IELTS or the International English Language Testing System is the most popular English language proficiency test accepted across the world. The right preparation strategy and focused practice can increase your chances of getting a high score or over 8 band score in IELTS exam. Securing a band 8 IELTS score or higher demonstrates a high level of English proficiency and helps you stay ahead in the competition. Here in this blog, we are discussing the top tips and proven IELTS preparation strategies that will help you achieve good scores in all four sections- Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. As a leading IELTS coaching center in Kerala, we get several doubts from candidates like ‘How can I get an 8.5 score band in the IELTS?’, ‘How can I improve my IELTS score in three months?’, and a lot more. All such doubts will be addressed through this blog.
IELTS Exam- An Overview
There are mainly two types of tests- IELTS general and IELTS academic test. The academic test is for candidates who wish to study in English-speaking countries. Whereas, the general test is ideal for those looking for employment or work experience in English-speaking countries. The General IELTS exam assesses your everyday English language skills needed for the workplace or university. Both the general and academic IELTS tests consist of four sections writing, reading, listening, and speaking. The listening and speaking tests are similar in both but the reading and writing sections will be different.
What are the benefits of 8 band score in IELTS?
IELTS 8 plus band score indicates that the candidate has a strong command of the English language. The benefits of securing an IELTS band 8 or higher are many. It can greatly enhance your academic and career prospects. A high level of English proficiency is often a requirement for admission to top universities and academic programs around the world. Employers also recognize IELTS band 8.0 as a strong indicator of effective communication skills. Hence, the band 8 IELTS score makes you a more competitive candidate in the job market. Candidates with an 8-plus band score also get an advantage in the scholarship and visa applications. For more information on how an IELTS score can impact your academic and career opportunities, you can refer to the official IELTS website.
How to Secure an 8-plus Band Score in IELTS?
You need to concentrate on all four sections to excel in the IELTS exam. Understand the IELTS exam pattern and practice each section regularly. Each candidate will have their own strong and weak areas. Hence, the initial step in the preparation is to identify your weaker areas and devote more time to excel in the same. 8 band score in IELTS is achievable for anyone who adopts the right preparation strategy. You can start IELTS exam preparation yourself or join a reputed IELTS coaching center like the Breffni Academy. It is always advisable to get trained by expert trainers if you have no idea about the test and are confused about where to begin. Now, let’s get into each section and see how you can achieve IELTS 8 plus or the desired score on the test.
IELTS Listening
The IELTS listening test is based on audio clips and you will have to answer the questions that follow. The listening section consists of 40 questions. The best tip to excel in the IELTS listening test is to improve your listening ability. Get familiar with the language more. Try to listen to conversations of the native speakers to understand the accent. Listen to English news, watch movies with or without subtitles, and utilize any available audio-learning material. Work on building your vocabulary a few months before your exam. Apart from making these your routine, practice IELTS listening sample tests to effectively apply the skills learned. Some useful tips which will help you during your IELTS listening test are given below:
- Quickly prepare an outline of the spoken information
- Try to identify the tone of the conversation
- Listen carefully to understand the flow of the content and the major ideas discussed
- Note down specific information like names, times, dates, etc.
- Pay attention to the instructions for answering, check whether a word limit is specified, and answer accordingly
IELTS Reading
If you are preparing for the IELTS exam, make it a habit to read English newspapers. You can also go for standard books, articles, or any available material that can improve your reading skills. Improve your reading speed for better time management. There are many techniques like skimming and scanning to improve your reading speed. Quickly go through the given text 2 or 3 times, understand the general idea, and try to locate valid points or keywords. Every question will have a keyword and it will help you easily locate the answer or required information in the given text or passage. Regular practice can greatly improve your reading speed and excel in this section. This, in turn, will help you secure an 8-band score in your IELTS exam.
IELTS Writing
Vocabulary and Grammar play a major role in the Writing test. Hence, you should work well on both to excel in this section and achieve an 8-plus band score in the IELTS exam. Avoid spelling and grammar mistakes and do not use the same words or phrases repetitively in your answers. Your written text should have a proper flow. Bring in connectors to improve readability. Using unique words and phrases in the right context can set you apart from other candidates and improve your scores. Always stick to the word count while writing answers. Practice sample writing tasks regularly to improve your writing speed.
IELTS Speaking
The best tip to excel in this section is to boost your confidence in English speaking. This can be achieved only by regularly engaging in conversations. You can speak in simple sentences with familiar words. The examiner should be able to understand what you are trying to convey. Improve your pronunciation and accent through regular practice. Try to avoid fillers like ‘well, ahh, you know, like, umm,’ etc. during your speaking test. While speaking emphasize important words and use voice modulations. You do all these in a single day, it takes time. Hence, practice English speaking a few months before your exam. You can try it at home and ask your dear and near ones to give genuine feedback.
Concluding Takeaways
The tips and strategies given above will help you achieve an 8 band score in IELTS. However, you should follow a well-structured preparation strategy right from the beginning. Understanding your present level of English language proficiency is essential to plan your preparation. You can approach a mentor or an IELTS instructor to understand the same. Attending free online practice tests and analyzing the scores will also help you with this. Joining an IELTS training center will help you get on the right track. They will help you allocate adequate time for each section and follow a personalized preparation strategy based on your current level of proficiency. If you are searching for an IELTS training center in Kerala, then Breffni Academy will be an ideal option. Expert IELTS trainers at Breffni know the right way to prepare you for an 8 band score in IELTS. Join now for assured success in the IELTS exam!
