IELTS Test Results competition

Today I’d like to share some IELTS preparation tips from Charissa Maniti, one of our competition winners (Band 8 in Academic IELTS). Here is what she would like you to know:

“IELTS is one important key in opening doors for great opportunities around the globe. And anyone who is striving hard can achieve a satisfying score.

When I was reviewing for the exam, I have devoted much time to practice. I have searched for free online practice tests and answered within time restrictions. It is also a great idea to have a study buddy if one is available as it will increase motivation.

For the Listening part, I have downloaded some clips of English conversations to familiarize myself with different accents, watched a lot of English TV shows and films, and repeated as dialogues were delivered to practice my pronunciation.

For the Reading, I have read articles from different materials, especially those that don’t interest me. Because if articles don’t interest me, I have the tendency to focus more to be able to understand, and that is one great way of practicing!

For the Writing part, I have tried writing in a formal way about anything that could possibly be a topic for the actual exam. It is important to collect ideas about a given topic first, and only then decide which points you would like to discuss. I have learned that in forming a good essay, there should be at least 5 paragraphs.

Present each idea in one paragraph. Your fist paragraph should give idea of what you are to talk about. The 2nd, 3rd, and 4th paragraphs should contain arguments of each idea you would like to present. And lastly, your 5th paragraph should show a summary of your whole idea. This is what I have learned from English teachers, and while it may not necessarily be followed by everyone, but for me, it worked!

For the Speaking, I have read aloud and recorded myself. Also, I have pretended that an examiner is in front of me and recorded myself as I answered sample questions I have obtained from IELTS-Blog and other IELTS sites. I have practiced speaking in an collaborative way whenever my study buddy and I spoke to each other.

Finally, I have tried to learn a new English word every single day. It is awesome to expand one’s vocabulary. Don’t forget to relax the day before your exam to have a refreshed mind.

Good luck to all future test takers! I’m glad i have came across IELTS-Blog.com. Thank you!”

My dear readers, your kindness never stops to amaze me. Only a day ago we’ve released the names of our monthly competition winners, and right after the announcement went live, one of the winners replied and sent us some tips for the test-takers who seek guidance.

Her name is Nessette (Nizzy) Alicante, she is from the Philippines, and below she reveals the methods that helped her get Band 8 in Academic IELTS exam:

“Anyone can achieve a high band score if they PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE. I was lucky enough to have a friend who lend me a copy of your book TARGET BAND 7, it was really helpful. Your book helped me to get on the right track.

I also used the sample practice tests in your website. For the Listening Test, what I did was I downloaded mp3 files to my mobile phone so that I could listen to them anywhere I go.

To prepare for the Reading Test, I read novels, magazines and books that interest me, and then I answered lots of practice tests and used the alarm on my mobile phone to know if I am able to meet the time limit.

With the Writing test, I wrote several essays for sample tasks 1 and 2 and then had an English teacher check it.

Lastly, with the Speaking test I was fortunate to have a friend to liaise with who is in the UK and she helped me practice that part using Skype, so I got used to understanding and speaking in English, and also could relieve nervousness because with her I got the “feel” of how it was to be asked by an examiner. I also asked another friend of mine here that we should speak in English when we are talking with each other.

All in all, always visit IELTS-BLOG.com and also other websites that could be helpful, like the British Council website, for important tips and pointers for IELTS.

Good luck to all the future IELTS test takers!”