IELTS preparation tips from winners

As you may remember we had 4 winners in our results competition last month. One of these high achievers, Lena Bucatariu, shared with us her best exam tips, what she thinks is important and can help you get a better result. Here is what she says:

“Dear Simone,

Every month, high achievers from around the world post on your blog excellent tips on how to tame the English language and improve the four skills. To avoid re-inventing the wheel, I have decided to focus on common sense advice on less ‘technical’, but still potentially dangerous details.

1. Sleep very well the night preceding the test; before going to bed, avoid watching TV, playing video games or doing other activities that may put undue strain on your eyes. And no alcohol!

2. On the day of the test, get up early enough – you want to make sure you are thoroughly awake by the time the test starts. Have a good breakfast, drink sufficient water, and don’t forget to use the restroom 🙂

3. When deciding what time to leave the house, take weather conditions and traffic into account; I suggest you have a friend or family member give you a ride, to avoid being pulled over for reckless IELTS-fever driving.

4. If possible, try to take the test at the same time with a friend or classmate; you can help each other out a lot by studying together, sharing materials and comparing teacher’s corrections on your homework.

5. During the last 20 minutes of waiting in the test room, anxiety may take over and fill your head with terrifying scenarios. You may feel scared, paralyzed, drawing a blank. This is the time to look around the room, make eye contact with your friend and smile. He or she probably needs this even more than you do.

6. While the recording is playing, look in your paper, and occasionally rest your eyes on the floor or anything inanimate. DON’T look at other people. Their reactions to the listening will distract you and, even worse, the proctors may suspect you are trying to cheat.

7. For the interview, dress professionally, but don’t overdo it; try to avoid new, very tight, or uncomfortable clothes or shoes. When giving your 2-minute answer, make sure you have an interesting story to tell, but don’t worry if the examiner seems a bit cold or unfriendly; they have instructions to stay neutral and keep facial expressions to a minimum.

Good luck! :)”

Bhaskar from India received Band 8.5 in IELTS and felt like sharing. Here is his advice to fellow IELTS candidates:

“I achieved 8.5 bands in my IELTS exam. And most of all I am grateful to myself for making the extra effort required in achieving this wonderful score.

To many of my friends, who always ask as to how to prepare best, I wish to tell:

1. Practice thoroughly, there are no shortcuts.

2. You must make the necessary effort to speak out in public regularly to improve your speaking. This is one area where most lack and by far it is the easiest section of IELTS.

3. You must read newspapers and magazines regularly, since it enhances one’s reading and writing skills while also adding new words to one’s vocabulary.A nd not only read, but also try to understand the use of every word.

4. Getting in conversations with others primarily in English is one of the best approaches to improve your listening and speaking skills. Also it would enhance your knowledge which would prove beneficial for the writing exam.

5. And remember to practice.

Good Luck!!!”

I’d like to thank Bhaskar and invite other high achievers to share the secrets of their success. Please leave a comment on this post or if you’re subscribed to IELTS-Blog – reply to my email and tell me, why did you get the high score. I’d love to hear from you!