The IELTS test is considered a standard to measure proficiency in the English language, and is used by countless educational institutions around the world. Obtaining the much desired Band 9 rating is difficult, but not impossible. Below, you will find valuable recommendations to achieve it…
Forget your Spanglish
Also known as Latin English, you must learn to speak without expressions or words invented by your countrymen. Tell your friends to correct you, and even set a fine that you must pay each time you express yourself incorrectly. If you are not sure of your pronunciation, consult a dictionary or online translator, and it is also useful to record yourself and then ask a teacher to point out your mistakes.
Watch TV series and talk shows
It’s the right time to watch all the episodes of Friends , Sex & The City , CSI and many others that you missed and fervently want to enjoy. A movie marathon will allow you to improve your English, learn new expressions and understand different accents. Trying to imitate the intonations is extremely useful.
listen to the examples
Although we are used to greeting with a How are you today? , it is not easy to understand the same expression when said by an Australian: How are you to-dieee? Their accent differs greatly from American or British, and you should be prepared for any choice when it comes to taking IELTS. Search the Internet for model questions, so you can be able to identify words and expressions with which you are not familiar. You can also listen to radio or podcast on various topics.
Focus and look at the time
The IELTS reading section is tough. Dedicate 30 minutes to the text, and the remaining half hour to answer the questions. Check the available time regularly, and don’t forget to read the instructions. Sometimes the prompts are a bit tricky, requiring you to differentiate between words and phrases in each answer. Be confident and keep a steady pace. If you’re not sure of an answer, move on and come back when you’re done.
Read, read, read
To do well on the written exam, you need to read to expand your knowledge and ideas. Read articles, newspapers, books, newspapers… Anything in English that falls into your hands. This is the perfect way to improve your writing style, and it will help you reduce your response time by preventing you from racking your brain trying to write coherent text.
Practice makes perfect
If you establish a consistent writing routine, your self-expression skills will grow exponentially. Likewise, your vocabulary and mastery of grammar will benefit, as well as your ability to structure sentences. Give yourself at least three weekly writing assignments before you take the test.
