Finally, I got my Band 8.0 score within 2 months.
Student Story 1
Listening Band 8.5
Reading Band 8.5
Writing Band 7.0
Speaking Band 8.0
Friends here are a few tips and personal experience that I want to share with everyone.
I think there is no real quick way to learn English truly. It is a slow process where you adopt a language in your daily life. If one is solely looking for a good score in IELTS (Band 8.0 and above), the following can be done
1. Practice – it makes one perfect (at least 2-3 hours daily for 60 days). It helps you to tune yourself to the format of the test.
2. Read – get into a habit of reading (newspapers, novels, etc.). This helps with absorbing English faster. This was my teacher suggestion that helped me prepare for the exam.
3. Think – Start thinking in English, talk to yourself in English.
I think the score also depends on current mastery of English, the practice efforts the student can make and a mix of analytical (for Listening and Reading modules) capabilities and interest (for Writing and speaking modules) that one shows.
Speaking –. I practiced using a timer and recorded myself. This is how I got to know my mistakes and corrected them. The best possible idea would be to start speaking in English with family and friends in day to day life. This improves fluency, and you can learn to speak without hesitation. Using synonyms and antonyms also helps you sound more varied and less repetitive. For example saying something like I am not a big fan of hot weather. I find cooler climates more pleasant. Is a good example of using the antonym pair ‘hot-cold. During the exam I wore a smile on my face and also made hand gestures which helped me to be confident and relaxed.
Writing – The only issue with writing is you have to have an outside evaluation. This is the most important thing, to get your writing checked by someone. Beside this I read lots of model essays letters. I practiced writing using a timer. In an essay or a letter, for each simple word, I would think about its synonym which would be more complex and replaced the simpler word with the more complex one. I kept a dictionary handy which helped me improve my vocabulary. Also, Writing correction service it was the best as I got to know my weaknesses and hence got a chance to convert them into my strengths.
Reading – One way to improve reading skills is to read newspapers or novels. My problem with reading was time management. I used to get Band score of 6.5, while I needed a 7. So I started solving Academic reading tests. I used the strategy of skimming and scanning. I managed to score Band 7 but within the time frame. Because of this, time management in the actual exam became easier for me. I was able to finish reading section in 45 minutes in the actual test and used the remaining time to check my answers. Remember, re-checking of your answers is very important as there are chances that you make mistakes the first time you answer a question. . I finished the Reading section in 45 min and scored Band 8.5
Listening – This section requires a lot of concentration as you need to listen carefully and note down the answers as you hear the recording and it is really quick. I believe, apart from watching English movies without subtitles, practice is the best way to score well in this section. This helped me a great deal to improve my focus while listening. I used to miss information at the beginning but gradually I could catch up and improved. My advice is, choose your own medium of interest. But this exercise is definitely a confidence booster.
I practiced a lot of sample questions.
Finally, I would like to wish all the best to the test takers. Be confident and practice a lot
Student Story 2
(General IELTS)
Hey guys so happy to share my results with you all.Don’t give up if you don’t make it the first attempt. Try changing your study pattern to see which suits you best. Practice everyday. Be consistent. Find your weak area and focus on it more. Use only the authentic materials and practice under test conditions.
All best!!! 😊
**********Edited Post**************
So I have been getting a lot of questions and messages regarding the tips and tricks so here goes.
A little background: I have been studying English in my academics since childhood so my English I can say is above average. So if you are a beginner then you may have to change your way of study as per your command over English. I am a working professional and this was my way of preparing after work everyday. 1 month of preparation and this was my 3rd attempt.
So here goes:
1)Reading: Its all about vocabulary and grammar. Understanding of paragraph is important. So read a lot of English every day. Learn the words you don't understand. Exam perspective; practice and see which area is difficult for you. T/F/NG and matching heading is what I struggled with so I practiced them more every day. Underline the paragraphs as you answer.
2)Listening: Concentration is the key which I struggled too. Listen to the plurals and words carefully. Do the test and mark the wrong ones. Replay the audio and see if you can get them correct the second time. When you get time to check your answer at the end of the section, use it to read the next questions. This is helpful in the 3rd and 4th sections as you don't have much time to go through the questions and answers.
If you miss any answer, move to the next question and come back at the end of the test. If you still cannot recall; guess but don't leave any answer blank. You might just get lucky! I did! MCQ's require an understanding of answers so make sure you understand what's the general idea behind the question. Crossing the wrong answers also helps in choosing the correct one.
Listen to youtube or watch English programs in your free time.
3)Writing: Practice writing every day. Get the tips from youtube, note it down and try to implement them in your writing. Re-check your writing for spelling mistakes and grammar. Find out how many lines you need to write for section1 and 2 so that you don't waste time during the exam(use the authentic answer paper to know this. Available online). Take any topic and write. Rewrite to check if you can make it better. Use varieties in your writing. Note down all the synonyms of common words. Try not to repeat words and paraphrase the sentences. It's very important to take some time to write down ideas before you actually start writing. This helps in managing your thoughts. Give at least 1 example of your opinion.
My questions which I can recall:
Section 1: Write a letter to your friend (colleague) who invited you to her farewell party but you cannot attend.
Mention the reason and why you enjoyed her company. Also, how you can be in touch with each other.
Section 2: More people are eating processed food than before. Is it good or bad?
4)Speaking: I know it's not simple to say but be calm. I tend to speak fast when I get nervous! So practice talking slowly and clearly. Take a topic and talk to your self if no one around. Record your answer and see where you are lacking. Minimize repeating words. Talk naturally as if you are explaining to your friend (helps with nervousness). In section 2 make sure you cover all the points asked. The best thing is to keep talking unless examiner stops you(at the end of 2 mins). Speak confidently !!!
Questions:
1) Basic introduction. If I am working or student. Do I like my work and why. If I am a patient person. Was I more patient before or now. What makes you impatient?
2) My topic was: mention a time when a friend didn't tell you the whole truth. Who was she/he? what was the topic? what you did when you found out. (Honestly, i could not make up a solid story but I tried to answer what I could and kept speaking till she stopped me).
3) General questions about honesty. Is it important? for the children? Do you think CCTV cameras help in preventing crimes? What effects it has on the privacy of individuals.
Contents:
1) Liz
2) Jay
3) Asad Yakub
4) Chris from IELTS advantage
5) Ramandeep Singh - Speaking
6) Mock test papers by Cambridge (Youtube)
7) I didnot buy any extra books. Only the ones which came after you register for the exam.
Don't get carried away with all the materials you get ol. Stick to authentic ones.
Long Post, Yes. I hope it answers your questions. !!
Practice a lot and change the method of studying which fits you better. Work more on your weak areas.
All very best!!
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