As the competition grows amongst students going abroad for higher education, students must find different ways to make their profiles stand out to admission committees beyond academics. This could be in the shape of unique extracurricular or athletic achievements, or by getting high scores in standardized tests or English Language Proficiency Tests. That’s right – a high score in recognized English Proficiency Tests like the IELTS exam is worth more than bragging rights. It’s a key to the most prestigious Universities across the world.
The IELTS Exam is a versatile tool that gauges the English levels of students, so that the intended institution understands whether applicants can keep up with the formal language used in classrooms. While the IELTS exam can be used in many different ways, this article will focus on the IELTS Academic exam and how students can prepare effectively to get a high score, from others who have previously conquered the exam.
5 Impactful IELTS Exam Tips From Former High Scorers
The main takeaway from students who achieve above a 7.5 band score in the IELTS exam is the importance of timing. Usually, the IELTS is attempted at a time when one may have a lot on their plate – whether that may be work, final examinations, or University admissions.
So, time becomes a precious resource, meaning that students must begin their IELTS preparation at least a couple of months before their attempt. Once that starts, toppers suggest that students use the strategies mentioned below.
1. Focus on the Weak Areas
Students may have unique contexts of the English language. While some may be avid readers, others may have familiarity with various accents due to consuming a wide range of media. However, it may be that they struggle with other aspects of formal English, like articulation or the written presentation of their ideas.
Additionally, being familiar with English skills in casual contexts is not the same as knowing them in formal contexts. So, toppers suggest spending more time building expertise on the aspects that are unfamiliar. Since the IELTS band score is made up of individual skill scores, this method gives students the best chances of getting a high band score.
2. Pay Attention to Listening and Reading Skills
The Listening and Reading sections of the IELTS exam are both scored objectively. Each of the 40 questions in both sections carries 1 mark, which means that even one wrong answer could drive down the overall band score of these sections. Students who solve these sections well have the chance to drive their score higher and stand the chance of scoring an 8-band to study in UK, USA, Australia, Canada, and other English-speaking study destinations.
3. Prepare Well for the Speaking Test
The Speaking section of the IELTS exam may be the shortest part, but it is reportedly the most difficult, even for students with a good command of the English language. It is important to practice for the Speaking section often, brushing up on different day-to-day topics in advance and working on articulation.
IELTS Examiners look for good vocabulary and usage of varied grammatical structures, as well as the student’s ability to describe and elaborate on a given topic. Articulation and coherence in terms of accent, speech, and tone are as important as the content. Students must also be careful not to rehearse or rote memorize speeches, as the examiner may dock points if the student does not sound natural.
4. Remember that the IELTS Exam is a Race Against Time
Students get around 2 hours and 45 minutes to complete the IELTS exam. While this may seem like plenty of time at the beginning, it really tends to race as the students starts each section. According to IELTS toppers, students must make use of IELTS practice tests to develop a pace and rhythm that stays consistent even under the pressure of a timed test. For Reading and Writing tasks, it is essential to finish earlier than the allotted time so that students can review the answers and correct any errors.
5. Make Formal English Part of Everyday Life
For students who have studied in educational institutions with English as a medium of instruction, the IELTS exam is not necessarily new territory. It builds upon bases they already know, especially if they consume English media. All they need to do is pay active attention to the nuances of the language in the books they read, movies they watch, and podcasts they listen to. This will also help them develop a context-based vocabulary that they can use during the IELTS exam.
To sum it up, the journey to a high IELTS score is paved by consistent practice, real-life integration of formal English, and staying confident and relaxed during the exam day. Students can learn how to build this confidence, access practice tests, and information about the IELTS exam fee from the best IELTS Coaching Academies nearby. These academies have seasoned faculty members and accessible, up-to-date study material for their upcoming attempt.
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