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IELTS Preparation tips

The best ways to study for the four IELTS sub-tests: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking

The Game Changer Tip for a Band 7+ in IELTS Speaking

The One Tip for a Band 7+ in IELTS Speaking That Makes All the Difference

One major problem test takers face is being thrown off by a question on a subject they don’t know much about or aren’t interested in. For example, if you don’t follow sports or art, a question on these topics can catch you off guard. This is why practicing speaking on unfamiliar subjects is so important.

You need a solid vocabulary and the ability to chat about a bunch of different topics confidently. One great way to boost your performance is by practicing speaking on topics you don’t like or aren’t familiar with. This can really help expand your vocabulary and make sure you’re prepared for any question that comes your way.

Understanding the Challenge

The IELTS Speaking test is all about showing that you can communicate in English on a variety of topics. Most students tend to stick to subjects they are comfortable with, but that can leave you unprepared for the unexpected. The topics you don’t like or know little about are probably the ones you rarely talk about. Because of this, you might lack the vocabulary and ideas needed to talk about them fluently.

Why Practice Unfamiliar Topics?

1. To Expand Your Vocabulary

When you step out of your comfort zone, you come across new words and phrases you wouldn’t normally use. This helps you build a richer vocabulary and ensures you can handle questions on a wide range of subjects in the Speaking test.

2. To Build Confidence

Confidence is super important for the IELTS Speaking test. Practicing tough topics makes you more comfortable discussing different subjects. When you aren’t tense or nervous, you are able to think and speak better, and that will positively impact your score.

3. To Improve Idea Generation

Talking about topics you’re not familiar with forces you to think on your feet and generate ideas quickly. This skill is really valuable during the test when you might face an unexpected question. The more you practice, the better you’ll get at coming up with ideas on the spot.

How to Practice Unfamiliar Topics in 3 Steps

1. Visit our list of the most recently asked IELTS questions
2. Choose a set of questions on a topic you DON’T like
3. Start talking, and when you run into trouble, learn the vocab you are missing

Bonus Tip: become a member of the IELTS-Blog VIP Club to read Band 8 answers on all the popular IELTS Speaking topics.

What are some Speaking topics you absolutely HATE? Let me know in the comments!

STOP Doing This if You Want a Band 7 in IELTS Reading

STOP Doing This if You Want a Band 7 in IELTS Reading

Achieving a Band 7 or higher in the IELTS Reading test can be challenging, especially if you’re blindly relying on advice without knowing WHEN to use it. One common piece of advice that many test-takers follow is to underline keywords in the questions and scan the text for those exact words. If you’re aiming for a Band 7 or higher, you need to STOP following this advice. Here’s why.

IELTS Reading is More Than Just a Vocabulary Test

IELTS Reading is not just about recognising words; it’s about understanding how words and ideas are presented in different ways. The most challenging parts of the Reading test, such as Part 3 / Passage 3, often require a deeper level of comprehension.

The Problem with Keyword Scanning

When you’re tackling the harder texts, you might not find the exact keywords from the questions in the text. Instead, you’ll encounter synonyms. If you’re solely looking for exact keywords, you might miss the information entirely because those specific words just aren’t there.

For example, consider the question:

Question: Cheaper prices can be achieved with insurance salesmen through ____________.

If you were to scan the text for “cheaper prices” or “insurance salesmen,” you might not find those exact phrases. Instead, the text might say:

Text: “Most good brokers will be able to combine the various insurances that you feel your business needs. These will be tailored to businesses and will include things like monthly premiums. Don’t just buy the first one you find. Shop around and don’t be afraid to try negotiation with brokers – they want your business and will do you a deal that will save you money.”

In this case, “cheaper prices” is synonymous with “save you money,” and “insurance salesmen” are referred to as “brokers.”

Recognise Synonyms and Read in Detail

To succeed in the IELTS Reading test, you need to recognise the synonyms of the words from the questions and read the text in detail. This approach will help you find all the correct answers.

Key Strategies:

1. Identify the Right Paragraph: Look for the paragraph that is most likely to contain the answer.
2. Read in Detail: Once you find the right paragraph, read it carefully to understand the context and identify synonyms.
3. Be Aware of Synonyms: Understand that synonyms might be used in place of the exact keywords. For example, if the question mentions “cheaper prices,” the text might say “save you money.”

Example Analysis

Let’s break down the example provided earlier:

Question: Cheaper prices can be achieved with insurance salesmen through ____________.

Text: “Most good brokers will be able to combine the various insurances that you feel your business needs. These will be tailored to businesses and will include things like monthly premiums. Don’t just buy the first one you find. Shop around and don’t be afraid to try negotiation with brokers – they want your business and will do you a deal that will save you money.”

Analysis:

  • Cheaper prices: Synonym is “save you money.”
  • Insurance salesmen: Referred to as “brokers.”
  • Achieved through: The action to be taken is “negotiation.”

So, the answer to the question would be “negotiation”.

To Sum Up

To achieve a Band 7 or higher in the IELTS Reading test, you need to move beyond scanning for keywords and focus on understanding the text in detail. Recognise synonyms and comprehend the context to find the correct answers. By refining your approach and enhancing your vocabulary skills, you can significantly improve your performance and reach your desired band score.