Feedback on IELTS test performance

Cristina, a nurse in the Philippines, needs to get band score 7 in speaking with an overall score of at least 6.5 in IELTS (International English Language Testing System). She wrote this:

“I took IELTS twice in the last few weeks, and I managed to improve my writing score from 6.5 to 7.0. Sadly, however, I got 6.5 for speaking both times.

“Can the test centre give me feedback on specific aspects in the ielts speaking test?”

Here’s my reply: There’s no doubt that you need well-developed English skills to get band 7 in any skill area (listening, reading, writing and speaking).

However, as you’ve found, it’s particularly challenging to get a high band score in the ielts speaking test. That’s partly because it’s a productive skill and not a receptive skill.

Top tips for the IELTS listening test

14 practical ways to maximise the score you get for the IELTS test

Most Thai candidates say that the listening module is the easiest of the four modules that make up the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) exam. Still, it doesn’t mean candidates always get high marks.

During practice listening tests in class, I often see people make mistakes that could have been avoided. Often, all that was needed to get the right answer was a little more care and thought.

Careless errors can lower the score for a listening test by up to 3.0 bands, based on what I’ve seen in class. It’s therefore essential that anyone preparing for the IELTS exam understands how to approach the listening test.

Here’s my summary of the main things you should do to improve your chances of getting the best possible score.

Using time wisely in the IELTS listening module

One student asked me this about IELTS (International English Language Testing System):

“I’ve been told I should transfer listening test answers to the answer sheet during the break at the end of each section.

“The reason given was I may not have enough time to transfer them all at the end of the test. Other people have told me to read the next section of the listening test instead. What should I do?” Here’s my reply:

Unfortunately, the advice to transfer answers during the test was wrong.

The listening module has four sections with ten questions each. The test’s recording runs for about 30 minutes, and candidates have time to read the questions and to write down and check answers.

All answers are written on the question paper while candidates listen to the recording.

Choosing answers in the listening test

Choosing answers in

the listening test

Use the instructions, the context and

logical thinking to guide your decision

Bow, a doctor preparing for the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) exam, asked the following:

“I’ve practised listening in IELTS books, and I’ve noticed that sometimes answers require a verb and a noun, or an adjective and a noun, for example, ‘attracts dust,’ ‘inconvenient position,’ ‘protect members’ health’ and ‘registered charity.’

“I wonder if these kinds of question can be found in the real exam. Can I answer just ‘dust,’ ‘position,’ ‘protect health’ and ‘charity’? If I can’t, how can I know how many words I should put for an answer?”