The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is an internationally recognized English language proficiency exam.

And before you can begin your academic journey in the United Kingdom, you need to ace this test.

While there’s no pass or fail in the IELTS, the score you get provides admission boards and employers with an assessment of your proficiency in speaking the English language.

This is why you want to take it really seriously and ace it. 

An average IELTS can keep you from getting into your desired UK university.

Here are 10 tips for getting a band 9 in your IELTS test.

1. Know the Exam Format

The IELTS exam has four modules: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking, and each module assesses a different aspect of your English language skills. 

Altogether, the exam will last approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes, during which you will attempt 80 questions and write two essays of at least 400 words total.

Familiarize yourself with the exam format, the number of questions, and the time duration for each module. This way, you won’t be caught unawares.

Another helpful tip is to learn the scoring system of the IELTS exam. If you understand how the test is scored, you can also make your preparation more effective.

1. Develop Your English Language Skills

Improving your grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation will help you to communicate effectively in English. 

You can sharpen your language skills by watching English movies and TV shows, listening to English music and podcasts, and reading English books, newspapers, and magazines.

This will be particularly helpful to you if English is your second language.

1. Practice, Practice, Practice

Taking mock tests is an effective way to assess your performance and identify your weaknesses. 

Now, when taking mock tests, make sure to simulate an actual IELTS as closely as possible. Don’t give yourself any slack.

If you don’t take your mock tests as seriously as the actual exam, you won’t come up with an honest assessment of your test readiness. So, take it seriously.

Joining IELTS preparation classes or hiring a tutor can also help you to improve your exam performance. 

Ultimately, consistent practice is the key to scoring high on the IELTS exam.

1. Manage Your Time

Make a study plan and allocate sufficient time to read up and test yourself on each module. 

But don’t forget that you still have a life besides your IELTS test. So, make sure that your schedule allows you to attend to your other commitments. 

Managing your time effectively will help you to prepare for the exam without compromising on other responsibilities.

1. Understand the Question Types

Not all questions on the IELTS are the same.

Each module of the IELTS exam has different question types and you need to understand them well to know how to answer them correctly and quickly too. 

For example, in the Reading module, you will meet different question types, like multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, and sentence completion questions. 

Knowing how to approach each question type will improve your chances of scoring high.

1. Learn Exam Strategies

Learning exam strategies can help you to approach the exam with confidence. 

For instance, in the Speaking module, you may be asked to talk about a topic for two minutes. 

With an effective strategy for this section, you will be able to structure your response and deliver it in a way that impresses your examiner and maximizes your time. 

Meanwhile, don’t forget the importance of self-soothing strategies.

Because of the high stakes, sitting for the IELTS can take a toll on your mind. So, it’s important to arm yourself with helpful techniques that help you keep it together.

For instance, you could try taking deep breaths, staying calm, and focusing on the task at hand. These techniques can help you to manage exam anxiety.

   7.Review Your Answers Carefully

After completing each module of the IELTS exam, take a few minutes to review your answers. This will help you to identify any mistakes you may have made and correct them. 

Make sure to pay close attention to your spelling, grammar, and punctuation. These are seemingly tiny errors but they can cost you a lot in the long run.

   8. Take Care of Your Health

Taking care of your health is crucial for maintaining focus and concentration. 

Ensure that you get enough sleep, eat healthy food, and exercise regularly. 

If you’re not healthy physically, emotionally and otherwise, it could affect your abilities on test day.

So, as much as it is good to prepare for your test academically, it’s also good to take care of your health. 

You wouldn’t want to miss the test because you broke down or get to the test enter and be unable to recall anything because your mind is distracted.

   9. Take Advantage of Online Resources

There are many online resources available for IELTS preparation. These resources provide valuable information, practice tests, and study materials to help you prepare for the exam. 

That said, when choosing your resources, make sure that they are reliable so that you don’t waste your money on unscrupulous miscreants on the internet.

We have a wealth of resources that can help you prepare adequately for your IELTS, including professional counselors. So, don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you need the help.

  10. Stay Motivated

Staying motivated is important when preparing for the IELTS exam. 

Set achievable goals, reward yourself for achieving them, and believe in yourself. 

Whatever happens, make sure you stay optimistic. As they say, half the battle is won in the mind.

If you believe in your heart that you can ace the IELTS, then you’ll be more motivated to go to the test center and crush it.

But if you keep doubting yourself, you could get demoralized, which could prevent you from doing your best. 

Wrapping Up

Scoring high on the IELTS exam requires applying certain tips that will properly position you for success.

Remember that scoring high on the IELTS exam is not just about passing a test. It is about improving your English language skills. 

The tips mentioned above will not only help you to score high on the IELTS exam but also improve your ability to communicate effectively in English.

By following these 10 essential tips, you can be well on your way to acing the IELTS exam and achieving your goals. 

Finally, don’t forget to browse through the resources here on My International Student Lifeline for the best resources to help make your dream of international study possible. 

You can also book a one-on-one coaching session to receive support and counsel to help with your plans.