More than 1 million people every year use the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to achieve employment or college acceptance in English-speaking countries. The IELTS tests skills in four areas related to English fluency: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Scores are valid for up to two years and are accepted by thousands of academic institutions and professional organizations worldwide. Find IELTS rules and frequently asked questions at www.ielts.org.

Basic Testing Skills

Just like many other standardized tests, preparation is key for succeeding on the IELTS. Follow these confidence-building tips before, during, and after the test:

• Find out in advance what you should bring with you (calculators, pencils, etc.).
• Rest well the night before and eat a light breakfast in the morning.
• Wear a watch to keep track of time independently.
• Arrive at the test site a few minutes early to relax and mentally prepare.
• Prior to the test, be sure to use the bathroom and silence electronic devices.
• If possible, look over the entire test before beginning to get a feel for the layout.
• If you get stuck on a question, skip it and come back to it later.
• Make sure that no responses are left blank at the end of the test.
• Resist the urge to look around the room to avoid accusations of cheating.
• Stay positive; you can retake as many times as necessary for a good score.

Writing and Speaking Tips

Regardless of which IELTS module they take—Academic or General Training—students usually have the most trouble with the writing and speaking sections. These handy tips will help you maximize your score:

Writing:

• Study an English thesaurus prior to the test. It's best to know several ways to describe a concept—that way you won't end up repeating the same phrases.
• Write only as much as you need to accomplish the score that you want. The same goes for the complexity of your concepts and sentence structures—don't waste time and energy or risk introducing errors with flowery language if you don't need to.
• Review the writing prompt very carefully and make sure that you address each required point—skipping material can result in a lower score.

Speaking:

• Follow the examiner's instructions carefully and only begin (or stop) speaking when you're prompted to.
• Avoid using any slang or shortcut terms you may have learned.
• Let your examiner know right away if they have assigned a speaking topic that you're unfamiliar with, rather than trying to speak on a foreign topic and risking point deduction.