How to Score High in IELTS

Are you struggling with IELTS preparation? In Nepal, the average score that Nepalese students achieve is 6-7 band scores. But in order to pursue an undergraduate (Bachelors) and graduate (Masters) degree abroad, you are required to score high in IELTS. With the increase in the number of Nepalese students who plan to study abroad, IELTS preparation classes are in demand. Keystone Global Network offers students a complete preparation package that will make you into an expert after just a few classes!

There are four categories in IELTS to test your language skills:

• Speaking
• Listening
• Reading
• Writing

It can be difficult to achieve a high band score, when you’re not a native english speaker BUT it is not impossible. Students can enhance their ability to score a high band in IELTS, with this ‘How to Prepare?’

Since IELTS is fully based in the English language, some of us tend to take it easy. We like to cram as much information as possible the night before the test date. That’s a big NO if you want a good band score. Tips for preparation has been broken down based on the 4 different IELTS tests:

The most guaranteed tip is to PRACTICE. Speaking

The speaking test involves communicating face to face with an examiner. It tests your ability to present your confidence while speaking English. Keep in mind that, everything you say in the test will be recorded for remarking so you need to think carefully about your answer. Don’t be pressured! This is an informal session. The questions asked cover easy topics like ‘your opinion on a relevant matter, your favourite memories during childhood, your likes and dislikes or your future plans’.

• Practicing a set of possible questions with your friend can help you test your ability to speak with another speaker.
• Practice speaking in front of the mirror or someone to check your confidence.
• Focus on fluency and pronunciation.
• Don’t be ashamed of your accent. It is natural for all human beings. Show that you are confident of your accent.
• You will be given some time to brainstorm ideas in the second half. You get a note to write down points that you will speak. Use that time and note to come up with several ways to make your story convincing.

Listening

Music lovers, this is your time to shine. The listening test is about how alert and focused you are when listening. There are plenty of listening test materials you can find on the internet. Practicing is definitely the way to prepare for IELTS but be careful not to zone out during the real test. You get to listen to the audio only ONCE so if you miss it, then it's over. If you listen well, this test can be easy to score a good band.

• Try not to rush into your answer sheet. Take your time (you will be given time to answer the questions after the audio).
• If you think you’ve got the answer, write it down with a pencil.
• Listen until the end of the sentence of the audio clip. Sometimes, there can be twists in the story.
• Don’t doubt your answers. Often, students tend to overthink because the answer choices are designed to be similar.

Listen to different conversations, monologues and situations that have two people talking to each other. The question pattern is usually designed this way.

Reading

The reading test can be an unexpected punch since it’s comprehensive passage reading but longer and more difficult. It is a combination of both your reading and writing skills. You need to work fast but concentrate at the same time. It is also extremely important how you write down your answer. The most efficient preparation is practicing reading materials and effective time management.

• Time is precious, don’t waste it by reading the paragraphs.
• Read the questions first, then the paragraphs. Start directly searching for the answer instead of reading the entire paper.
• Note the keywords used in the questions, they are likely to be repeated in the paragraphs.
• Skim and scan through the paragraphs if you want to read the entire passage. Its also an effective time saver.

Writing

The writing test is where students struggle to get a high score out of all the tests.We have all been writing essays since elementary school so what’s different in IELTS? Nothing much. IELTS is all about testing your english so look at essay structures that will appeal to the reader.

• Identify the keyword in your essay topic. Use this to your advantage and bring all your sentences to relate to this keyword.
• Choose a ‘for’ OR ‘against’ , and stick your story to support your choice of the topic.
• Back your sentences with factual data. Putting data in your essay will show the examiner that you have come prepared and done your research.
• Know about current happenings in the world, contemporary issues and laws in the world. You can use this to relate in examples of your essay.
• Mention both for and against in your essay. Writing for both sides will show that you know your essay topic inside out. Of course you should list out more benefits than drawbacks
• Recheck your grammar and sentence structure.
• Write simple. No matter how good your vocabulary is, don’t try to write a complex sentence using difficult vocabulary. Make it simple and sweet.

These are some helpful tips that have been listed out to help students score a high band in IELTS. Of course this is no formula of success but if you put in the effort with practice, it is possible to achieve a high score to credit your english language proficiency. Good luck! If you are an IELTS exam preparing student in Nepal and you like the tips above, reach out to us for more. We offer the best IELTS course in Nepal and have qualified IELTS panel who will share more tips and prepare you. If you want to achieve the band score you need, then join our IELTS preparation classes, which you can sign up for here: (link to webpage for IELTS prep or contact information)