Time Management Strategy for IELTS Tests

WHAT IS TIME MANAGEMENT?

The ability to use one’s time effectively or productively; Time Management refers to managing time effectively so that the right time is allocated to the right activity, and making the best use of time as time is always limited. Effective time management allows individuals to assign specific time slots to activities as per their importance. 

Effective planning should be done about, 

• Which activity is more important and how much time should be allocated to the same? 
• Which work should be done earlier and which can be done a little later?

Time Management is also important in Personal lives.

Why “Time Management” is important for IELTS?

Time Management is a key factor for IELTS, as we all know that the IELTS test is divided into four parts. 

1. Listening 
2. Reading 
3. Writing 
4. Speaking

Time Management is one of the biggest concerns for the candidates appearing for the IELTS test. Candidates are facing a major problem in the reading part, which means lack of time in the main IELTS reading & writing test. Due to this reason, they are unable to perform up to the mark, and this is resulting in a lower band score. In this blog, we are going to tell you some key tips for managing the time in the IELTS test. 

Why most of the candidates appearing for the IELTS test face the problem of “Time Management”?

• Lack of preparation: It is not easy for you to manage time if you not properly prepared or if you haven’t practiced enough for the test. If you feel, you are ready for the test without much practice, and can score well in the IELTS test; it will only cause stress about the timing.
• Planning issue: Proper planning needs to be done in order to score band 7+ in IELTS examination, it’s better to set the boundaries/limitsfor the questions based on time. You should take sufficient time (10 minutes at least before you start answering the questions) for planning because proper planning can help you to frame your answer properly. Many candidates think, they are wasting their time on planning, but they don’t know that effective planning can help them frame their thoughts and ideas in a good way, and helps them complete the test on time. 

Tips for Time Management:

• Effective Planning: Proper planning is to be done, it’s better to set the boundaries/limits for the questions based on time. It can help you to complete your test on time.
• Setting goals and objectives: While practicing for the test, targets should be set (Always remember that you need to complete the test within the stipulated time (one hour/60 minutes). So, make sure that you practice keeping the time limit in mind, and achieve the target you have set. 
• Deadlines: During the preparation time, you can set an alarm so that you can be sure of the number of minutes you are taking per question. If you read the instructions carefully, you will see that approximately twenty minutes are given to complete one question. Ideally, you need to complete the whole test whichever it may be (writing or reading) within the given period.
• Prioritizing activities: Avoid getting stuck at one question. Read the questions properly and set the time accordingly. Generally, the questions which are quite a time taking in the IELTS test are (Multiple choice questions, Matching the list of headings, Matching the information to the paragraph, True/false/not given, etc…) So, try to attempt another type of questions first which are less time consuming, and after completing other questions, start solving these type of questions which consume much time. 
• Spending the right time on the right activities: Develop the habit of doing the right thing at the right time. Always attempt those questions first on which you are confident and less time-consuming. Effective planning is a must, which means sufficient time should be given for planning so that you can complete the test on time.

Are you giving IELTS exam over and over and still not getting a good band score? 

Then ask yourself lots of questions like:

1. What is the problem area?
2. What exactly the issue is?
3. What is your weak point?
4. Have you properly practiced for the test?
5. What feedback you are getting?
6. Why you are not able to score a good band score?
7. Is it Vocabulary, Grammar, Spellings, Ideas, or framing of sentences?
8. Are you just dependent on the IELTS practice test?
9. Have you made proper planning schedule?

Spend at least 15-20 minutes analyzing yourself where are you lagging behind, what are your weaknesses. Still, if you don’t find your answers then feel free to contact us. We are always ready to help you. We are one of the biggest IELTS coaching institutes in Canada.