The IELTS, or International English Language Testing System, can be a daunting hurdle for aspiring students seeking academic or professional opportunities in English-speaking environments. Parents, naturally, play a crucial role in providing support and guidance during this challenging period. But what kind of advice is truly beneficial? As an IELTS instructor with over two decades of experience, I’ve witnessed firsthand the impact of effective parental support. Let’s delve into the ways parents can empower their children to achieve their IELTS goals.
Understanding the IELTS Journey
Firstly, it’s essential for parents to understand the demands of the IELTS exam. This internationally recognized test assesses a candidate’s proficiency in four key English language skills: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Familiarizing themselves with the test format, content, and scoring criteria can equip parents to better understand their child’s strengths and weaknesses.
Fostering a Positive Learning Environment
Creating a supportive home environment is paramount. Encourage your child to immerse themselves in English as much as possible. This can be achieved through:
1. Daily English Conversation:
Encourage the use of English during mealtimes, family outings, or even casual conversations. Don’t focus on correcting every mistake; instead, prioritize fluency and confidence building.
2. Access to English Resources:
Provide access to English-language books, newspapers, magazines, movies, and TV shows. This exposure to authentic materials will enrich vocabulary and improve comprehension skills.
3. Regular Practice:
Consistent practice is key to success in any exam. Encourage your child to dedicate specific time slots each day for IELTS preparation. Help them create a realistic study schedule and stick to it.
Providing Targeted Support
Each section of the IELTS exam requires specific skills and strategies. Parents can offer invaluable assistance by:
1. Listening:
- Practice listening to podcasts, news broadcasts, and documentaries together.
- Discuss the main ideas, key details, and speaker’s opinions.
2. Reading:
- Encourage reading a variety of texts, such as articles, essays, and reports.
- Discuss the author’s purpose, main arguments, and supporting evidence.
3. Writing:
- Familiarize your child with different essay structures and writing styles.
- Encourage them to practice writing essays and reports on various topics.
- Offer constructive feedback on their written work, focusing on grammar, vocabulary, and coherence.
4. Speaking:
- Engage in regular conversations on a variety of topics to enhance fluency and pronunciation.
- Encourage them to practice speaking for extended periods to build confidence.
- Consider enrolling them in a language exchange program or hiring a tutor for personalized feedback.
Example from a Real IELTS Speaking Test:
Examiner: “Let’s talk about hobbies. What do you enjoy doing in your free time?”
Candidate: “In my free time, I like to… um… reading books and watching movies. Especially, I am interested in science fiction.”
Parental Advice: Encourage your child to expand on their answers. Instead of just stating their hobbies, they could discuss why they enjoy them, specific books or movies they like, and how these hobbies benefit them.
Key Takeaways for IELTS Success
- Start early: Don’t wait until the last minute to begin preparing. Early and consistent preparation is essential.
- Practice regularly: Encourage your child to dedicate sufficient time each day to practice all four skills.
- Utilize authentic resources: Immerse them in English through books, movies, podcasts, and real-life interactions.
- Seek professional guidance: Consider enrolling them in an IELTS preparation course or hiring a tutor for personalized support.
- Maintain a positive attitude: Encourage and motivate your child throughout their IELTS journey.
Remember, parental support plays a vital role in a student’s IELTS success. By fostering a positive learning environment, providing targeted assistance, and offering unwavering encouragement, parents can empower their children to excel in this challenging exam and open doors to a world of opportunities.