IELTS exams are a crucial step for individuals seeking to immigrate or study in the UAE. With busy lives, many find it difficult to find enough time to study for this important exam. Specifically for working professionals or students with limited time, this article provides an effective nightly study plan for preparing for IELTS Study in the UAE

First: What are the skills for IELTS study in the UAE?

The IELTS exam measures candidates’ English language proficiency across four key skills. These skills are:

•       Listening skill: Evaluates the ability to understand spoken conversations and audio lectures in English. This includes the ability to identify key information, details, and main ideas, grasp the overall topic and purpose.
•       Reading skill: Measures the ability to read and comprehend written texts in English. It requires engaging with a range of reading materials such as articles, academic and literary passages. This section assesses the ability to grasp main meanings, details, chronology and general direction of a text.
•       Writing skill: Evaluates the ability to express ideas, organize them and write in a coherent and fluid manner in English. It requires candidates to write an academic essay or report on a given topic, employing strong writing skills like organization, cohesion, vocabulary use and accurate grammar.
•       Speaking skill: Assesses the ability to verbally communicate and interact in English. This section includes having a discussion with a given interlocutor, ability to express opinions, ideas and reach agreements and respond to questions appropriately.

Remember that good preparation and development of these skills requires regular practice and the right strategies. Ensure practicing each skill separately and using appropriate learning resources to see improvement in them.

IELTS exam method in the UAE:

The IELTS exam in the UAE consists of four main sections: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. The test is conducted at an authorized IELTS test center in the UAE. Here is an overview of each section:

Listening:

– Duration: 30 minutes

– Includes listening to short conversations and lectures, ability to listen and understand key information and details.

Reading:

– Duration: 60 minutes 

– Requires reading three different written texts such as articles, academic and literary passages, and the ability to grasp main meanings, details, chronology and general direction of a text.

Writing:

– Duration: 60 minutes

– Requires writing an academic essay or report on a given topic. Detailed instructions on the topic and suggested formats for writing are provided, and candidates need to organize ideas, structure and write coherently and fluidly. 

Speaking:

– Duration: 11-14 minutes

– Oral interview is conducted with a specialized examiner. Section includes discussing personal and general topics, ability to express opinions, ideas and communicate smoothly.

Scheduling the exam date and venue is done by contacting an authorized IELTS test center in the UAE, such as the British Council or IDP.

How student performance is evaluated in the IELTS exam in the UAE:

The evaluation of student performance in the IELTS exam in the UAE is based on specific criteria and globally recognized assessment standards. The exam granting body (such as the British Council or IDP) evaluates performance based on the scores obtained across the four skills: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. Each skill is assessed independently and given an individual score on a scale ranging from 0 to 9, called the “band score” system. Here is an overview of the band score system:

– Scores from 9 to 8.5: Considered excellent results indicating very high proficiency in English.

– Scores from 8 to 7: Considered very good results indicating high proficiency in English.

– Scores from 7 to 6: Considered good results indicating a decent level of English with room for improvement.

– Scores from 6 to 5: Considered satisfactory results indicating an acceptable level of English, but the student may need to improve their skills.

– Scores below 5: Considered poor results indicating major difficulties in comprehending and using English.

After taking the exam, the student’s results are presented in an IELTS Test Report Form detailing the band score achieved in each skill, as well as the overall exam score (overall band score).  It is important to note that there are no “right or wrong” scores in the IELTS exam. You are evaluated based on your actual ability to use English in the tested situations.

IELTS Study in the UAE:

If you’re considering preparing for the IELTS Study in the UAE, here are some tips to help you get ready:

Familiarize Yourself with the Test Structure:

•       Study the test structure, including the listening, reading, writing, and speaking sections.
•       Understand the details of each section and the required skills for success.

Assess Your Current Level:

•       Before diving into your studies, take a diagnostic test to evaluate your current proficiency in IELTS.
•       Identify your strengths and weaknesses to focus more on areas needing improvement.

Utilize Reliable Educational Resources:

•       Explore trustworthy online resources for IELTS preparation, such as IELTS.org, which provides information and free preparation materials.
•       Consider using books and educational materials available in the market.

Practice with Past Tests:

•       Make use of past IELTS tests to practice individual sections and simulate speaking sessions.
•       Get accustomed to question formats, timing, and assess your overall performance level.

Regular English Speaking Practice:

•       Engage in regular English conversations by joining chat groups or finding conversation partners.
•       Improve your oral communication skills and boost confidence in using the language.

Time Management is Crucial:

•       In the IELTS test, completing each section within the allocated time is essential.
•       Train yourself in time management to enhance reading and writing speed.

Enroll in Training Courses:

•       Join IELTS preparation courses in the UAE, providing direct guidance and intensive training.
•       Platforms like Elmadrasah.com offer distinctive preparatory courses that significantly aid in your IELTS Study in the UAE.

Analyze Mistakes:

•       After each practice session or test, analyze mistakes and identify areas for improvement.
•       Work on correcting errors and reinforcing your strengths.

Strategic Approaches:

•       Learn effective strategies for answering different question types in the test.
•       Employ techniques such as context analysis, anticipating meaning, and using keywords to enhance performance.

Oral Skills Training:

•       Practice oral skills through general conversations and organized discussions.
•       Look for local groups where individuals learning English gather for conversation practice.

Writing Practice:

•       Write various exercises to enhance your English writing skills.
•       Seek feedback from teachers or professional language editors to improve your writing.

Relieve Stress:

•       Relax and manage stress before and during the test.
•       Use deep breathing and meditation techniques to calm nerves and focus on performing well.
•       Remember, Consistent Preparation is Key:
•       Create a regular study plan and stick to it.
•       Don’t hesitate to seek assistance if there are unclear points or if you need clarification.

Organizing Study for IELTS:

Identify Priorities:

Determine the skills that require fundamental improvement. Do you need to enhance your vocabulary? Are there challenges in listening comprehension?

Effective Timetable:

Create a daily timetable that focuses on all four skills, with special attention to those needing improvement.

Smart Use of Resources:

Choose educational resources that align with your needs and personal preferences. This may include study books, applications, and websites.

By committing to the IELTS Study in the UAE and focusing on developing specific skills, both working professionals and students with limited time can achieve positive results in the IELTS exam. They should make the most of their nights to effectively study for the IELTS and succeed in this crucial test that opens doors to future opportunities.