The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam is an aspiration for many students and professionals. Everyone wants to grab the best opportunity whether aiming to study in an international university or finding the most fulfilling job prospect in the USA, UK, Canada, etc.
One of the determining factors is language proficiency in English which you need to prove! A high IELTS score can open significant doors for you abroad. But- How to Score High in IELTS? When you set a benchmark of 8+ bands, you need to work really hard! Scoring above 8 bands requires a combination of strong English skills and a strategic approach. In this blog post, Visa zone, the IELTS Coaching Classes in Ahmedabad, break down actionable strategies to help you Score 8+ Bands in IELTS! Not just overall score, but across all sections of the IELTS exam.
The IELTS exam assesses your English proficiency through four distinct sections- Listening (40 questions, 30 minutes), Reading (40 questions, 60 minutes), Writing (2 tasks, 60 minutes) and Speaking (11–14 minutes of face-to-face interaction).
Each section is scored on a 0 to 9 band scale. Your overall score is an average of the four section scores- also given within 0 to 9 range. If you want to achieve a high overall band score, you’ll need to perform well in all sections.
Now that we have a brief understanding of the exam structure, let’s delve into specific tips for each section.
The Listening section can be tricky because it involves multiple accents and varying speeds. Here’s how you can prepare:
The IELTS Listening test uses a variety of English accents, including British, American, Australian, and Canadian. You should listen to podcasts, news, and videos from these regions so that you get familiar with the different pronunciations.
There's a short time before each audio clip begins. You can try to predict the type of information needed. When you listen, make notes. Do not miss focusing on keywords. This strategy will help you keep up even if you miss a word.
The test often paraphrases the content of the questions. If you know synonyms and rephrasing, you may have this test easy.
The Reading section involves three long passages with increasing difficulty. Note that time management is the most vital part of this section. Practice these-
Skim (a go-through superficial reading) the passage first to understand the main ideas. After skimming, scan the passage to note specific details as you answer each question. If you find unfamiliar words, don't get stuck there. Focus on understanding the passage’s general meaning.
Many test-takers struggle with time. Start taking practice tests with appropriate time limits and work on building your reading speed. Keep in mind that you must not compromise your comprehension skill development.
The Reading section has various question types like multiple-choice, matching headings, and True/False/Not Given. Get to know each type and develop strategies to answer them correctly.
The Writing section, especially Task 2 (essay writing), needs you to make clear argumentation, have a range of vocabulary, and grammatical accuracy. Ways you can ace it-
For IELTS essay writing, you should follow the structure of the introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. It is important that each paragraph has a clear topic sentence and other details in sequence and connected.
For Task 1, whether it’s a bar chart, process diagram, or pie chart, take time to analyse the information first. After that, structure your response logically.
A wide range of vocabulary is always helpful. It doesn't mean you use complex words only. Avoid using overly complex words if you’re unsure of their meaning or usage. Accuracy and appropriate use of vocabulary are more important than showing off! Remember that.
In the Speaking section, you’ll have a one-on-one conversation with an examiner. It includes a short introduction, a long turn where you speak on a topic, and a discussion with the examiner.
This is a psychological trick that improves fluency. You can try having internal dialogues in English throughout your day to get comfortable thinking in the language.
Pronunciation, not accent, is a key criterion. Speak clearly, and don’t rush. It’s better to speak slowly and pronounce words correctly than to try to speak too fast. Practice and you'll do good!
We told you what to do, but here, there's something you shouldn't- Rote learning. The examiner can easily detect memorised responses. Then, it will affect your score negatively. Instead, practice speaking naturally on various topics and do the same on your test day.
Achieving an 8+ band score is challenging, but having expert guidance can make a big difference. While self-study is useful, joining an IELTS coaching institute can speed up your progress. Visazone Education and Immigration Services provides personalised feedback, mock tests, and proven strategies to help you improve faster. If you're serious about getting a high score- 8+ Bands in IELTS, join our professional IELTS Coaching in Ahmedabad and boost your chances and head towards success.
Reach out to us from our contact form and our experts will get back to you shortly.
