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Prepare for IELTS
IDP provides a comprehensive set of resources to facilitate your IELTS preparation, ensuring a smooth journey towards success.
IELTS test preparation
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is the world’s most popular high-stakes English language proficiency test for study, work, and migration, with more than three million tests taken in the past year. Universities and colleges worldwide even accept IELTS results as proof of English language competence, while professionals in fields like law, medicine, engineering, and more rely on it for accreditation. Additionally, governments in countries such as the UK, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand mandate IELTS results for permanent residency applications.
Given this level of importance, it is crucial to acknowledge that the IELTS journey can be accompanied by anxiety and challenges, but with the right preparation, success is within reach. As such, to ensure you score well on the test, it is crucial to start your IELTS test preparation well in time. It is a three-hour test that evaluates you on all four language skills — listening, reading, writing, and speaking.
The importance of comprehensive IELTS preparation
A well-rounded IELTS preparation approach is undeniably crucial for achieving success in this high-stakes English language proficiency test. To excel, it's essential not only to hone your language skills but also to familiarise yourself with the test format and question types. In recognition of this, IDP has forged partnerships with esteemed educational bodies like Macquarie University to provide top-tier IELTS study materials readily available online.
IELTS Preparation online courses
Enrol in our IELTS preparation courses and classes led by highly qualified and experienced instructors. Get individualized attention, clarify doubts, receive constructive feedback, and gain access to a plethora of resources, including videos, online lessons, and practice tests to master the IELTS exam.
Some of the courses and materials available include:
IELTS Online Workshop
Register and join the IDP IELTS Online Preparation Workshop - our compact 12-hour workshop introducing you to IELTS test strategies covering all four test components, helping you to achieve your maximum IELTS Band Score.
The IDP IELTS Online Preparation Workshop covers the following aspects:
Strategies for Writing
Strategies for Speaking
Listening for Accuracy
Reading for Accuracy
Book your slot today!
IELTS Macquarie Lite online preparation
This comprehensive online course, developed by experts from Macquarie University's IELTS test centre, offers a one-stop solution for IELTS success. It includes 60+ expert-guided tutorial videos, 100+ practice questions and quizzes, 150+ grammar and vocabulary lessons, 14 sample writing assessments with model responses, seven speaking assessments, and eight mock tests with valuable feedback.
IELTS Masterclass & IELTS Writing Webinars
Join official experts in these webinars designed to enhance your English skills and provide practical insights. The Masterclass Webinar offers in-depth guidance on the IELTS assessment criteria and targeted coaching in Reading, Writing, and Speaking. The Writing Webinar helps you structure your answers effectively for the Writing test. These sessions instill confidence and familiarise you with what to expect on the actual test day.
Personalised preparation materials with IELTS Prepare
Access a wealth of free IELTS preparation materials online as your exam date approaches. Dive into a variety of free IELTS practice tests, online courses covering diverse IELTS topics, and a collection of informative articles. These resources are thoughtfully designed to provide valuable insights, including tips to avoid common mistakes, helping you fine-tune your skills and approach the exam day with confidence.
What do you need to prepare for the IELTS exam?
Here are some pointers to help you score well on your IELTS test:
1. Understand the test format
When preparing for the IELTS test, make yourself familiar with the test format. There are two modules of IELTS:
IELTS Academic
– If you are planning to study at the undergraduate or postgraduate level or join a professional organization in an English-speaking country, IELTS Academic is for you. The primary purpose of this test is to ensure that you can cope in specific academic settings.
IELTS General Training
– If you wish to migrate or train/study below degree level, opt for this module. The IELTS General Training test is tailored for individuals planning to relocate to English-speaking nations like Australia, Canada, New Zealand, or the UK. This test evaluates your proficiency in everyday English language skills essential for both social interactions and workplace contexts.
For both the IELTS tests, the speaking and listening sections remain the same but the reading and writing sections are different.
For those who are concerned about the differences between IELTS and IELTS for UKVI, it's important to note that these two tests are essentially identical in terms of format, content, scoring, and level of difficulty. The main difference lies in the fact that the IELTS for UKVI test holds official approval from the UK Home Office for specific purposes such as work, study, and migration to the UK.
If you opt for an IELTS for UKVI test, your test report form will exhibit a slight variation to indicate that you have taken the IELTS for UKVI test at an accredited IELTS test centre.
2. Practice IELTS sample questions
Use the IELTS preparation materials provided at the time of test registration. You can either download the books online or get them at the IDP registration centres.
Analyze each question well, take notes, underline keywords, and plan your answers accordingly. Follow this simple activity throughout your practice sessions to score well.
Ask your mentors for feedback and improve upon on areas you lack.
Take sample mock tests to time yourself.
3. Enhance your English language skills
Improving a language takes time, so you must start working on your skills ahead of time. Make use of these handy tips:
Read, write, and speak in English as much as possible. Make it a part of your daily life.
Create a group of friends and practice speaking in English.
Read English newspapers and listen to English news channels or radio.
Try listening to a variety of English accents – British, Australian, American, British, New Zealand, and Canadian.
