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IELTS Test Results competition

Inspiration and commitment help Pauline get Band 7.5 in IELTS

Today we are delighted to share a success story of Pauline O. from Nigeria. Unlike people who find themselves taking IELTS repeatedly, trying to get their desired score, Pauline took the exam for the first time and got Band 7.5. Here is how she explains her success:

Band 7.5 in IELTS“Inspiration and commitment were the two keys that helped me get a good IELTS score as a first timer. I saw results in the IELTS-Blog Hall of Fame and I said to myself “If they can do it, then so can I” – plus I also applied tips from the winners and today I’m one of them.

The most tricky part for me was the Reading test. I realized an attempt to read the entire passage before answering meant I would never finish so I devised a means of simply picking the answers out of the passage through scanning.

For the Speaking test, confidence and lots of words are the key while making sure your pronunciation is correct. Even if the answer to a question is not correct, it’s your English that is being tested and not really your knowledge on the question asked, so never keep quiet. Keep talking and remember to breathe so you don’t fumble with words.

As for the Writing part, you have to be sure to address exactly what is asked, in clear language, be it data or an essay topic or a letter. Also, don’t forget to use appropriate punctuation marks because I sure did.

Despite scoring a 7.5 on the Listening, “Never touch your headphones” is what I’ll say to myself if I ever have to write IELTS again – considering the sad fact that I lost some listening time to that. Watch lots of English movies too, it’s fun. However, the most important thing is to clear your mind and pay utter attention because a split second matters. If you do miss an answer though, don’t panic, rather move on or you’ll miss the next one.

Lastly, positive thinking is everything! I was so scared of the reading part and it was my lowest. Invest your time while preparing for your IELTS and have fun doing it. Read novels, blogs or magazines in English, play music in English, chat in English, try scrabble.

P.S. You could try timing yourself, but I didn’t do that. In my opinion, if you just get good at it, then you’ll finish in record time. Let it be all about English, at least for that period of preparation, and then write your way to success. Good luck everyone!”

Taking IELTS on short notice? Roshni from Pakistan (Band 8.5) shares tips:

Roshni Haye is a lovely lady in her 20s, from Pakistan (she speaks Urdu as a first language). Her IELTS score – Band 8.5 – put her in the spotlight and gave everyone the opportunity to learn from her experience.

Here is what Roshni thinks can help other test takers to raise their IELTS score:

Band 9 in IELTS“I would say familiarising oneself with the paper pattern is a highly essential practice. It was of immense help to me as I had to sit the IELTS examination on a short notice. In this manner, you are able to focus all your energy on what is required of you and practice for it much more efficiently.

Secondly, for the Speaking component, it is crucial for the candidate to remember that their ability to hold up a conversation fluently, is what counts the most. For this, rehearsing either on your own or with a friend, is recommended. Once your fluency improves, your chances of scoring a higher band do as well. However, one must remember that grammar and vocabulary are to be taken into account, too.

Reading and Writing require practice, just as everything else does. So investing in IELTS past papers is of great help. Time yourself and practice as many past papers as you possibly can. This will give you a good understanding of what may be asked of you in the exam, and will build up your speed. Also, reading those passages will further polish your comprehension skills.

For Writing, it is imperative to remember to not deviate from the topic, avoid repetition, and to sound coherent throughout the piece. The points you want to elaborate upon should be lucid in your mind when you start out. Again, practice is of the essence.

Lastly, for the Listening exam, listen to previous recordings or sample recordings available online and see how well you catch on with the accents that may be used. Then listen to a variety of clips or perhaps watch videos or a movie without subtitles and try to catch on (if you feel like you require it).

During the exam, read the questions carefully so you know where every answer goes, when the recording plays and follow the instructions carefully.”