How To: IELTS Band 7+ On A Budget
You are about to register for IELTS and it’s going to be your first attempt or maybe not. You cannot afford expensive tutorials because you only managed to save up for the test fee.
You hear “IELTS is difficult” and you need a band 7 score and above.
Does this sound familiar?
Well, doing a good research is your starting point and you are at the right place. I’ve gathered information that will help you achieve your desired score on a budget. Get your writing materials ready, manual or digital.
Let’s begin!
IELTS
The International English Language Test System is a body jointly owned by the British Council, IDP and Cambridge. It is an English language test required by work and study organizations from applicants who are non-native speakers of English. These organizations include educational institutions, professional bodies, and other employers.
According to IELTS, the test is accepted as proof of proficiency in English language in the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Each country has its specific requirements and the result is valid for two years.
Read more here
Achieving a band score of 7 and above is sometimes a herculean task. For instance, the overall mean score for Nigeria in 2021 was 6.8 and 6.9 for academic and general training modules respectively. (Source: College Dunia)
To achieve your desired band score, it is necessary to research about the test. Find out why do some find it difficult to achieve the desired band score, what the pitfalls are, and how you can tackle them.
Do not go unprepared for the test. It’s beyond knowing how to converse in English language. It’s about understanding the peculiarities of the test and approaching it accordingly.
In this article, I share details of the test structure and give tips on how to achieve your required band score, especially if you are on a budget and cannot afford a personal tutor. You will also find links to resources you can use for free.
Here we go!
There are two main modules of the test: Academic and General Training. The SELT (Secured English Language Test) also known as IELTS for UKVI, is another form of the test.
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What type you register for depends on the requirement of the organization you are applying to. Do confirm the requirement before registration.
Each module of the main modules tests your skills in speaking, listening, reading and writing.
Here are details on each section.
SPEAKING
This section usually involves a face-to-face interaction with an examiner which lasts for about 15 minutes. It consists of 3 parts including dialogue and monologue.
This section tests your ability to communicate verbally in English language. Speaking in a specific accent is not essential so, concentrate on pronouncing your words clearly and correctly.
The aim is to make sure you communicate with the examiner. When you practice, is your speech comprehensive? Do you understand yourself? Can others understand the information you are trying to pass across?
TIPS
• Practice. Practice. Practice. Record yourself speaking and listen to it. Use sample questions.
• Listen attentively. You may find the accent of some examiners confusing. Practice listening to people with different accents.
• Introduce yourself properly. That first impression helps. Check Liz’s introduction tips here.
• Ensure you make salient points that answer the question within the allotted time.
• Speak up. Ensure the examiner can hear you clearly.
• Avoid using complex grammar, especially when you are not sure of the correct application.
• In part 2 you are to speak for 2 minutes, so it is advised to continue speaking until your examiner stops you.
• Ensure your story will adds up.
Here is an example:
Q: When was the last time you visited a fancy restaurant? What what is like? What did you do there and who were you with?
Possible A (assuming you have never been to a fancy restaurant): “I have never been to a fancy restaurant, but if I can imagine I have, I’d say I went to XYZ restaurant with my friend, Joan, two weeks ago. It was a 5-star restaurant situated…”
This way the examiner understands that though you have not had such experience, you are able to construct appropriate sentences in a conversation. When answering such questions, or any at all, note the tense in which the question is asked. The above question for instance, requires that your answer is in past tense. The goal is to answer the question fluently and coherently using the right tense.
• Maintain eye contact and a relaxed facial expression. A smile helps.
• Avoid being distracted by the examiner’s expression or disposition. Your duty is to speak, please do so accordingly.
• Attempt the question. Do not say, “I don’t know” and stop speaking.
• Ask the examiner for clarification if you do not understand a question, especially one verbally asked.
Helpful resources:
https://www.ielts.org/how-to-use-ielts-results/four-skills/speaking/format
IELTS advantage YouTube videos
LISTENING
LISTENING IS KEY FOR LISTENING.
This section consists of four parts which will include some of these: multiple choice, matching, labelling a map/diagram, form/flowchart, sentence completion, summary, etc. The test involves listening to various audio recordings and giving answers to questions that follow.
During the test the audio will be played once and you will not be able to control it – pause and play. ATTENTION is key here. You will be given 10 minutes to transfer your answer to your answer sheet/page (paper-based test) once the audio stops playing.
The way to go is to practice and keep practicing. Listen to people speak English language in different accents and contexts- news, movies, music, etc.
This section is one of the easiest in my opinion, if you understand and apply the tricks. I think most candidates will agree.
TIPS
• READ THE INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY. This is very important.
• Attempt ALL questions. You will not lose marks for getting an answer wrong i.e., no negative marking.
• FOCUS before the audio begins. Ensure all senses needed are alert and focused. That’s to emphasize the first statement.
• Follow the conversation/speech to identify the correct answers.
• Listen for synonyms.
• If you aren’t sure of an answer, take note of hints and scribble them down to check up later.
• If you miss a question, please go on because you will miss subsequent ones if you stay trying to figure out an answer while the audio is still playing.
• WRITE CORRECT SPELLING. Wrong spellings are marked wrong. This includes acceptable formats for time, date, duration, etc.
• Do not stop listening till the audio stops playing.
