The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a crucial step for international students seeking to pursue higher education abroad. With over 3 million test takers annually, IELTS is a widely recognized and respected assessment of English language proficiency. The test evaluates four key skills: listening, reading, writing, and speaking, providing a comprehensive measure of a candidate’s ability to communicate effectively in English.
For international students, achieving a high score in IELTS Exam can be the key to unlocking opportunities for higher education and career advancement. In this article, we will delve into the mistakes to avoid when preparing for the test and the sources to prepare for the test, as well as provide valuable tips and strategies for preparing and acing the test.
10 Common Mistakes to Avoid while Preparing for IELTS
1. Memorizing Answers
While memorising answers is an effective strategy for most written exams however it is not so for IELTS Exam. You will be interacting with a human examiner in real time, which mean you will have to respond spontaneously and correctly and if you memorize the answers it will show as it will not be in the flow of the conversation.
Instead try to answer truthfully with whatever comes to your mind in that moment.
2. Not being Confident
Being confident can be a challenge for some and it becomes even harder in a formal setting like a test. However, it is important to work on it and develop the right body language by talking to the examiner without many inhibitions.
3. Brief or Too Elaborate Answers
When it comes to answering questions, it is important to keep the length of your answers just right. Too long or too short an answer can be equally harmful. Refer to answers of the questions given to get an idea of the length of the answer. Practice answering questions.
4. Straying from the Topic
When answering a question be careful to stay on topic as it is easy to lose yourself in an answer to give additional information. It is important to understand the question. If you need to clarify something, ask the examiner to repeat the question. Practice this with a friend and get feedback on your answers to prepare for it.
5. Repeating Words or Phrases
Using a same set of words or phrases can hamper your performance and gives the examiner an impression of a weak vocabulary. Try to learn some synonyms or expand your vocabulary to describe things and situations in different ways.
6. Avoiding Pronunciation Preparation
If you are an international student from a country where English is your second language, it is recommended that work on your pronunciation. This will not only help you to gain confidence but also help you to secure the essential 25% of your IELTS score.
7. Relying on Transition words
Avoid using transition words like for example, on the other hand and so on. They can break the flow of speech and can have adverse effect on your score. Plus using words like furthermore in the flow of conversation can sound awkward.
8. Neglecting Time Management
Neglecting time management during offiline or Online IELTS test Preparation is a common and most avoidable mistake. Practice time management whether it is writing, speaking or reading. It will help you to save time to crosscheck answers and answer questions judiciously.
9. Not Reading Instructions
One of the most common mistakes a student can make while writing the test is not reading the instructions. Instructions help you understand the type of question and how to answer it. Avoiding reading instructions can lead to misunderstanding them, which can potentially mean answering them incorrectly.
10. Not utilising the Question Preview Time
Another common mistake made by most students is not using the Question Preview Time to read questions. Failing or avoiding reading questions can lead to missing out on essential marks or even losing out on the opportunity to answer questions to gain marks.
Sources to prepare for IELTS
- Official Sample Tests
- Writing Test Preparation resources
- IELTS Online Coaching
- Webinars
- Books
In conclusion, preparing for IELTS requires a strategic approach to avoid common pitfalls and maximize your score. By understanding the importance of spontaneous responses, confidence, and effective communication, you can overcome the challenges of this exam. Additionally, it is crucial to manage your time wisely, stay focused on the topic, and expand your vocabulary to ensure a well-rounded performance.
If you need additional preparation guidance you can look for IELTS coaching and can be fortunate enough to find Free IELTS coaching offered by coaching centres. A free class will give you an idea about the kind of guidance you need and help you to prepare for more effectively.