Your experiences and opinions about IELTS

Hi everyone,

I work for a company that regularly assists clients by offering assistance with English language training in preparation for studying overseas. I've been asked to prepare a presentation aimed at improving students' performances on the IELTS exam, so I was hoping I could get some feedback from you! (Note - this is aimed particularly toward Chinese students attempting to study at university overseas - but feedback from everyone is welcome).

First of all, what do you feel is the most challenging aspect of the IELTS exam?

Do you find the books and study materials found on the internet are helpful in preparing for the exam? If not, how could they be improved?

Do you think there are any problems with the exam that make it difficult to study for?

If you did not receive the score you wanted on your first or second time taking the exam, how did you have to change how you were studying in order to pass?

Really any feedback - positive or negative - about IELTS would really help me out.

Thanks!