The IELTS exam is one of the most popular and important English proficiency tests worldwide, especially in the United Arab Emirates where many educational and professional entities require a certain IELTS score for admission or employment. IELTS study in the UAE requires a great deal of effort as the exam covers various linguistic skills including listening, speaking, reading and writing. Therefore, making an effective study schedule is a key factor for success in the exam, as it helps the test taker organize their time perfectly and distribute their efforts across all sections and components of the exam. In this article, we will explore the most important tips and practical guidance for making an effective schedule that ensures proper preparation and improves performance on the IELTS exam in the UAE.
First: IELTS Exam Structure
The IELTS exam consists of four main sections:
Section 1 – Listening
It contains audio recordings of conversations and lectures that you listen to and then answer questions testing your comprehension.
Section 2 – Reading
It contains various texts that you read and then answer reading comprehension questions.
Section 3 – Writing
It includes a task to write an essay on a given topic in 20 minutes.
Section 4 – Speaking
It is a face-to-face interview with an examiner on general and personal topics.
The total exam duration is around 3 hours, divided equally between the four sections. You are evaluated on a scale from 1 to 9 in each section.
IELTS Exam Skills:
The IELTS exam consists of four main skills that you need to focus on developing:
Listening:
– The ability to understand conversations and lectures in British and American accents.
– Taking notes while listening to facilitate answering subsequent questions.
Reading:
– Understanding the main idea and precise details in diverse texts.
– Mastery of skimming and scanning reading skills.
– Writing an essay in an organized way with varied vocabulary and accurate grammar.
– The ability to express opinions and support them with examples.
– Having natural conversations while employing good listening and fluent speaking skills.
– Providing detailed views on various topics with supporting examples.
IELTS Exam Objective and Target Score:
The IELTS exam aims to measure one’s English language proficiency, and is commonly used as a requirement for university admission, employment, or immigration to English-speaking countries.
The exam scores range from 0 to 9 for each of the four skills (listening, reading, writing, and speaking).
Common target scores include:
– 5 to 6 for qualifying for universities
– 6 to 7 for good jobs
– 7 to 9 for scholarships or jobs requiring a high level
Based on your goal, you can choose the appropriate target score when making your IELTS study in the UAE For example, if you want a certain job, you may need a score of at least 6.5 in the exam.
Challenges Facing Students in the IELTS Exam:
Students face many challenges when preparing for the IELTS exam, most notably:
– Difficulty understanding different accents in listening, whether British or American.
– Time pressure during the exam, especially in reading and writing sections.
– Difficulty comprehending complex vocabulary and terminology in reading texts.
– Difficulty organizing ideas and structuring the essay writing.
– Lack of practice with previous exams and sample questions.
– Inability to allocate sufficient study time.
– Weakness in basic language skills like grammar rules.
Thorough preparation and a clear study schedule are advised to overcome these challenges.
IELTS Study in the UAE:
The IELTS exam is one of the most accredited tests for assessing English language proficiency, and is highly regarded in the United Arab Emirates, where many universities and employers require a certain IELTS score for admission or recruitment. The UAE provides many institutes and centers that offer intensive IELTS preparation programs including training courses and private tutoring. Applicants can also purchase official exam books and resources to aid in self-study preparation. It is essential that the test taker creates a study schedule that equally divides time between the four skills covered in the exam – listening, reading, writing and speaking. They should also practice mock exams to get accustomed to the test format and question style. IELTS study in the UAE requires dedicating equal preparation time to all sections and skills tested in the exam.
Ideal Duration for IELTS Preparation in the UAE:
The ideal IELTS prep duration varies from person to person and depends on several factors, including your current English level and goals you want to achieve. However, it is advisable to dedicate sufficient time to prepare for the exam properly. Generally, you should set aside several weeks to prepare well for the test. You can have a 4-8 week study schedule, depending on the time you have available and the goals you want to accomplish.
In the first weeks, you can focus on assessing your current English level and identifying the skills that need improvement. You may need to work on enhancing your listening and reading abilities, or strengthening your writing and speaking skills. You can allot time to study vocabulary and grammar rules and apply them in practical activities.
