Maximize Your IELTS Score: A Guide to Overcoming Common Mistakes (Part 1)
The IELTS exam can open doors to exciting opportunities in English-speaking countries, but it's not always easy. Many test-takers make common errors that can lower their scores. In this blog, I'll teach you how to avoid these mistakes and do well on the test. Whether you're experienced with IELTS or just starting out, this guide will help you improve your score.
Come with me as we uncover the secrets to IELTS success.
Ignoring time management in the Reading and Writing exams
Many students make the common mistake in the IELTS Reading and Writing exams of not using their time wisely. Spending too much time on one part or a single question can hurt your overall score. Here are some practical tips to manage your time effectively:
Reading test time management:
You have 60 minutes to read three passages and answer 40 questions.
Aim to spend around 20 minutes on the questions for each passage.
Avoid exceeding this time limit because the passages become progressively more challenging.
If you spend too much time on the initial two passages, you may not have sufficient time for the last one.
2. Writing test time allocation:
Divide your time effectively:
Spend about 20 minutes on Task 1 (which is worth one-third of your total score).
Allocate 40 minutes to Task 2 (worth two-thirds of your score).
Focusing excessively on Task 1 might leave insufficient time for Task 2, impacting your Writing section score.
3. Practice under exam conditions:
Practice under timed conditions to simulate the real exam.
Use 20 minutes for Task 1 and 40 minutes for Task 2 in the Writing test.
For the Reading section, spend 20 minutes on each passage and create a time management plan for each question.
Don’t spend too long on a single question; make educated guesses if needed. You can always mark the question and come back to it if time permits.
Skipping questions
In language exams, encountering challenging questions is inevitable, especially in the Reading and Listening sections. Some students skip these questions because they are scared of getting the answer wrong. However, skipping questions can have consequences: you miss out on potential points, and you might run out of time to revisit them later.
Instead of leaving questions unanswered, consider making an educated guess. Remember that there’s no penalty for incorrect answers, so you won’t lose points if your guess is wrong. However, if your guess turns out to be right, you’ll earn points and improve your overall score.
How to make an educated guess:
Context clues: Pay attention to the surrounding questions or passage. Sometimes, context provides hints that can guide you toward the correct answer.
Process of elimination: Rule out obviously wrong answers. Narrow down your choices by eliminating options that don’t fit the context and chose the answer that seems most likely based on the information you have.
Language familiarity: Rely on your familiarity with the language like your grammar knowledge. For instance, if the context suggests a noun is needed for the answer, focus on identifying noun forms within the passage.
Memorising answers
Some candidates try to memorise entire essays or speaking responses and then reproduce them in the exam. This is a very bad idea. Your answers will sound unnatural and may not fit the question. Also, examiners are trained to recognise memorised answers and may penalize you, even resulting in a score of zero!
Effective Alternatives:
Learn grammar structures and vocabulary:
Instead of memorising entire answers, focus on learning useful grammar structures and topic-specific vocabulary.
These language building blocks can be adapted to suit different questions, allowing for more authentic responses.
2. Practice adaptability:
Regularly practice speaking and writing about various topics.
Develop the skill of adapting your language to different questions, showing flexibility and fluency.
3. Understand response structure:
Study how well-organised speaking and writing responses are structured.
Recognise patterns and learn how to present your ideas logically and coherently
I hope you have found this advice helpful and that you now feel confident about avoiding the mistakes that could lower your score. It's important to remember that you're not just preparing for an exam; you're preparing for a future filled with endless possibilities. Embrace the challenges, follow the advice, and move forward with confidence. Your destination is around the corner, and the journey is absolutely worth the effort. Are you ready for the next part of the journey? Look out for the next blog article on common mistakes to avoid.
