It may be hard to prepare for the IELTS exam. Mainly when it comes to mastering specific skills like listening and reading. The IELTS practice test is the most helpful resource available for students. It shows you the actual exam settings. However, you may take the IELTS listening mock test to improve your listening skills. Also, reading mock tests to increase your reading speed and so on.

Although these tests provide you with focused practice, there are some pros and cons of their effectiveness. You can make the most of your preparation by knowing the pros and cons of taking IELTS mock tests. Let’s first know about their pros!

Pros of the IELTS Practice Test

Taking the IELTS practice test for your exam preparation has many benefits. The reading section of the IELTS exam was around 60 minutes, and listening for 30 minutes. However, by taking a mock test, you may practice time management. Some other benefits of these practice tests are:

1. Exposure to Various Topics

In the IELTS exam, there are many topics covered, from culture and society to science and technology. By practicing mock tests, you may get access to this range, which increases your general knowledge. Also, it helps you to feel more at ease in the reading and listening section. Further, it may also help to build vocabulary, which is crucial for success in the exam.

2. Feedback and Track Your Progress

One main benefit of taking the IELTS practice test is the feedback you get after finishing it. This helps you to find the specific areas where you struggle with reading or listening. Moreover, some online practice platforms give you explanations of each answer. It would help you to know where you made mistakes and how to fix them. Also, you can analyze your progress over time and focus on areas that need improvement.

3. Focus on Specific Skills

With the help of practice tests of IELTS, you can focus on specific skills where you might be weak. For instance, the IELTS listening mock test improves your crucial listening skills. Also, focus on increasing reading speed and accuracy in understanding. After finding weak areas, you can focus on these and give more practice time to improve them.

4. Build Confidence

You may have built confidence after getting exposure to the questions of the IELTS exam numerous times. Yet, you feel less nervous and better prepared as you become used to the format and style of the exam. However, familiarity with the situation removes the stress that comes with unforeseen factors on exam day.

After perceiving the positive sides, it is time to look at the other side of the coin that are the negative ones. So, read the upcoming segment to explore them.

Cons of IELTS Practice Test

While the IELTS practice test has many benefits, it also has some disadvantages. Some of these are overconfidence, stress from repeated testing, and a lower range of question types. These are explained in detail below:

1. Overconfidence Due to Repetition

If you depend on practice tests so much, it may result in overconfidence. It is because of the exposure to question types that are similar to the exam questions. However, you may feel overconfident, thinking that just because you are familiar with the test format, you have mastered it. As a result, it will be a basic grasp of the language skills instead of a deep understanding of how to use them in various contexts.

2. Ignore Basic Language Skills

To improve your test-taking skills, taking the IELTS practice test is the best way. But it was not meant to help you develop basic language skills. Even while a student is performing well, it does not mean his overall English skills are improving. For instance, students may remember common question forms, but they do not enhance their listening understanding and reading fluency.

3. Less Range of Question Types

The practice tests make you familiar with the actual IELTS exam format. But do not always cover each possible question type or topic. However, over-dependence on a single source for practice tests may limit your access to a range of topics and question types. For instance, in the reading section of the practice test, scientific texts are involved. But in actual exams, the reading section has historical or cultural texts. Thus, it needs the use of distinct reading strategies for the best practice.

4. Stress and Excessive Load

Although it might be helpful to simulate exam settings, doing it repeatedly will increase your stress level. Further, some students get so much pressure to score well, mainly if they take a lot of practice tests in less time. If you depend on practice tests more, it will develop a feeling of urgency instead of inspiring you. It may increase test fatigue and stress. In short, it will eventually hinder your performance on the actual exam.

Conclusion

To sum up, for improving your listening and reading skills, the IELTS practice test is an effective tool. But the best way to take benefit is to use them in a more extensive and balanced practice plan. However, over-dependence on practice tests may hinder your general language learning. Practice tests offered by expert instructors like gradding.com help you to track your performance.

Further, if your skills of reading need improvement, then take a reading IELTS mock test from them for best practice. However, it is essential to integrate focused practice with a range of language exposure and real-world use. Thus, it ensures the best practice for exam day.