Common mistakes in IELTS preventing you from getting a high band score

12 Oct

Introduction

Why do many IELTS test takers keep retaking the test? One significant reason lies in the repeated occurrence of specific mistakes. This article highlights common mistakes that IELTS test takers frequently encounter and make during preparation and the exam. Recognising and addressing these common mistakes through reflection and corrective measures is pivotal for enhancing overall performance and achieving desired band scores. This article is a must-read if your aim is a band score of 7 or higher. It delves into 12 common mistakes and essential tips for success in the IELTS Academic and General Training tests, covering the Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking sections.

Common mistakes to avoid and tips for success across the Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking sections of the IELTS exam

1. Lack of familiarity with the test format and question types

Tips: Understanding what to expect can prevent feeling disoriented and anxious during the test, leading to improved performance. Practise with mock tests to become comfortable with the test format and question types. Click to download an IELTS Academic Mock Test (PDF) or an IELTS General Training Mock Test (PDF) to get an idea of the test.

2. Overlooking instructions

Tips: Pay close attention to instructions, as missing critical information such as “no more than three words” can lead to wrong answers (IDP Education Vietnam, no date). Ensure you understand the requirements, questions, word limits, and timeframe.

3. Lack of preparation and practice

Tips: Familiarise yourself with the test and develop your English language skills using various materials before the test. Learning should be complemented with real-life English exposure for a more holistic preparation approach, such as movies, podcasts and conversations with native speakers (IDP IELTS Thailand, no date). Regular practice can build confidence and accuracy and reinforce your skills and strategies.

4. Inadequate mastery of practice strategies

Tips: Engage in activities designed to enhance your English language skills, for example, regular practice tests, focused skill improvement, time management practice, listening to varied materials, reading comprehension exercises, writing practice, speaking practice with partners, vocabulary building activities, grammar exercises, and seeking review and feedback from IELTS teachers, peers, and online.

5. Inadequate mastery of test-taking techniques

Tips: Equip yourself with specific test-taking methods and approaches tailored to each section. These techniques will enable you to confidently navigate the challenges of the IELTS test, such as surveying, skimming, scanning, note-taking, paraphrasing, active listening, using context clues, predicting answers, structuring essays, presenting coherent ideas, honing pronunciation and fluency and many more (British Council Canada, 2024; IDP IELTS India, no date - a).

6. Overlooking vocabulary building

Tips: Repetitive use of identical words and phrases indicates a restricted range of vocabulary (IDP IELTS India, no date - b). A strong vocabulary is essential across all four sections of the test. Dedicate time to expanding your vocabulary and learning synonyms through reading, listening and practising with vocabulary-building exercises.

7. Lack of focus

Tips: Maintaining focus throughout the test is crucial for accuracy. Avoid distractions and stay concentrated on the task at hand to prevent errors. Get enough sleep before the test day, eat well before the test, and stay hydrated during the test to help you focus (Hasper, 2024).

8. Failing to manage stress

Tips: Test anxiety can affect performance. Practise deep breathing and positive self-talk, stay mindful, maintain a healthy lifestyle, visualise success, and break tasks into manageable steps to better cope with anxiety (IDP IELTS Vietnam, no date).

9. Not reviewing answers

Tips: Set aside some time at the end of the Listening, Reading and Writing sections to review your answers and make necessary changes (British Council Canada, 2024).

10. Absence of individualised expert guidance

Tips: Consider seeking professional assistance to accelerate your learning (IDP IELTS, no date) instead of dedicating months or even years to self-preparing and retaking the tests, where the opportunity cost may surpass the expense of hiring a personal IELTS professional.

With an abundance of information accessible online, it can be time-consuming and overwhelming to sift through and verify its credibility. Moreover, the diversity in individual learning styles and levels of English proficiency among IELTS learners underscores the necessity of personalised professional guidance. Seek tailored support from experienced IELTS experts to address your specific requirements, gain invaluable insights, pinpoint improvement areas, accelerate skill development, and enhance your exam readiness.

11. Leaving blanks and silence

Tips: Avoid leaving any blanks in answer sheets and stay engaged during the Speaking section. Even when uncertain, make educated guesses, write down your ideas, and verbalise your thoughts to showcase your skills (IDP Education Vietnam, no date).

12. Poor time management

Tips: Simulate exam conditions to experience real test pressures and time constraints. Strategically allocate time among tasks based on significance and complexity by prioritising tasks that carry more marks or require more time (IDP IELTS Thailand, no date). Identify and cut time-wasting habits like lingering on one question. Learn to move on and return if time permits (British Council Canada, 2024).

Conclusion

Excelling in the IELTS tests involves more than just being proficient in English. It requires a strategic and comprehensive approach. By recognising and correcting common mistakes and following these tips, candidates can bolster their confidence and put themselves in the best possible position to succeed in the IELTS tests.

If you need help with IELTS preparation, we offer One-to-One IELTS Preparation Course with a proven track record of helping students achieve their desired band scores. Our expert teachers have decades of experience teaching English and IELTS to middle school students, university students, and adults; some hold master’s degrees from top UK universities. We invite you to check it out by taking our Free Trial English Class.