IELTS Time Management : How to manage your time in each part?

The BEST way to manage your time.

The IELTS exam is designed to test a candidate’s ability to use English in a variety of “real-world” style exams. While your English skills are the most important factor in securing a high score, your time management skills will also play a crucial role in success. The IELTS exam is strictly timed, and there is no allowance for extra time. This is especially true of the IELTS computer exam, as the screen will automatically shut off the second the time expires. Therefore, knowing the structure and schedule of the exam will greatly assist you in making the most of your very valuable time.

IELTS Exam Schedule

The IELTS exam is split into four parts: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. The length of the entire exam is 2 hours and 45 minutes. The reading, writing, and listening sections are all taken in one sitting and last for 2-and-a-half hours, the speaking section lasts no longer than 14 minutes and is done on the same day, either before or after the other sections. There is no penalty for wrong answers on the IELTS exam, so it is advised that you make an attempt to answer every question.

Below, we’ve laid out our best tips for managing your time wisely on each section of the exam.

General Test Tips

Understanding the structure and format of the test is the best way to know how to practice. The IELTS is a fully standardized exam; it always has the exact same structure, layout, question types, and time limits. Study the format, look over practice tests, get used to the feel and nature of the questions.

Take several practice tests under time limits. This will get your body and mind used to the flow and rhythm of the exam and make sure that you are comfortable focusing for the 2.5 hours needed.

Get a good night’s sleep, eat a light breakfast, and dress for comfort. The IELTS exam is stressful and tiring. Make sure that you are as comfortable as you can get before sitting down to start the exam.

IELTS Listening Section

The IELTS listening exam has 40 questions based on 4 listening tasks; you have 30 minutes of listening and additional time to review your answers (the amount of time is based on whether you are taking the IELTS computer or paper exam).

Before each task, try to quickly scan the questions to look for topics and keywords that will help you know what to listen for.
Look at the X and Y axes of graphs to understand what is being measured. Look for numbers, dates, and proper nouns.

The first and third listening are always 2 speakers, and the second and fourth are individuals. Listen for changes in the speaker and pay close attention to who is saying what.

If you are taking the IELTS computer exam, you will have two minutes at the end of each task to review your answers before they are automatically submitted. Use this time to go over any questions you may have missed and trust that you were correct on the ones you got. Two minutes is not long. Remember, there is no penalty for wrong answers, always fill in everything.

If you are taking the IELTS paper exam, you will have 10 minutes at the end of the exam to transfer your answers from the “Questions” sheet to the required “Answers” sheet. Like the computer exam, make sure that you have answered every question, even if it’s just a guess.

IELTS Reading Section

The IELTS reading exam has 40 questions based on 3 texts. You have 60 minutes.

The texts increase in difficulty; the first is the easiest and the third is the hardest. Therefore, you should allow for more time on the second and third sections. Generally, allow for 15 minutes for text 1, 20 minutes for text 2, and 25 minutes for text 3.

Begin each section by reading the questions you have to answer; this will help you know what information is important in the text. Then, spend 5-7 minutes quickly reading the text and underlining any key information. Also, attempt to find the topic of each paragraph, and write a quick summary. This will help you find specific information later.

After making an attempt to answer all questions (remember, there’s no penalty for a wrong answer), give yourself 3-5 minutes to review your answers. Spelling counts, so double-check everything.

If you can’t find the answer, don’t waste too much time. Just guess and move on. Come back later if you have the time.

IELTS Writing Section

The IELTS writing exam requires 2 tasks. You will have 20 minutes to complete task 1 and 40 minutes to complete task 2.

Task 1 requires no fewer than 150 words and task 2 requires no fewer than 250 words. Practice counting your words by line, instead of one at a time. Practice writing on the standard IELTS writing answer sheet to get used to writing a certain number of words per line.

For task 1, allow 3 minutes to plan your answer, 10 minutes to write, and 2-5 minutes to review your work. Task 1 is always descriptive in nature, simply write what you see, but be sure to use proper grammar and complete sentences.

Task 2 is a more formal essay. Allow 5-7 minutes to plan your answer, 30 minutes to write, and 3-5 minutes to check your work.

In both tasks, spelling, grammar, and legibility do count. Write slowly and carefully; you will do better to take more time and write it properly the first time than to have to rewrite it later.

IELTS  Speaking Section

The speaking section of the IELTS exam is strictly controlled by the exam proctor. Your answers will be timed and you will be cut off at the appropriate point. Get used to speaking at length about a variety of topics. You should be able to speak for 3-5 minutes straight about such topics as your hometown, your hobbies, travel, sport, media, school, etc.