IELTS

1.​ Practice Consistently

○​ Dedicate a set amount of time each day to practicing. Divide your time
among reading, writing, speaking, and listening to maintain balance.
○​ Use mock tests to simulate exam conditions and measure progress.
2.​ Targeted Skill Improvement
○​ Focus on weaker skills to address gaps (e.g., paragraph matching in
reading or map labeling in listening).
○​ Build on your strengths to maximize your band score potential in those
areas.
3.​ Stay Positive About Mistakes
○​ Mistakes are part of the learning process. Analyze them to understand
where and why you went wrong.
○​ Avoid repeating errors by creating a checklist of common pitfalls.
4.​ Set Realistic Goals
○​ Determine the band score required for your goals (e.g., university
admission or visa requirements).
○​ Aim for your target score first; achieving a higher score can be a bonus
but isn’t always necessary.
5.​ Maintain Consistency in Language Style
○​ Choose either British or American English and stick to it throughout the
test (spelling, vocabulary, and date formats).
6.​ Leverage Official Resources
○​ Use Cambridge IELTS Books for authentic practice tests and model
answers.
○​ Explore the British Council Website for free resources, tips, and sample
tests.
○​ Register for IELTS Flex (IELTS Premium) after booking your test date
to access personalized study tools and extra practice materials.
https://britishcouncil.gelielts.com/
○​ Visit
https://ieltsonlinetests.com/ielts-exam-library?tab&search&sort&skill=reading
this website to get yourself familiar with the computer-based test for your
IELTS (although questions in some practice might be different from the
official questions, refer to official websites (British Council, IDP IELTS <
IELTS Advantage & IELTS Liz are reliable as well > for types of questions)
7.​ Additional Practice Tips
○​ For vocabulary, build a bank of high-frequency words used in IELTS
topics like education, health, environment, and technology.
 ○​ For grammar, practice using complex and compound sentences, ensuring
they are accurate and clear.
8.​ Exam Mindset and Strategy
○​ Avoid over-preparing right before the exam to reduce stress.
○​ Make sure to have 8-10 hours of sleep before exam
○​ ONLY drink coffee if you are a usual drinker (even so, make sure to drink 1 or
2 hours before the exam)
○​ Manage anxiety by practicing mindfulness techniques or deep breathing.
9.​ Time Management
○​ During preparation, simulate exam timing to build speed and accuracy.
○​ Break down each task into manageable segments (e.g., allocate specific
time per question in reading or listening).
10.​Monitor Progress
○​ Take periodic mock tests to track improvement and pinpoint areas that
still need work.
○​ Adjust your study plan based on test results and feedback.
11.​Use Google to Clarify Uncertainties
●​ If you’re unsure about specific details, like how to write a date or phrase
something correctly, look it up on Google.
●​ For example, dates can be written in various formats such as "February
12," "12/2," or "2/12" (American style). This helps ensure accuracy in
your answers, especially in the Writing and Listening sections.
Reading Tips

1.​ Skimming and Scanning

○​ Skim for the main idea of the passage and identify keywords in the questions.
○​ Scan the passage to locate specific details or facts matching those keywords.
2.​ Time Management
○​ Allocate about 20 minutes per passage, including answering the questions.
○​ Start with the easiest questions to build confidence and save time for tougher
ones. (such as completion questions as they come in chronological order)
3.​ Understand Question Types
○​ Familiarize yourself with all question formats (True/False/Not Given,
Matching, Gap-Fill, etc.).
○​ Pay attention to instructions, as they often indicate how many words/numbers
you can use.
4.​ Avoid Overthinking
○​ Stick to information in the passage; do not bring outside knowledge or
assumptions.
5.​ Practice Paraphrasing
○​ Passages and questions often use synonyms or rephrased information, so
practice recognizing similar ideas in different wording.

