IELTS Commentry: Sattorbek got Band 8 in IELTS. Here is how YOU can, too

Today’s post is dedicated to success of Sattorbek Yuldashev, who got Band 8.0 in IELTS with a perfect 9 in Listening. In a tradition that goes back 15 years, the winners of IELTS-Blog.com test results competition share their advice to help other test takers score higher.

Sattorbek didn’t keep us waiting – as soon as we asked, he was ready and willing to share his best tips with you:

“First of all, I would like to thank you and your team for organising such events so that all the candidates can have access to high score achievers with their practical advice.

I have 3 pieces of advice for IELTS takers.

#1 Never start your preparation unless you know what score you need and what your current English level is. So, I highly recommend taking a level test of the knowledge of General English and then comparing the result with what you are aiming to score in IELTS.

#2 Learn to predict how keywords are paraphrased in IELTS Listening and Reading tests as the experts don’t usually use the same wording. Note that a word can be paraphrased in more than one way. To understand the common ways, analyse the test after you have finished it. Make a table of key words and their respective paraphrased words from the Listening and Reading. This method not only helps in Listening and Reading, but it is also effective for Speaking and Writing, as candidates will learn how they can avoid the repetition of the same words from the questions.

#3 Do not focus on just doing practice tests. In my firm belief, doing them can help in two ways mainly. First, you will understand the structure of the test and improve the speed of writing the answers. Second, it will help you check your approximate score. Although these two aspects might sound promising, you should bear in mind that overdoing practice tests without analysing their results or without daily practice of General English can only help you increase your score by 1 Band. I am convinced that this improvement in your scores might not be satisfactory (unless your current score is 8.0).

Note: I highly recommend using the books ‘Target Band 7’ for Academic and ‘Ace the IELTS’ for General Training preparation a month or two months before your test.

Thanks again for giving me such an opportunity to share my experience in IELTS.”

Thank you so much, Sattorbek, and congratulations on your success in IELTS!