Thread by @TundeTASH

Planning on talking the IELTS exam?

Here are few tips on how I got an overall band score of 8.0 and CEFR Level C1 (Advanced English User).

Perhaps, some points here can help.

Things is, I have seen folks score even 8.5 or 9.0.

It’s doable and if one approaches it practically, you’d get a score that increases your chances of schooling abroad or migrating.

This applies to both the Academic and General IELTS.

1. Listening:

The listening part is a tricky part of the exam. Tricky in the sense that if your state of mind is not present in the exam room. It's a problem.

Forget the person owing you money. Forget the food you left in the fridge.

Your focus level has to be about 110%.

As you’d see it on the instruction, the narration won’t be repeated.

So, there won’t be anything like please play/repeat that part again. Hence, paying attention to the details of the info given by the narrator is key.

Write your answers to the questions of what is being narrated. This will help in case you forget main points while listening.

Giving a precise 1 or 2 word answer is key. Don’t go ‘oversabi’ and be writing all the sentences the narrator said. Just the key answers to the questions

2. Reading

For the reading part, this is where your speed reading skills must come to play.

There are various passages that has to be read, and you can’t afford to waste time on just one. However, ensure you read to understand.

Reading to understand the 'question' is also important.

This is because some of the questions might come off as not related to the passage, but that is done to confuse you. Remember also that different questions require different approach. So, be strategic about it.

3. Writing

Here, I goofed a little and here’s why. You need to use your paragraphs skillfully to convey several key ideas. Don’t go rambling and scattering your key ideas all over your write up.

If you are convenient with using less-common vocab naturally, then go for it. Don’t go Senator Patrick Obahiagbon on your write up because you want them to know you attended Kings College.

Life is not that complicated.

Remember simplicity is key. If you deliver your points in a precise and concise way, then you are good. Also, if there is a topic you are familiar with, go for it.

Don’t go with topics you assume the examiner will find interesting. What he/she is interested in is your grammar.

4. Speaking

To me, this category is added for you to shine, but you must do so in a relaxed way. When the interviewer gives you a topic to talk about and gives you some minutes to prep, don’t be thinking of big words in your head.

Think more of your points
Think of the fluency of your English
Think of your answers

Also, relax and enjoy yourself. Smile when talking and don’t rush yourself. Let it flow. When I had mine, it was like I was ‘gisting’ with the examiner, like we were on a coffee break.

Finally, practice as much as you can before going for your exam.

People will tell you the exam is easy. Yes, it is. But don’t be forming 'I Too Know' and let your money and time go down the drain.

There are lots of IELTS practice materials online. Practice as many as possible. For the speaking test, practice with your friends, siblings or colleagues as it eases any tension you might have.

Aim for 9.0. If it doesn’t work, you’d probably fall on 8.5 or 8.0.

All the best!