Watch English movies with subtitles.
Read extensively to develop your reading speed.
Learn to understand the context to be able to scan the available content for answers.
Start paying attention to your grammar, spelling, and vocabulary.
Learn to be precise, relevant, and within the required word count.
4. Stay calm before the test day
Refresh all test rules and IELTS format to ensure you haven’t missed anything. Have proper meals and sleep well before the test to keep fresh and active during the test. Also, leave a little early to avoid any traffic on the way to your test centre.
What should I prepare on the actual IELTS test day?
On this significant day, it's essential to be well-prepared, both practically and mentally. Here's what you can do to navigate your IELTS test day successfully:
On the day of your test
Keep in mind these little pointers to stay calm during the test and give it your best shot:
Ensure that you carry your relevant ID proofs. Carry the same identification document as used at the time of test application.
Be attentive when the supervisor is giving instructions, and ask questions if you have any doubts.
Try to attempt all the questions as there is no negative marking.
Do not try to cheat or copy any other student’s work.
Leave your belongings outside the examination hall, as directed by the supervisor.
Seek your supervisor’s permission before leaving the room.
Feel free to contact the IDP Malaysia team for any further assistance on IELTS test preparation.
Tips and strategies for each IELTS module
The IELTS exam comprises four distinct modules: the speaking test, the writing test, the reading test, and the listening test. Each module demands unique preparation strategies to ensure success.
IELTS Listening test
In the IELTS Listening test, several key strategies can boost your performance. Before the recording, make the most of the allotted time to review the questions. When the recording commences, listen attentively, prioritizing answers over complete comprehension, as the recording is only played once. As you listen, take notes on the paper provided. While responding, adhere to the specified word limits for each question, and before submitting, revise and proofread your answers for spelling and grammar errors.
IELTS Reading test
In the IELTS Reading test, precision is key. Scrutinize every detail of the figures, graphs, or images in the paper to ensure accurate responses. If a question seems unclear, don't dwell on it; move on and return to it later if needed, as time is limited. Carefully comprehend each question and concentrate on extracting answers from the passage. Also, maintain precision, grammatical correctness, and conciseness in your responses, and remember to proofread before submission.
IELTS Writing test
When tackling the IELTS Writing test, it's crucial to follow a strategic approach. Start by carefully analyzing the assigned tasks and mentally preparing your answers. Allocate your time wisely, and while typing, maintain precision and relevance in your responses, refraining from lengthy paragraphs and sentences.
IELTS Speaking test
In the IELTS Speaking test, effective communication is key. To succeed, speak clearly, maintaining a steady pace and fluency throughout. Pay close attention to the questions, answering them directly while adding relevant details when necessary. Don't hesitate to ask the examiner to repeat the question if you need clarification. Confidence is crucial, so avoid prolonged pauses and focus equally on vocabulary, tenses, grammar, and sentence structure.
Regularly honing your skills in each module of the aforementioned will inevitably lead to improved performance. At the end of the day, consistent practice and utilizing feedback are essential for IELTS success.
Exclusive insights from professional IELTS tutors
Professional IELTS tutors offer invaluable guidance, significantly enhancing your chances of success. Their expertise ensures a deep understanding of the test's nuances, helping you perform at your best. They conduct personalized needs analyses, identifying your strengths and weaknesses to create tailored study plans. This targeted approach maximizes your progress, focusing on areas that require improvement, ultimately leading to a more efficient and effective IELTS preparation journey.
IDP also simplifies IELTS preparation with a wealth of tools, as we co-own and deliver the IELTS test through our extensive test centre network. Access official preparation materials online unmatched by other test providers. Our IELTS support includes a preparation pack, free classes, and training courses, all designed to boost your confidence and readiness.
More about IELTS
Upcoming IELTS exam dates
IELTS test dates in Malaysia are available 5 to 7 times a week. However, the availability can differ depending on the test type and module you opted for, such as IELTS Academic or IELTS General Training.
IELTS tests are conducted regularly at various venues, offering a wide range of scheduling options to accommodate your convenience. To check the availability of specific test dates, click on the links below.
View exam dates at the test centre near you
Book your IELTS with us to enjoy these exclusive perks
IDP IELTS support
Preparing for an English test doesn't have to be a daunting or costly endeavor. IELTS ensures that you have access to a broader selection of official preparation materials than any other English test provider. Explore the comprehensive IDP IELTS support resources below and take your test with IDP.
Online Coaching
Enjoy the flexibility to prepare for IELTS from the comfort of your home with our IELTS online courses. Access a vast library of pre-recorded videos, tutorials, and practice materials available 24/7. Learn at your own pace, revisit complex topics, and prepare as much as you need to master each module of the IELTS exam.
Practice materials
Access our array of free IELTS practice materials to enhance your readiness and confidence as your exam day approaches.
IELTS workshops & dates
Join our specialized 12-hour IELTS workshops, currently conducted online, to enhance your question understanding, key point identification, and answer organization skills. Check our upcoming events for online workshop dates and details, and ensure you’re well-prepared for every aspect of the test, from listening and reading to writing and speaking modules.