Writing Tips

1.​ Task 1 (Academic)

○​ Identify the type of graphic or diagram (e.g., bar chart, table, process
diagram).
○​ Use structured language to describe trends, comparisons, or steps (e.g., "It can
be seen that..." or "The process begins with...").
2.​ Task 2 (Essay)
○​ Carefully analyze the prompt to identify whether it’s asking for an opinion,
discussion, problem/solution, or advantages/disadvantages.
○​ Spend 5-10 minutes planning your essay to ensure clear and logical
organization.
3.​ Grammar and Vocabulary
○​ Use complex sentences (e.g., "Although the trend is increasing, there are
exceptions...").
○​ Incorporate topic-specific vocabulary relevant to the task.
4.​ Formal Tone
○​ Avoid slang, informal expressions, or contractions (e.g., write "do not" instead
of "don’t").
○​ Avoid personal anecdotes unless the question explicitly allows them.
5.​ Editing
○​ Reserve 2-3 minutes at the end to proofread for grammar, spelling, and
punctuation errors.
Speaking Tips

1.​ Stay Calm and Confident

○​ Speak slowly and clearly, even if you’re nervous.
○​ Don’t hesitate to ask the examiner to repeat or clarify a question.
2.​ Speaking Part 1
○​ Be concise but provide full sentences, not one-word answers.
○​ Use varied sentence structures to showcase your language skills.
3.​ Speaking Part 2
○​ Use the one-minute preparation time effectively: jot down 3-4 bullet points to
cover key ideas.
○​ If you pause, rephrase your points or add details to keep speaking for as long
as possible.
4.​ Speaking Part 3
○​ Elaborate on your answers, provide examples, and offer opinions.
○​ Avoid simply agreeing or disagreeing without an explanation.
5.​ Practice Daily
○​ Think in English during daily tasks, like planning your day or reflecting on an
event.
○​ Record yourself answering sample questions and listen for areas to improve.

Listening Tips

1.​ Understand Instructions

○​ Pay close attention to word limits (e.g., "Write NO MORE THAN TWO
WORDS").
2.​ Be Prepared for Accents
○​ Familiarize yourself with different English accents (British, American,
Australian, etc.) by listening to diverse media.
3.​ Multitasking
○​ Listen, read the question, and write simultaneously. Practice doing these
together to enhance your focus.
4.​ Focus on Keywords
○​ Predict what you might hear by underlining keywords in the questions
beforehand. If you’re not sure about whether to use plural or singular, listen to
the speaker CAREFULLY and write whatever the speaker says
5.​ Guess When Necessary
○​ If you miss an answer, make an educated guess based on context. Avoid
leaving blanks.
6.​ Post-Test Review
○​ Analyze your mistakes after practice tests to identify patterns in errors (e.g.,
missing plurals or misunderstanding instructions).
Sample Writing Structure​

Writing Task 1
●​ Introduction
●​ Overview
●​ One or Two body paragraphs to demonstrate in detail

Writing Task 2
Introduction
●​ Paraphrase the question (one sentence)
●​ Your ideas (and opinion if it is an opinion Question)
Body Paragraph 1 / 2
●​ Point Sentence (Brief introduction of your idea)
●​ Detailed sentence (Expand your idea)
●​ Example Sentence
●​ Effect Sentence/ Drawback Sentence (elaborate why/ Optional)
●​ Conclusion Sentence/ Linking Sentence (Optional)
Conclusion
●​ Restate the question and your argument
●​ Opinion if it is an opinion essay
Types of Questions
Listening

●​ Table completion
●​ Multiple Choice
●​ Short Answer
●​ Note completion
●​ Matching information to categories
●​ Sentence completion
●​ Summary Completion
●​ Flow chart completion
Reading

●​ True / False / Not given

●​ Matching sentence endings
●​ Multiple Choice
●​ Summary Completion
●​ Matching headings to paragraphs
●​ Matching information to categories
●​ Yes / No / Not Given
●​ Sentence completion
●​ Matching information to texts or paragraphs
●​ Short Answer
●​ Flow chart completion
●​ Note completion

Writing

Task 1

●​ Bar chart
●​ Table
●​ Two sets of data
●​ Process diagram
●​ Line graph
●​ Map

Task 2

●​ Opinion
●​ Direct question
●​ Discussion
●​ Problems and solutions
 ●​ Advantages and disadvantages

Speaking

●​ Part 1 (about yourself and everyday topics)

●​ Part 2 (provide a cue card about a specific topic)
●​ Part 3 (Questions related to the topic in Part 3)
Note: Refer to https://britishcouncil.gelielts.com/ if you want to practice a specific type of
question

Common Topics (Adapted from IELTS Advantage)

