IELTS PREPARATION

There are 4 sections in the test which lasts 3 hours

LISTENING

30 MINUTES

Conversation at a library or any setting and a lecture.

Recommendations:
● Read the instructions VERY carefully
● Before the listening starts, read the questions so you know what you have to look for.
● Answers will be in an easy order.
● Answer on the question sheet and leave the answer sheet on the side. They will give
you 10 minutes to transfer the answers. Be organized and know that some
conversations are tricky, so pay attention to any corrections or misleading information.
● They will not repeat the numbers or the information.
● Spelling counts. Use British spelling, not American.
● Do the practice.

READING

15 MINUTES first task

20 MINUTES second task
25 MINUTES third task

General 4-5 texts

Academic 3 texts

For the academic test. This is a difficult test and you have to make sure that you find the
answer.
● Read the instructions. They recommend to spend 20 minutes in each section, but it’s
recommended to use 15 on the first section, 20 on the second and 25 on the third.
● Answer directly on the answer sheet.
● The questions will be in the same order as they will appear in the text. Answer as you
read.
● For the statements tasks: Read the statements, remember them and then read the text.
● True / False / Not given. Answer only with the information in the text, not your own
knowledge.
● Don’t waste time!
WRITING

1 HOUR
20 MINUTES FIRST TASK
40 MINUTES ON THE SECOND

● The first task ​requires 150 words but you must write more. Describe the picture in
words, don’t include your own knowledge. Start with the introduction in one sentence.
Write 2 paragraphs, but dedicate your first paragraph to describe singularities and the
second paragraph to describe differences. Don’t pay too much attention to small things,
but to trends.
● The second task ​requires 250 words but you must write more. This is an essay.
Write your arguments and then support them.
Invest your first ten minutes reading and thinking on the arguments. Write for 25
minutes and use 5 to correct spelling and grammar.
- Introduction. Couple of sentences
- Main part. One argument should have one paragraph.
- New idea goes in the next paragraph
- Conclusion at the end.
If time is running out just write the conclusion.
It doesn’t matter if you think your idea are boring, the way to get a high score is to make
good arguments and to support them well.
● Practice the vocabulary material.
● Do the writing practice and be tidy!

SPEAKING

30 MINUTES

It may be on a different day and it will be an interview with an examiner. It lasts approximately
30 minutes.
Don’t worry about accent, but speak clearly and loudly enough.

● First task.​ Answer questions about yourself. Give expanded answers, don’t be
monosyllabic but don’t speak for too long.
● Second task.​ You have to speak about a topic that they give you in a card and you have
to speak for a minute or two. You have a minute to prepare.
Example: “Describe an item you own” Follow by a few questions. Answer the questions
one by one.
● Practice speaking for two minutes with a timer. Practice can be about museums, trips,
important people, etc… This will guarantee that you’ll be able to answer the questions.
● Structure: I’d like to tell you about my favorite band, make a conclusion saying “That’s
why I love this band so much
● Third task. Discussion. This is more abstract. You’ll talk about environment, education,
values, etc. Give examples from real life and if you don’t understand the question make
sure to ask again.
● Do the written task practice!