This article provides information on easy steps to get a high IELTS score in Nigeria.
Have you ever wondered how people pass the high IELTS scores of over 8.5/9?
Well, you’re about to find out.
In fact, you can be one of those people! Curious as to how? Good!
Keep reading and you’ll find out.
But first, let’s get you acquainted with the background of the IELTS exam
What dYou can access that at the IELTS website at www.ielts.comoes IELTS mean?
IELTS is an abbreviation for the International English Language Testing System.
IELTS Test Format
You can decide to take your IELTS test either on a computer or paper, depending on what suits you.
There is no difference in the format/ content, or level of difficulty between the two available options.
It is just a matter of choice and convenience for you.
There are two different modules of IELTS tests.
They include:
- Academic IELTS- To evaluate prospective undergraduates or graduate university students.
- General Training IELTS – For non-academic purposes such as professional licenses or Immigration visas.
To study in the United Kingdom though, you have to take the IELTS test approved for UK Visa and Immigration.
When can you take the test?
The tests can be taken on 48 fixed dates in a year.
If you cancel your test less than 5 weeks to your fixed date, you lose your fees.
But if you cancel before that or you can provide a medical report within 5 days of the test showing you were ill, you would get a refund minus administrative fees.
IELTS is a test that evaluates all four English language skills:
- Reading
- Listening
- Writing
- Speaking
The total test time is less than three hours.
You will take the Listening, Reading, and Writing tests on the same day just after each other, with absolutely no breaks in between.
You can book a slot online on your preferred date and time for the speaking test.
If you are yet to choose a slot within the stated time period, a time slot will be automatically allocated to you.
IELTS Reading Test (60 minutes)
The IELTS Reading test has a total of 40 questions and is designed to test you on all facets of reading skills.
You would have to read for gist, skimming, main ideas, details, logical arguments, and deciphering the writers’ opinions, intentions, and even attitudes.
IELTS Listening test (30 minutes)
This test requires you to listen to four recordings and then answer the questions asked. The recordings are of native English speakers and the allotted time for the test is 30 minutes.
IELTS Writing Test (60 minutes)
For the IELTS writing test, you are required to complete two tasks and covers topics of general interest based on the module you are taking.
IELTS Speaking Test (11-14 minutes)
The IELTS Speaking test assesses your diction and speaking accuracy.
The test is recorded and conducted in three parts.
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Why take the IELTS?
The IELTS is the most popular English language proficiency test as it is recognized in over 140 countries around the world and by over 10,000 organisations including employers, educational institutions, professional associations, and governments.
It is absolutely advantageous for you to take the IELTS test for the following reasons:
- Its wide recognition as mentioned above.
- It covers both American and British English so it doesn’t matter where you want to use it, it would still be relevant and valid.
It is easily accessible to be taken.
You can take the test in over 900 British Council accredited centres around the world.
It is a test required for migration to some foreign English-speaking countries like Australia, UK, the USA, and Canada especially if you want a permanent residence permit or want to pursue an educational degree in those countries.
It is a test required to obtain professional certification/membership in some English speaking countries.
Hence, professional bodies in professions like Engineering, Law, Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, and several others could expect you to have a high IELTS score before registering to the body.
From the above, it is obvious that the advantages of taking the IELTS test are enormous, and remember, anything worth doing is worth doing well. So, the aim should be to have a high IELTS score.
Now the real question remains, how can you get the dream high IELTS score?
How to get a high IELTS score
Like other things in life, to get a high IELTS score, you have to put in the work.
Then it becomes easy.
What do you need to do?
PREPARE! PREPARE! PREPARE!
Perfection is possible but it takes time to achieve.
To get that high IELTS score, you need to use every day and if possible, every activity to prepare.
Here are some tips on how to do just that below:
- Speak, Read and write in English as often as possible.
- Make it a part of your everyday life.
- Listen to English news channels or radio and read English newspapers.
- Create a group of friends and practice speaking in English.
- Watch English movies with subtitles.
- Try to listen to a variety of English accents – British, Australian, American, British, New Zealand, and Canadian.
- Read extensively to develop your reading speed.
- Pay more attention to your grammar, vocabulary, and spelling.
- Learn to understand the context to be able to scan the available content for answers.
- Learn to be succinct, relevant, and write within an expected word count.
As much as these would be helpful, it might not be enough.
The reason is that you might not have someone to let you know if you’re getting it wrong.
So do all this, but take a physical or virtual class as well.
It could be a one-on-one class or a general student class where you can make friends and stimulate each other.
Other resources you can use Practice tests.
Practice is key in getting a high IELTS score.
The various sets of free practice tests on the IELTS website will help you get familiar with the questioning pattern and test format.
You can thus attempt the test under timed conditions and see how you fare, then ask for feedback from your mentors so as to improve upon the areas you need to work on.
You can also compare your responses with the model answers provided to measure your progress.
You can access that at the IELTS website at www.ielts.com.
You can also find the following information on the website;
- IELTS information.
- Band Score guide.
- Application form.
- IELTS tips by examiners.
Checklist for IELTS
- Writing samples with feedback and comments given by examiners.
- Speaking and writing assessment criteria.
- A guide as to how the actual test day would be like.
What a high IELTS means
The IELTS has a maximum score of 9.0.
When you complete your test, you would be graded on each language skill and also given a cumulative score.
If you follow the steps above and give yourself enough time to learn and be ready before taking the test, the expectation is that you would score between 8 and 9 which essentially says you’re a very good and expert user respectively.
Refer to the Band score guide via the IELTS website to know the value of each score.
We are confident that with the information provided in this article, the other values in the band scale would be irrelevant anyway.
Do well to share this article in order to help others as well.
Thanks for reading and do enjoy the rest of your day!
A seasoned content writer and job consultant.
