IELTS myths and Facts

IELTS myths and rumors

False advice is often given about IELTS. As you prepare for your test you will hear all sorts of myths about the test. Don’t listen. Instead you should concentrate on improving your English and following the preparation advice.

Myth or truth? Make sure you know the truth about IELTS testing as part of your preparation for taking the test.

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Myth: British Council and IDP do not run the same IELTS test. Also, the level of difficulty of the test depends on the country in which the test is taken.

Truth: British Council and IDP are the two organisations tha t run the IELTS test, which is created by Cambridge University. Cambridge carefully builds each element of each new test to ensure the level of difficulty is consistent, no matter which country you are in or which test is used. IDP and British Council both use the same tests developed by Cambridge.

Myth: My band score will improve the more I write over the word limit on the Writing section. 

Truth: To gain the maximum points for the Writing section, you must write at least 150 words for Task 1 and 250 words for Task 2. You can write more, but be careful.

1.    Do not write extra words on Task 1 and then run out of time to complete Task 2 or be forced to rush Task 2.

2.    If you are going to write more words, then make sure they are words that benefit the task. The more words you write, the more mistakes you can make.

Myth:On few dates, IELTS Test is offered for both Academic & General modules, while on few dates it is offered for Academic module. The Test which is offered only on the date for Academic module is always hard mainly for reading            

Truth: It is purely a rumor which is spread out in the market. The Test papers for both Academic & General modules of IELTS are designed by their own standards and it does not have any discrimination on specific dates.

 Myth:IELTS is too difficult

Truth: IELTS is no more difficult than any other exam. The questions are straightforward and designed to assess how well you can use your English – not to trick you or test your opinions. As with any exam, IELTS requires thorough preparation. Also, remember that there is no pass or fail in IELTS. The results are reported on a 9-band scale (1 being the lowest, 9 being the highest). This scale has remained consistent for over 20 years. The score you need is determined by the requirements of your visa or the institution/ organisation to which you are applying. Always remember to check what score you need before you take the test.

Myth:Articles like ‘a’, ‘an’, and ’the’ are not counted in the word count in IELTS Writing Tasks.

Truth: It is wrong. They are counted in total word count while assessing Writing Tasks.

Myth:You should write at least 250 words in Task 2 and you must not write more than 270 words. Not fulfilling any of these conditions can get you loss of 1 band.

Truth: The minimum limit is correct but there is no maximum word limit. Many students feel stressed about exceeding the word count and s/he always counts the words at the end in writing test which is nothing but a waste of time.

Myth:If I smile and make the examiner laugh in my Speaking test, I may get a better mark.

Truth: Smiling can help you feel relaxed which in turn might help you perform better. Every examiner is trained and monitored closely to be fair to every candidate and assess your level of English only. The examiners will not give you more or fewer marks if you are smiling and laughing.

Myth:I will lose marks if I don’t speak with an Australian, American or British accent.

Truth: You are not expected to change your accent for the IELTS test. Instead, focus on speaking clearly and at a natural pace so that the examiner can understand you. Practising your English every day and listening to different native speaker accents will help you to pronounce difficult words more clearly.

Myth:If I keep practising sample questions I will get a better bandscore

Truth: Practising sample tests will help you learn what is expected in each part of the test. This is good test preparation in order to maximise the English skills you have. However, remember that to improve your English you need to use English in everyday contexts – speak it with your friends, write notes and email in English, read English newspapers, listen to English radio. If you feel you need help with your English, you should also consider taking an English course.