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IELTS Preparation tips

How Vy Got Band 8.0 in IELTS

Have you ever wondered why some people have to struggle and re-take IELTS several times – while others manage to get it right the first time?

Band 8 in IELTS My personal view, backed up by years of experience with IELTS test takers, is that if a person prepares in the right way and verifies their progress and estimated score before the real exam, they are likely to succeed and get the desired score the first time.

Taking the test again and again harms one’s self-esteem and confidence, not to mention they have to spend all that extra time and money on the exam. This is why it is worth investing in your preparation the first time – just like Vy Bui did.

Vy Bui is a 20-something year old Vietnamese lady, who currently resides in Australia. She took the 1st place in our IELTS results competition in October (Band 8 in the Academic Module). Here is how she describes her IELTS preparation:

“I never had done IELTS before and I was wondering what band score I would belong to. Three years ago a sample test showed that I was at 6.5. Now I had to take the test and I reckoned I had to get at least 6.5. I was so stressed out because I thought 6.5 was too much. I went onto Google and typed in “IELTS band 7” and I discovered your blog.

I was not interested in the practice materials but the practical skills provided by all IELTS takers all over the world. I tried a lot of books but never found useful tips and experiences like this. Some really apply for me. I was so much into the essays that you provided and also the speaking materials.

I got a result of 8.0 Amazing I could not believe it. However, I learnt that you got to select what could be good and what could not work. I had a low self esteem and I did not feel confident at all. After reading the successful case study I got a little bit of hoping that I could get the score I want. And there it goes, thanks Simone, your blog was a brilliant idea to share the IELTS experience across the whole world.

If I didn’t read how people achieved the best score they want I wouldn’t even think about getting a 7.0. Your blog was really useful. I did not read any book except the Cambridge practice test book (no tips in there). It was all your blog that helped me.”

Cindy’s goal was Band 7.5 in IELTS, and she got it!

I am writing this with a big smile on my face, and it’s all because of the news I’ve received from Cindy. Let me explain.

Cindy and I met when she purchased my book Target Band 7, and at that time she struggled to get Band 5 in Listening. She was afraid of the test and unsure of her English ability. She was nervous to the extent that she bought the wrong book (for Academic module instead of General Training)! This is what stress can do to a person, and I am sure many of you can understand and relate to her situation.

Apart from the listening skills, writing was another problem that Cindy had. She took IELTS twice and her writing score stubbornly remained at Band 6 level – while she needed Band 7 at least. To overcome this she booked our writing correction service to get some help with raising her writing score.

The change didn’t happen overnight – Cindy had to work hard for it.

But finally, this email arrives from her – now do you see why I’m smiling?

“Hi Simone,Band 7 in IELTS

I got my result today and got 7.5 in listening 7.5 in reading 7.5 in writing and 8 in speaking.

I’m very happy and thank you so much for your support and tips.

I would encourage others to keep trying – here are some tips which have been useful to me:

1. Do not stress, be positive and rest a lot on the day before the exam.

2. Listening – listen to news, radio, try to understand what’s going on, when people are taking try to guess what the topic is. Read your questions twice and underline keywords, try to get an idea what the answer might be before the recording plays.

3. Reading – read and understand the question well, underline keywords and you will find the answers. Know the definition of true, false and not given to avoid confusion.

4. Writing – write simple sentences so that the teacher will be able to understand what we want to say. Use linking words. Print and read the examples on IELTS-Blog website – they are a very useful material. Get an idea what a band 7 and 6 are and structure your ideas properly.

5. Speaking – practice in front of a mirror, talk to fiends in English, participate in argumentative conversations.

6. Do not panic and do not be afraid, this will make you feel vulnerable.

7. Read all the tips on IELTS-Blog

8. Surf the Internet a little bit to get more ideas about IELTS.

Thanks,
Cindy”