IELTS is an English test approved by immigration as a secret English language test and is available at three levels A1, A2, and B1. But remember that IELTS life skills at the A2 level are offered only in the UK. This Guide is intended for those students who are at the basic level of English and preparing for the IELTS life skills test at the A1 level. So in this lesson, I’ll go through each part of the test with a brief overview and try to give you some tips to improve your test performance.
Aim Of IELTS Life Skills A1 Guide
IELTS life skills A1 is intended for those people applying for a visa as immigration for a family of a circle Visa. mainly the test only tries to cover your speaking and listening skills and lasts for 16 to 18 minutes. so there will be two candidates who will be taking the test together with an examiner, and the examiner will be judging them based on their performance in each part of the test. also, the tasks in the test are based on everyday subjects such as work, transport, and the weather which reflect the experience of communicating in an English-speaking country.
Using Contraction For More Natural Speech
It will be assessed on your ability in four stages:
- Obtaining information
- Conveying information
- Speaking to communicate
- Engaging in discussion
Also during the test when you move on to 1B and the two-way section of the test, you will be allowed to take notes to prepare your answer.
Phase 1b
In section 1b you will be given one and a half minutes to take notes to prepare your answers for the given Topic.
Phase 2a
In section 2a you can make notes on paper while you listen to the CD. The Examiner will not Mark your notes, your speaking and listening skills are marked. so it is always a good idea to prepare your answers during this time because it gives you the chance to make plans for what you are going to do next. so make the best use of your time.
Also don’t worry about your grammar because you are more likely to get stuck while you are speaking and thinking about grammatical structures at the same time. so just try to make sure that you are making your meaning clear you need to learn how you can make questions and responses using these three simple tenses
Also, you need to have basic ideas of the prepositions such as add in and on to make your speaking skills more meaningful these are the grammar regions that you should be studying at the A1 level.
Detail Guide Of Each Phase With Additional Tips
Phase 1a
In this part, The Examiner asks you and your partner some simple questions about yourself in the beginning. The Examiner will introduce him or herself and ask three simple questions to each candidate.
- What’s your name?
- Can you spell it for me?
- Where do you come from?
These questions are the same in every IELTS life skills A1 one test then the examiner asks you and your partner some questions about one or two simple topics. for example food or your friends. Sometimes the examiner will ask you about one topic and then ask your partner about a different topic. Sometimes the examiner will do the opposite so pay attention to the topic and questions words because if you miss here any of them you will probably end up giving a wrong answer so be careful.
Also, try to keep a positive reply always it gives you a chance to show your level of English and your communication skills. Even when you don’t know the answer it is always better to attempt an answer than simply say nothing at all. Because you must keep in mind that the main thing is to show your speaking ability. so you can even give a positive response to something that is not real or true.
Don’t need to speak perfect English just make sure that people can understand you. So speak clearly and try to keep as much information as you can. But don’t stray from the topic besides it is better to use contractions. Like I don’t instead of using I do not. because this test is meant to reflect the experience of communicating in an English-speaking country.
Most importantly try to relax during the exam because being nervous can ruin your test performance. and if you ever make a mistake when you say what, try to say it again.
Phase 1b
In this part of the test, the examiner gives you and your partner two different topics. First, you are going to have one and a half minutes to prepare your questions. So you need to make the best use of the time that you will get for making notes. because it will take the pressure off you and you will be more confident to make responses and ask questions on the given topic. As you have already planned your ideas to deal with this situation. when you ask questions you get your partner and try to maintain eye contact while having a conversation instead of looking at your notes only.
If you do not understand your partner could simply say I am sorry, I don’t understand or Can you repeat that, please. However, if your partner does not understand your questions try to say it again in a different way. Even you could use phrases like interesting or this good in response as a way of showing the examiner that you are paying attention to what the other candidate is saying.
Besides, if you make a mistake in the question start the question again otherwise The Examiner would think even unaware of your mistake. also, you must avoid giving short answers and saying the same thing again and again. when you ask questions try to use wh questions words like what where and who instead of using only the auxiliary words like do, does, or are. Because if you ask questions only for yes and no answers then you will not be able to show your real English level and you will have less time to prepare yourself for the next question.
As the other candidate will respond instantly to this type of question so make sure you have already learned the skills of making questions before the test.
Phase 2a
In this part of the test, we listen to two short recordings on a CD and answer some questions. First examiner and each candidate the booklet and play the CD. when the recording stops you have to choose one answer from the three possible answers given in the booklet then you listen to the recording second and answer two questions about data recording. Don’t forget to write the answer as soon as you hear it. the examiner will not look at your notes also keep in mind that you do not need to answer the questions in sentences. you can answer with one or two ones that respond to the question.
If you do not understand the question just ask the examiner to repeat them.
Remember the examiner will ask you three questions your first question is about one recording. then two more questions on the other recording. But don’t worry the examiner will tell you who is recording to listen to. if you are not sure ask the examiner. So only listen for the answers to your question but you don’t have to understand every word. Make sure you can understand times and dates easily and clearly in a British accent because these are more likely to appear as answers.
Phase 2b
In this part, The Examiner gives you and your partner a topic, for example learning new things and you have a conversation about this topic together. keep in mind that the theme of the topic will be related to what you have listened to on the CD easily. The Examiner would indicate the person who he or she thinks should start this activity. if it doesn’t happen you can ask your partner shall I start or do you want to start.
To start this conversation try to make this part of the test like a normal conversation. So look at your partner when you are talking to them. Also, listen to your partner and reply to what they say. don’t think about what to say next when you are talking to them because this may be destructive. but if your partner is speaking too much say excuse me can I speak now?
If your partner is finding it difficult to answer try to help your partner by asking simple questions. because it is very important to keep the conversation going. but be careful not to stay from the topic when you try to keep the conversation going.
If you and your partner can’t think of anything to say the examiner will ask questions to help you. also, you could use some phrases like Well you see and now let me think if you need time to think in a conversation. Even if you stop for a while, it is better than asking the wrong question.
Most importantly make sure you have learned the way to express your opinions and ask for opinions in English before the exam.
Test Result
Test results are normally available within seven days of your test. You will get one of two results, pass or fail. Also, it is a good idea to take as many practice tests as you can because practice tests are an essential part of preparation. They give Learners a clear idea of exactly what will happen during their test.
However, for the practice test to be as useful as possible, you need to take the test in a condition that recreates the test-like environment as much as possible. So good luck with your exam.
