What is the trial IELTS test?
When obtaining a visa to some countries, as well as when applying for a job, you may be asked for an IELTS certificate to prove your English proficiency. This test is one of the most difficult, although it is a standardized test for studying or working in countries where English is the main language of communication.
What are the features of the IELTS test?
The IELTS test consists of four parts:
- Reading
- Listening
- Writing
- Talking
Each of the parts has a separate rating point, which is added to the test’s total score.
The test usually lasts about 2.5 hours and is written. The listening and reading parts typically consist of texts and audio recordings in which listeners and readers answer questions. The writing and speaking parts contain tasks that require the test takers to develop and express their thoughts and ideas.
How does the trial IELTS test differ from the usual one?
The trial IELTS helps people prepare for a standardized test. Its format takes place in the same conditions as IELTS, so the participants feel all the features and get ready for the test questions, conditions, time frames, and other requirements. During the exam, participants receive tasks and questions in the same format and difficulty level as in the real IELTS exam. To take part in such testing, it is enough to leave an application on the website https://grade.ua/adults/ielts/trial/ and attend the exam at the appointed time.
Why do you need a trial IELTS test?
The mock test allows you to prepare for the exam mentally and learn how to act and concentrate in the same conditions. It is also necessary to assess the current English language proficiency level and identify areas where participants need improvement.
Even though the test takes place in exactly the same way as a regular one, test participants receive many advantages:
- The official IELTS test has no limit on the number of attempts. However, you need to apply and pay for participation each time. The cost depends on the region and is from $200 to $250. Trial testing is cheaper, so it is more profitable to train on trial tests.
- The assessment of the IELTS test is carried out on a scale from 0 to 9 points for each part. The test participant gets the results only, and there are no comments to improve or perform better next time. Trial testing allows you to identify specific topics for improvement and understand how to correct mistakes.
- The results of official testing are received within two weeks. Trial testing allows you to get verified work twice as fast.
So, trial test participants get a try at a lower price while understanding which topics to work on to get the highest possible score on the official exam.
Features of trial testing
Participants also apply and receive an invitation to the exam, which is no different from the official procedure. A few days after the test, the participant gets the results and the verified work to the email. Depending on the selected tariff, the verification format differs:
- Teachers point out questions where you mistook and offer the correct answers to each option.
- All errors are analyzed in detail, and teachers recommend which rule should be used in each case, etc. Also, you get additional tips, recommendations, and a list of topics that you need to repeat or study to avoid making the same mistakes on the official exam.
It is quite common to fail IELTS the first time, and test-takers perceive the first attempt as a learning experience. However, learning with in-depth feedback is much more productive and profitable. In this way, you gain helpful experience and understand which skills you need to improve or which grammar rules you must work out. Thus, a trial test is much more beneficial than an IELTS test when the results do not meet your expectations. In this way, participants determine their strengths and weaknesses and get the opportunity to improve those areas where they need more practice.
How to prepare for a real or trial test to pass it successfully?
The IELTS test is demanding and complicated, so preparation is required to pass the exam successfully.
Basic aspects of preparation
- Learn academic vocabulary;
- Improve the level of grammar;
- Improve listening and reading skills;
- Practice writing and speaking skills;
- Get used to the testing format.
It is also worth forming and following a preparation schedule and allocating time to prepare for different test parts. It will help you complete all the stages and get the desired result.
By the way, sometimes, even the trial test results are enough. For example, some employers just want you to know English at a sufficiently high level, and you can demonstrate the results of a trial test for this.
