IELTS preparation tips from winners

Hi everyone, this is Simone and today I would like you to meet someone special.

Goodness Okeke is a proud Nigerian woman, a native Igbo speaker, a new mum to a 5-week-old baby, AND a very successful IELTS test taker.

I was delighted to hear about her success when Goodness sent her IELTS score and asked to participate in our monthly IELTS results competition. Not only did she score Band 8.0 overall, but also got a Band 8.5 in Reading and an amazing 9 in Listening!

In her winner’s interview Goodness shared the simple steps she took to prepare for the test that ensured her success:

“My advice to everyone out there preparing for IELTS exam is first to understand that to pass the exam, you need to use the right resources. Not everything online is genuine. Most are targeted to extort money from test takers. I used resources from Simone Braverman and I am glad I did.

For Listening, you must avoid distraction at all cost. You must listen attentively not just for answers, but for every word.

For Reading, time management is very, very important, hence it is advisable to use skimming and scanning techniques to save time whenever you can. Know the question types these techniques can be used for and practice in applying them as much as you can.

For Writing, first you need to understand what you are expected to write. Don’t just rush into writing. Take your time to plan and prepare what to write. Writing without preparation often leads to lots of error. The examiner is looking out for these errors. Write legibly and ensure you write above the word limit.

For Speaking, practice different IELTS Speaking topics every day and while doing so record yourself, then listen to the recording, do some corrections and speak again.

Above all, you must not give up. Keep pushing until you get desired score!”

Thank you so much Goodness for taking the time to help everyone, and we wish you and your young family all the very best!

Hello everyone, Simone here, and today I’d like you to meet Ziaad Nuseeb from Mauritius. When Ziaad sent his IELTS test results to enter our monthly IELTS results competition, I had a feeling he was going to win, because he received a Band 8 overall – with an epic 8.5 in Reading!

Ziaad credits a big part of his success to our High Scorer’s Choice practice test series. When he purchased the books, he wrote to us and said, “Thank you a lot Simone and Robert. Very good materials indeed. I finally bought them and am convinced it was a good decision.”

But Ziaad’s own efforts were just as important! He put in the hard work and used these books like a champ. Talk about dedication paying off! His story is a massive inspiration for anyone preparing for IELTS, showing that with the right study resources, you can reach for the stars.

In his winner’s interview Ziaad shared the important parts of his journey that brought him that impressive Band 8.0. These things really aren’t hard to do, but look where they can get you!

Ziaad said,

“First of all I wish to thank you for your materials which were really helpful for exam preparation.

Tips

1. Be a voracious reader. Keep reading different texts in different contexts.

2. Attempt all practice exams. Correct them and repeat. Find your weaknesses and keep improving.

3. Listen to BBC world and CNN news regularly. Select and listen to British, Canadian, Australian and American accent. Keep practicing the listening tests until you achieve more than 8.5.

4. Attempt a range of writing practices in different contexts and topics. Let knowledgeable peoplecorrect your tasks.

5. Speak with friends and teachers by practicing the materials provided: at least 10-15 tests.

Once again its hard work which pays off at the end of the day. Perseverance and determination are the keys. Never give up. I did that and I was successful.”

In a world where being an English language pro can open doors, Ziaad’s triumph is a reminder that hard work, mixed with killer study resources, is a surefire recipe for success.

Congratulations on your massive success, Ziaad!