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IELTS Academic Test Time Management Tips

The IELTS Academic Test is vital if you are planning to study abroad at an English-speaking university. This is one of the most popular benchmarks of English language proficiency, so acing it in your first sitting is an important requirement in your university applications.  

The test assesses your ability in spoken language, written expression, auditory comprehension, and reading ability. Alongside working on improving these skills, a factor you might overlook is the role of time management.

The IELTS test is 2 hours and 45 minutes long with individual sections bearing different time limits. Good time management can improve your performance so you make use of each second to add up points going towards your final result.

In this blog post, we will share time management tips for each part of the IELTS, to help applicants maximize their time and get the results they want. The same tips apply to those taking the English proficiency test online!

Time Management Tricks for the Reading Section

The IELTS Academic Test has a reading section with three passages and 40 questions. Applicants have 60 minutes to answer these questions and so must manage their time well.

Test-takers can boost their speed and accuracy to boost their scores in this section. Learning strategies like scanning, skimming, and prioritizing questions can help you improve your scores!

For complex questions, use these strategies:

Read the instructions carefully so you don’t lose points by misunderstanding how to answer.

Spend no more than 20 minutes answering the questions of each part.

Skim and scan passages to identify key points.

Time Management Tips for the Writing Section

In the IELTS Writing section, time management is key. Candidates must write high-quality responses in a short time for two writing tasks. Plan a deliberate approach with a quick outline of your key points. Allocate your time fairly to each assignment so you don’t spend too little or too much on either task and remember to leave time for review. Time your practice so you can nail these strategies in the actual test. Some strategies to apply for this section of the IELTS Academic test are:

Analyzing model answers: understanding what forms a high-scoring response

Time allocation: Task 1: Report writing (20 minutes); Task 2: Essay Writing (40 minutes)

To craft quality content swiftly, practice writing for clarity with concise language.

Practice watching out for common errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation

Time Management Tips for the Listening Section

Good time management in the IELTS listening section is key to a high score, especially as each audio section will play only once. You must answer 40 questions, 10 each for four recordings, all within a time limit.

Use smart strategies by focusing on keywords and using the transfer time well. This can improve your accuracy and performance.

Prepare for what to listen out for by scanning through the questions ahead of time. Identify and listen for key information. Acclimate to different dialects and speeds. Understand and become familiar with the format of the test and its various question types. Practice Listening questions as much as you can to develop these strategies.

Time Management Tips for the Speaking Section

Mastering time management in the IELTS speaking section is crucial. It helps you give clear, concise answers under pressure. Organize your thoughts, manage your prep time, and answer clearly and naturally. This allows you to demonstrate your speaking skills with assurance. It will help you stay on topic and within the time limits for each test part. Keep these points in mind:

Time allocation: Part 1: Intro and Interview (4-5 mins), Long Turn (3-4 mins), Discussion (4-5 mins)

Practice with partners: Simulate the test environment with a speaking partner.

Recording and Reviewing: Record practice sessions to self-assess and improve.

Rounding Up

Time management is crucial for success in the IELTS Academic Test. By understanding the structure of each section, practicing regularly, and employing the strategies we discuss in this article, candidates can enhance their performance and confidently approach the test. Remember, effective time management improves your chances of achieving a high score and reduces test-related anxiety, making the entire experience more manageable.