• Write legibly if test is paper-based.
• Ensure to write your answers on the correct sheet. Read the heading on the sheet to determine this. Avoid writing answers for Listening on your Reading answer sheet.
Read more here
Helpful resources
IELTS Advantage listening
Cambridge Practice Tests for IELTS Listening
READING
The content in this section is different for both modules. The academic module consists of three reading passages. Question type for each reading passage could be any of these: multiple choice, heading, sentence matching, sentence completion, YNNG/ TFNG.
The general training module consists of 3 parts, each with one or more texts.
Time is a determining factor here and a good way to do it is to practice and practice again. Take note of your weak areas and concentrate on them.
I will focus on the academic module.
Actually, 60 minutes is not enough time to read and understand all 3 essays to provide the correct answers to the questions. You have to learn the tricks. Each question type requires a trick including skimming and scanning to locate the answers.
TIPS
• READ INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY
• I advise you read the questions first. This helps you understand what your task it and go straight to solving it. The questions usually follow the order of the passage.
• Allot a maximum duration of 20 minutes to each reading passage.
• If you find a question difficult please move on to the next. You can return to answer it later.
• Attempt ALL questions.
• Avoid being carried away by the interesting stories. Focus on finding the answers.
• Look out for synonyms of the answer in the passage.
• Read in between the lines.
• Write legibly if test is paper-based.
• Ensure you write your answers on the reading test answer sheet by checking the heading on the sheet.
• Mind spelling. Incorrect spelling = incorrect answer.
Helpful resources
https://ielts.idp.com/nigeria/prepare/article-question-types-academic-reading
https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-reading-question-types/
Cambridge IELTS reading tests here. THIS IS VERY HELPFUL FOR PRACTICE.
IELTS Advantage
WRITING
This section consists of two parts.
Part 2 is worth more than half of the total writing score, but part 1 is also important to achieve a band 7 and above. The academic and general training modules have different questions (report and letter writing respectively) in part 1. Part 2 is usually an essay writing.
TIPS
• Understand the various question types and how to answer them.
• Practice and keep practicing. Write as many essays as you can and assess them using the official IELTS grading structure.
• Understand the correct application of simple words.
• Improve your grammar.
• Learn new words to improve your vocabulary. An effective way to do this is to list out the possible essay topics and learn associated words. For instance, if writing academic IELTS, you can learn words associated with academic essay questions such as transportation, education, tourism, culture, etc.
Your goal when writing is to ensure the reader (examiner) understands you without stress.
• It is advised to write between 250-270 words to achieve a band 7 score.
• Understand the question and what you are required to do.
• Task Achievement. Did you answer the question? Let’s use the example below
Q (Academic question type): Children who are brought up in families that do not have large amount of money are prepared to deal with the problems of adult life than children brought up by wealthy parents. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
In answering this question, task achievement means that you make it clear if you agree or disagree, supporting your choice with reasons.
• Do not begin writing immediately. Please read that again. I advise you use the first few minutes to scribble down your ideas and how you intend to arrange them in your essay. IT SAVES YOU A LOT OF TIME. You may not be able to go over your essay a second time, so arrange your thoughts before you begin writing.
• Begin well. Your overview (in part 1) and paraphrase (in part 2) are VERY important. Ensure they include all necessary information.
• Begin paragraphs with a topic sentence. It introduces the paragraph and makes it easier to follow.
Keep in mind that the examiner may not read the whole essay, so write salient points first. Your conclusion (where applicable) is also important.
• Use words with the correct application. If the meaning or appropriate use of a word is unclear to you, it’s safer to avoid using it in your essay.
• Keep your sentences simple. It is safer than using advanced vocabulary inappropriately and lose marks.
• Write legibly if paper-based. Keep your pencil sharp and erase your mistakes properly.
In my opinion, the structure is more important than the content in part 2. What I mean is that your ideas don’t have to be super smart but they should answer the question in a well structured writing.
General tips
• Go with enough stationery (pencils and erasers especially) to the exam venue.
• Attempt ALL questions.
• Confirm the location of your exam venue and arrive in time.
• Check your email regularly for updates from the centre to avoid missing any information.
• Join a study group. I recommend IELTS telegram page. Tutors vet your essays for free on the group.
• Listen and follow instructions given.
• Go with the required documents. Usually, this is your ID (international passport or any other used during registration).
• PRAY
Your results will be available in 3 and 13 days for computer-based and paper-based tests respectively. You can request for remark, called an Enquiry Of Results (EOR), if you think your band score should be higher than what you were given A fee is charged for this which will be refunded if your score changes.
That is the end of the IELTS story. I hope you found this helpful? Do let me know in the comments section below.
I wish you the best in your test.
Thryve!
You can connect with me on social media. It’s “whollydebbie” on all platforms.
Disclaimer: I am neither an IELTS examiner nor affiliated with the aforementioned organization. Information shared here is based on personal research and experience.
2 Comments
Attah Lydia
Thank you so much ma’am for these tips.
I found them helpful and I feel more courageous to take the test now.
I’ll try to apply every tip stated here and I’ll do my best also.
I believe with God’s help, I’ll do excellently well in the test.
Debbie
Hi Lydia! Thank you for your feedback. I’m glad you found this helpful. All the best in your test!