Learning Another Language Is Like Becoming Another Person
Among various English proficiency tests available worldwide, the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) stands out for its extensive testing procedures. With over 100,000 businesses throughout the world accepting IELTS scores, it is essential for applicants to know how to succeed on the exam, particularly if a high score is required for admission to a particular university, for a certain job, or for a particular visa. The IELTS scoring system is intricate, making it more difficult for students to get a high band score.
Sirwiss has collaborated with professionals in the field of private tutoring, and we invited them to share their knowledge on how to get the highest possible scores on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test.
Format of the IELTS Test
The IELTS is comprised of four sections: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Each of these parts has an own set of questions and a time restriction. The reading, writing, and listening components of the examination must be taken on the same day. As for the speaking portion, it may be scheduled for the same day’s afternoon. In rare situations, the interview may also be arranged within seven days after the test.
The Range of IELTS Exam Scores
Each subtest gives a score between 1 and 9 to the prospective student. The four subscores are averaged to get the final band score. Candidates taking the IELTS should first familiarize themselves with the meaning of each band score on the test before diving into advice on how to acquire excellent bands. You’ll find a comprehensive breakdown of the IELTS band scores listed below.
1. 0 TO 1 BAND SCORE indicates examination not attempted to candidate unable to use the language in most situations
2. 2 TO 3 BAND SCORE indicates the candidate has great difficulty in understanding the language or only limited comprehension
3. 4 TO 5 BAND SCORE indicates the candidate has basic competence in language or partial command over the language.
4. 6 TO 7 BAND SCORE indicates a candidate has general command over the language despite some inaccuracies to an operational command with few occasional errors.
5. 8 TO 9 BAND SCORE indicates a candidate has complete to expert command over the language despite some inaccuracies.
How to Improve Your IELTS Score
Some students keep retaking the IELTS without contemplating why they keep falling short of the requisite band score. Knowing what it takes to succeed on the IELTS test is a prerequisite to starting study. The first stage is to become fluent in the English language. While learning a new language, the time it takes to become fluent is proportional to the learner’s intensity and the proficiency they began with.
Look at what our English teachers think you should focus about before taking the IELTS.
1. Do Not Apply for the Exam Until You’re Fully Prepped
It’s important to get a head start and maintain a steady pace of preparation. Learning the IELTS skills won’t happen overnight. Take your time to ensure you have enough preparation and only apply when you are certain you will get the required band score. You may prepare for the IELTS by reading articles or anything else that piques your interest, by listening to podcasts, by writing an essay in the IELTS format, by practicing speaking English using IELTS-related themes with yourself, and by taking practice tests.
2. Ensure that You Are Proficient in English Grammar
While there is no distinct grammar testing in the IELTS, grammar is implicitly evaluated in the Speaking and Writing modules. That is one of the four factors the examiner will use to determine your performance grade. Utilize as many websites or grammar books as possible to practice as often as necessary. This will result in greater Speaking and Writing band scores. If you are unsure about what to anticipate in the IELTS examination, you may consult a private tutor on Sirwiss network of tutors before setting a date for your IELTS exam.
3. Make the Most of Every Opportunity to Practice Speaking
It’s best to think in English. Whether you’re behind the wheel or in bed, self-talk may be a great way to reflect on the day and set goals for the future. The first section of the speaking exam often covers these themes.
4. Whenever Possible, Communicate in English
You may join a language exchange group or locate a conversation partner to practice with online. The anonymity of the internet may make it easier to strike up conversations with total strangers. You might also take a class with an expert who can instruct you and provide constructive criticism.
5. Improve Your Reading Speed
Choose a piece that seems interesting, and allow yourself a minute to read only the introduction and conclusion. A total of 40 questions will need to be answered in under 60 minutes throughout the IELTS Reading exam. Just having around a quarter of an hour to read this attentively is a problem given the length of the material (about 2,500 words). You may improve your performance on the actual IELTS Reading exam by doing daily practice tests to hone your speed-reading abilities.
