5 Biggest IELTS Exam Study Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

Not being prepared for the exam

Perhaps the most common IELTS exam study mistake is not being prepared for the exam. This can mean not knowing what to expect on the day of your test, or not knowing how long it will take you to complete each section of the exam. It’s always a good idea to know how long you have per question, and it’s also important that you know which questions are time-limited so that you can answer them quickly if necessary. Plus, be sure to read over your answers before submitting them!

Trying too hard

One of the most common mistakes students make when studying for the IELTS exam is trying too hard. The most important thing about doing well on this test is not how much you study, but how effectively. If you’re not taking regular breaks and giving your brain a chance to rest, you might find yourself feeling drained or frustrated with what feels like very little progress. When you feel that way, it’s important to step back and see where things are going wrong.

Not speaking enough with native speakers

Unfortunately, one of the biggest mistakes you can make when studying for an IELTS exam is not speaking enough with native speakers. Even if your goal is just to get a general sense of what the test will be like, you need to speak with others who know the language well in order to learn how it sounds and how sentences are constructed.

Thinking TOO much about grammar rules

One of the biggest mistakes that students make while studying for an IELTS exam is focusing too much on grammar rules. Though it’s important to have a solid understanding of grammar, you should also focus on vocabulary and writing skills as well. Doing this will help you do better on the speaking and listening sections of the exam. This mistake can be avoided by taking time each day, or week, to study different parts of English grammar in a more balanced way.

Studying in your head instead of writing it down

Many people think that you should study in your head because it is a better way of retaining information. It’s true, some people are very good at memorizing things — but not everyone. When studying for an exam like the IELTS, it is important to write down the most important points on paper. These notes will help you review your material and make sure that you know the most important points.