15 days IELTS preparation: IELTS preparation can be a daunting task if it is unplanned. However, the exam is not as difficult as it seems and it does not require very long preparation. In this article, we will cover the strategy to crack IELTS in 15 days. We will begin with a brief discussion on the pattern of the exam, we will then move forward to the resources required, and finally, a 15-day strategy to crack the IELTS.
IELTS Examination Pattern
Before you begin preparing for any competitive examination, you should be thorough with the pattern and the previous year's questions of that examination. In the 15 days IELTS preparation, the first thing you should do is to become familiar with the pattern of the IELTS examination. Let us understand the pattern in brief:
Task |
Questions |
Time |
---|---|---|
Listening |
40 Questions (4 Sections) |
30 Minutes and 10 Minutes to transfer answers to sheets |
Reading Academic |
40 Questions (3 Sections) |
60 Minutes |
Reading General |
40 Questions (3 Sections) |
60 Minutes |
Writing Academic |
2 Tasks (Graphs & Essay) |
60 Minutes |
Writing General |
2 Tasks (Letter & Essay) |
60 Minutes |
Speaking |
3 Sections (Introduction, Cue Card, and Discussion) |
11-14 Minutes |
- The IELTS exam format is of 2 types: Academic and General Training. The former is for students, while the latter is for those who wish to apply for PR or jobs in English-speaking countries.
- The Listening and Reading sections of the test evaluate your receptive skills, while the Writing and Speaking sections of the test evaluate your productive skills.
- The Speaking section of the test is held 7 days before or 7 days after the date of the examination.
Also Read: Grammar for IELTS: Syllabus, Topics, Tips & Strategy
Resources for IELTS Preparation
Now that you have a good understanding of the IELTS exam pattern, we will dive into the resources that are required for your 15-day IELTS preparation journey.
Predict your IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE in just 4 steps!
- Official website: https://www.ielts.org/
Your IELTS preparation journey must begin from this website. It is the official website where you can understand the examination pattern, solve sample test questions, practice official IELTS practice tests, study the official IELTS material, and much more. This website should be your primary source of all the information.
- The Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS:
The Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS is the best book to begin your 15 days IELTS preparation. This book caters to both Academic and General Training modules. It will help you prepare for all the sections of the examination. There are eight practice tests along with skill-building exercises that will help you understand and practice different kinds of questions asked on the examination. The CDs provided with the book will help you prepare for speaking and reading questions.
- Cambridge IELTS Books 1 to 18:
These books contain the actual test questions that have appeared on the IELTS. The 18th book is the latest one in the series, and you must begin practising with this one as far as the 18 books are concerned.
- Cambridge English Step Up to IELTS Self-Study Pack:
This self-study pack will help you prepare for IELTS examination in 15 days. It has 60 hours of teaching time and you will learn all the exam skills that you need. Both Academic and General Training modules have been covered in this pack. Practice sections at the end of each unit will provide you with sufficient questions to practice.
- Cambly App:
This app will help you improve your performance in the speaking and listening sections of the IELTS examination. It connects you with native English speakers over a live video chat. Repeated practice and conversations will help you improve your communication skills along with your listening and understanding abilities.
Strategy to Crack IELTS Exam in 15 Days
So far, we have covered the examination pattern and the resources required for your 15 days IELTS examination preparation. Since the preparation is for 15 days, you must be very careful in utilizing your time. We have mentioned a strategy below:
Day |
Strategy |
---|---|
Day 1 |
|
Day 2-4 (Reading) |
|
Day 5-7 (Writing) |
|
Day 8-13 (Listening Speaking) |
|
Day 14-15 |
|
During the 15 days IELTS preparation, make sure that you solve as many sample questions and sample PDFs as possible. Since the time is short, you must understand how to attempt the test. The task is achievable, and with hard work and focus, you will be able to crack the IELTS in 15 days.
How to Clear IELTS Examination in 15 Days FAQs
Q. Is it possible to have a comprehensive 15 days IELTS preparation?
A. Preparing comprehensively for the IELTS exam in just 15 days is challenging, but it is possible with a focused and structured approach. Start by familiarizing yourself with the test format and requirements. Dedicate time each day to practice the different sections, such as listening, reading, writing, and speaking. Focus on improving your vocabulary, grammar, and comprehension skills. Take advantage of online resources, practice tests, and sample questions to simulate the exam environment. Work on your time management skills to ensure that you can complete each section within the given time limits. Seek feedback from teachers or language experts to identify areas for improvement. Practice speaking English with a fluent speaker to enhance your fluency and pronunciation. Finally, stay motivated, maintain a positive mindset, and believe in your ability to succeed. While 15 days may not be sufficient for extensive preparation, a focused and intensive approach can help you make significant progress and achieve a satisfactory score on the IELTS exam.
Q. What are the resources for 15 days IELTS preparation?
A. The following resources are necessary for your 15 days IELTS preparation journey:
- Official website: You must start your preparation from the official website. Make sure to go through the IELTS exam pattern and other information available on this website. Solve all the sample questions and practice tests available on the official IELTS website.
- Official Cambridge material: It is necessary to study the official Cambridge Guide and Cambridge IELTS books 1 to 18. Make sure that you do not leave these at all.
- Other resources: Besides these, you may refer to other IELTS books such as Barron’s IELTS Superpack, Simone Braverman, etc. However, as the time is very short, it is advised that you finish the official study material first.
