The globally known IELTS test is compulsory if you go abroad for studies or work. It is the test that checks your skills to listen, read, write, and speak in English. The reading and speaking sections out of these four are quite complex. Hence, it would help if you practiced with mock test IELTS for a high band score.

In addition, with the rise of technology, you can take these tests online for free. By taking the IELTS speaking mock test online free with score, your chances of success increase. But what is the right time you should start taking these tests for better reading and speaking skills? In this article, you will know the ideal time to take mock tests. Also, learn some strategies to benefit from it.

Know the Value of Mock Tests

With the help of the mock tests, you get used to the format, timing, and pressure of the actual IELTS test. It shows you the actual exam setting. For the speaking section, mock tests give you a chance to work on your coherence, fluency, and pronunciation. Also, they teach you the skill to express ideas with clarity in English. Whereas in the reading part, mock tests allow you to practice reading within the time limit. It will also hone your skimming and scanning skills and improve your understanding of English.

Further, when you take mock tests IELTS for practice at the right time, it will help you in many ways. It aids you to find your strong and weak points and boost your confidence. It is better to add these mock tests to your study schedule instead of taking them irregularly.

When to Take Mock Tests for Reading Section?

There are three phases of your practice journey for the IELTS test preparation. However, take these mock tests for the reading section according to these phases. Let’s know about it in detail:

1. Initial Practice Phase

It is the phase 3-4 months before your IELTS exam. In the initial stage of practice, you must focus on expanding your vocabulary and knowing the format of the reading section. Also, explore the various question types you may get in the exam. Moreover, it is suggested that you take a mock test before 3-4 months of the exam for evaluation. It acts as a baseline and helps you to find areas that need to be improved. After this mock test, give yourself time to improve your reading speed, understanding skills, and approach to attempt the exam.

2. Mid-Practice Phase

Start taking the mock tests once a week about two months before the exam date. Till this point, you very well know the format of the reading section and strategies to answer diverse questions. Moreover, by taking a mock test IELTS every week, you may improve these strategies by practicing them within the time limit. After attempting a mock test, review your answers carefully to identify your mistakes. Thus, by finding them, you may stay more focused and improve them.

3. Last Practice Phase

In the last month before your IELTS exam, start taking mock tests two times a week. By now, you are improving your skills, focusing on weak points, and building confidence for the test. But it is better to replicate the actual test setting closely at this phase. Also, take the mock test in one go without any barriers, and ensure you follow the time limit. It will help you to develop strength and manage your time during the actual test.

This was the right time to take the mock tests for the reading section. Moving ahead let’s explore the same for the speaking section of the IELTS.

When to Take Mock Tests for Speaking Section?

Like the reading section, there are also three phases in the speaking section of the IELTS exam. You can take the IELTS speaking mock test online free with score for the best practice. Let’s see these phases below:

1. Early Practice Phase

It is best to take your mock test for this section three months before the exam. However, at an early stage of practice, focus on improving your speaking skills. You may practice it by having regular discussions in English and expanding your vocabulary.

2. Mid Practice Phase

Start taking mock tests for speaking practice every two weeks for two months. Moreover, it is helpful for you to practice with an instructor or use online materials that support you in preparation. After the mock test, ask for a review from your tutors, mainly on parts like grammar usage, fluency, and pronunciation.

3. Final Practice Phase

One month before the exam, take these tests each week in the final phase of practice. If at all possible, try to make it twice a week in the last two weeks before the exam. It will help you to practice many topics in the speaking section and focus on the time limit of your answer.

Conclusion

To sum up, preparing for the IELTS requires taking mock tests, mainly for reading and speaking sections. But when and how you take mock test IELTS defines how effective they are. To find your starting point, begin with an early test for evaluation. As your skills improve, slowly increase the number of mock tests. In the last month before the exam, step up your practice. Moreover, by taking speaking and reading mock test IELTS online by expert tutors like gradding.com, your chances of success increase. So start preparing now and ace the IELTS test with a high band score!