Welcome to the final segment of our IELTS blog series. In this blog, we discuss some of the things you should and should not do on the day of the test.
Understandably, the day you are scheduled to take your IELTS, you may feel nervous and anxious.
Knowing what to expect, you can help to quell your anxiety and go into the test feeling more confident and in control.
Ms Julie Yarnall is our resident IELTS expert and is an experienced IELTS examiner. With her expertise, ME boasts some of the best IELTS results and we have learned all the ins and outs of the programme. Ms Julie has taught thousands of students and has over three decades of teaching experience behind her. Students who study the IELTS through us, are truly in the best hands.
All our experience has taught us some of the best tips and tricks around the IELTS. Some of these tips include the basic do’s and don’ts around the test itself.
Here are 10 points to remember the day you take your test:
1. Remember Identification
Examiners will require proof of identification. They want to know it’s you taking the test and not someone else. Whatever ID you used to apply for the test, make sure you bring that with you to the test itself.
2. Check Test Locations
Imaging showing up for your test only to learn they’ve moved the location. What a nightmare! Double, triple check the test location, date and time. It seems like a silly mistake to make but it’s been known to happen and you would never want it to happen to you. Especially after all the hard work you’ve put into preparing.
3. Allow Travel Time
Once you’re sure you have the location, date and time correct, factor in some extra travel time so you can ensure you arrive a few minutes early. Rushing around and arriving late will only get you flustered and not in the right frame of mind to perform at your best.
4. Leave Watches at Home
In the examination room there will be a big clock on the wall. Use that clock to manage your time because no other clocks or watches are permitted in the room.
5. Ask Questions
There is no such thing as a silly question. When the supervisor is giving you instructions about the test, pay careful attention and if there is anything that is not clear to you, be sure to ASK. That’s what that time is for.
6. Always Try
The IELTS marking structure does not include negative marking so if you get anything wrong, you won’t be penalised for it. This means you can give every answer an attempt, even if you are completely unsure. Better to try and fail, than not to try at all.
7. Be Honourable
It goes without saying that integrity matters above all else. Cheating, copying, crib notes or anything of that nature is NEVER advised and if you are caught doing it, you will likely be disqualified from the test. It’s not worth it.
8. Leave Valuables at Home
The supervisor will ask you to leave your belongings outside the examination hall. Be prepared to do this, so leave anything at home that you are not comfortable leaving unsupervised.
9. Don’t take Test Material
Students should not take back the question paper or answer sheet with them. Leave it at your desk or hand it in to the supervisor at the end.
10. Get Permission to Leave
Once you have completed your test, do not just get up and go. Ask permission from your supervisor before leaving the room.
We’ve gone through how the IELTS is structured, common mistakes other students have made in the past and now the do’s and don’ts. By now you should be well versed in what to expect once test day comes. Remember, the testers don’t want to trick you or trip you up. They are there to support you and ensure your score is an accurate representation of your language ability.
Remember what you have learned in your lessons and try and have fun throughout the process. It’s not just a school subject, it’s a life skill you are learning. Being able to communicate with so many individuals from around the world will be a great gift you’ll be glad you invested time and effort into now.
Good luck and enjoy the journey!
We offer a 20-hour Intensive IELTS course. The course is available on a 1-1 basis or for students who prefer a group structure. If you are interested in finding out more about our private or group IELTS course offerings, call us at 2383 0300 or WhatsApp 9298 3538 for free assessment and consultation!
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"ME worked hard to make sure my daughter had a great experience and was well prepared for her next steps. I appreciated how well they prepared her for her IELTS exam and her result was really outstanding. She got 7 marks in her IELTS exam! Great thanks to ME and Ms Julie for their help!"
Songyu
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