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IELTS - How to get the desired score!


As this is the first step, without which you cannot even apply for PLAB, a lot of people have been worried about how to prepare for IELTS and get the required band. Here are a few tips and materials I used for my prep that might help you guys.

What do you need for prep?

1) Information for candidates booklet – this is provided to you when you register. It is very important that you go through it. It will make you aware of what to expect in the exam. 

2) IELTS Target Band 7 – this is one amazing book that I came across while preparing for IELTS. It has all the tips and tricks you need to ace your exam. Give this book a good read and apply the tips when you practice. You should be able to get this book easily in a pdf format if you google it.

3) Cambridge Practice Test for IELTS series – these books are really good for practice. As they are from Cambridge, the pattern is exactly the same as it is in the exam so you get the feel of the real thing with this book. Do the test in the time allotted for each section, as bad timing could also result in a bad score. Start from the latest book as it will be on the new pattern and then go backwards.


Useful links

http://www.ielts-exam.net/index.php?optionid=15&Itemid=64
There are tests given here. Do them if you want to do more practice.

http://ielts-simon.com/
Another good preparation site.

http://www.essayforum.com/
Here you can get help on your writing part, which is a weakness of most people.


How much time is required for preparation? 
Well this really varies from person to person, but in general 15 – 20 days of practice is good enough.


Final advice
Do a few tests, figure out your area of weakness and work on it.
Practice is the key to success!


P.S - If you are unable to achieve the desired score and are currently working in a non-training post in the UK, you can get an English Language reference form filled by a Consultant confirming your proficiency. Here is a link for the form from GMC that you can use -
http://www.gmc-uk.org/Template_Form___IMG___English_language_reference___DC0447.pdf_28959002.pdf

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