- IELTS mock test: Make sure to solve IELTS mocks and practice tests as much as you can.
Since the time is less, it is advised that you do not refer to too many resources as it might confuse you. However, it is essential to study the official IELTS study material.
Q. What is the IELTS examination pattern?
A. The following table provides an overview of the IELTS exam pattern:
Task |
Questions |
Time |
---|---|---|
Listening |
40 Questions (4 Sections) |
30 Minutes |
Reading Academic |
40 Questions (3 Sections) |
60 Minutes |
Reading General |
40 Questions (3 Sections) |
60 Minutes |
Writing Academic |
2 Tasks (Graphs + Essay) |
60 Minutes |
Writing General |
2 Tasks (Letter + Essay) |
60 Minutes |
Speaking |
3 Sections (Introduction + Cue Card + Discussion) |
11-14 Minutes |
Additional Tip: It is vital to understand the exam pattern and syllabus before starting the preparation for any exam. Without understanding the basics, you will be a traveller without a destination. Make sure to study the official study material as well.
Q. Do I need to solve mock tests during the 15 days IELTS preparation?
A. Yes, solving mock tests during your 15-day IELTS preparation can be extremely beneficial. Mock tests simulate the actual IELTS exam environment and help you become familiar with the format, timing, and types of questions you will encounter. Here are some reasons why solving mock tests is important:
- Familiarity with the exam: Mock tests give you a genuine taste of the IELTS exam and can help you grasp its format, question kinds, and time restrictions. On the day of the exam, having this familiarity can help you feel more at ease and more confident.
- Time management: By giving each component the right amount of time, mock exams let you practise time management. This is significant because the IELTS exam is time-limited, and efficient time management is necessary to finish all sections within the allotted time.
- Identifying weaknesses: You can determine your strengths and weaknesses in each exam section by completing practice exams. This enables you to concentrate your study efforts on the weaker areas, such as vocabulary, grammar, or a particular sort of question.
- Speed and accuracy: Your speed and accuracy when responding to questions can be improved by often completing practice exams. It aids in the development of techniques for swiftly understanding and responding to various question types, allowing you to finish the exam within the allotted time.
- Stamina: The IELTS exam is a drawn-out test that needs consistent focus and attention. By completing practice exams, you can develop the endurance needed to remain focused during the entire exam.
To make the most of mock tests, try to simulate exam conditions as closely as possible. Set aside uninterrupted time, adhere to the time limits, and avoid using external resources during the test. After completing a mock test, review your answers, analyze your mistakes, and learn from them.
Q. Can I score above 6.5 on the IELTS in 15 days?
A. It is possible to score above 6.5 on the IELTS exam within 15 days with proper preparation and dedication. However, it is important to note that individual results may vary depending on your current English proficiency level and the amount of time and effort you are able to dedicate to studying. Here are some tips that will help you improve your IELTS score:
- Understand the pattern: Familiarize yourself with the format and structure of the IELTS exam. Understand the different sections, question types, and time limits for each section.
- Build vocabulary: Work on expanding your vocabulary, as it plays a crucial role in all sections of the exam. Learn new words and their usage in different contexts. Practice using them in speaking and writing tasks.
- Improve reading skills: Read a variety of English texts, such as newspapers, magazines, and books, to improve your reading skills. Pay attention to the main ideas, supporting details, and overall comprehension.
- Listening skills: Listen to English audio materials, such as podcasts, TED Talks, and news broadcasts, to enhance your listening skills.
- Writing skills: Practice writing essays and letters within the given time limit. Focus on structuring your writing, using appropriate vocabulary and grammar, and expressing your ideas clearly.
- Speaking skills: To increase your fluency and pronunciation, practise your conversational skills frequently with a companion or a language exchange group. Analyse the parts of the recording where you need to enhance your speaking.
- Take mocks: Utilise practice exams to evaluate your progress while simulating the exam setting. Examine your performance, pinpoint your weak points, and modify your study strategy as necessary.
- Focus on weak areas: Determine your weak areas in each of the four exam sections— Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking — and spend more time working on them. Develop techniques to deal with particular question types and practise them to be more successful.
Q. How to prepare for IELTS in 15 days?
A. Preparing for IELTS can be a tough nut to crack. However, we have mentioned some tips below to cut down your IELTS preparation time to 15 days:
Go through the pattern and previously asked questions on the first day. To begin with, start with the reading section. The section is not as complex as it seems, but you need the skill of reading and understanding long paragraphs, and then answering the questions that follow. All this has to be done in a limited time.
Dedicate the 5th to 7th day on writing. Ensure that you improve your vocabulary and grammar and also make sure that you develop a practice of clearly arranging your ideas so that when you write, your paragraphs have coherence and flow.
Spend the 8th to 13th day to develop the listening and speaking skills. Try to focus on what you're listening and try not to lose focus. In the speaking section, make sure that you do not flaunt a made-up accent. Try to be as clear and as coherent as possible. You can perform mirror exercises, where you speak in front of the mirror on topics that have appeared on the IELTS. Another helpful tip is that during your free time of the day, you can listen to motivational podcasts from native speakers. Not only will it help you improve your listening skills, but also give you a boost of motivation.
In the last 2 days try to attempt as many mock tests as possible. Since you have only 15 days to practice for the IELTS, do not pick up a new book or new study material at this stage and try to revise your study material/notes.
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