Achieving Your IELTS Score: How Long Will It Take? (Part 2)
Welcome back! In the first part, we discussed some key factors influencing your journey toward that desired score. We explored how your starting level, language background, study habits, and motivation significantly impact your IELTS preparation. Now, let's explore more factors that can affect how quickly you will achieve your target band.
Exposure to English Outside of the Classroom:
Using English beyond the class matters. Talk to native English speakers, watch English shows, read English books, or chat online in English, even play some games in English. Doing this helps you understand how the language is used. You’ll improve your listening, expand your vocabulary, and feel more confident when you speak or write in English.
Learning strategies:
Learning strategies are methods that help you learn more effectively. They are essential for getting the most out of your study time and speeding up your progress. Some examples of effective learning strategies are learning to manage your time, using authentic practice materials to practice different types of questions, and work on your weaknesses. Remember to apply these good study methods, and you'll notice continuous improvement!
Nerves and luck:
Feeling nervous on test day and the element of luck can impact your score. When you're nervous, it's hard to concentrate and do your best, which might lower your score. Sometimes, you might get questions you didn't prepare for, which can also affect your score. It's important to be ready for these challenges and try your best, even if you feel nervous. Knowing this can help you handle surprises on test day. Learning stress management techniques is helpful too! You can try taking deep breaths, saying positive things to yourself, and practicing relaxation before the test. These can keep you calm and focused during the exam.
Natural ability:
Natural ability plays a role in language learning. Some people find it easier to learn languages naturally. If you're one of them, you might progress faster in preparing for the IELTS. But don't worry if learning languages isn't easy for you! With consistent practice and effective study methods, anyone can make progress in their IELTS preparation, regardless of natural talent.
Overcoming challenges:
Facing challenges during your learning journey is common. If certain factors impact your progress, like being at a lower level in English or not having a natural talent for learning languages don't let them discourage you. What truly matters is dedication and continuous effort. Many students I've worked with faced similar challenges and still achieved their target score.
To overcome these obstacles effectively, shift your focus from 'how long will it take?' to asking these questions:
- What's my current English level?
- How can I improve if my level is low?
- How much time can I dedicate to studying for the exam?
- Do I feel motivated to reach my target score, and if not, how can I find motivation?
- How can I incorporate English into my daily life?
- Which study habits and strategies suit me best?
By considering these questions and creating a personalized plan that suits your unique circumstances, you're taking positive steps toward your goal. Remember, you're not alone in this journey—I'm here to support and guide you. Stay tuned for upcoming blog posts where we'll delve deeper into these topics to help you on your path to success.
