How can I assess my current level?
Here you will find the process to follow to understand what your level is, and which are your areas of weakness. Once you know this, making a plan for what to study, when to study, and how much time to devote to each area of the test will be much easier. Here is the IELTS Advantage VIP Study Plan.
Reading and Listening
Using official practice tests, do 2 or 3 practice tests for each under exam conditions. Completing an official practice test is the only way to learn your level.
(There are a finite number of these, so this is why it is very important to save your practice tests for judging your level - don't waste them "practicing!" Here is how to practice instead.)
Speaking
The only way to learn your level is to get feedback from an IELTS expert. It would be a good idea to do a mock speaking mock test with one of our teachers soon after completing the Speaking Course. During the feedback, you will learn about what mistakes are keeping you from the score you need in each of the 4 criteria: Fluency and Coherence, Vocabulary, Grammar and Pronunciation. Mock speaking tests can be purchased here.
(You can also use the Speaking Self-Evaluation Form if you cannot purchase a mock speaking test.)
Writing
The only way to learn your level is to get feedback from an IELTS expert. It would be a good idea to submit a Task 2 and Task 1 essay soon after completing the modules in the Writing Course. The teacher will explain your scores for Task Response/Task Achievement, Coherence & Cohesion, Vocabulary, and Grammar and tell you key mistakes are stopping you from getting the score you need. Once you have this information, you can work on overcoming your mistakes so that you can increase your score. Essay corrections can be purchased here.
(You can also use the Writing Self Evaluation form if you cannot purchase essay corrections.)
