Studying for an exam
英語講師でも緊張する IELTSテスト、と聞くと不安になりますよね。そんな不安を無くすためには、ブログを読んでテスト成功のコツを学び実践してみてください！
“Even if English is your first language, or you consider yourself a native speaker, you should still practise for IELTS before taking the test.” (IELTS, 2020)
I have had a lot of experience with language tests. I took EIKEN in middle school, TOEFL in university, then the IELTS Academic exam before my first study abroad, and finally the TOEIC again during my last year of university. Bear in mind, I'm a native speaker. In fact, I teach English.
Throughout my career as an English teacher, I have guided many students through taking their own English proficiency tests. Furthermore, I have studied in English-speaking universities, taught English to non-native speakers, and lived in Canada for the last 4 years.
But NONE of that matters. In one month, I have to take the IELTS General Training exam for immigration purposes. I'm still nervous!
English proficiency tests require a separate set of skills from communicating fluently in English. Believe it or not, being a fluent speaker doesn't guarantee a great score.
English testing abilities
Tests require so many abilities. Here's a list of things I have to do to succeed in the IELTS:
- take notes while listening;
- retain large amounts of information in your working memory;
- use that information to answer questions in a short period of time;
- speed-read while comprehending the subject;
- write two essays totaling 500 words in under 60 minutes;
- speak about any subject for two minutes;
- in your speech, you can’t go over time;
- in your speech, also you have to have an introduction, a clear thesis, a body, and a conclusion;
- understand different English accents, such as American, Canadian, Australian, New Zealand, British, and Indian accents.
There’s so much to know and prepare for. This is why even native speakers like me have to prepare for the IELTS.
Even answering correctly isn't enough. You have to know what they’re testing so you can answer the questions the way that they want you to answer.
Being nervous also gets in the way. That's why it’s also important to take as many practice tests as you can and write an exam in any situation, so you can mitigate test-day anxiety and be prepared for any situation and question.
To my knowledge, no English test is easy. As I always tell my students, start preparing early and don’t wait until the last minute!