12.05.2025

3 minutes to read

Listening is the first section of the IELTS exam, and it sets the tone right away. Here, you need to not only understand spoken English but also quickly adapt to different accents and topics. There are four tasks, from dialogues to lectures. A helpful tip — listen to podcasts, TV shows, and audio lessons in English every day. Cambridge IELTS and other IELTS-related online resources will help train your ear for the real format. Don’t skip the audio instructions — they often contain clues. During self-preparation, practice writing down answers on the go without pausing. That way, your brain gets used to the pace. The main thing — is consistency and practice. Everything is trainable.

Speaking is a live conversation with the examiner, and here it’s important to show you can speak — not speak perfectly. This part has three sections: personal questions, a monologue on a given topic, and a mini-interview. The goal is to sound confident and natural. During self-preparation, speak out loud a lot, record yourself, and listen for places where you stumble. Practicing with a friend or tutor also helps. Go through lists of common topics: family, work, hobbies, environment — they come up often. Use online resources with sample dialogues. This part of the language test is about how you think and express yourself in real time — don’t be afraid to be yourself.

How to Stay Calm:
Breathing is your best friend. Take a breath before you start — it helps your brain switch on. Don’t aim for perfection — just speak. Even a pause is okay. Prepare some ready-made phrases to stay on track. Remember: the examiner isn’t your enemy — just a person who wants to hear that you can communicate. And you can.

Writing is one of the most nerve-wracking IELTS sections, but it’s not as scary as it seems. The key is understanding the structure. In Task 1 (especially in Academic), you need to describe a chart, table, or process. In Task 2 — write a full essay. Golden rule: clear introduction, two logical body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Topics vary — from technology to the environment — so it’s worth practicing your arguments. Self-preparing for IELTS includes writing regularly and working through Cambridge IELTS topics. Don’t forget to check your mistakes and learn how to fix them. Writing is a skill — and it’s absolutely trainable.

IELTS Reading isn’t just “read and answer.” You need to quickly grasp the main idea, work with headings, search for keywords, and avoid getting stuck on a single question. Academic texts are harder, General ones are simpler — but the principle is the same: time management is crucial. You have 60 minutes for three texts, and there’s no time to reread. Use scanning techniques and train yourself to get the meaning at first glance. A great way to practice is doing Cambridge IELTS tests while timing yourself. For self-study, use online platforms with task explanations. Reading is a part of the language test that you can definitely improve with a systematic approach.

The IELTS exam has four sections — listening, reading, writing, and speaking. Each one tests a specific skill, and balance is essential. Listening is about focus and understanding spoken English. Reading requires concentration and fast processing of texts. Writing is about expressing ideas clearly in written form, and speaking is a live conversation where confidence in your voice matters. The English test isn’t about memorization, but about real-life communication skills. To stay on track and not miss anything important, let’s break down how to prepare for each IELTS section — calmly, step-by-step, and practically.