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February 13, 2025
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admin
“I must govern the clock, not be governed by it.”
~Golda Meir
As the quote suggests, time can be your foe, if managed properly. Time management is a fundamental skill not only in your everyday life but also in exams. IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is a time bound examination across four key sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking, used to assess a pupil’s English proficiency for work, study, and immigration. This article is a guide for some tips and techniques about time management for the IELTS Exam efficiently while maintaining accuracy:
At HighBrow institute, we regularly practice full-length mock tests under exam conditions. This will help you get used to the time constraints and improve your ability to pace yourself during the real test. Before attempting the exam, familiarize yourself with the test structure. Understanding the number of questions, time limits, and expectations for each section will help you allocate time effectively.
- Listening: 30 minutes (plus 10 minutes to transfer answers)
- Reading: 60 minutes
- Writing: 60 minutes
- Speaking: 11–14 minutes
The IELTS Reading section consists of 40 questions which are to be completed in 60 minutes. We would suggest quickly skim through the passage to get an overview before answering the questions. Answer easy questions first then return to the hard ones. Furthermore, watch out for tricky true/false/not given questions, don’t assume answers. Here’s an effective way to allocate time:
Academic Reading:
3 long, complex passages (with more technical vocabulary).
Strategy:
- 15 min → Passage 1 (Easiest)
- 20 min → Passage 2 (Moderate)
- 25 min → Passage 3 (Hardest)
General Reading:
3-5 passages (shorter and easier than Academic).
Strategy:
- 10 min → Section 1 (Easiest)
- 15 min → Section 2 (Moderate)
- 35 min → Section 3 (Longest & Hardest)
For the writing section which is of 60 minutes, plan before writing– 5 min for Task 2, 2-3 min for Task 1. Follow a clear structure with an Introduction, Body and the concluding paragraph. We would suggest not overthinking and write concisely. Another tip for time management for IELTS is to leave 5 minutes for proofreading for grammar and spellings.
Academic Writing:
Task 1 (20 min) → Report on a graph, chart, or process.
Task 2 (40 min) → Opinion/discussion essay (more complex topics).
General Writing:
Task 1 (20 min) → Letter writing (formal, semi-formal, or informal).
Task 2 (40 min) → Opinion/discussion essay (simpler topics than Academic).
For the listening section, time management plays the crucial part. Some of the tips for time management for IELTS exam are- Previewing questions quickly before each section which helps you understand the question. Write as you listen to the answers to get efficiency, focus on keywords to predict the answer in the IELTS exam and if you miss an answer, move on, don’t waste your time thinking about it. Use the 10-minute transfer time wisely– check for spelling and grammar errors. Write answers in short form while listening, then transfer them correctly in the 10-minute transfer time. Stay focused as the recording is played only once.
Last but not the least, the Speaking section of the IELTS exam, which takes about 11 to 14 minutes. Avoid one-word answers, Expand with examples to let the interviewee know that you know more. Pace yourself – Don’t speak too fast or too slow, speak clearly and concisely. Use natural linking words (e.g., “Firstly,” “On the other hand,” “For example”). Don’t panic if you make a mistake – Correct yourself smoothly or move on. For the cue card of the Speaking test, you get 1 minute to prepare your response. Utilize this time effectively by jotting down key points to ensure a structured answer. Always remember it’s human nature to make mistakes.
Part 1 (4-5 min) – Answer simple questions about yourself.
Part 2 (3-4 min) – Talk for 1-2 minutes on a given topic (use 1-min prep wisely).
Part 3 (4-5 min) – Discuss deeper questions on the same topic.
Time management is a key factor in achieving a high IELTS score. With regular practice and strategic preparation, you can complete each section efficiently while maintaining accuracy. Incorporate these tips into your study routine to boost your confidence and performance on test day.
BY JANVI