A. There is no such parameter as a pass or fail in the IELTS exam. Nevertheless, you need to score a
minimum band in each module depending on the University you are applying for or depending on
the PR eligibility standards of the international country you are targeting.
A.You may appear for IELTS as many times as you like, provided you are over 16 years of age. But for every attempt, you will have to pay the exam fee. So you see, it is quite an expensive proposition. You should give it once after an industrious preparation.
A. There is no magic wand to ace IELTS writing. Flawless Grammar, correct punctuation, superlative
vocabulary, perfect explanation, usage of good connectors and unequivocal thoughts are the
essentials to writing Task 2 well. Usually, examiners from abroad correct the scanned writing papers.
Work on your vocabulary and synonyms. For example, use ‘verdant’ instead of ‘green’, ‘perfunctory’
instead of ‘superficial’, ‘formidable’ instead of ‘strong’, ‘zoophile’ instead of ‘animal lover’,
‘umbrageous’ instead of ‘short-tempered’ etc. Improve your handwriting, lest you lose marks for
illegibility in the pen and paper based exam.
Structure your essay well so that an examiner is able to gauge your point of view. Ensure that your
introduction has a paraphrased statement, thesis statement and an overview statement. Do not be
too creative, as writing styles of novels are not acceptable. Use phrasal verbs generously, but limit
the usage of idioms. A relevant proverb is appreciated. Use a range of simple, compound and
complex sentences as well as active and passive voice. Work on the correct usage of prepositions
and collocations. A clear conclusion is a must.
Read ample of complex articles to understand usage of difficult words.
IELTS is definitely not a scam; an examiner would not deliberately deduct your score like some
candidates profess.
Mock tests from the word go is not a good idea. Steady progress is imperative.
Ascertain that the four parameters of scoring viz. Task Achievement, Cohesion and Coherence,
Grammatical Range and Lexical Resource are met. Reading band 8 essays will help you only to a
certain extent and cannot help you reach the acme of your potential.
A. This is a very subjective question. Also, good results is a general term; for some 8.5 is good and for
some, even 6 is an overwhelming.
There is no limit to taking mock tests and surely the more, the better. If you are able to take 50 tests,
nothing like it. Nevertheless, I recommend a minimum of 20 listening and reading tests each. But
only if you hit your target score consistently, can you contemplate taking the actual exams.
Furthermore, you should have written at least 6 essays on varied topics and practised over a
hundred short questions and 2 min Cue Card topics with respect to speaking. Besides attempting
mock tests, learning uncommon words and eliminating grammatical errors are imperative.
A. Firstly, carry your passport and a printout of the confirmation hall ticket to the centre. Despite
exam centres providing basic stationery, I recommend that you carry a pencil, eraser, sharpener and
a pen. Because the authorities usually expect candidates to be present at a centre nearly an hour in
advance, I would rather you carry a small tiffin box; you should be able to get some time to eat. This
ensures that you do not get hunger pangs whilst taking the exam. Thirdly, do not drink too much of
water. Wear warm clothes as the exam hall tends to get really cold and the invigilators would not be
able to regulate the temperature of the cooling system. To be on a safe side, carry something like a
jacket or a stole, which can be removed, lest you feel too warm. Give IELTS once and give it your
best. Therefore, do not book dates unless you are fairly certain of your scores. Give yourself at least
2 to 3 months for IELTS preparation with two hours per day of practice.
Calculate your scores from other parameters to ascertain whether you have a fair chance of getting
a PR or admission to a reputed college, as the case may be. Be optimistic and avoid reading negative
comments or reviews. IELTS results are crucial in getting a valid, legal immigration documentation in
place.
A. I wouldn't say easier, because ultimately you would want a good band score. Online IELTS is
definitely more comfortable when it comes to writing. You have the advantage of getting the word
count automatically as well as editing the sentences. While writing physically, your paper tends to
look untidy with too much of erasing. Also, introducing new sentences could be tricky if mind map is
not well planned.
Of course, your typing speed has to be decent and you shouldn't make typo errors. Proof reading has
to be painstakingly done in both paper based and Internet based test. Vis-à-vis your handwriting, if it
is too illegible and incorrigible, do go in for online based test.
In online reading, there is an edge as you can highlight the text on screen well as make notes on a
paper. That extra transferring time is saved and that could make a difference in the final result. In
the listening paper based test, the 10 minutes’ transferring time could be fortuitous in case you have
missed out on an answer - it just might give you time to regroup your thoughts! Note taking is
comparatively smoother in pen and paper-based test; also you cannot highlight on screen. Speaking
is the same for both.
A. Compared to most other applicants, I would not vehemently vouch for PTE. If you are comfortable with computers and its fast-paced approach of tests, do go in for PTE. My reasons for preference of IELTS are:
A. Firstly, converse in English as often as possible. Initially, record yourself and listen to how you sound. A few 'umm’s is fine but too many is not a good sign at all. Thirdly, work on a range of synonyms and vocabulary to describe varied things, places, emotions and personalities. I definitely recommend improving your pronunciation and accent too. Notwithstanding the fact that you do not have to put up an accent, appropriate stress on the right syllables and words does ameliorate your speech. You need not be veracious, just speak eloquently. In a nutshell, if you think and speak in English consistently, your speech becomes more fluent and effortless.