6. Daily Listening to English
Enjoy your favorite films and TV shows in their original, un subtitled English. Take in some current events broadcasts on stations like BBC World Service or CNN, or watch a documentary on a topic of your choosing. You may discover something of interest in TED conferences since they cover such a wide range of subjects. Even if you’re having problems getting a handle on things right now, with some constant effort you’ll be able to make great strides forward in no time.
7. Enhance Your Vocabulary
It’s not necessary to write down every single unfamiliar word you encounter, but you should prioritize those that are most likely to come up in conversation. For a rundown of typical IELTS discussion points, see the Academic Word List. Words like this will appear in Listening and Reading sections, and you should be familiar with their meaning and spelling well enough in advance of the exam. Furthermore, you may do better on the Speaking and Writing sections of the exam if you are familiar with the most prevalent words and expressions that will be tested.
8. Take an IELTS Course Offered by a Certified IELTS Tutor
Sirwiss’ private English tutors will help you prepare for all of the different types of questions that will be on the IELTS test. They may teach you the methods you’ll need to answer various sorts of questions, which you may then use to mock tests. For example, our coaching sessions feature not just hours of straightforward lectures, but also live videos that lead you through the finest strategies and suggestions garnered from years of teaching IELTS. The many practice exercises offered with these courses are an excellent way to reinforce what you learn in the lectures.
9. Do a Bunch of Mock Exams
Start taking full-length practice tests under test-like situations a few weeks before your scheduled IELTS exam. Use your tutor’s marking guidelines for your reading and listening practice assessments. The results from this test will serve as a solid indicator of how well you will do on the actual IELTS exams. If you’re taking a reading exam, you’ll need to be sure you can go through all 40 questions and write your answers on the answer sheet in the allotted 60 minutes. Get in the habit of finishing Writing Task 1 in 15 minutes and Writing Task 2 in 35 minutes. Let yourself 5 minutes every assignment to double-check for errors and make sure you’ve answered each question thoroughly. In the event that you just can’t seem to get the grade you need, it’s best to consult a professional.
Strategies for Achieving an Excellent IELTS Score
1. During the Listening Test
1.1 Listen carefully to the audio instructions since they are not printed in the booklet.
1.2 Carefully read the test instructions regarding the word limit, as candidates exceeding the word limit may lose marks.
1.3 Read the questions before listening. Around 30-60 seconds is provided to read them beforehand.
1.4 Underline the keywords and listening to synonyms and paraphrases.
1.5 Visualize the situation and then framing the answer.
1.6 Pay close attention to the negative words, such as not, no, never, etc.
1.7 Make sure to check the answers within the 30 seconds pause time provided after every section.
1.8 Transfer the answer from the booklet to the answer sheet within 10 minutes time.
1.9 Make sure to use correct spelling and grammar forms in the answers.
2. During the Reading Test
2.1 Carefully read the instructions.
2.2 Underline key information and making notes in the reading passage.
2.3 Dividing the time equally with proper time management.
2.4 Make sure to have transferred all the answers into the answer sheet and avoid leaving any empty spaces.
3. During the Speaking Test
3.1 Keep calm and do not rush your words.
3.2 Try to give extended explanations, which must be relevant to the topic.
3.3 Correct oneself without panicking if a mistake is made.
3.4 Ask clarification or repetition from the examiner if there is difficulty in understanding the question.
3.5 Pay attention to one’s body language.
3.6 Since IELTS is a formal exam, candidates must use neutral tones while speaking.
4. During the Writing Test
4.1 Carefully analyzing each task and underlining the keywords.
4.2 Refrain from using the words in the questions. Instead, candidates should frame their own sentences and words.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is an IELTS score of 7 adequate?
The score of 7 is favorable. It suggests that the applicant has a strong grasp of the language, with just minor mistakes.
2. When will I be able to check my IELTS score?
The result will be available 14 days following the exam date for candidates sitting the exam.
3. Which IELTS section is the most difficult to score on?
All portions are weighted equally; thus, applicants should practice all sections equally. Therefore, the candidate’s areas of least familiarity should get the utmost focus.
4. Which accents could be heard on the IELTS speaking and listening tests?
Due to the fact that IELTS is a worldwide test, you will hear a diversity of English dialects from across the globe.