Thread by @iGhillli

I have got few requests to share my IELTS experience and tips to achieve 7+ band. First of all, I have taken overall 8 band in IELTS General Training, but I think you can make use of the below thread for IELTS – Academic as well.

(1/n)

Attempt : 01
TestDate : July 07th 2019.
Overall 8.0
Listening 8.5
Reading 7.0
Writing 7.5
Speaking 8.0

(2/n)

Time taken for preparation: 2 months
Avg : 2 hrs/day (Extra effort during weekends).
First I booked the exam and locked the exam dates, so I can focus on the preparation with clear timeline.
Target : Band 8 (For all sections, sadly I din’t get that in 2 sections)

(3/n)

I had no option of Computer based, so I had taken paper based exam.
It’s been 11 years since I wrote 100+ words using pen/pencil, so I had to practice my handwriting also. 3 things I had improvised in those 2 months: English, handwriting and IELTS test taking skill.

(4/n)

Day 1 : Taken IELTS sample test to understand where I am. Failed miserably, I din’t even get to complete all 4 sections.
Atleast, was able to understand the IELTS test format.

(5/n)

Slowly, eased myself in studies with YouTube videos. Tons of channels out there, listing down my favorite channels.
E2 IELTS – A big shout to Jay, he is the best.
IELTS Liz – Her website is also awesome.
Thank a lot @e2language Jay and @IeltsLiz Liz!! Rock on!!

(6/n)

Started writing essays and letters everyday. At the end of preparations, I had written 30+ letters and 15+ essays.
Once again, a big thanks to Jay, his YT videos helped me gain some confidence on writing.

(7/n)

Week 3: I was doing my preparations in a non organised manner.
If I would have continued this approach, I am sure I could have ended up with overall 5.5/6 band. My colleague suggested me to take up @Magoosh package and I had taken premium pack for $39. worth every penny!

(8/n)

Via magoosh practice only I understood that, am making lot of spelling and silly mistakes. I even made mistake writing “February”, Due to auto correction in electronic mediums, I never noticed this. I focused and improved my spelling and silly mistakes.

(9/n)

Then noticed, many grammatical mistakes in writing. Struggled to fix the errors initially, "Learn ALL TENSES Easily in 30 Minutes" video-From Learn English Lab YT channel was a savior. It improved grammar skill from 40% to 70% in a week. Thanks @LearnEnglishLab Ganesh !

(10/n)

Last 2 weeks, I started taking complete IELTS mock tests, sat for 3 hours and completed all sections end to end.
Some from magoosh, some from KAPLAN IELTS books.

In quick summary, Practice, Practice.
Found out my problem areas and worked on it.

(11/n)

Supplementary websites, which I used.
Testbig.com,
Engvid.com.

Other simple things, which I did to improve my english skills.
Listen to BBC and NPR radios.

(12/n)

My wife, who was the pillar of my success. She was the one who motivated me. She was my teacher, co-student, friend and made sure the overall process was a fun filled one rather than a boring academic test.
I can’t thank her enough !! Lots of love

(13/13)

Hope this thread can help someone. Now I need a help :) Anyone knows a professor/official staff in Anna university, Chennai ?! I just need few information from the @aufastupdates office.