IELTS preparation tips from winners

Do you remember Elham Khani, our results competition winner? I asked her what resources in IELTS-Blog helped her achieve this beautiful score (Band 8!), and here is her answer:

“Thanks Simone,

I’m absolutely happy with my result and surely IELTS-Blog and you helped me a lot. There are loads of tests for practicing and I used them as much as I could.

I used IELTS-Blog in three ways:

First, the sample writings which I read many times, tried to avoid repeating the same mistakes and memorized some of the sentences.

On the other hand, I received some emails from IELTS-blog which contained latest tests. They were all helpful (especially the speaking samples).

The lessons (in PDF format) were great too. By reading them I understood how to act in speaking test to have better impression.

Sadly, I could not buy the offered book (Target Band 7) due to sanction in Iran (we aren’t allowed to pay through Internet).

Now I recommend IELTS-Blog to every one of my friends (actually a friend of mine suggested it to me) and it’s really much, much cheaper than having a private tutor and it works exactly like that.

Best wishes for you and all of IELTS-Blog users,

Elham Khani”

Remember Mythri, who got 8.5 in IELTS last month? I asked her for advice, what in her opinion is important to get a high score, and here is what she says:

“My tips will be relevant for those who are already conversant with the English language in general, but need to understand the dynamics of the exam.

1. Understanding the exam is the first step. One must have a clear idea of the modules, what the different components are, and what sort of questions could be asked under each component. I started with the IELTS blog as it explained each aspect of the module and had great tips. I also looked at the official IELTS site for examples of various types of questions.

2. I solved several tests, rigidly timed (time is a very critical commodity in the test).

3. Reading and listening test performance has to be perfect as it’s our accuracy which determines the score. Writing and speaking is not totally in our hands.

4. Listening – I listened to talk shows and the news for some time every day. UK postcodes may form an answer and they are of the form “HR 4 2 BL”. I was not expecting this, so i was a bit stunned.

5. Writing – Using the first 5 minutes to chalk out a plan and arranging the answer is vital. Practice the terminology for interpretation of graphs and use the terms liberally, creating variety in the answer.

6. Kindly use the last 5 minutes to revise the answer, as however good you are, you are bound to make spelling errors under stress.

7. Speaking – most examiners are very kind and it is really easy to make a slightly formal conversation. It s not exactly talking to your neighbor, but not that frightening either. You don’t have to sound brilliant. You do not necessarily have to use very complicated vocabulary. I spoke slowly with clarity and accuracy using rather average vocabulary.

8. Finally, it is important to take a mock test at least twice before the exam. You must time yourself and run through all the aspects of the module over 2 hrs and 40 minutes in one stretch.

It is a test of your endurance and ability to concentrate over that length of time. Its tough as you are hanging on to every little word like your life depends on it!

Thanking Simone for her wonderful effort, I’d like to wish all the exam goers the very best of luck.

Regards,
Mythri”