An exemplary IELTS score is essential to turn your study abroad dream true. Achieving an IELTS band of 8 and above is of great value. However, most test-takers slip up on the fact that IELTS is a test of one’s English with no tricks, cheats, or shortcuts. You solely have to have a certain level of English ability.
How is the IELTS scored?
The IELTS grades are summed up and averaged to give an overall score. The overall score is rounded to the nearest half-point. Note that the grade will be rounded up rather than down.
What is an IELTS Band 8?
A band 8 candidate is a “very good user” of English. The British Council states that a candidate scoring band 8 and above have a fully operational command of the language with only occasional unsystematic inaccuracies and inappropriate usage who handle complex detailed argumentation well.
How to score 8 bands + in IELTS Exam?
All four sections (Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking) are of equal importance and play a vital role in the computation of the overall IELTS score. One needs to ace all four sections to secure IELTS band 8 or more.
1. Acing the Listening Section:
i) Vocabulary is the key to excel in the listening section. Read as many references as possible. Inculcate the habit to write down the quirky terms you come across, to help you recall them throughout the test.
ii) Pay heed to the flow of the spoken material’s content with an attempt to summarize the material provided. Pen down the main ideas and write the primary synopsis with that outline. Rehearse regularly to get an idea of how to better understand each spoken word.
iii) Pay heed to words throughout the entire passage stipulating a definite portrayal. The most important portions to be identified are introductions, major steps, ideas, and conclusions. Develop a comprehension to decipher the flow of the spoken content.
iv) As a test tasker, it is of prime importance to be well versed in assessing the purpose of the speech or the conversation.
2. Nailing the Reading section:
i) Time management is one of the most important parts of this test. A strict time limit tests your abilities to complete each task timely. Quick reading ability will help you find the answers enabling you to scan the passage quickly.
ii) Skimming is the basic strategy of reading a paragraph in order to answer the questions. Scanning is the basic ability to locate every information quickly. Always skim-read the passage in 3 to 4 minutes and mark the relevant parts and keywords while reading the passage.
iii) There are approximately 16 questions grouped into three categories: local, global, and cluster. This knowledge will not only save time but will also assist in providing accurate answers.
iv) Strong grammar can help in identifying the proper solution in a short amount of time.
v) Every query contains a set of keywords that are to be fully used in order to get an answer.
3. Acing the Writing Section:
i) Provide the perfect answer to the question that is easy to read. The distinctiveness of your responses and a full-proof approach will become one of the most important factors in your overall test score improvement.
ii) Write a descriptive paper while keeping the word count and fulfilling the goal of writing fewer words.
iii) Expand your lexical. Inculcate new vocab as the test assesses your overall ability to capture English
4. Nailing the Speaking Section:
i) Place emphasis on flawless pronunciation and not on the accent because the examiner understands that you are not a native English speaker.
ii) Speak confidently, without hesitation, and avoid using fillers to make a significant difference in your total score. To make your answer stronger, try to avoid fillers and jargon, instead use idioms and phrases.
iii) Pronouncing a word flatly or monotonously makes the examiner miss out on important information. Proper speaking techniques, emphasis on keywords, and voice modulation help create a lasting impact on the examiner’s mind.
Edwise offers IELTS Coaching. Get in touch with us to prepare for these exams from the comfort of your homes. For further assistance or queries you can contact us, Edwise International, and avail for our wide range of services for students on destinations like Universities in UK, study in USA, study in Canada, study in Australia, study in New Zealand, Study in Ireland, study in Singapore and many other countries.