IMPACT OF TEST PREPARATION ON CANDIDATES’ IELTS READING TEST SCORES

This study investigates the impact of an hour’s preparation on IELTS (International English Language Testing System) reading test scores. Preparation is sometimes neglected by candidates who consider themselves proficient users of English, despite the high stakes involved in IELTS testing. Participants in the experimental group were provided a one-hour session on reading strategies and test-taking skills, focusing on the IELTS reading test. They were tested before and after this session, alongside a control group who received no training. Statistical analysis revealed that training significantly increased reading scores, suggesting the importance of such training even for proficient users of the target language. Keywords: IELTS, language proficiency tests, high-stakes test, test performance.