IELTS Time management Techniques: Section wise Strategies

IELTS is a system in where time is the fuel for which one needs to be concerned and cautious to set a goal with efficacy and to glean the desired score. Time always functions as the running out fuel which should be utilized to drive efficiently on the way to reach the goal successfully and strategically. The section wise strategies and techniques for time management of IELTS is a crucial criterion in the stage of preparation so that one can deal with the running time holistically in a smart and efficient way.

Time management Techniques for Reading Module

• The Reading module consists of 40 questions, designed to test a wide range of reading skills within 1 hour. These include reading for gist, reading for main ideas, reading for detail, skimming, understanding the logical argument and recognizing writers' opinions, attitudes and purpose.
• One is going to have 1 hour i.e. 60 minutes to solve 40 questions in total which are divided into 3 sections.
• A dedicated 20 minutes for each section is considered enough to crack the three paragraphs and their related questions in the Reading section.
• So, it should be kept in mind that one can get approximately 60/40 = 1.5 minutes for each of the 40 questions.
• If one denotes more time in 1 section, he/she will be left with less time to read the other passages and to solve the pending questions.
• One should give enough and equivalent time to each of the modules. He / She can skip a little in need to appear the questions onward which can be answered correctly within the time.
• One should try to complete the first 2 sections as soon as possible so that he/she is left with few more mins to solve 3^rd section which is comparatively lengthy and difficult.
• So, one has to carefully read the passages in every section in order to write the answers correctly which requires effective time management skill.
• Each reading section has usually 13-14 questions and one should try to answer them within 20 minutes.
• He / She should give 1 minute to read the questions rapidly before dealing with the passage.
• Then one has to skim the passage by means of an active reading for 8-9 minutes.
• Scanning is needed then with a view to exploring the answers within 8-9 minutes.
• The last 1-2 minutes should be kept to transfer the answers carefully.
• The reading module is then can be solved appearing all 40 questions on time i.e. 60 mins.

 

Time management Techniques for Listening Module

• One will listen to four recordings for 30 minutes of native English speakers and then write the answers to a series of questions. Assessors will be looking for evidence of the ability to understand the main ideas and detailed factual information, the opinions and attitudes of speakers, the purpose of an utterance and evidence of one’s ability to follow the development of ideas.
• One has a total of 30 minutes for the Listening section which one can divide as 28 minutes, and 2 minutes respectively.
• He / She should use the extra 2 minutes at the very beginning to have a quick look at the questions before you hear the audio.
• During this birds eye view on the questionnaire, underline the keywords found are standing out, and then start listening to the audio.
• It makes finding out the answers very simple and also, one will get a hint of what can be the probable subjects in the audio provided.
• Lastly, one has to transfer the listening answers from his / her question paper in the given 10 mins.
• One has to do it carefully and swiftly avoiding any kind of spelling mistakes.

 

Time management Techniques for Writing Module

• There are two writing tasks to appear within 1 hour exam time.
• One needs to split the 1 hour into 20 minutes for writing task 1; 40 minutes for the writing task 2.
• In the writing section knowledge of English is evaluated by means of grammatical command, typos and correct use of spelling.
• One has to be concerned enough about the words limit to avoid any kind of negative marking.
• In order to complete both the Writing Task on time, one needs to be strategical. 
• Writing task 1, is report writing in case of IELTS Academic, One gets a diagram in academic IELTS which one will have to describe by highlighting its important features in 20 mins time which one can divide according to his / her urges:

• To read the question to get used to the diagram –  1 mins
• To analyze the diagram to get important insights – 2  mins
• To write Introduction, Body paragraphs, and Conclusion – 15 mins
• To review for grammar or punctuation errors – 2 mins

• One would get a formal, semi-formal or informal letter as Writing Task 1 in case of IELTS General Training. The 20 mins time then can be divided according to his / her urges:

• To read the question to understand the purpose and requirements of letter – 1 mins
• To think of ideas to be explained in the letter – 2 mins
• To write Introduction, Body paragraphs, and Conclusion – 15 mins
• To review for grammar or punctuation errors – 2 mins

• Writing Task 2,  is an essay for both IELTS Academic and General Training for which one gets 40 mins and one can divide according to his / her urges:  

• To read the question to understand the topic & tasks, to structure the essay and explore whether to opine own self or not – 5 mins
• To think of ideas to be explained in the body paragraphs – 5 mins
• To write Introduction, body paragraphs, and Conclusion – 25 mins
• Review of grammar or punctuation errors – 5 mins

 

Time management Techniques for Speaking Module

• The speaking component assesses the use of spoken English. Every test is recorded.
• In Part 1  the examiner will ask general questions about one’s own self and a range of familiar topics, such as home, family, work, studies and interests. This part lasts between four and five minutes.
• In, Part 2 one will be given a card which asks you to talk about a particular topic. You will have one minute to prepare before speaking for up to two minutes. The examiner will then ask one or two questions on the same topic.
• In part, Part 3 - one will be asked further questions about the topic in Part 2. These will give one the opportunity to discuss more abstract ideas and issues. This part of the test lasts between four and five minutes.
• The Speaking section of IELTS solely depends on the rapport one creates with the examiner.
• If one’s answers are engaging and interesting, the examiner may go on.
• The smartness is just being consistent and to the point to whatever one is being asked.

 

Time is the appropriate reflection of the tide which never waits for anyone. In IELTS, the system is the mirror image of the time and tide which is to be maintained strategically to be a pilot to drive the scaled time in every module. The strategies are to be adopted by means of proper and regular practices. One can get the desired and deserved score towards the goal to touch the threshold of success by utilizing the time efficiently in a keen way.