In subsequent weeks, you can work on developing the different skills required in the test. Practice actual questions and past exam worksheets and train in time management. Take the exam regularly to get used to the format and apply suitable strategies.
Remember that the ideal duration for IELTS study in the UAE will vary according to your schedule and other personal and professional commitments. It is important to be organized and committed to your timeline and utilize the time productively to prepare for the exam.
Finally, you should take some time for revision and final preparation before the exam. Review vocabulary, grammar, and practice previous tests to build your confidence and optimize your IELTS performance.
Strategies for IELTS Study in the UAE:
Here are some strategies that can help you in your IELTS study in the UAE:
Understand Exam Requirements: Start by understanding the structure of the exam and its different sections (Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking). Review requirements of each section and ensure you grasp the question types and skills needed in each part.
Use Reliable Study Resources: Utilize trusted IELTS books and learning materials. You can find preparation books tailored for IELTS and other online resources.
Practice Sample Questions: Solve IELTS sample questions to understand the question types and train yourself on answering strategies. You can find many sample questions and practice tests online or in prep books.
Focus on Keywords: Build your vocabulary and expand your knowledge of keywords used in IELTS. Use dictionaries and language resources to learn new words and apply them in reading, writing, and speaking.
Improve Listening Skills: Train yourself to understand spoken language by listening to English conversations and audio recordings. Try to focus on details, main ideas, and enhance your ability to distinguish sounds and key information.
Improve Reading Skills: Read diverse English texts like articles, interviews, academic passages. Try to grasp vocabulary, language structures, and use reading strategies like skimming, pausing at main ideas.
Improve Writing Skills: Practice writing essays, letters, and reports in English. Work on organizing your ideas and developing abilities to construct sentences and use correct language structures. Review and correct your writing to ensure accuracy.
Improve Speaking Skills: Practice English conversations with study partners or specialized IELTS tutors. Work on improving your expression, listening, and natural interaction abilities in different contexts.
Manage Time: Set a regular study schedule and allocate time to each exam section. Distribute time suitably to cover all required skills and topics.
Practice Tests: Take actual practice tests using sample questions and mock exams. Try to evaluate your performance and identify your specific strengths and weaknesses to improve.
Final Review and Preparation: Revise concepts, strategies, and your notes in the last few days before the exam. Try to get adequate rest and relaxation before the big day.
Remember that IELTS is an important exam and requires regular preparation and practice. Use these strategies consistently to enhance your skills and maximize your chances of success
Is there an ideal study schedule for IELTS?
There is no set study schedule for the IELTS exam in general, as the study schedule depends on the time and effort you can dedicate to preparation. Here is an example of a study schedule that can help you prepare for IELTS study in the UAE:
Week 1:
– Understand the exam structure and requirements for each section.
– Practice sample listening section questions and keep a record of mistakes and improvements.
– Read articles and texts in English and try to comprehend and analyze them.
– Start building your vocabulary and expanding your knowledge of key words.
Week 2:
– Continue practicing sample listening questions and work on improving your abilities in understanding conversations and audio recordings.
– Do more training in reading texts and applying reading comprehension strategies and answering related questions.
– Write short essays and check them for grammar, organization, and expression.
Week 3:
– Develop writing skills by practicing writing exercises and submitting them for feedback and evaluation.
– Practice spoken conversations with a study partner or language tutor, and work on improving your expression, listening, and natural interaction abilities.
– Listen to audio files in English and try to grasp vocabulary and proper pronunciation.
Week 4:
– Take IELTS practice tests to train under real exam conditions and evaluate your performance.
– Review all mistakes and feedback received from previous exercises and try to correct them.
– Reinforce your confidence in skills needing improvement and focus on your strengths.
This is just an example of a study schedule you can use for IELTS study in the UAE. You can modify and adapt it according to your personal needs and available time. The goal is to work consistently and allot time appropriately to maximize the benefits of your prep efforts.
Time Management Techniques during the Exam:
Here are some tips for effectively managing time during the IELTS exam:
– Arrive early before the exam time to avoid stress.
– Listen carefully to the supervisor’s instructions before starting.
