With so many preparation options available many students worry about the best way to prepare for IELTS. Choosing the wrong one can lead to failure, wasting time and money. But with the right preparation, you can achieve your desired score without exceeding your budget.
In this guide, we compare the top 5 methods for IELTS preparation.
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The Best Way to Prepare for IELTS?
IELTS VIP Course
The IELTS VIP Course has more Band 7, 8, and 9 success stories than any other IELTS course or school in the world. This is an excellent option if you want the best chance of success.
Benefits:
- Proven success, as the course only teaches proven methods.
- Simple system, with every part of the test broken down into step-by-step systems that anyone can understand.
- Top 1% of IELTS teachers in the world.
- Best value, as you have the best chance of getting the score you need, avoiding wasting money on ineffective methods.
Drawbacks:
- Cost, although it’s not as expensive as failing the test multiple times, it’s not the cheapest option on this list.
As you can see, this is probably the best way to prepare for IELTS.
IELTS Practice Tests
Practice tests are a great way to familiarize yourself with the exam format and see areas for improvement. You can find many online or purchase IELTS study books.
Benefits:
- Allows you to practice under exam conditions, improving confidence and preparation.
- Helps you identify areas for improvement and focus your study efforts.
- Can be done at your own pace and time.
Drawbacks:
- May not provide the same level of support and guidance as a structured preparation course.
- Can be overwhelming if you take too many at once.
- No feedback, making mistakes worse.
- Most online practice tests are fake, leading to incorrect practice.
- Does not teach new strategies or methods.
Books
- There are various IELTS study materials available online, including books and audio materials, for practising at home or on the go.
Benefits:
- Allows you to study at your own pace and time.
- Convenient, and can be done anywhere, anytime.
- Less expensive than a structured preparation course.
Drawbacks:
- No support or guidance.
- No feedback.
- Can be overwhelming if trying to study too many materials at once.
- Most books are written by people with little knowledge of the IELTS test.
- Provide general advice, not specific to individual weaknesses.
Free Online IELTS Preparation
There are many online IELTS preparation resources available, including free courses, YouTube, blog posts, practice tests, and study materials. You can prepare from the comfort of your own home.
Benefits:
- Allows you to study at your own pace and time.
- Convenient, and can be done anywhere, anytime.
- The best way to prepare for IELTS if you have no money.
Drawbacks:
- Most free online resources are produced by people who do not understand the IELTS test and their techniques lower scores.
- Gurus tell students what they want to hear, not what is required to pass the test.
- Fake tips, tricks, and shortcuts.
- No guidance or support.
- No feedback.
- Risk of addiction to social media videos.
- Lack of action due to excessive consumption of free materials.
- High risk of scams.
Local IELTS School
Most towns and cities have at least one IELTS review centre nearby. These traditional schools are often the most popular choice.
Benefits:
- You can speak to teachers in a real classroom setting.
- The course is structured with support and guidance provided.
- Most courses come with feedback.
- Many students enjoy the classroom atmosphere and being with other students.
Drawbacks:
- They can be more expensive than other options.
- Local tutors are not always IELTS experts, and many may not have high IELTS scores or formal teaching qualifications.
- The rigid course structure may result in you learning things you already know or don’t need help with. Not the best way to prepare for IELTS if you are short on time.
- You have to attend classes at a specific time and place.
- Teachers have limited time to give you.
- Some students report that classmates lack motivation and participation.
Personal Tutor
Hiring a personal tutor can be an effective way to receive individualized support and guidance while preparing for the IELTS exam. Your tutor can help identify areas for improvement and provide feedback on practice tests.
Benefits:
- Lessons are tailored to your strengths and weaknesses.
- The teacher focuses on you for the entire lesson.
- You receive a lot of feedback.
Drawbacks:
- Some 1-1 tutors falsely claim to be ‘ex-examiners’.
- Some 1-1 tutors are unqualified and misrepresent their qualifications.
- It is the most expensive option. Not the best way to prepare for IELTS if you’re on a budget.
- There is no quality assurance or monitoring from schools or education authorities.
- If you do not like your tutor, you need to find a new one.
Which Is The Best Way To Prepare for IELTS?
In conclusion, the best way to prepare for IELTS is an individual decision. The IELTS preparation method you choose will depend on your budget, availability, and personal circumstances. While choosing the cheapest option may save money in the short term, it may lead to failed test fees and more expenses in the long term.
The most successful IELTS students choose the path that has the most successful students, which is the IELTS VIP Course.
