On your IELTS exam day

Audio: 5 min. 22 sec.

What is the best way to approach my IELTS exam day?

So, you signed up for an IELTS exam, a Pearson test or the CAE. You've studied, reviewed your notes, and you are about as confident as you can be about the exam material.

Is there anything else to keep in mind for the exam? Yes!

Before the day arrives, there are some important points to remember, not only to make the whole process go more smoothly, but also to ensure that you protect your physical and mental health.

Read this blog to make your exam day as trouble-free as possible!

Before the IELTS exam

There are several steps that should be followed in the days leading up to your exam. These can be sorted into things you SHOULD do and things you SHOULD NOT.

• DO check the time and location of your exam

This might seem obvious, but some students forget about this as the day approaches because they are worried about other things.

Double-check the address of the exam and ensure that you know how to get there using at least two routes.

If you are using public transport, look online to see if there have been any route changes or construction that might impact your trip.

Plan to arrive 30 minutes before the time you are expected to be there.

• DON'T try and “cram” in the days just before the exam

It can be tempting to review your notes over and over just before you take the exam but the truth is that you are not going to absorb information in a short period of time. You are better off trying to relax and do leisure activities so that you are rested and able to focus on the day of the exam.

• DO make sure you have the necessary items you must bring to the exam

Depending on the exam you are taking, there are certain items that are not allowed in the exam hall.

Review the guidelines of your specific exam to check what stationery you are allowed/expected to bring, and also what documents are required, such as proof of identification, your passport or Confirmation of Entry details.

Usually exams will allow you to bring a clear, unmarked bottle of water with its label removed, which you should definitely take with you.

During the IELTS exam

• DO have a full breakfast

Even if you are not the kind of person who usually eats breakfast, make sure you have something in your stomach before you take your exam.

There is a significant difference between how well you can focus based on if you have eaten or not eaten.

If you are taking the exam with friends or peers, getting breakfast together could be a way to de-stress and enter the exam in a good mental state.

• DO avoid junk food and caffeine

Overly sugary and salty foods can cause indigestion, which will damage your focus during the exam.

More importantly, although coffee, energy drinks and other such treats can give you a burst of concentration, this quickly fades and will leave you feeling burnt out, most likely halfway through the exam.

• DO fill in every answer

With possible exception, most exams will not penalise you for having an incorrect answer, so you have nothing to lose by guessing if you are not sure.

This might be difficult if the question is a short answer, but for multiple choice make sure every question has been answered.

Also, it's worth checking the answer sheet at the end of the exam to make sure you have not accidentally skipped a question. 

After the IELTS exam

• DO relax!

Seriously. Do something fun to signal to your brain that the stressful time is over.

The exam is finished and there's nothing you can do but wait for your results, so find an activity you enjoy and use it as a celebration of accomplishment.

Either way, you did your best and deserve a reward! Exams are stressful ordeals so congratulate yourself.

• DON'T think about the exam content

It can be tempting to try and look back on what you remember of the exam and consider if you chose the correct answers or not, especially if you have friends who took the exam with you.

This is a bad idea as all you will do is build up stress over something you cannot change.

Did you put the correct answer for question 11?

Hopefully, but it is out of your hands now so put it out of mind!

And that's it! Remember, exams are important milestones in your life, but it's not the end of your life if things don't go as planned.

Just try again next week or next month!