Introduction:
The thought of pursuing further education in a foreign country is extremely fascinating, while, on the other hand, every IELTS aspirant goes through a phase where he becomes a bit nervous before entering the examination hall to fulfil the language proficiency requirement put forward by any overseas university or college. If you are one of those, then this blog is certainly for you. You will discover various techniques to keep yourself as cool as a cucumber during exam time and the reasons that may lead to an increase in your anxiety level. This blog will be your guiding principle and help you come off with flying colors to achieve yourstudy abroad dream.
Points to consider before booking the examination date
Every student wants to clear the exam as early as possible so that they can start focusing on other conditions set by the universities/colleges abroad. In this rush, they often book the exam date before keeping in mind the points mentioned below:
-
Acquaint yourself with the exam format It is crucial to know the pattern of the test and the skills that will be evaluated in the exam. Whether it is a paper-based (PBT) exam or a computer-based (CBT) one, the question types will remain the same. The only change is that, in PBT, you will write your answers on the answer sheet while, in CBT, you need to give your response on the computer screen.
-
Learn all the question types for all 4 skills: Some questions are easy to solve, while others may confuse you a little. Hence, learning how to answer each one of them can help you improve your accuracy level.
-
Make yourself aware of various grammatical structures and vocabulary Grammar has a unique set of rules and can be applied in a varied manner. Usage of synonyms is frequently done in Listening and Reading skills, so knowing syntax and myriad words will remove your tension.
-
Practice regularly: repetition is the mother of invention. Thus, everyday preparation is a must to enhance your speed, focus, and precision.
-
Set an achievable target Keeping an aim for oneself is always appreciated, but see to it that it is realistic and attainable. One week’s practice cannot land you on a band score of 8 or above unless you are a native speaker. Be logical!
-
Track your progress: Rome was not built in a day. Similarly, your success is certain but will need consistency. Keep the track record of your improvements by giving mock tests and analyzing your errors.
-
Take an expert’s guidance It is always advisable to take the help of a certified faculty member who can highlight your weaknesses and bring forth your actual potential. This will give you the right track to scoring your desired bands. Do not hesitate to consult the best study abroad consultancy.
-
Book ONLY when you are fully prepared: Giving an IELTS exam keeping in mind the intakes may stress you even more. So, focus on preparation, not on intakes. Spend your finances wisely.
-
Be passport-ready: To give this exam, you need to have a valid passport. Apply for one if you do not possess or check for the expiry date and renew your passport.
What factors cause stress?
There are a plethora of things that can cause the feeling of worry. Avoid doing the things mentioned below to give the exam in a stress-free manner.
-
Acquaint yourself with the exam format It is crucial to know the pattern of the test and the skills that will be evaluated in the exam. Whether it is a paper-based (PBT) exam or a computer-based (CBT) one, the question types will remain the same. The only change is that, in PBT, you will write your answers on the answer sheet while, in CBT, you need to give your response on the computer screen.
-
Unpreparedness: A lack of proper preparation can hamper the mental state, ultimately leading to a lower band score. Give the test once you are exam-ready.
-
Overconfidence: Having faith in yourself is good, but an excess of everything is harmful. Ensure that you trust yourself for the efforts you have put. Please do not overdo it. Sometimes, knowing too much also leads to restlessness.
-
Unavailability of a valid ID: If you have applied for a fresh passport or for the reissuance, then make sure that you book your exam only after receiving it physically. You will not be allowed to take the test if the ID is missing, so gather the documents to avoid last-minute hustle.
-
Any sort of confusion: A dilemma can arise due to multiple reasons, such as not knowing which module to opt for (AT or GT), having incomplete knowledge of the pattern of the exam, or not completing the pre-exam formalities, and so on. Keep yourself at an arm’s length and be well-informed about what to do and what to ignore. Having clarity will downsize your nervousness.
-
Making comparisons with peers’ scores: Every aspirant has a distinct way of dealing with all the skills and hence, the proficiency level also varies. Abstain from differentiating yourself from your peers or family members; rather, try to learn some new tactics that may help you calm your nerves.
-
Relying on inaccurate sources for practice:There are a lot of online sources and platforms available through which students carry out their practice without checking the authenticity of those sources or platforms. Take the assistance of a professional to guide you most simply and easily.
-
Setting an unrealistic aim: Aiming high is good, but knowing your margins is better. Stretching yourself too much for the objective that hampers your mental capacity will concern you even more. Be real and pragmatic.
Tips to calm your mind
On the exam day, keeping your brain active and patient is very much needed. You can indulge yourself in the activities mentioned below to relax your emotions on the day of your test.
-
A 10-minute meditation is beneficial :
A 10-minute meditation will certainly keep you fresh throughout your exam day and enhance your concentration.
-
Eat a light but healthy breakfast :
Do not stuff yourself with very heavy food on that day. This can lead to tiredness and sluggishness. Keeping yourself a little empty will hold on to your energy level.
-
Have a sound sleep the night before the exam :
Sleeping for adequate hours is of the utmost priority. A peaceful sleep gives liveliness on the test day and helps you generate better ideas.
-
Positive thinking is the key :
The mind does according to the orders you supply. So, deliver positive thoughts to your mind to alleviate any concerns or worries. Better notions bring better results. Be optimistic!
How to apply strategies in your exam?
Execution of the course of action can be done as under:
-
Collect and pack the necessary documents a day before :
Know what credentials are to be taken to the exam center, pack them, and keep them aside for the test day
-
Do not go through any reference materials on the exam day :
This does no good to your performance; instead, you will forget what you have learnt for so many days. So, believe in your efforts.
-
Arrive at the exam center before the scheduled time:
Although waiting for a long time is painful, the pain of arriving prior to the reporting time can give you ample time to boost your self-confidence.
-
Do as instructed:
At every step, you will be given instructions about the further procedures to be carried out by the candidate. Listen to them properly and follow them accordingly. For example, do not keep on writing when the invigilator tells you to stop writing. This may impact your scores negatively.
-
Raise your hand in case of any query during the exam :
If you find any difficulty during the exam, then raise your hand to draw the focus of the invigilator and ask for assistance. Do not scream or shout in the examination hall.
-
Read the rules and regulations to be followed:
When you book your exam date, you will be emailed mentioning the dos and don’ts. Peruse it carefully and act intelligently.
-
Avoid carrying and restricted items:
The email you receive with the venue details for the exam also hints at the things that should not be taken to the center of test. Not abiding by the policies may restrict your entry to the hall and make you feel tense. Do not take unnecessary items along.
-
Use the restroom before the start of the exam :
The exam will be conducted without any breaks in the middle, so make sure that you use the toilet beforehand to save a lot of time.
Conclusion
Many students face difficulty in managing their uneasiness on the day of their exam, but through this blog, you will now find yourself at ease and give the exam more efficiently and effectively. For more detailed guidance, approach your nearby study abroad consultancy forIELTS coaching..
.svg)
