How to Score 8.0 in IELTS: Expert Tips and Tricks

Do you want to get into an Australian university? Or you might have always dreamed of studying in Britain? Then, you need to take the IELTS to prove your English level. Most foreign educational institutions accept the results of this test. Furthermore, it can be helpful for those who are going to get a job abroad.

How to get a high score in IELTS? How to prepare and what to pay attention to? The experts, who have been training people to pass IELTS successfully for many years, will tell us all the details.

What Is IELTS: What Parts Does It Consist of, And How Is It Assessed?

IELTS (The International English Language Testing System) is an international English language test. It’s required for admission to educational institutions in Canada, Australia, the USA, and New Zealand, employment in foreign companies in these countries, and immigration.

IELTS was developed by Cambridge English Language Assessment, IDP: IELTS Australia, and The British Council.

IELTS assesses four English language skills on a 9-score scale: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. A score of 6.5 or 7 is considered adequate for admission to colleges and universities.

It’s important to note that the test versions will vary depending on your goals. Applicants should take IELTS Academic (Academic module), and those who want to move or find a job abroad will take General training.

The test lasts for 2 hours and 45 minutes. The number of tasks and the time to complete them are fixed.

We won’t go into the specifics of each part. All of this is freely available on the Internet. Let’s move directly to the practical tips for successful preparation for IELTS.

Tathagata Chattopadhyay and Tetiana Isaieva will tell us all the secrets. Tathagata Chattopadhyay (Thomas — as he is known by his students) is a certified IELTS examiner, director of training, methodologist, a teacher in a foreign language school and international exam preparation center TRINITY Education Group, holder of many certificates (CPE , CAE, IELTS, DELTA, CELTA) and Tetiana Isaieva is CEO and founder of the TRINITY Education Group foreign language center, certified by Cambridge Institute, co-author with Tathagata Chattopadhyay of popular educational books “Your Guide to Cracking IELTS”, “TOP Score in IELTS” and “How to prepare for a Behavioral Interview” published on Amazon.

Is it possible to prepare for IELTS in a month?

Tathagata: Only if your language level already was Upper-Intermediate. It’s a sound basis that allows you to get ready for the test and pass it with a high score in a month of intensive training. But if you only recently started to learn the language, a month to prepare is unreal. It’s not about your abilities or language learning methods. It’s all about the specifics of learning English.

Examiners pay attention to the spontaneity of speech. That is, how you can get out and explain yourself if you don’t know a word or cannot answer a question directly. It’s impossible to memorize. Spontaneous speaking skills are an indicator of good English.

So don’t believe those who promise you to prepare for IELTS in a month. This scenario might work only if you already have a good level of language.

How to learn words and idioms?

Tathagata: A lot of people haven’t liked retelling “topics” since high school. Well, they should as it’s a very effective way to memorize new words and phrases. I advise learning ready-made structures immediately in context. Don’t be lazy and say it aloud.

Have you read a story or a new book? Retell your impressions, share your thoughts. Learn a new word? Try to think of a few different sentences with it. Dream up and tell your stories! That will help you pass the speaking part with a high score.

To learn new vocabulary, I suggest not reading classical literature because it’s far from reality. Focus more on watching the news, blogs, movies, and TV shows and listening to songs and podcasts.

Again, write down new words, memorize them in context , and try to use them in speech.

What about mistakes in preparation?

Tathagata: To pass IELTS successfully, you need to have good time-management skills — manage time effectively. That’s why I recommend everyone take timed tests in preparation. Create an environment for yourself as close as possible to the real exam. You cannot get distracted, leave your desk and use your smartphone. The time to complete each part is strictly limited!

Get on your test and time yourself. Don’t get distracted by your Instagram feed, your tea, or your dog. Practice regularly under these conditions!

Do you need a teacher to prepare for the test?

Tetiana: Absolutely, at any level. For those who have less than an Upper-Intermediate, a teacher will help improve the language. For everyone else, I recommend tutoring, even if you think your level is good. A tutor will pay attention to mistakes you may not have noticed, proofread your essays, and give valuable advice.

Can only a native speaker teach a language?

Tetiana: You can do without a native speaker up to a certain level. At the Upper-Intermediate level, I already recommend involving a native speaker.

No matter how good and experienced a Russian-speaking teacher is, he/she won’t have the original pronunciation and vocabulary that a native speaker has. The exception is only for those who have lived in an English-speaking country for a long time. There are several Native Speakers at my TRINITY school. I guess that’s important for high-level preparation.

What are the most common mistakes in preparation?

Tetiana: I would add that some people take breaks from training. That’s not good for them. You have to train regularly, at least an hour every day. Also, take a couple of practice tests a week. That way, you’ll track your progress and understand your mistakes.

Good luck to everyone who wants to pass IELTS! Remember that the most important thing is your desire, consistency, and a good teacher by your side.