Follow a regular study plan
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- Written by IELTS Mentor
Set aside the maximum number of hours you can spare each day to practice English for all four sub-tests of IELTS. Do not concentrate only on your weakest areas. Be regular in your practice, and give yourself a rest between tasks. Take at least one day out of your week to rest and forget the test completely. The secret of success is to work towards your goal slowly, steadily and regularly.
Take every opportunity to listen to English music, watch TV channels and read books whenever and wherever you can. Watch TV programs and films, listen to radio programs and English news - even songs in English on YouTube. Have as many conversations with native English speakers as you can, and practice in English as often as possible with your non-native English-speaking friends.
Try to read texts in English at least once every day. You should always be in the process of reading a book in English - a page or two each night before bedtime is an excellent plan. Read newspapers, magazines, and novels written for your English level (available from good language bookshops). Academic Module candidates should often read academic articles, if possible. Always carry English texts with you, so you can read when you have spare time that would otherwise be wasted. Do not worry about understanding every word. Read some articles in detail and some for speed.
Study regularly and at the same time if possible. If you have planned to take the test after 4-5 months, reduce your social networking and gaming addiction and give yourself some challenges like- I won't have my dinner until I finish this particular chapter or I won't leave the study table unless I finish writing this essay.
Spending time for the preparation every day for particular hours instead of sitting down to review once in a week for several hours is far better. Even though you are studying for the same amount of time, research shows that daily shorter sessions produce better results on the IELTS test.
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