How can I prepare for the IELTS exam?

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What is in an IELTS test?

• All IELTS candidates take the same listening and speaking modules when sitting the IELTS exam. There is no difference between the IELTS Academic module and the IELTS General training module for the listening and speaking components.
• The reading and writing sections are different for the Academic module and General Training module.
• The listening section of the IELTS exam has four taped sections that become progressively more challenging. The listening passages are on a variety of current topics and are chosen for their suitability for people entering university.
• The IELTS Academic Reading Module has three reading passages that become progressively more challenging. IELTS candidates are given 60 minutes to answer questions for all three passages. Texts can often be very long and on topics ranging from complex scientific issues to articles on psychology and the environment. The reading component of the IELTS test is trying to assess your ability to extract specific information from written texts, as well as understanding their general meaning. The following questions types are used in IELTS and we have many exercises that encourage you to practise and develop the same skills.

• short answers
• multiple choice answers
• matching classifications
• completing sentences
  
• completing notes
• completing a summary
  
• completing a table
  
• completing a form
  
• completing a flow chart or diagram
  
• selecting headings for paragraphs
  
• recognising a writer's views or claims  
  

The Academic Writing module consists of two activities: IELTS task 1 graph and report writing and Task 2 writing - often an argumentative essay. IELTS test candidates must write a minimum of 250 words for Task 2 writing and should spend about 40 minutes. IELTS test candidates are given 60 minutes to complete both IELTS writing tasks. The writing tasks are on a variety of subjects and are chosen for their suitability for candidates entering university, as are all our Reuters news article topics.

In Writing Task 2, IELTS exam candidates are asked to:

• put forward a point of view on a given topic
  
• argue in support of or against a given statement propose a solution to a given problem
  
• speculate on implications of a given issue

In writing for IELTS Task 1, IELTS exam candidates are asked to describe information that is usually presented in the form of a graph, table or diagram.

The General training module also requires IELTS candidates to complete 2 IELTS writing tasks: a personal semiformal or formal letter, or to write an essay stating an opinion on a given topic as part of a simulated class assignment.

The Selfaccess exercises include activities that are similar to those found in the IELTS General training module and IELTS Academic module exams. By using the SelfAccess lessons you will be able to learn English, practise IELTS reading questions, and improve your IELTS score. Selfaccess provides IELTS style exercises including IELTS Task 1 essays writing about graphs and tables, letters, IELTS Task 2 essays, academic writing and argumentative essays, online IELTS listening, reading, True, False Not Given questions, writing, gap fill, grammar, graph interpretation and much more. IELTS preparation couldn't be easier or more convenient.

Use our online English lessons to help you learn English, improve your skills and study IELTS on the Internet from home or an English language school. IELTS preparation whenever you want!

Practise IELTS as much as you can!

Selfaccess.com makes IELTS preparation easy and convenient. You can do it in your own time - all you need is a computer, the Internet and headphones or speakers so you can hear the online listening exercises.

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