How to score high band in IELTS: Part 1

For starters, every prospective IELTS candidate should be aware of the fact that there are two types of IELTS: 1) General and 2) Academic. Under which module a candidate will fall under depends on whether he wants to work, migrate or study. Both types of IELTS test all four language skills - Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking and both modules are judged on a 9 band scale. The only difference between the two modules is that the Academic Writing and Reading are deemed more difficult than the General module.

Listening:

The listening test has four sections with generally 40 questions to be answered. The record is played for about 30 minutes during which period a candidate must answer as he listens. However, a 10 minute transfer time (time provided to transfer the answers from the question booklet to the answer sheet) is given.

It is very easy to lose marks in the listening test as being distracted for even a second can cost you 1 to 2 questions, hence, 2 marks! Unlike the Reading test, there is no scope for the candidate to re-hear the tape as it is played only once.

Sometimes, during a conversation, a speaker will say one thing first and you will write it down quickly thinking that you got your answer and get distracted writing the answer while the speaker is corrected by another speaker, whereby lies the true answer. Therefore, it cannot be emphasized enough, the fact that you must listen even while writing.

Candidates must read the questions in advance when they are given the time. This helps the candidates spot the answers faster without losing time reading and understanding the questions.

If you have missed a question, do NOT pause to think about it for in doing so you will be losing additional marks by missing to hear the answer to the next question. The listening test is a very short test, therefore do not waste time pondering what the lost answer might be while the tape is still playing. You may think about it during the 10 minutes provided for transferring the answers. Sometimes it is possible to make use of your common sense to come up with the right answer once you understand the topic on which the recording is based. So keep your senses alert.

If you are unsure of an answer then write down the confusing multiple answers on the question booklet next to the answer space and come back later during the 10 minute transfer time (Trust me it doesn’t take the whole 10 minutes to transfer, so you will have ample time).

I will come back with more tips and important information on IELTS in my later hubs.

Meanwhile practice as much as possible. You can get numerous past IELTS question papers, CDs and practice books to practice enough to get your desired score.

Happy Practice!