雅思考试10 Top Tips to Improve Your IELTS Score

Top Tip One

Prepare, prepare, prepare....yes, I know it sounds obvious, but I have known many "over confident" candidates take the test with little or no preparation. One candidate told me that he had lived and studied in America for over 4 years and so considered his English level to that of a native speaker. He was expecting to score at least an 8.0 - unfortunately he only scored 6.5 because he didn't understand the way the test works. A good preparation course will prepare you for the test and enable you to achieve a score based on your true English level. Look for reputable schools or online course.

Top Tip Two

Speed! One of the criticisms of the IELTS test is that it asks the candidates to do too much in too little time. Many candidates find that they do not have enough time particularly in the reading and writing sections. So what can you do?

Start by doing a search on the internet for speed reading techniques - there are many good sites with some excellent tips. Once you are confident that you have mastered the techniques read some IELTS practice papers and time yourself. Is it taking too long? If so, why? Maybe your vocabulary needs improving or perhaps you need more practice with the speed reading techniques. In general try to read as much as possible in the lead up to your test.

Speeding up your writing can be just as daunting, especially when you have to come up with your own ideas during the test to answer the question. To help speed up your writing practice writing out paragraphs from a book and time yourself - make sure that you are not squeezing the pen too tightly, but use a relaxed grip with a fluid motion.

Listening takes practice - listen to English as much as possible so that your ear becomes attuned to the language. Listen to the radio in English or turn off the subtitles on a DVD movie. Try having an English evening out with friends to practice both your listening and speaking - one group I knew used to have a small fine for anyone using a non-English word during the evening and they gave the money to charity each week.

Top Tip Three

Make sure you read the examination instructions - too many candidates just dive into the test without taking this important step. The instructions can contain vital information needed to answer the questions correctly. For example the listening test instructions may contain details about the place where the 'conversation' is taking place. e.g. the student dormitory. You might think you are saving time by skipping the instructions but it may cost you in the long term.

Top Tip Four

Keep up in the listening test - unlike in reading and writing, in the listening part of the test you have no control over the timing. If you notice that other candidates are writing and you are not then you may well be lost - do not panic - listen for the sound of other candidates turning to the next page and do likewise. You may well find that you can get back on track just by following what the other candidates are doing..

Top Tip Five

Don't leave blanks - in both reading and listening you are required to answer a variety of question types including multiple choice, gapfills, short answer and so on. If time is short or you have no idea of the answer then GUESS. When guessing use logic to try to work out the answer and make sure you insert the appropriate answer style. You do not lose marks for the wrong answer and you may get lucky and earn a few extra points.

Top Tip Six

In the speaking test - it may not feel like it - but this is the one part of the test that you have control over. To be in control you must be willing to talk, and be positive. As with any interview first impressions count - if you are asked a question give more than a simple 'yes' or 'no' answer. Be helpful and willing to answer questions. As a general rule you should be speaking about 70-80% of the time. Show the examiner that you are fluent and have good grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation. Be careful of your body language - your body can take on a life of its own when you are under stress. Sit comfortably, with good posture and hold your hands together in your lap in a 'formal style.' Be aware that your examiner may not come from the same cultural background as you so controlled body movements are usually the best strategy.