IELTS is a popular exam for people who want to study or work in an English-speaking environment. It tests your ability to use English at work or school, as well as your ability to use it socially and make yourself understood when traveling abroad.
What Is the IELTS Test?
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The complete form of IELTS is the International English Language Testing System. IELTS is a test that measures the English language skills of non-native speakers wishing to study or work in an English-speaking environment.
The IELTS test has four sections: Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening. For each test section, you can get a score between 0 and 9.
Top 10 Tips to Get a High Score in IELTS
The IELTS test is known to be one of the most challenging English as a Second Language (ESL) tests in the world.
While it does help you get into the country of your choice, reaching a high score on the IELTS can also help you receive more scholarships and grants to further your studies or training in that country.
To obtain the highest possible score on this challenging test, pay close attention to these top 10 tips to get a high score on IELTS.
1. Take Pre-Test Assessments
Part of knowing what you need to study is knowing how well you’re doing now. That’s why you must have someone assess your skills with Pre-Test Assessments before heading into practice tests.
These tests will help determine what areas you should devote your time towards. Make sure that when you study, you are focusing on areas where extra attention is needed!
2. Create a Study Plan
When getting ready for an English-language test like IELTS, the first thing you need to do is create a study plan. This can be as simple as writing down your resources, goals, and schedule or as detailed as listing out every class you’ll take and reading every page of every book you own.
The key here is consistency—the more regularity you can find in your learning process, the better your results. It would be best to remain organized while studying so you don’t fall behind and lose any steam; try using checklists, sticky notes, or anything else that will make sure nothing falls through the cracks.
Remember: there are no shortcuts for success! If something’s worth doing, it’s worth doing right.
3. Learn From Mistakes
Don’t be afraid of making mistakes when taking an exam like IELTS. Everyone makes mistakes, and as long as you learn from them, they are all worth it. Before you sit down for an exam like IELTS, you must read up on what can go wrong on such exams and how to avoid common mistakes.
Most people don’t consider these things when they take their exams, which can only end badly for them. A good idea is always having a practice run before your actual test date or even asking your friends if they would mind helping you with some mock tests beforehand.
The more practice you get before your actual test date, the higher score you are likely to achieve on that day!
4. Familiarize Yourself With the Format
Before taking an exam, it’s essential to be familiar with its format. IELTS is multiple-choice, but there are other elements to consider, such as essay questions and speaking evaluations. If you know what’s coming your way, you can focus your preparation efforts accordingly.
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) has four sections: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. The score for each section is reported separately on a 9-band scale from 1-9. A person who takes all four sections receives an overall score out of 9.
To get high scores in IELTS, take each section one at a time and study that section specifically before moving on to another component of testing.
5. Play Games for Fluency Practice
Fluency doesn’t just happen. You need to practice speaking English with native speakers—and you need to do it often. The best way to do that is through games. By playing games and having fun, you can practice using English words in everyday situations.
It doesn’t have to be serious; try playing charades or Pictionary with your friends. If you don’t have anyone nearby who speaks English, consider joining a meetup group where you can make new friends who share your interests and help each other learn.
It takes time, but if you keep at it, eventually, your fluency will improve!
6. Start Early
First, it’s best to take an English as a Second Language (ESL) course before you even think about taking an official test like IELTS. Before you sign up for that first class, go online and read up on some tips that can help you prepare for your test.
You’ll also need time to learn English grammar rules and practice using them so that when you walk into your test center, everything is second nature. Start early and get feedback from teachers or peers so that by test day, you’re ready.
7. Track your progress
Every time you take an English proficiency test, it’s important to track your progress and reflect on how you did. Some important things to consider as you think about how to get a high score in IELTS are: –
- How does your score compare with your past results?
- What are your strengths and weaknesses?
- How much preparation went into your last test?
By tracking your progress, you can figure out what helps get that high score and make sure those elements remain consistent throughout the preparation. Skipping steps or not preparing adequately could lead to lower scores over time.
8. Get Good Sleep Before Test Day
It’s tempting to stay up late cramming, but don’t do it. Sleeping gives your brain time to rest and process what you’ve learned. Your body needs sleep as well, so make sure you get at least 6 hours of sleep before your test day.
Drink Water: You may think you don’t need water for a test that only lasts about two hours, but you do. Dehydration can cause headaches and fatigue — which is not how you want to feel when taking an exam!
Keep a bottle of water nearby; sip from it regularly to help keep yourself hydrated. Start On Time: Even if other students show up late for their tests, resist the urge to follow suit.
9. Don’t Skip Class
One of the most common mistakes people make on getting an advanced level on their IELTS test is skipping class. Understandably, you might be nervous, but even if you don’t feel like you understand everything, it will do more harm than good to skip class.
This can cause issues with your exam because you won’t be prepared for what’s expected of you, leading to a lower score. If time allows, go back and review previous lectures to cover all of your bases before taking your exam.
10. Learn More Vocabulary with Synonyms
Many international students who are taking standardized tests such as the TOEFL and IELTS must learn all of their vocabulary words.
In fact, for anyone who wants to succeed on these exams, learning vocabulary must be one of their top priorities. The problem for most students is that there are too many words on these lists and not enough time.
One way around that problem is by learning more vocabulary through synonyms. Students will often discover dozens or even hundreds of synonyms for any given the word because they know how to look them up properly.
Conclusion
What You Should Know Before Taking an English Test (hint: grammar isn’t everything): You need more than just grammar in any English test.
The big tip here is that your ability to use language and structure intelligently will ultimately determine your score. Take your time on each task, so you don’t feel rushed or pressured into making mistakes.
If you can do these things, several websites are out there with high-score tips for specific tests.
Azizul Hakim is the founder & CEO of englishfinders.com. He is a passionate writer, English instructor, and content creator. He has completed his graduation and post-graduation in English language and literature.
