Last day tips

Once you enter the examination hall , make sure that your headphones are working well, if they are defective or have any problem , raise your hand.
Always read the questions before the recording starts and note keywords on rough sheet. Those keywords will help you to keep track of information and get you right answer of your questions.

Write your answers in sequence in paper based test.
You should practice speed reading and spotting keywords at home. Underline the keywords in paper based test whereas in CBT you can highlight the words on the screen.
It is not important to understand the audio completely, focus on listening for answers instead of understanding everything.
If you are not able to recall the right spelling of any complex word, write that on rough paper , put that answer in the end so that you can get enough time to recall the right word.
Always pay attention to the instructions given for the answer, especially how many words or/and number you have for the answer.
For eg – ‘$15 ‘ is 1 number , ‘15 dollars’ is one number and 1 word
You will be given 10 minutes extra after the recording has ended to transfer your answers to the answer sheet for the paper based test. For CBT, you’ll be given only 2 minutes to check spelling errors of your answers.
We recommend you to always use ALL CAPITAL LETTERS FOR YOUR ANSWERS for paper based test . For CBT, it should follow capitalization pattern which means write capital when it’s required.

Read the instructions vigilantly and make a note of how many words you can use in your answer.

For eg – ‘medieval times’ is two words and ‘ 21^st century’ is 1 word and 1 number

Each correct answer will get you 1 point so don’t waste too much time on particular answer when you could use that same amount of time finding 2 easier answers.
Try to complete 1^st section in 15-16 mins , 2^nd section in 15 – 16 mins so that you can get extra time for 3^rd section which is comparatively lengthier and difficult.
You can start the passage in any order you want and same can be followed in questions- you can skip questions and come back to the skipped questions later if you want.
Since there is no extra time for transfer the answers so write your answers directly on to your answer sheet in paper based test.
Always analyze your questions carefully before reading the passage. If you don’t analyze the questions, you will end up jumping from questions to passage and passage to questions.
Always find keywords in your questions and try to find same keywords in the passage, sometimes examiner paraphrase the keywords in passage so pay enough attention to keywords and paraphrases.
Your goal is to find answers rather than understanding the passage. Focusing on your aim, try to find answers as fast as possible.
It is recommended to write ALL CAPITAL LETTERS FOR YOUR ANSWERS for paper based test .
Answers should have the same word that is written in the passage, you can only change grammar according to the requirement of the sentence. .

Don’t spend more than 20 mins on task 1 and 40 mins on task 2. Keep an eye on clock so you don’t run out of time.
Always write 150-180 words for task 1 and 250-280 words for task 2.
Don’t count the number of words that you write in the test. You are not required to mention the count at the end of task 1 or task 2. If you are concerned about word count, count the words in a line and number lines in a jiffy and get idea of word count for paper based test. For CBT, it is always an advantage that you can see the word count on your screen.
Always plan your essay before start writing. Get two good point and their supporting points first, then start framing your essay.
Overview plays important role so always write a crystal clear overview for task 1. For Gt Task1, make sure you cover all points requested in your letter.
Your essay should have 4- 5 paragraphs as per the question’s requirement.
Never miss writing conclusion of your essay. Even if you run out of time, try to write concise one.
Always rely on either American or British spelling but never mix both so, check your spelling carefully.
There will be negative marking if you go off topic so keep all information focused and relevant.
For paper based test, If you run out of paper , raise your hand and you can get more.

Speaking test is an informal interview with an examiner so be friendly and confident enough to explain what you mean.
Speaking test requires you to speak more so elaborate your answers. Try to add more information (details, examples, description) to your answers.
In part 2 which is a cue card, Keep talking until the examiner stops you. You will get time to prepare your answer.
Don’t focus only on vocabulary; it is only 25% of your marks. Make sure you use relevant topic based vocabulary.
Students generally think that idioms will get them better score so the overuse idioms but these are not likely the key to a high band.
Use idiomatic language instead of idioms. Phrasal verbs are the best types of idiomatic language to use in the Speaking module. For eg – Bring up, Work out, Calm down etc.
Always keep in mind that the questions are not aimed to treat your knowledge but to evaluate your language proficiency.
Use a wide range of grammar in your speaking.
Ask your examiner to repeat the question if it is needed.
You will be provided with a pen and paper to prepare for part 2. Plan your topic and make concise notes. You can look at your notes during the talk if it is needed but it is always recommended to make eye contact with your examiner.

Start learning with us and improve your IELTS/PTE score