Vandana Kirat Jan 25, 2024
Category
Entrance Tips

IELTS Test Day Rules and Advice

IELTS stands for the International English Language Testing System and is a standardised test of English language proficiency. Candidates take up the IELTS to study, work, or migrate to English speaking countries like the USA, UK, Canada, New Zealand, etc. It comprises four sections; listening, reading, writing, and speaking to evaluate your English language fluency.

The IELTS Test Day rules and regulations are in place to ensure that all examinees have an equal opportunity to pass. These rules help you know what documents to take with you, what time your exam will begin, how long it will last, and other things to prepare before taking the IELTS examination.

Candidates appearing for the IELTS need to follow specific rules and regulations and bring their required documents. Let us look at the various rules, advice and regulations to abide by for attempting the IELTS exam.

What is IELTS?

IELTS stands for International English Language Testing System. It is an international standard of English language proficiency assessment that evaluates your fluency in the English language and how you can use it to communicate and participate fully within society.

The IELTS test has four sections: Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening. The topics for these questions will be related to the IELTS form that is Academic or General. The Academic IELTS is opted by many universities, and the General IELTS can be taken by those who wish to work or migrate abroad. By preparing well in advance and following all the provided instructions, you can Score a Good Band Score in your IELTS test.

Rules and Regulations surrounding the IELTS Test

All candidates must be familiar with the rules and regulations surrounding the IELTS test. They are as follows:

  • Provide your passport or photo ID and copies of documents that show proof of identity, date of birth, and address for each individual taking the test from your home country.
  • Do not forget to carry pencils and pens and an eraser.
  • Ensure that mobile phones and other electronic devices are switched off and placed with other personal belongings outside the exam hall.
  • Make sure your headphones are working correctly and notify the invigilator immediately of any inconveniences.
  • Carry a water bottle if necessary and be aware of the time.
  • Listen to the instructions given by the invigilators carefully and do not write anything once the time is over.

Not sure of What To Do Before Your IELTS Exam? Let us elaborate on some advice and requirements that can help you be prepared for the test day.

1. Arriving at the IELTS Test Centre

  • A week before the test day, ensure the test centre's time of arrival and location.
  • Make sure you have read and understood the terms and conditions for the IELTS test. It can be found as part of your application form.
  • Reach the IELTS test centre preferably half an hour before the scheduled time.
  • If you are a minor, you must have a consent form from your parent or guardian.

2. Before the IELTS Test

  • Keep a copy of your passport or any other identification document that shows your photograph, date of birth, and address.
  • Be aware that there will be no breaks between the sections of the test.
  • You cannot bring in any electronic or a digital watch inside the exam hall.

3. During the IELTS Test

Follow these rules while taking your IELTS test:

  • You are allowed to have only your pencil, pen, eraser, and your ID on your table.
  • You can raise your hand to notify the invigilators of your need to go to the washroom or ask a question.
  • When it is time to take the listening section, check if you can hear the recording properly or not.
  • After listening, you will have 10 minutes to fill out the answer sheet. However, this is not applicable in the reading section. Therefore, make sure to utilise your valuable time efficiently.

4. At the end of the Test

  • Remain seated until the invigilator permits you to leave the room.
  • If you have come across any issue that may have affected your performance, notify the invigilator.
  • To raise an issue or file a complaint, ask your invigilator for the test day Complaint Form. It must be filled and submitted within a week for your test. 

Special Arrangements

If you have requested special arrangements due to any disability or any other condition, it will be made for you on the test day. It is also advisable to notify the exam invigilator of your request.

Test Day Tips

  • Follow the instructions given through all the sections carefully before you start the test.
  • Stick to the word limit and adhere to the time frame as given in the instructions.
  • Take up the exam calmly and focus on breathing steadily to avoid nervousness.

See also : Planning to take your IELTS test in Dubai?.Book your test at an official IELTS test centre. For more details check out our IELTS Exam Booking Page. 

IELTS Listening Test Tips

  • Ensure you can hear and understand the speaker's voice. If not, inform the invigilator immediately.
  • Write your answers on the question paper while listening to the audio. After the listening section, you will be given 10 minutes to write the correct answers in the answer sheet.
  • Listen to the speaker carefully and try to anticipate what they might say next.
  • Keep track of your words and avoid grammatical and spelling errors.
  • Try to answer all the questions and check your answers thoroughly.

IELTS Reading Test Tips

  • Make sure you write the answers on the answer sheet. Evaluators will not count anything marked on the question paper. There will not be any extra time to transfer the answers to your answer sheet.
  • Keep track of the time. Do not waste any time in finding one specific answer. Swiftly read through the passages.
  • Make sure you understand the question correctly and follow all the instructions.
  • Look out for paraphrasing. There is no need to change the format from the reading text.
  • Make sure to check your spellings carefully and pay attention to your plural and singular words.
  • Be aware of the word limit, time frame, and try to answer all the questions.
  • Stay calm throughout and find the answers by skimming through the passages. You aim to find the answer, not understand the whole passage.

IELTS Writing Test Tips

  • You must write your answers with a pen or pencil, and you can choose to write in capital letters or lower case.
  • Underline or highlight the keywords to accommodate them in your answer.
  • Divide your time into 20 minutes for the first task and 40 minutes for the second task.
  • Write over 150 words for task one and over 250 words for task two. Do not waste time counting your words. Learn to estimate your word count through practice.
  • Plan your answer before you start to write them. Build a clear paragraph structure, putting one idea in each paragraph.
  • Avoid repeating ideas, phrases, and words. Do not copy an entire sentence from the question; rebuild it.
  • Do not write your answer in bullet points or short forms. Write fully structured sentences, or else you will lose marks.
  • Use formal language and avoid grammatical and spelling errors.
  • Structure your answer into an essay format of introduction, body context, and conclusion. Keep all information focused and relevant to the question.

IELTS Speaking Test Tips

  • Practice expressing your opinions beforehand and talk about your experience in English.
  • Speak slowly but not too slow. Take pauses when needed and maintain eye contact throughout the conversation.
  • Make sure to relax and speak as naturally as possible.
  • Listen to the question carefully and answer without hesitation and stuttering.
  • Expand on your answers but avoid unnecessary information. Do not memorize any answers and speak with confidence.
  • Ask the examiner to repeat the question if you need to. Do not panic if they interrupt in between your answer; it is part of the speaking test.
  • Be thorough with the grammar rules. Make use of various tenses in your answers. Do not focus only on your vocabulary.

To Sum Up

The IELTS test is a big step for many people, but you do not have to worry about it. You can be confident and prepared by reading through the information we have provided in this post. Remember that the exam is not just about answering questions correctly; your attitude will also play an essential role in how well you do. Be honest with yourself about what areas you need to work on before taking the exam. Get enough sleep, eat healthy foods before the test day and arrive early at the center so that you are relaxed and ready for anything.

See also : Planning to take your IELTS test in Dubai?.Book your test at an official IELTS test centre. For more details check out our IELTS Exam Booking Page. 

Vandana is a highly qualified IELTS (British Council trained), and TESOL holder, with over 15 years of experience. She is a proactive professional with a progressive approach to teaching and lesson planning. She has the sound ability to maintain curriculum development. She is a science graduate, Six Sigma and PMP trained individual who has also worked with multinational companies in the Training & Quality domain for more than a decade. Right now, Vandana is working as an IELTS Trainer with Edoxi Training Institute, Dubai.

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