IELTS is a standard english language proficiency test. However, don't make the mistake of not preparing or studying because you can speak and write english well. It's best to do some practice tests before sitting for the exam. One good resource is http://www.ielts-blog.com/.

I sat for IELTS last year and I got an average band of 8.5 (Listening = 9.0, Reading = 8.5, Writing = 8.0, Speaking = 8.0)
Here are some tips for the each of the 4 components in the IELTS Test (Academic Module).

Listening:
1. Ensure that you are familiar with British and/or Australian accents. The recordings that were played in my test had strong British accents.
2. Make sure that you can hear clearly when the instructors play the sample recordings.
3. Recordings are only played once, therefore it's good to record down any information at all, even if the question does not ask for it.
4. Sometimes the recording voice says something, but moments later corrects himself/herself. Be careful when this happens as you do not want to record the wrong answer.
5. Make sure your answer is written clearly on the answer sheet. Your 1's may look like 7's and so on.
6. Don't waste your time to perfect your answers on the answer sheet when the recording is being played. You will have time to transfer your answers.
7. Sometimes the recording speaks fast. This is where point 3. comes in handy.
8. Some questions at the back require you to think as the answer is not said by the recording voice. Therefore it's crucial that you write down important points and consolidate them later.

Reading:
1. Time is very important here. Ensure that you have ample time to read the passages and answer the questions.
2. Important to underline keywords.
3. Should spend only 20 mins on each passage.
4. There are some questions that have very close choices as answers. Just beware as it can cost you your band.
5. Budget your time wisely here. Do not later regret that you could not finish the reading exam due to insufficient time.


Writing:
1. There are 2 essays to write here.
2. People suggest that 20 mins should be spent on Task 1 and 40 mins should be spent on Task 2.
3. I did both using 30 mins each.
4. For Task 1, it is sufficient for you to describe the data and graphs given.
5. Use 'depicts', 'portrays', 'illustrates' to describe data in Task 1. Works like a charm.
6. Watch Bloomberg/CNBC and observe how the newsreader describe trends and data. Weather forecasts are good too.
5. For Task 2, it is important that you plan out your essay to avoid hiccups and unnecessary time wastages when writing your essays.
6. Some topics can be extremely awkward and tricky. As of consequence, be extremely careful when tackling tough essays.
7. Eg: My topic was to write about "Is it better to have shops that are situated at the outskirts of the city, compared to shops that are conveniently located in the heart of the city?"

Speaking:
1. Golden Rule : Be calm and DON"T PANIC!
2. Always greet the examiner politely and smile.
3. When the examiner gives you 1 minute to prepare, use it to the fullest. Don't rush your speech as this will guarantee that you make severe blunders when you deliver your speech.
4. Be prepared when the examiner probes you. Be ready to illustrate your points with valid arguments.
5. Avoid using all the lahs and mahs. Also, be careful when you say 'market', and 'never mind'
6. Use conjunctions and rich vocabulary. However don't use them out of context.
7. For example, the examiner asked me about how different were hobbies in the past compared to the hobbies that people like in the 21st Century. I answered that in the past, people loved to play in the outdoors, and this involved jumping into rivers and playing in jungles. However, this has changed now as the only jungle available is the 'concrete jungle'.

That's my 2 cents about sitting for the exams. Well, good luck and remember to practise for the exam!