Skip to content

Simone Braverman

Simone Braverman is the founder of IELTS-Blog.com and the author of several renowned IELTS preparation books, including Ace the IELTS, Target Band 7, the High Scorer's Choice practice test series, and IELTS Success Formula. Since 2005, Simone has been committed to making IELTS preparation accessible and effective through her books and online resources. Her work has helped 100,000's of students worldwide achieve their target scores and live their dream lives. When Simone isn't working on her next IELTS book, video lesson, or coaching, she enjoys playing the guitar or rollerblading.

Sara’s IELTS Success Story: Juggling Family and Study to Hit A Band 8

IELTS High Scorer's Advice Band 8 Tips May 2024

Every IELTS success story has something special about it, from personal dedication to smart study strategies. Today I would like you to meet my student Sara and learn about her inspiring journey. Balancing a demanding job and a new baby, Sara didn’t just take on the IELTS – she nailed it, scoring an impressive Overall Band 8.

Getting to Know Sara

Sara was up against it from the start, balancing her career with caring for a 4-month-old. But her strategic approach to studying for the IELTS really paid off.

Here’s How She Did It

Listening 8.5: At work, Sara’s day-to-day involves chatting with people from all over, which really tuned her ear into different accents—a big plus for the IELTS listening test. She also hammered out practice tests from our High Scorer’s Choice Set 1 book. Her motto? “Practice makes progress”, and it certainly rang true, helping her ace the listening section.

Reading 8.0: Sara was all about soaking up as many tips as she could from other test-takers (posted on IELTS-Blog.com) and diving deep into practice with loads of Cambridge test books. She tackled a ton of Academic reading too, even though she was preparing for General Training IELTS. When you prepare for a harder test, you do really well in an easier one!

Writing 7.0: Writing was a tough nut to crack for Sara, but she didn’t shy away from it. Two key things that made a big difference were learning from our teachers’ feedback and using vocab + sentence structures from sample essays. As a result, Sara pulled off a score she once thought was just a dream!

Speaking 8.0: Limited time meant Sara couldn’t practice with cue cards as much as she’d have liked. Yet, she nailed the speaking part by giving solid answers that showed off her conversation skills.

Sara’s Takeaway

Looking back, Sara says, “Writing was my biggest weakness. However, I am so fortunate that I found your website and I opted for your writing correction service. Additionally, I followed your advice and sample essays and scored a Band 7 in writing (my dream score in Writing!). I am so happy that I managed to get the score I wanted in the IELTS, even with a baby on board!”. Her story is a fantastic reminder that with the right help and smart planning, you can overcome the odds.

Wrap-Up

Sara’s story isn’t just about impressive scores; it’s about managing life’s responsibilities while chasing big goals. Her experience proves yet again that determination and the right support will take you all the way to success.

If you’re aiming to mirror Sara’s achievement, remember that a realistic study plan, regular practice, and professional feedback are your best friends. Let Sara’s story inspire you to go after your own IELTS goals!

Best IELTS test result May 2023

New IELTS questions from Australia – May 2024 (Academic Module)

Latest IELTS Academic Questions Australia May 2024

Our student AK shared the writing questions from a recent IELTS exam in Australia:

Writing test

Writing task 1 (a report)

The graph below provides information on car ownership by UK households between 1971 and 2001.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

IELTS Writing Task 1 Car Ownership UK

* Note: this isn’t the original chart given in the test, it was recreated for the purpose of demonstration.

Writing task 2 (an essay)

In many different countries, shops and products are the same. Some people think it is a positive development, while others believe it is a negative development.

Discuss both the views and give your opinion.