planning to learn IELTS at home, start with the listening section. To score better at this, you must appear for the IELTS listening practice test and follow these tips:

Tips

1. Read the questions or prompts first to understand the topic of the recording.
2. Follow the instructions for reading the question first, as listening to the recording and reading questions simultaneously might break your concentration.
3. Improve vocabulary, as it will enable you to understand a wide range of topics and comprehend the complex ideas conveyed in the audio.
4. Listen actively to English podcasts and news regularly. This will help you to pay close attention to what is said, the tone and accent used, and the meaning of the context.
5. Lastly, practice is the key to success, so you can use practice tests and mock tests to know the various question types and improve your listening skills.

IELTS Writing Section

The one thing to focus on during your IELTS preparation online is writing. This is where you need to understand the topic, write the answers, and ensure they are as per the guidelines. Moreover, you must appear for IELTS writing practice test and follow the tips mentioned below:

Tips

1. Limit the use of jargon while writing, as many use unwanted slang to create a good impression. However, it lowers your scores.
2. Avoid repetition of words while writing; instead, in an alternative, you can use synonyms. It will create more impact and level up the impression of your writing.
3. Follow the right sequence and structure in each task. You need to follow the proper structure to express your answer. Thus, you can use practice paper for the same.
4. Have a clear opinion while expressing your answer. If you fail to do this, you may lose your marks.
5. Use the right grammar, tenses, and more to avoid any mistakes. Stick to the word limit, as in less time, you have to address your answer. Also, there is a high chance of making more mistakes while writing more. So follow the word limit.

IELTS Reading Section

If you want to prepare for IELTS at home for free, then you need to focus on the reading section. Here, you can focus on the IELTS reading practice test and perform better in exams with these tips and ensure a good band score:

Tips

1. Attempt all questions given in the IELTS reading, as there are many questions. Thus, know all the types of questions and prepare for them accordingly so that you can complete all the questions.
2. You will get three passages in the IELTS reading, so it is necessary to read the passage carefully to get an idea of the topic.
3. After completing this section, ensure that all answers are checked properly. It will help you to identify the mistakes and make changes at that time.
4. Read a book or newspaper daily to improve your reading speed. It will help you to read the questions and passages quickly and identify the answers.
5. Ensure to complete all the questions on time, as you will get 60 minutes to complete 40 questions. Thus, following the time limit is important.

In the reading section, you will find many new words and if you get stuck to knowing their meaning, it can become a hurdle for you to complete the paper on time. Thus, explore and practice the vocabulary every day.

IELTS Speaking Section

Preparing for the IELTS Speaking test? Take advantage of the IELTS speaking practice test to enhance your skills and boost your confidence. Moreover, the IELTS exam preparation at home is getting easier with these professional tips from the experts. Follow these strategies to improve your speaking abilities and achieve a higher band score.

Tips

1. Use simple and clear language; it will assist the examiner in understanding the information given by the test taker.
2. Focus on the grammatical structures you are going to use in the speaking section. Follow the right grammar, tense, vocabulary, and more.
3. Avoid monotone, as you might sound expressionless and flat. This will create a problem for the examiner in understanding your answer.
4. Don’t hurry to answer quickly to save your time. Thus, take a minute to think and answer properly.
5. Avoid using fillers while speaking. These fillers can be emm, like, uh., It can create a bad impression on the examiner.
6. Practice speaking regularly to avoid silly mistakes like using fillers, maintaining tone, pronunciation, etc.

These are the tips that can help you prepare for IELTS at home. Moreover, the section below includes the do's and don'ts to follow during your IELTS preparation plan.

Dos & Don’ts for IELTS Preparation at Home

Do you want to prepare for IELTS at home? If yes, then you need to focus on this section well. Here, you will have a complete idea about the do’s and don’ts to follow:

Dos

1. Attempt all questions in the IELTS exam, if you don’t attempt all questions, you may lose marks.
2. Refer to IELTS resources such as mock tests, self-help kits, practice papers, sample papers and more to practice for the exam at home.
3. Ensure a smooth flow of ideas in each section to present answers that align with your thoughts effectively.
4. Improve your skills for organizing your ideas to provide answers that convey all your opinions and thoughts on the topic.
5. Refer to online study materials for IELTS; they will help you find various questions, topics, and sample tests. Hence, it assists in doing practice and prepares you for the IELTS exam.

Don’ts

1. Avoid incorrect punctuation in the IELTS speech; it may create problems for the examiner in understanding the meaning of the word.
2. Don’t focus only on one accent in the speaking section.
3. Not practicing at least one IELTS mock test before the main exam.
4. Don’t rush while reading the question to save time and quickly complete the exam.
5. Don’t waste your time reading questions and remembering answers.
6. Don’t leave any questions without answering.
7. Not focusing on the IELTS exam pattern can become a hurdle for you in getting familiar with the IELTS exam format.
8. Don’t give one-word answers. Try to copy some content from the question to give a proper answer.
9. Don’t spend more time on less important data.
10. Not joining IELTS online forums and communities to be updated with the latest updates.

Here’s a quick insight into the do’s and don’ts to follow when you prepare for IELTS at home. Moreover, you can check online IELTS resources from our experts to get an idea about the IELTS. However, if you are unsure, here’s how our experts can help you.

How You Can Prepare for the IELTS Exam at Home with Gradding?

Are you planning to prepare for IELTS at home? If yes, but you do not know how to proceed, then you need to focus on this section. Gradding has helped numerous students fulfill their dream of studying overseas, and it can help you, too. Whether improving your English language skills, deciding which test to take, or online study materials for IELTS, we are always here to help you. Here are two main ways you can get help from us:

Mock Tests

When you attend IELTS online coaching, you also get access to mock tests. When you turn to us, you get access to IELTS practice test papers and a real-time-like environment to give you the experience. This also helps you prepare well for the main test.

Self Help Kit

The next thing is the self-help kit. This includes recording sessions, the latest cue cards, tips and strategies to prepare for the tests, mock tests, and more. This will help you improve your IELTS band score.

Professional Help

We have a team of experts who are the best in their field. You can also join our IELTS online forums and communities and get your doubts cleared. Moreover, you can stay updated on what’s coming up next and improve your chances of getting better grades on your IELTS exam.

In this way, Gradding can help you prepare for IELTS at home. So, now you know how to get better with your IELTS score and fulfill your dream of studying overseas.

Summing Up

In a nutshell, if you are planning to study abroad and want to clear the IELTS exam on your own, you can prepare for the IELTS at home. It sounds complex, but self-study is considered best until you get detailed guidance. Moreover, you will find many IELTS resources on the internet that will help you prepare for the exam, such as self-help kits, mock tests, practice papers, and many more. However, you must be consistent and determined in your daily practice for the IELTS exam at home. Therefore, if you need any help preparing for the IELTS at home, you can connect with our experts for guidance. So, what are you waiting for? Reach out to our experts now and get the best band score.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Is One Month Enough for IELTS Preparation at Home?

In general, one month is enough to prepare well for IELTS at home.

Can I pass IELTS without coaching?

Yes, you can pass IELTS without coaching if you practice well at home.

What is included in the IELTS preparation course?

It includes mock tests, recordings of live sessions, expert support, and more. Check out our course for more details.

Do IELTS practice materials cover all four IELTS exam sections?

Yes, the IELTS practice materials cover all four sections- reading, writing, listening, and speaking.

What materials do I need to prepare for IELTS at home?

You need practice tests, study materials, mock tests, English news, and more practice to prepare for IELTS at home.