– Quickly review all exam questions before beginning to answer.
– Start with easy questions then move to more difficult ones.
– Closely monitor your time and divide it equally among questions.
– Avoid getting stuck on tough questions and wasting time on them.
– First answer questions you definitely know.
– Use breaks between sections to relax.
– Allocate time at the end of each section to review your answers.
– Don’t panic if you cannot answer some questions. Focus on what you can solve.
– Stay calm throughout the exam and take deep breaths if feeling anxious.
Effective Plans for IELTS Study in the UAE to Improve Writing and Speaking Skills:
Here are practical steps to make an effective plan for improving writing and speaking skills while preparing for IELTS study in the UAE:
Improve Writing Skills:
Review Writing Samples:
– Look at writing samples from reputable sources.
– Write short essays and compare them to samples to analyze differences and identify improvement areas.
– Use diverse and advanced vocabulary in your writing.
– Make a list of key words and phrases you can frequently incorporate.
Practice Writing Regularly:
– Pick varied topics and start writing short essays.
– Sign each essay and highlight errors that need correction.
Improve Sentence Structure and Language:
– Ensure each sentence has a logical structure and correct language composition.
– Use a mix of complex and simple sentences.
Request Feedback:
– Ask friends or teachers to provide feedback on your style and areas of improvement.
Participate in Discussions:
– Take part in study group or online discussions.
– Prepare a list of expected exam topics and provide your views on them.
Audio Recording:
– Make audio recordings of yourself speaking about different topics.
– Listen to the recording and identify points that can be improved.
– Practice using advanced vocabulary and expressions in your speech.
– Naturally incorporate keywords into your conversations.
Improve Pronunciation Clarity:
– Practice pronouncing difficult words.
– Use a pronunciation dictionary to check how to pronounce tricky words.
Simulate Exam Environment:
– Simulate the exam environment by having regular written or verbal conversations with friends.
Practice Quick Response:
– Learn to quickly respond to specific questions and train your rapid thinking and instant response.
Attend English Courses:
– Join English speaking courses to enhance your speaking and comprehension skills of different accents.
Remember that the key to improving writing and speaking skills is consistent practice and exposing yourself to constructive motivation and feedback.
Reliable educational resources I can depend on when planning for IELTS study in the UAE:
There are many reliable educational resources that can be depended on when studying for the IELTS exam in the UAE:
– Official IELTS practice books from the IELTS website.
– Preparation books and mock tests from Cambridge and Kaplan publishing houses.
– Accredited IELTS preparation courses from School Dot Com platform.
– Specialized listening and speaking apps like IELTS Speaking.
– Joining IELTS study groups or tutoring programs with teachers.
– Practicing previous exams available on the IELTS website.
The credibility of any educational resource should be verified before depending on it for exam preparation.
The role of Elmadrasah.com platform in developing effective IELTS study plans:
The Elmadrasah.com platform plays an important role in developing effective study plans for IELTS. Here are some of the tools and features that can be provided through the School Dot Com platform:
Educational Resources: Elamdrasah.com provides a wide range of educational resources related to the IELTS exam. These may include explanatory videos, audio files, detailed articles, and interactive worksheets.
Practice Tests: The platform IELTS practice tests which can help you get familiar with the exam format, question types, and assess your current level. Practice test results can be used to identify strengths, weaknesses, and direct preparation efforts.
Customized Training Programs: Elmadrasah.com can offer tailored training programs for the IELTS exam, targeting the different skills like listening, reading, writing, and speaking required in the test. These programs provide focused guidance and intensive practice for students to improve their test performance.
Reviews and Evaluations: Elmadrasah.com may include reviews and performance evaluations where teachers can provide constructive feedback and remarks on students’ practice test and drill performances. This assists students in identifying strengths and weaknesses and steering their efforts individually.
Communication and Support: The platform provides an interactive communication environment between students and teachers, where students can ask questions and get direct assistance from IELTS experts.
By providing these resources and tools, Elmadrasah.com helps students develop effective plan for IELTS study in the UAE and improve their performance. You need to regularly use these resources and tools, and adhere to the study schedule to successfully accomplish your goals.
