WHICH MONTH IS BEST FOR THE IELTS EXAM?

Do you have plans of migrating abroad, or do you want to land that dream job of yours to that distant foreign company? If you’re currently planning the steps to take and checking the processes you need to undergo, then perhaps you have come across the IELTS exam. With plenty of information that describes this prestigious test, it’s natural to have different questions going in your mind. Things like, “Can I pass this test” or “What if I fail?”. Lucky for you, you can get an advantage by finding out which month is best for the IELTS exam.

Top Things You Need to Know about the Notable IELTS Examination

Today, most countries require aspiring students, professionals, and migrants to take the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). It is the world’s most popular English language proficiency test. More than 10,000 organizations globally trust this test. IELTS is usually used for higher education and global migration, and it is specifically designed to assess the candidates’ English language ability. Some of the world’s dominating language assessment professionals prepared the IELTS examination. As designed by the British Council Organization, there are two IELTS tests available. First is the IELTS Academic that assesses whether your English language proficiency is acceptable for an academic atmosphere. It indicates aspects of academic language and evaluates whether you’re ready to start training or studying. The second one is IELTS General Training that tests your English language knowledge in a practical, everyday context. The tasks and tests reflect both workplace and social conditions.

Which Month Is Best for the IELTS Exam? Here are the Expert’s Answers

Are you afraid that you may fail your IELTS exam? Essentially, there is no pass or fail. IELTS’s primary goal is to determine your current level in terms of using and comprehending the English language. It is not surprising that many organizations require an individual to have an idea, given that English is known as the universal language. Wherever you go in the world, there’s a high chance that you will come across people who speaks English. When it comes to IELTS results, it is surprising to know that your score not only depends on your English knowledge, or the time you spent preparing for the test. Most of the time, it depends on the day you decided to take your test. So, which month is best for the IELTS exam, according to experts? Notably, the organizers add new speaking topics to the test every four months. Typically, it happens in January, May, and September. As per credible resources online, half of the topics from the previous formats are repeated. However, it is impossible to identify which the changes in particular topics. The good thing is, you have the chance to learn 99% of the IELTS topics if you schedule your test in April, August, ad December. Yes, you will have enough time to prepare for the big battle.

What You Need to Know to Be Able to Nail Your IELTS Exam

But of course, apart from choosing the most friendly- month for the IELTS examination, you should do everything you can to prepare. Here are some notes to keep in mind.

1. Victory is only for the ready.

Preparation should always be your priority. As the saying goes, tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it. The IELTS has four elements, so you have to be mentally, physically, and emotionally ready. You will undergo assessment for English listening, reading, writing, and speaking. These elements will determine how proficient you are in using the English language in different aspects. Part of the preparation is to allow a sufficient period to study. Setting your mood before exploring is known as one of the best ways to learn compared to sudden reviewing just because you are under the obligation to do it. According to The Day Studier, for people who have more energy earlier in the day, studying in the morning may work best. The main reason is that you feel refreshed from a good sleep and can absorb more information. Also, the natural morning light is suitable for your eyes, which keeps you more alert. It will also be better if you study in a quiet place. But remember, it always depends on your comfort.

2. Enough knowledge, enough score. 

What you do is what you get. The more knowledge that you have, the higher your score will be. If you are thinking your knowledge from self-studying is enough to gain a high score, go, and study alone. However, if your assessment reveals that you are far from achieving a considerable score, you might consider hiring an English coach. Today, many professional English teachers have more knowledge of the IELTS and are more familiar with the process. English coaches will help and guide you not just for the examination itself but also for you to be fully equipped and proficient in using the English language. The lessons will surely benefit you when you study or migrate abroad. Part of their responsibility is to plan, prepare, and deliver the lessons you need. English trainers will help you improve your listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills via individual and group sessions. They will also check and assess your understanding with the lessons by giving you sample tests and examinations that are mostly similar to IELTS. You can also enroll yourself for IELTS preparation online courses that are only exclusive for IELTS examinees. With this process, you will gain more knowledge that will bring you more promising results.

3. Greater skills, better results

What you have in mind should resonate with your actions. Knowledge wouldn’t always be enough if you don’t apply or express it. Just like what they say, what you read is what you should share. So, if you already understand English, that’s the time for you to practice and make it a skill. IELTS isn’t just a written examination. The reason why is to check the candidates’ skills if they can also use and understand English through listening and speaking. A skill is the ability to do something that comes from training, experience, and knowledge. The best way to improve your English skill is to always practice. You only have to apply what you learned from time to time. Actively speaking with others or your English trainer will boost your skills to a higher level. Engaging yourself in group discussions with English speakers will also help you do more. You can also improve yourself most conveniently by watching English films and videos on different websites like Youtube, Netflix, and more. Listening to English podcasts and various applications like Spotify, Apple Music, and more will also enhance your listening skills. For writing, you can practice by writing daily journals, blogs, and movie reviews. With these convenient ways, you will be more relaxed and comfortable speaking and listening to the English language.

4. Take time for assurance

IELTS has its timetables and required dates. But there’s nothing wrong with taking the time. If you’re not comfortable taking the International English Language Testing System test yet, give yourself time to prepare more. It would be a disaster if you took the exam unprepared and failed it. It would be a waste of money and effort if you rushed, so taking more time would give you more assurance. However, please note that giving yourself time doesn’t mean you can use all the time you have to be ready. You should still always set deadlines for your lessons and select the best schedule for taking the exam. Remember to always balance your time. As a tip, you should always set timetables for the lessons and activities for preparation and examination.

5. Familiarity will save you

As an examinee, you should be familiar with the types and format of assessments that you will take. For the listening test, you have to listen to four recordings of native English speakers and then write your answers to a series of questions. For the reading tests, you will read three long texts taken from books, journals, magazines, and newspapers. Documents and articles are for a non-specific audience but are appropriate for candidates entering university courses or seeking professional enrollment. To help you familiarize yourself with the writing test, you need to interpret or explain it in your own words. You will see a graph, table, chart, or diagram. It also has a second test where you need to write an essay or an article. It will be in response to the point of view, argument, or problem that will be given to you. The last part is the speaking test. An examiner will provide you with a task card that asks you to talk about a particular subject. You will be given one minute to prepare and make notes. You will then be expected to speak for 1-2 minutes on the subject. There will be no interruption during this time, so it is important to keep talking. The examiner will then ask you one or two questions on the same topic. For the scores, the results of IELTS are determined using a 9-band scale. In essence, 9 is the highest possible score you can get, while one is the lowest.

6. Confidence is the key

They say the most beautiful thing you can wear is confidence. Being confident would be helpful as it reduces your negative thoughts while gaining a more positive attitude. It means trusting yourself and having a complete faith that you will overcome the challenge.

Knowing Which Month Is Best for the IELTS Exam Can Definitely Make a Big Difference!

The above factors will give you more assurance to pass the International English Language Testing System assessment. Some people failed IELTS because they didn’t know the perfect time to take it and what factors are needed to be considered. Now that you know which month is best for the IELTS exam, you can double your chances of nailing the test!