Introduction:
It feels a bit like reinventing the wheel, but I want to share what has worked for me. Create a sheet similar to the one below and record your practice results at home. Make sure your practice sessions are time-bound, mimicking the conditions of an actual exam.
After each practice test, review your answers, identify areas for improvement, and work on your weaknesses. The image provided is my actual progress tracker from 2022.
Speaking
- Record Yourself: Speak and listen to your recordings to spot improvement areas.
- Watch Morning Shows: Tune into native English morning shows daily.
- Practice Consistently: Talk, even to yourself—daily speaking builds fluency.
Listening
- Engage with Native Media: Watch or listen to native English programs every day—TV, radio, or podcasts.
Writing
- Daily Practice: Do at least two Task 1 and one Task 2 writing exercises every day.
- Use Writing Tools: Type your Task 2 on Grammarly or a similar platform.
- Revise & Improve: Cross-check your writing and revise the same task for better results.
Reading
- Read Native Books: Choose books written by native English writers.
- Opinion Articles: Read opinion sections of newspapers or online platforms.
- Read Everything: Articles, blogs, apps—read widely and often.
Helpful Resources
- IELTS Liz – Strategy and tips for each section.
- E2 IELTS – Mock tests and lessons.
- IELTS-Up – Practice materials and guidance.
- English with Lucy – Vocabulary, pronunciation & grammar tips.
- English Pronunciation – Focused on accent and clarity.
I purchased several books to aid my preparation, mainly to cross-reference various strategies and practice questions. Although I intended to use all of them, I realized it wasn’t necessary to go through each one. Instead, I concentrated on a few key resources that aligned best with my learning style and needs, using the others only when I required an additional perspective or verification.
Final note:
I had limited time and was managing two jobs at the same time while preparing, which made it challenging. I had specific targets to achieve. If anyone reading this needs help with anything, feel free to drop me a message. I will be happy to assist!