For your reference:
Free IELTS Writing Samples Task 1: http://ielts.studyhorror.com/ielts-writing-samples-task-1
Free IELTS Writing Samples Task 2: http://ielts.studyhorror.com/ielts-writing-samples-task-2
To improve your grammar: http://ielts.studyhorror.com/common-english-questions
How to prepare for IELTS: http://ielts.studyhorror.com/ielts-preparation
Free IELTS Vocabulary: http://ielts.studyhorror.com/preparation/free-ielts-vocabulary/15
IELTS Preparation Writing Task 2: http://ielts.studyhorror.com/preparation/ielts-preparation-writing-task-2/14
READING TIPS:
1. Read the TITLE and anything written in the subtitle. I must have spent at least 2 minutes looking for an answer in the text, but ultimately found it in the line right below the title!
2. Do not use your reason (deduction skills). Do not use your common knowledge. Do not use any piece of information that is not in the text. The biggest challenge is the "not given" vs "true/false." Sometimes, based on your general knowledge, you assume something is false/true when in fact, it is not stated as such in the text. Your mind will try to convince you that it is in fact either true or false. Use only the text. The only way to get good at these is to take a bunch of IELTS official exams (google extremepapers and something should come up). That's the site I used. It looks shady, but it works just fine.
3. Read the first line and last line of each paragraph. I didn't underline anything. I skimmed the first/last line of each paragraph, and then went straight to the question.
4. Unlike the listening component, the answers in the Reading component are not necessarily in order. I had to tell that to someone right before the exam!
LISTENING TIPS:
1. There is no secret: practice. The reason you practice is that you learn how your own mind works. This is very important.
2. Learn to predict. Again, this can only come from doing a few practice tests. Prediction is probably the most important factor.
3. DO NOT REVIEW YOUR ANSWERS AT THE END OF THE SECTION. SKIM THE NEXT SECTION. If you've left a question blank, use your best guess. There is no reason to review your answers.
4. I read 2-3 questions in advance, instead of the whole section. Then, using prediction, i was able to stay ahead of the questions.
5. RELAX. Tune yourself into the conversation. The questions near the end are not always given in a simple way. If you keep waiting for the speakers to say a key word, you might miss the answer.
WRITING TIPS:
1. Before writing an essay, you must know its basic structure. I love Academic writing Practice for IELTS by Sam McCarter. If you target 7+, stick with this book, really HELPFUL. Besides, you should find essays written by band 7+ achievers to see how they develop their essay topics and try to learn good structures and vocabulary from their writing.
2. Many like starting task 2 first, but in my opinion, you should do the test in order, i.e. task 1 first, then task 2. This will give you the confident feeling that you ALREADY HAFL WAY COMPLETED.
3. Learn all specific writing structure for each type of task 1. In the real test, you just have to apply that structure with new data and suitable verb tenses. You should also have your own templates for task 2, that will save much of your time in the real test.
4. You MUST complete your test at any cost. I don’t care how difficult the test is, I don’t care how little time you got. If you don’t, you will be penalized very heavily.
5. Again, practice writing. Do both 2 tasks in one hour. You can focus only on task 1 or task 2, but before the test, you should practice writing both tasks to familiar with time limit.
6. Writing requires wide academic vocabulary. You also have to buy a vocabulary book to work on and enrich your vocabulary.
7. Avoid all informal ways of writing. There are some rules of writing you should follow. For example: no abbreviations, no 1st and 2nd pronoun or possessive (I, you, me, my, your), except in conclusion where you have to state your opinion.
8. Each body paragraph MUST include: topic sentence, supporting sentences (2-3 sentences), development sentences (evidence: example, experience, data).