First of all, let’s make it very clear that it is impossible to fail the IELTS exam as IELTS does not include a pass or fail option rather the test takers get scores ranging from 1 to 9 for each section including Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. After that, the candidates get an overall score based on the outcomes of the four components. If unfortunately, you happen to score low there is no need to worry as there are more attempts you can go for. With your hard work and devoted preparation under the guidance of expert IELTS trainers at Study Smart, you can improve your score in the examination. You can score the desired Band in IELTS with firm determination.
In this context, we will talk about 10 things in common that candidates with low scores have. Before we proceed, let us have an overview of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) high in demand.
IELTS – Overview
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is an exam taken to evaluate the candidates’ level of English for working, studying, or migrating to an English-speaking country. The test is taken to test the candidate’s abilities to listen, read, write, and communicate in English. IELTS is the widest test given by candidates planning to move to Australia, Canada, New Zealand, or the United Kingdom. Presently, more than 11,000 organizations, universities, schools, and immigration agencies globally consider the score of IELTS.
The majority of the people preparing for the IELTS exam are supposed to demonstrate an English language level of Band 7+ which categorizes them in the Good user list. In case candidates get an IELTS 7 or above score, it clearly indicates that they have an operational command of the language, and can handle complex language without much difficulty. But in case you get a lower IELTS score, then you need to look at the loopholes and how you can overcome them.
Now, we will discuss the ten things or mistake IELTS applicants scoring low have in common.
- Candidates look for some Magic Formula to Ace the Exam
Assuming that there is some short trick to get a good score in the exam is not true. There are two primary components based on which candidates get the scores, the first one is their English skills and the second is their understanding of the IELTS exam. Learning and mugging phrases and stuffing vocabulary will not impress the examiners, rather the way you are able to demonstrate your English level will be considered. Essays written in an unnatural way are not worthy as no native English users communicates in an unnatural way.
Thus, instead of wasting your time to find a shortcut or magic formula to ace the above examination, levelling up your English is more important. You can get unbiased feedback from qualified trainers with years of IELTS training experience and improve with every passing day.
- You appeared in the exam, but with no or fewer preparations
One of the most common reasons candidates fail to achieve the desired score in their IELTS exam is that they appear for the exam without proper preparation. Appearing in the exam but you are not ready for it, is not worth it. Candidates take up the exam in a month’s time with no or very little knowledge about the requirements ends up getting low scores. Many students sit for the exam just to understand the kind of pattern and see how they may score.
Today, we all live in a fast-paced society and desire to get everything quickly. This sometimes applies while preparing for any exam as well. If we want to get a good IELTS score, we have to invest our time to learn the right tips and tricks and put in the efforts in the right direction. But people want fast results when it is about getting good scores in the IELTS exam, which honestly does not happen. Invest your time in a disciplined manner and effort while preparing for the IELTS exam. Thus, appearing for the IELTS exam without proper preparation is one of the more common things among the applicants scoring low in the International English Language Testing System.
- Candidates assume IELTS to be an easy exam
Accept the fact that the IELTS exam is not so easy exam. In case you are not prepared for the same, believe us getting a good IELTS score will be much more difficult for you. It is one of the most common exams to test the English proficiency of the candidates so it definitely requires hard work and dedication. Do not take it for granted rather choose to devote your time and enroll for the right preparation at Study Smart – one of the top IELTS training institutes serving applicants in Pune, Delhi, Mumbai, Ludhiana, and in other cities in the country.
- Poor study ethic
If you have a poor study ethic with no clear goal in your mind then eventually you end up scoring fewer marks. It is important to organize your studies, stay dedicated, and give each study session. In order to move up from one band score level in 30 days, a minimum of fifteen hours of studying each week is required. IELTS preparation requires a lot of commitment, especially if you are a working professional and preoccupied with many other tasks. In simpler words, one has to plan and commit to a regular study routine so that one can get the desired IELTS band score and study in their dream college.
- Not getting the right trainer’s feedback
Speaking English or any other language doesn’t automatically make you an expert in the same. While preparing for important exams like the IELTS, it is crucial to get the correct feedback and guidance from qualified tutors who can train students for exams like IELTS, TOEFL, etc. You can choose Study Smart for the IELTS coaching where you get the trainer’s feedback on regular basis. They monitor your progress and help you improve every time. Thus, not seeking the right teacher’s feedback is also common among IELTS applicants.
- Wasting more time on IELTS Trivia
IELTS Trivia here refers to some of the common questions that include – Can I write ‘T/F’ instead of True/False? Can I choose to write ‘Y’ instead of Yes in the Reading & Listening module? Can I write all in Capital? Stressing more in trivia is more of a time waste and it takes away your focus on your preparation. Writing in full does not take much of your time.
- Missing DATA in IELTS Writing Task 1
It is a silly and common mistake. Some answers require you to include data in a graphical representation. It is essential and vital to support your answer or shared information against the question asked. Ignoring data results in limiting your marks in that particular question impacting your overall score in the examination.
- Not working on pronunciation enough
Pronunciation does matter and plays a vital role in speaking and writing. Wrong pronunciation in your mind will force you to write the wrong spelling of a word. Thus, it has a direct relation to writing. If you are good at pronunciation, the chances of spelling mistakes lessen. You can refer to videos, audios, and other sources that help you improve your English pronunciation for a better result in the IELTS exam.
- Talking too much or too less during the Speaking Test
Some applicants are found doing show off which is not good for their interests. The result of it of course is negative. Speaking much and too less is quite common which becomes a problem for the examiner. The examiner has to struggle a lot to ask you a question or check your fluency in the language. It thus is a negative thing found in common. So, do not be an over-shy applicant or show-off applicant.
- Misunderstanding IELTS Writing Task 2 questions/ Unclear IELTS Writing Task 1
The biggest and most common mistake specifically in IELTS Writing Task 2 is misunderstanding questions. Students should also be focusing on their reading and writing skill. Your misrepresentation or incorrect understanding of a question will make you write the wrong answer resulting in the deduction of marks. The general overview for Task 1 is also a big challenge for students and it impacts the score. You can improve it by working on your overviews with more practice.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, there is no shortcut to getting a good IELTS score. One has to work on various points and identify their current level, strengths, and weaknesses to get the desired IELTS score and pursue a course of his/her choice abroad. Hope this informative guide helps you avoid making those mistakes that lower your chances of studying aboard.
For more information on IELTS and coaching in different Indian cities, get in touch with our IELTS tutors at Study Smart today.
