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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.

Raksha’s IELTS Journey from Practice to Perfection with an Overall 8.5 Score

IELTS High Scorer's Advice Band 8.5 Tips July 2024

Wondering how other people achieve great IELTS scores in a short time? Strategic preparation and the right resources play a big role. Just look at Raksha, who nailed an overall band of 8.5. Her journey offers some smart strategies that could work for you, too.

How Raksha Prepared for Success

There were 3 main things that made a difference:

1. Consistent Practice
Diving into the IELTS with both feet, Raksha used the practice tests from the High Scorer’s Choice books, Set 1 and 7, to their fullest. By hitting 2-3 tests each week for a month before her exam, she stayed on top of her game.

2. Key Insights for Writing
It wasn’t just about practicing; it was about practicing right. Raksha found gold in the “Target Band 7” IELTS strategy book. It saved her when she almost ran out of time in her writing task. The book’s tips on what examiners look for and common pitfalls helped her get a Band 7.0 in writing, even under pressure.

3. Learning from Examples
The sample essays in the practice test answer keys weren’t just answers – they served as guides to writing well. Raksha used them as a benchmark, to know what to aim for in her own essays.

Raksha Recommends

Not one to keep good things to herself, Raksha shared her opinion about ‘Target Band 7’ on Amazon with a 5-star review that sums it all up: “Great for passing the IELTS”. She said, “I used this book to practice for the IELTS exam last month. The tips and examples are great and have helped me achieve an 8.5 overall result and a 7.0 in the writing part. I recommend it!” (translated from Spanish, below)
Target Band 7 book 5-star review

One email that says it all

“Dear Simone, Thank you again for your kindness and help. I passed the IELTS with an 8.5 overall score.”

This email from Raksha is more than just a thank-you note: it shows how crucial effective coaching was to her outstanding IELTS success. Raksha’s story is all the proof you need that the right approach, expert help and materials are key to acing the IELTS.

The big takeaway

If your IELTS is around the corner, remember Raksha’s method: focused prep, insightful resources, and keeping cool under exam pressure.

Cheers to Raksha for her fantastic achievement!

IELTS test in India – July 2024 (General Training)

IELTS General Training India Latest Questions July 2024

Our generous student remembered and shared the recent Writing task 1 and task 2 questions from her General Training IELTS exam in India:

Writing test

Writing task 1 (a letter)

You are an office manager in a small branch of a company. You need to purchase new stationery supplies for your office. Write a letter to the head office of your company.

In your letter

– Explain why you need to purchase new stationery
– Provide details of the items you need to buy
– Ask about the procedure for ordering these supplies

Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:
Dear Sir / Madam,

Writing task 2 (an essay)

Some people think that the best way to improve road safety is to increase the minimum legal age for driving a car or motorbike. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.