What is IELTS Indicator? On April 22, 2020, IELTS launched an online version of the IELTS test that test-takers could take from the comfort of their homes. This test has the same format as the IELTS computer-based test, and has similar requirements as the online TOEFL test: A quiet and comfortable space to take your […]
Giving well-developed responses on your IELTS Speaking test
So, you took the IELTS again, and disappointingly enough, your speaking score is still 6.5. Frustrating, isn’t it? Especially when you’ve followed tons of “tips and tricks” from YouTube? What should you be doing, then, to finally achieve that band 7? Read on! Far too often, test-takers will deliver short, curt, direct responses to an examiner’s questions on […]
Is it true that taking rural Punjab as your center will give you more bands in the IELTS?
Do rural Punjab centers give better IELTS band scores? Is the exam particularly “easy” in Punjab? Is there an easy way to pass the exam? Google sometimes returns peculiar suggested searches for the IELTS: These can be quite the rabbit hole if you venture deep enough! What I find interesting is that many students look […]
Free IELTS Speaking lesson!
A lot of people seem to be following the wrong sort of methods when it comes to the IELTS Speaking test. In this part 1 instructional video, I explain with the help of a student what needs to be done during the test. Much of the advice here is applicable for the other parts of […]
Get an 8 on IELTS Listening: FIX these 4 errors now!
The IELTS Listening module is generally regarded as an easier module than the other three, but it certainly isn’t simple and does come with its own set of challenges. Most, if not all, students I’ve taught had quite a couple of things in common when it came to the IELTS Listening test. They’d generally get […]
Three things you should AVOID on the IELTS Speaking exam
Last month, I had the unique opportunity to have a chat with a room full of IELTS examiners, and the conversation soon turned to one of their pet peeves: common test-taker errors in the Speaking exam. Knowing that this was something most of my students initially struggled with, I asked them what they wished test-takers […]
Using the ‘Past-Present-Future’ strategy in IELTS Speaking Part Two
What is the PPF strategy? Past-Present-Future is a strategy that has been discussed widely, but I am yet to see clear and detailed instructions on how exactly one must apply this strategy for a variety of part two topics. The only available resources are from the British Council (for use by teachers) and from a […]
Which exam is easier – IELTS or CELPIP?
“Should I take the IELTS or the CELPIP? I don’t know the differences between these exams!” “I’ve heard that CELPIP speaking is very tough.” “The IELTS is so tough! I tried three times but I was unable to get the scores I needed!“ “IELTS writing is very hard and it is impossible to get over […]
Why do I keep getting 6.5 in IELTS writing?
“Ugh, not again! I sat the exam four times, and I still can’t get past a 6.5 in writing!”One of the commonest complaints that I encounter from prospective test-takers is that they find themselves stuck at a band score of 6.5 when it comes to writing. What’s worse is that they often feel like there […]