●​ Health
●​ Environment
●​ Education
●​ Development
●​ Globalisation
●​ Public Transport
●​ Criminal Justice
●​ Youth Crime
●​ Technology
●​ Government Spending
PAPER-BASED OR COMPUTER-BASED?
Computer-Based

●​ Get results in 1-3 days

●​ Do not have to count words in Writing manually
●​ Highlight & Note Keywords just by selecting it in Reading & Listening
●​ Will provide a headphone not only for listening but for reading and writing as well to
mitigate external noises
●​ Ctrl + C (copy) and Ctrl + V (paste) are available to use but not Ctrl + F (find)

Paper-Based

●​ Get results in 12-14 days

●​ Have to keep track of your wordcounts
●​ Listening audio will be opened by a loudspeaker (be cautious as this can cause echos)
●​ Will NOT provide headphone

Is there any difference in the speaking test?

●​ No, the speaking test will not have any difference, you will be taken to a specialized
room for speaking and you have to talk via video call (the speaking session will be
recorded)
●​ both computer-based and paper-based will provide headphones

Which one should you take?

-​ Take the one you’re familiar with practicing
-​ If you want to take computer-based but your typing skill is slow, practice (40-60
WPM should do fine)
-​ Personally, I would recommend taking computer-based if you’re in a rush and you
know how to use a computer really well, else take the paper-based
Extra Tips
1.​ Track Progress
○​ Keep a journal or use a study app to log your daily practice and test scores.
○​ Create a “Mistake Tracker” to document errors in grammar, vocabulary, or
strategy, and review them weekly to ensure improvement.
2.​ Stay Motivated
○​ Break your study goals into smaller, manageable milestones (e.g., mastering
one question type or improving by half a band).
○​ Reward yourself after achieving each goal (e.g., treat yourself to a favorite
snack or a break activity).
3.​ Take Regular Breaks
○​ Use the Pomodoro Technique: Study for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute
break. After four Pomodoros, take a longer 15–30 minute break to recharge.
○​ During breaks, engage in activities that relax your mind, like stretching,
listening to music, or taking a short walk.
4.​ Use Flashcards Effectively
○​ Create flashcards for vocabulary and collocations commonly used in IELTS
topics (e.g., “climate change,” “sustainable development”).
○​ Include example sentences on the flashcards to learn how to use new words in
context.
5.​ Vocabulary Usage Tips
○​ Focus on functional vocabulary that fits the task (e.g., words for comparison
in Writing Task 1: “whereas,” “similarly,” “in contrast”).
○​ Avoid using advanced vocabulary unless you’re confident about the meaning
and context. Incorrect usage of complex words can negatively impact your
score.
○​ Instead, use simple yet precise vocabulary that conveys your ideas clearly and
accurately.
○​ Same for Grammatical range, if you are not sure if your grammar structure is
correct or not, just use the one you’re confident is correct
6.​ Stay Balanced
○​ Alternate between different skills during study sessions to avoid monotony
and burnout.
○​ Pair intense study days with lighter ones to maintain long-term focus.
7.​ Practice Speaking Daily
○​ Use apps like Cambly or speak with friends to improve fluency and
confidence.
○​ Think in English during routine tasks (e.g., describing your surroundings or
explaining a process to yourself).
8.​ Develop Exam Habits
○​ Practice listening while reading to improve multitasking for the Listening Test.
○​ Write essays under timed conditions to build speed and accuracy for Writing
Task 2.
 9.​ Use a Structured Approach
○​ For Reading, highlight key phrases in the passage that match question
keywords.
○​ For Listening, underline words in the questions to stay focused while the
recording plays.
10.​Prepare for the Unexpected
○​ Be prepared for unfamiliar topics in the Speaking and Writing tests. Focus on
organizing your ideas logically and using clear language, even if the topic is
challenging.
○​ For example, use phrases like, “I’m not entirely familiar with this topic, but I
believe...” to gain time to think during Speaking.
○​ DON’T HESITATE to ask if you’re not familiar with a term in speaking
11.​ Idea Development
●​ Focus on clear and logical idea development rather than trying to come up
with something unique or overly interesting.
●​ The examiner evaluates how well you present and support your ideas with
proper English skills, not how original they are (i.e., it doesn’t have to be
interesting)

By Zwe Zwe Htet,

Special thanks to Tr. May Pyae Phyo Thu and Tr. Moe for facilitating for my IELTS journey