Test Day Advice
- You must bring your original, valid passport or Permanent Resident Card (PRC) for identification purposes or you will not be allowed to sit for the test.
- As the temperature varies in the test rooms, we suggest you dress accordingly (bring a sweater/jacket) - dress for comfort.
- Electronic devices (cell phones, MP3 players, iPods, etc.) are NOT permitted in the test room. We suggest you leave these devices at home.
Days before the test are not a time for intensive study but rather to review skills and your test technique. It is important to exercise, eat, rest and sleep well during the week in which you will take the test.
Leave nothing to chance. If you do not know how to get to the Test Centre, try going there at a similar time one or two weeks before the real test.
The night before the test
Have a good dinner and go to bed at your normal time as it is important to get a good night’s sleep.
Organize the documents and other items you need to take to the test, including the test confirmation letter, passport /P.R. card and any additional identification documents. Ensure you know exactly what documents you will need. Set your alarm clock the night before or arrange a wake-up call.
The morning of the test
Eat a good breakfast to prepare for several hours of concentration ahead of you. You may wish to bring a snack with you, especially if your speaking test is at a later time that day. You cannot, however, take food or drink into the exam room.
Give yourself plenty of time to get to the Test Centre. You will be required to register and show your passport /permanent resident card before you enter the examination room so you must arrive at the time specified by your Test Centre.
During the test.
Most candidates will feel nervous. This is quite normal. In fact, it can actually be quite helpful in terms of motivation. It may make you alert and help you to focus. The aim is for you to try to perform at your optimum level.
In contrast, high levels of anxiety can affect a candidate’s performance. However, much of this anxiety can be overcome by good preparation, familiarity with test details and a positive attitude.
The examination room should be suitable for testing, that is, the lighting, ventilation and temperature should be appropriate. If you are uncomfortable because of any of these factors or if there is some other problem, such as not being able to hear the recording of the Listening Module, make sure you inform the person in charge.
Examination technique.
By using good examination techniques you can help to improve your overall IELTS score.
Remember that every section is marked independently. Do not jeopardize your performance in one section just because you believe that you have done badly in another. Do not underestimate or try to predict your outcome. You may, in fact, have done better than you imagined.
Focus on what you know rather than on what you don't know while you are doing the test.
Ensure that you adhere to the times suggested as they usually correspond to the number of marks given for a particular question.
In the Listening and Reading Modules, it is a good idea to write down an answer, even if you are not sure of it, before moving on to the next question. Many students intend to return to the answers they have omitted at the end of the test but do not have enough time to do so. Furthermore, by writing your best answer at the actual time of reading the question, you save the time you need to spend again on re-reading the question and re-acquainting yourself with the subject matter. If you are not confident about your answer, mark it in some way and return to it at the end.
Do not leave any answers blank. You are not penalized for incorrect answers, so ' guess ' wisely.
