On the IELTS, I think the key is practicing at home before you take the test.
Practicing gives you an idea of what to expect on the test itself. And as everyone has said, some of those sections/questions can be very confusing if you haven't seen and practiced them before. Once you get an idea of what to expect, it's a lot simpler (if still stressful...).
My wife and I did a full timed practice run each. We both got 9s and it absolutely made a difference on our total score for the ITA. We wouldn't have gotten through otherwise, considering we barely scraped by. So push for every single point increase you can. As a lot of folk still waiting on the forum can tell you, even 1 point on your total score can mean getting an ITA vs not getting one.
Good luck on the test!!!!!