IELTS preparation tips from winners

We all love success stories, perhaps because they present an opportunity for us to follow the same path. Today we’re delighted to share with you Sabiha’s story of how she overcame the difficulties and improved her IELTS result from Band 6.5 to 8. Strict IELTS examiners in London did not break her spirit!

Sabiha is a lovely 30 year old lady (an Urdu native speaker, originally from Pakistan) and one of our IELTS results competition winners. Here is what she said about her IELTS journey:

“This was my third attempt in IELTS, previously two overall band scores were 7 and then unfortunately 6.5 – which led me to work very hard this time as I wanted no loopholes in my effort. Finally I was successful in leaving quite an impression on my native English Speaking examiners in London.

To show proficiency in a language in an English speaking country is one very important factor, according to my experience – but the most important thing is to follow the techniques fully as the test itself is very tricky, especially in Reading. Guessing the answer actually doesn’t work. One has to have a very good reading comprehension along with the Skimming and Scanning techniques. I scored 7.5 in Reading and to be honest, I have literally worked for 8 months, only on Reading.

One of my friends here took IELTS last year. She had prepared for her test through “Ace The IELTS” and I think I was very fortunate to have this valuable book that really strengthened my skills all the way through. My Reading score in the last two tests was 6 and I was desperate to improve it, and this book gave me the confidence I wanted. Thanks for that.

For Listening, it’s all about how one utilises the time as well as having a sharp Listening comprehension. Always try to take a bird’s eye view of the next session when you get the time to check your answers. I scored 8 in it.

Writing is just about being focused on the topic. A good introduction, level-headed and logical arguments (in favour or against) and a very proper conclusion, with variety of words is the key.

Lastly, Speaking is though the easiest but a well-assessed test. Within 12 minutes, the examiner judges the candidate’s ability to give an opinion, to make comparisons and their overall language communication. I got 9 here.”

The 1st place winners of our IELTS Results competition, Felix and Sandra, who scored band 8.5 and 8 in the IELTS exam asked to share their tips for success with everyone. Enjoy!

Felix said:

“I guess it helped that I had some colleagues in the language school I used to work in help me before I took the test. I will say that there’s no shortcut to achieving a good band score in IELTS. It takes hard work and perseverance. Kind of ‘old school’ – but that’s that. Grab reputable Cambridge materials and STUDY!

I spent 2-3 hours a day for a month preparing for the test (except Saturdays and sometimes Sundays when my Aussie friends would pull me out for a few beers!) The IELTS exam requires strategy and a good tutor can help you through your preparation stage. Most important: relax! Being nervous has never helped anyone in anything and that’s what I tell all my students.”

Sandra said:

“Well, first off I’ve been studying English for a while now and what helped me most was reading I guess.

I read a lot of English novels, and when I see a word I don’t understand I stop and check in a dictionary and then check its usage in the book. I also try to put these new words into my everyday speech so I won’t forget them, slowly building up my vocabulary. I also read a lot of grammar books written for younger kids, there’s one in particular that really helped me , ‘Brighter Grammar’.

I also watch American movies, it might be hard to follow at first for a new English speaker but after a few months or weeks depending on the person, it usually gets easier. Also if someone is Indian for instance, and there are Indian movies with subtitles in English, that would also help.

Speak, speak, speak. If you don’t practice a language you’ll lose it. Try as much as possible to speak English for at least 2 hours a day if you can’t speak it all day.

I guess that’s it. Nothing truer than the saying “Practice makes perfect” when it comes to learning the English language.”