Achieving Your IELTS Score: How Long Will It Take? (Part 1)
Student: How long will it take me to get a band 6.5?
Teacher: How long is a piece of string?
Have you heard of the phrase 'How long is a piece of string?' It means we can't give a specific answer about time. For example, if we are asked, 'How long does it take to bake a cake?' we might say 'around 30 minutes.' But when we are asked, 'How long to pass my driving test?' we might say, 'How long is a piece of string?' There's no exact answer because the time it takes to pass your driving test depends on many different things, like how often you practice driving, how confident you feel behind the wheel and how well you know the rules of the road.
It is the same with IELTS. There are many things that can affect how long it will take you to reach your target score. What are they?
Your starting level of English:
Your starting point in English matters. If you already have a good knowledge of English, achieving your target score won't take as long compared to someone with less knowledge. For instance, if you've been learning English for a while, you likely know basic vocabulary and grammar. This gives you an advantage in preparing for the IELTS. However, if you're starting at a lower level, you'll need more time and effort to build up your language skills.
Your mother tongue language and alphabet:
Your native language and alphabet can impact your English learning. If your native language is similar to English and uses the same alphabet, certain aspects like grammar rules and writing conventions might be easier to understand. Additionally, similarities between English and some European languages can help you guess new word meanings. On the other hand, if your native language uses a different alphabet, such as the Russian Cyrillic, Arabic Al-abjadiyah, or Chinese characters, adapting to the English alphabet might require more effort and time
Amount of studying you do:
The amount of time and effort you dedicate to your IELTS preparation is undeniably the most influential factor in determining your progress. It’s a simple equation: the more time you spend studying, the faster you'll improve
Motivation:
What does it mean if you’re motivated? It means you are very determined and enthusiastic because you really want to do something.
Do you really want to pass the IELTS exam? Did you answer “YES!”? Excellent. That means you are motivated and will put in lots of time and effort to get your target score. People who are highly motivated tend to put in extra effort, leading to faster progress. And because you are so determined to pass your test, you will keep a regular study routine even when you face challenges or moments of frustration.
Next steps:
Wondering what to do if any of these factors affect your IELTS prep time? If you're starting with a low English level, work on basic vocabulary and grammar with a tutor's help. If you have a different alphabet, take small steps to learn the English alphabet using online tools and practice your understanding by reading and writing in English. . If you have limited study time, make a routine, focusing on crucial skills. And finally, if you struggle with motivation, set achievable goals and connect with fellow learners for support.
Today, we learned about some important things that affect your IELTS score. But guess what? There's more to discover! Join us for part 2 where we'll explore even more factors that can make a difference in how well you do on your IELTS test. Keep exploring and learning—see you in the next instalment!
