English is known as the world’s second language. Many international companies now use English as their everyday working language. Learning English is very important.
Did you know that according to the IELTS organisation, 5.5 million IELTS tests are taken annually? It is the most popular English language test in the world. It is a recognised qualification as it helps people show their English skills for work, study, or living in another country. The IELTS qualification is a way to show you can use English well.
Every student has strengths and weaknesses, and many students make mistakes on the IELTS exam. While mistakes are common, losing points on the IELTS can lower your final score. This article reveals the top 5 mistakes (for each language skill) to avoid when preparing for your exam.
Speaking – Going off topic
Sometimes, students talk about the wrong topic because they either don’t fully understand the question or are unsure how to answer it correctly. Speaking for a long time won’t help if your answer doesn’t match the question. As a result, you may lose points for not being clear.
Tip: before answering, take a moment to think about the question. If you are unsure how to answer the question, you can ask the examiner to repeat or explain the question.
Writing – Not planning your answer
Take some time to plan your answers. Think about the main ideas and supporting details and how to organise your information clearly and logically. Planning helps you stay focused and ensures that your essay makes sense.
Tip: use websites such as https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-writing-task-1-lessons-and-tips/ to practise writing answers for the tasks online and time yourself for each question. After you have finished, look at the model answers and see how well you have done
Listening – Writing the answers on the sheet while listening
In the IELTS listening test, you hear the audio only once, so it’s important to stay focused. Switching between the question paper and answer sheet while listening can waste time, cause confusion, and make you miss key details.
Focus on listening and avoid trying to read, hear, and write simultaneously. A useful link to practise the listening skill is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rhO2JI69Fn0
Reading – Reading slowly
Reading too slowly is a common issue in the IELTS Reading test. Since time is limited, spending too much time on one passage or question can slow you down. To improve, practice reading quickly while understanding the main ideas.
Tip: Start by skimming the text before focusing on the details.
All skills – Time management
When preparing for the IELTS, managing your time is very important. Many students make the mistake of not using their time effectively during the test. It can be hard to finish the test on time, so having good time management skills is necessary. You don’t want to spend too much time on one question and then have little time for others. It is crucial to know how much time to spend on each question. This way, you can answer all the questions well.
Preparing for the IELTS test requires more than just language skills; it’s about understanding the common mistakes and learning how to avoid them. By being mindful of your time management, planning your answers, staying focused, and practising effectively, you can improve your chances of achieving a higher score.
Speak Up London offers an IELTS exam preparation course. In this course, you will take regular practice tests, including full mock exams, to help you get ready for the real test. Also, your teacher will give you regular feedback and advice to help you improve and succeed in your exam.
Author: Uwais, a teacher at Speak Up London