Three words of advice to abide by - Study smart, Stay focused and Set a realistic goal. It is always an added advantage to come up with a practical plan to tackle IELTS, and this guide will show you exactly how to ace the IELTS Exam in 2018.

To prepare for IELTS, firstly develop your English language and be well aware of the format of the exam. Go through the modules then work more on the module in which you are weak. These are some general tips, and that should help any IELTS test-taker.

• You must speak English with your friends and family.
• Listen to English language radio, news and films.
• Try to listen to a variety of English accents including American, Australian, British, Canadian and New Zealand.
• Read more and more English publications wherever possible.
• Write letters, emails or notes in English to practice your written skills.
• Be aware of the test format and rules - you should understand the test format of the IELTS Exam. There are two versions of IELTS: IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training. Listening and the Speaking components are the same for both tests however the Reading and Writing components are different for both the tests.
• Practice with sample questions - buy IELTS Preparation Books through online or from your local test centre. Take mock tests online and practice the type of tasks included in an IELTS test such as short essay/letter for the Writing test.
• Practice under time bound manner.
• Get the right feedback from an experienced trainer.
• For writing -- work on two skills such as presentation and grammar.
• For speaking, be more interactive and work on -- intonation, pronunciation, fluency and sense of language.
• Reading get tedious if one doesn't have the habit of reading. so start reading newspapers and magazines etc.
• Listening needs concentration, perseverance, purpose and understanding.

TOP 5 IELTS FORUM

IELTS forum is where ideas and views on IELTS are exchanged.

Among various IELTS learning resources, we have found the top 5 websites that will help you in your IELTS preparation.

• Urbanpro.com - In this forum, you will find the latest Questions, Videos, Lessons, Tutorials and Tips on IELTS. Moreover, you can also ask your IELTS Coaching queries to Expert Teachers and Tutors.

• ieltsbuddy.com - This forum will help you with the test, and you can talk about your experiences in the test, ask other member questions and more.

• aippg.net - You will find study hints, the experience of the candidates who have already taken the test and tips on the various sections of the exam.

• ieltstalk.com - This is an online forum where you will find information not just to prepare for the test but also tips on studying or living abroad. You will find free study materials too.

• rxpgonline.com - In this forum, you will see people sharing their test-taking experiences. Here, you can also discuss everything related to this exam with other users.

FIVE BEST IELTS BOOKS THAT WILL HELP YOU IN IELTS PREPARATION

List of five best IELTS books that will help you in your IELTS preparation.

• The Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS - This IELTS practice book tackles two modules- Academic and General training and all four skills of the test (listening, reading, writing, speaking) in separate sections. This book  provides official IELTS practice tests with detailed answer keys. Along with this book, you will get a DVD that includes listening portions as MP3 audio tracks as well as speaking test videos.

• Barron’s Superpack - This pack consists of three IELTS manual with MP3 CD, IELTS Practice Exams book with two audio CDs, IELTS Strategies and Tips booklet with MP3 CD and the Essential Words for the IELTS guide.

• Target Band 7 - This book is Written by a former IELTS test-taker, Simone Braverman. This book tackles with each of the four sections of the IELTS test and provides useful tips and tricks to get a higher score.

• The Cambridge IELTS 12 - It is a Self-Study Pack that consists of latest Cambridge IELTS Student’s Book with Answers and also comes with audio CD’s.

• IELTS Practice Tests Plus 2 - This book Contains six full practice tests, a complete description of the exam and strategies for sharpening skills. It also provides answer keys.

TIPS TO KEEP IN MIND DURING THE IELTS TEST

• Don’t read the whole passage as time provided to you is limited.

• Don’t extend the time spent on one answer. Move to the next one if you have answered. Do the same if you don’t know the answer to the question.

• Don’t try to segregate answers for every question. Some questions will be difficult questions while others will be easy. Try to work as per your strengths and weaknesses.

• Divide the time for attempting the passage based questions. Assign 20 minutes for each reading. Time can be increased or decreased according to the complexity level of a passage.

• Refrain from spending more than 25-30 minutes on a single passage. It is advisable not to procrastinate even for a minute while attempting the passage.

• Read samples of essays found online. Begin with your essay (task 2)

• Read the topic two or three times before you start answering.

• Rearrange your thoughts in an orderly fashion. Strategize your answer mentally. The arguments presented in the answer should have a logical sequence.

• Try writing in a comprehensible way.

• Revise what you have written quickly. If there is some time remaining, use that to correct any spelling and grammatical errors that might have occurred while answering.

• Avoid making repetitions. Think of synonyms for replacing a word as quickly as you can. Use antonyms by negatively paraphrasing the sentence.

• Practice the introduction and cue card speaking by recording your voice on your mobile phone. Re-hearing that will help you understand mistakes and fumbling that might have occurred.

• Don’t over analyse yourself while you speak. Speak in a confident way and talk in a flow, without pausing much.

• Lengthy answers and blabbering in front of the examiner should be avoided and Answer to the point.

• Give honest replies. Don’t be too vague while answering.

• Extend the answer you have written in your cue card, but try not to compromise on your fluency and pace.

• Ask the examiner to repeat the question or elucidate any part that you did not comprehend.

• It is permissible to ask the examiner to rephrase or simplify the question.