What do you plan to do the day before IELTS?
It’s vital that you get a good night’s sleep to set yourself up for success.
We have some tried and true strategies to share today.
Follow our tips to be ready on test day!
Today’s question
Hello Aubrey and Jessica,
I took my IELTS test on Friday and obtained an overall score of 8: Listening: 9, Reading: 8.5, Writing: 7, and Speaking: 7.5. I wanted to share the joy of this accomplishment with you, the best English teachers in the world, and express my gratitude for all your guidance.
Moreover, for one of your upcoming shows, I wanted to ask for some tips, for even my future life not just IELTS, specifically for the night before the exam. It was a nightmare for me, and I ended up sleeping for just about 2 hours.
This is an excellent question.
What you do the night before taking IELTS is extremely important!
The night before your exam
First, don’t do any test practice!
We’ve all been there cramming the night before an exam.
This is a terrible idea!
Instead do something relaxing.
Get your mind off the exam in order to lower anxiety.
This will help you get the good night of sleep you need.
Set alarms
We recommend setting two alarms, especially if one relies on electricity.
You can set them for 15 minutes apart in case you snooze and fall back to sleep.
Set a special Google routine.
Whatever works best for you, make sure you will wake up on time.
Know your route
Look at a map of the test center a few days before.
Ideally, go and make sure you can find it without any trouble.
Figure out your method of transport and what time you’ll leave.
Plan for contingencies such as missing a bus or no taxis being available.
Always have a backup plan!
Plan your day
Determine where you will eat lunch after.
Plan something fun to look forward to.
You could meet a friend for a picnic in the park or at a bar for happy hour.
You want to have good vibes about the day.
Something to look forward to after will help with this.
Positive affirmations
Keep a positive outlook the night before and the morning of your exam.
Speak a positive affirmation aloud to yourself in English.
Write it on your bathroom mirror.
Meditate if you find this helpful.
The night before IELTS
The night before, you should do something you find relaxing.
If you’re an extrovert, spend time with friends.
If not, spend some time alone.
You could run, take your dog to the park, watch a movie, go to the gym, or make a big dinner.
Don’t study and get your mind off the exam.
You have put in the work preparing already.
The night before you need to relax and build confidence.
Sleep aids
Find out what helps you sleep when you are stressed out.
The last thing you want to do is be up tossing and turning the night before IELTS.
You have likely found something that helps.
It could be Melatonin, a sleep story, a hot shower, bath or cold plunge.
Find out what works for you and prioritize sleep the night before you take IELTS.
Convert anxiety to excitement
If you get anxious and nervous about important exams, you’re not alone!
We have shared tips in the past for reducing test anxiety.
Don’t miss IELTS Energy 1149: 3 Ways to Change Anxiety to Excitement on Test Day.
We shared research that will help you convert anxiety to excitement.
It will help you understand why it’s so difficult to go from anxious to calm.
Instead, allow yourself to feel excited!
Takeaway
What you do the night before you take IELTS is extremely important.
Don’t spend time cramming!
This could stress you out and make you lose sleep.
Instead, relax and do something you enjoy.
Make sure you have a plan for test day so you are confident.
For our anti-anxiety module and all the strategies you need on IELTS, sign up for our online course.
What questions do you have from today’s episode?
Please leave a comment below.
