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Preparing for the IELTS exam can feel overwhelming, especially when you realize you need to complete the test in 2 hours. The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) tests your reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills, and managing your time well is key to scoring high. Don’t worry! With the right IELTS exam strategy, you can manage time in IELTS and perform your best. In this article, we’ll share simple and effective time management techniques to help you succeed, written in a way that’s easy for everyone to understand, even 8th-grade students.
At Roll Academy Dubai, we know how important it is to stay calm and focused during the IELTS exam. Let’s dive into practical tips to help you manage time in IELTS and ace your test!
The IELTS exam is fast-paced. You have to complete the test in 2 hours for the Listening, Reading, and Writing sections (Speaking is separate). Each section has strict time limits, and if you’re not careful, you might run out of time. Good time management helps you:
Answer all questions without rushing.
Stay calm and avoid mistakes.
Focus on each task properly.
By using a smart IELTS exam strategy, you can balance speed and accuracy. Let’s break down the time limits for each section and how to handle them.
Listening: 30 minutes (plus 10 minutes to transfer answers)
Reading: 60 minutes
Writing: 60 minutes
Speaking: 11–14 minutes (scheduled separately)
The total time for the Listening, Reading, and Writing sections is about 2 hours and 40 minutes, but you need to complete the test in 2 hours for the main written parts. The key is to practice manage time in IELTS so you don’t feel stressed during the exam.
Each section of the IELTS exam requires a different approach to manage time in IELTS. Let’s look at specific strategies for Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.
The Listening section has 40 questions and lasts 30 minutes, with 10 extra minutes to transfer answers. You’ll hear four recordings, and you can’t replay them, so staying focused is crucial.
Before each recording starts, you get a short time to read the questions. Use this time to skim the questions and underline keywords (like names, numbers, or dates). This helps you know what to listen for.
If you miss an answer, don’t panic. Move on to the next question. You can guess or fill in the answer later during the 10-minute transfer time.
Train your ears by listening to English podcasts, news, or IELTS practice tests. This improves your ability to catch answers quickly, helping you manage time in IELTS Listening.
In the last 10 minutes, double-check your answers for spelling and grammar. Make sure you’ve filled in all blanks, even with a guess, to avoid losing marks.
The Reading section has 40 questions and 60 minutes. You’ll read three passages, and the questions get harder as you go. Here’s how to manage time in IELTS Reading.
Aim to spend about 20 minutes per passage (since there are three). Set a mental timer to stay on track. For example, if you’re at 30 minutes and still on the second passage, speed up.
Don’t read every word of the passage. Skim to get the main idea, then scan for specific details related to the questions. Look for keywords like dates, names, or numbers to find answers quickly.
If a question is too hard, skip it and come back later. Don’t waste time trying to figure it out. Answering easier questions first helps you complete the test in 2 hours.
Use IELTS practice tests and set a 60-minute timer. This builds your speed and confidence, making it easier to manage time in IELTS Reading.
The Writing section has two tasks: Task 1 (a short report or letter, 150 words) and Task 2 (an essay, 250 words). You have 60 minutes total. Here’s how to manage time in IELTS Writing.
Task 1: Spend 20 minutes. Write 150–180 words.
Task 2: Spend 40 minutes. Write 250–300 words.
Task 2 is worth more marks, so give it more time. Stick to this plan to complete the test in 2 hours.
For both tasks, spend 2–3 minutes planning. For Task 1, jot down key points from the chart or letter prompt. For Task 2, outline your introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. Planning saves time and keeps your writing clear.
Use simple sentences and vocabulary you’re confident with. This saves time and reduces mistakes. For example, instead of searching for fancy words, focus on clear ideas.
Reserve 2–3 minutes at the end of each task to check for spelling, grammar, or missing words. This improves your score and shows you can manage time in IELTS Writing.
The Speaking section lasts 11–14 minutes and has three parts: an introduction, a short speech, and a discussion. Since it’s shorter, time management is less about rushing and more about staying confident.
Practice speaking on common IELTS topics (like hobbies, family, or education). Record yourself and aim for clear, concise answers. This helps you stay within time limits.
If you need a moment to think, it’s okay to say, “Let me think for a second.” Short pauses are better than long silences or filler words like “um” or “uh.”
Speak at a natural pace. Rushing can make you sound unclear, which affects your score. Practice with a timer to get comfortable with the timing of each part.
Beyond section-specific strategies, here are some overall tips to help you manage time in IELTS and complete the test in 2 hours.
Take full-length IELTS practice tests under timed conditions. This helps you get used to the pressure of completing the test in 2 hours. At Roll Academy Dubai, we offer mock tests to help you practice.
During the exam, wear a simple watch (no smartwatches allowed). Check the time every 10–15 minutes to stay on track. This is a key part of your IELTS exam strategy.
If you feel nervous, take deep breaths to stay focused. Panicking wastes time and leads to mistakes. A calm mind helps you manage time in IELTS effectively.
In Reading and Listening, answer easier questions first to secure marks quickly. Then tackle harder ones if you have time. This ensures you complete the test in 2 hours.
Prepare for the IELTS by setting a daily study plan. For example, practice Listening and Reading one day, then Writing and Speaking the next. Consistent practice improves your speed and confidence.
To manage time in IELTS, avoid these pitfalls:
Spending too long on one question: Move on if you’re stuck.
Not practicing with a timer: Real exam conditions are timed, so practice the same way.
Writing too much in Writing tasks: Stick to the word limits (150 for Task 1, 250 for Task 2) to save time.
Ignoring instructions: Read questions carefully to avoid wasting time on mistakes.
Mastering time management in IELTS is the key to success. By using the tips above, you can complete the test in 2 hours with confidence and accuracy. Practice regularly, stay calm, and use a smart IELTS exam strategy to balance speed and quality. Whether it’s previewing questions in Listening, skimming passages in Reading, planning your Writing, or speaking clearly in Speaking, these techniques will help you shine.
At Roll Academy Dubai, we’re here to support you with expert guidance and practice tests. Start preparing today, and you’ll be ready to ace your IELTS exam!
Preview questions before the recording starts, don’t get stuck on one question, and use the 10-minute transfer time to check answers.
Divide your time wisely: 30 minutes for Listening, 60 minutes for Reading, and 60 minutes for Writing. Practice with mock tests to build speed.
Spend 20 minutes on Task 1 and 40 minutes on Task 2. Plan your answers, write clearly, and leave time to check for errors.
Yes, by skimming passages and scanning for keywords, you can find answers quickly. Skip tough questions and come back if you have time.
Take deep breaths, use a watch to track time, and focus on one question at a time. Practicing mock tests helps reduce exam stress.
Business Name: Rolla Academy Dubai
Address: Al Tawhidi Building – 201 – 2 Al Mankhool Road – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971507801081
Website: rollaacademydubai.com
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