Myths have always been around and IELTS too comes with its own set of myths that need to be busted.
The International English Language Testing System is one of the most transparent language proficiency tests that you will ever take. It is not just technical in nature but also very accurate in determining one’s overall hold over the language.
If you allow yourself to get distracted by myths before you appear for this test, you will not be able to achieve your desired results.
We will be debunking seven common myths that are usually associated with the IELTS test in this blog.
IT IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR NON-NATIVE SPEAKERS TO SCORE WELL
This is a very common misconception that people have before they start preparing. IELTS is designed for people whose native or first language isn’t English and so, it has nothing to do with one’s ethnicity or accent.
Lakhs of speakers are able to achieve a high band score despite being non-native speakers of the language. All it takes is the right strategy and guidance.
WRITE MORE FOR A BETTER SCORE
Not only does this sound ridiculous but it also makes no sense when IELTS assesses a student based on four different parameters- Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking.
It is necessary to maintain the word count that you have been asked to maintain so that you’re able to finish all sections of the test on time. Writing concisely will help you get those extra points. Writing more than asked for will only result in deduction of marks as the examiner has to go through several papers and may not appreciate lengthy answers.
IELTS CAN BE TAKEN JUST ONCE
This too is untrue. IELTS can be taken as many times as it takes for you to achieve the needed band score. You will need to pay the fees each time you appear for the test.
SPEAKING IS THE MOST IMPORTANT PART
IELTS takes into account the scores obtained in all the four sections- Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening.
Each of these have equal weightage and there is no one particular section that constitutes the most important part for determining one’s proficiency in English.
PRACTICING QUESTIONS FROM PREVIOUS YEARS IS ENOUGH
IELTS needs a good amount of practice to be cracked well and with the right band. However, practicing sample questions from all the past years will not prepare you for the main test. It will help you understand the pattern of the paper but you will need to refer to more literature in order to score well.
Enrolling yourself at a Study or Settle Abroad Consultancy will also prove to be advantageous.
IELTS TEST CENTRE SHOULD BE IN YOUR CITY
There is no rule as such. Your test center needs to be chosen as per your convenience, time and available days. Regardless of the city that the center may be situated in, you will have to prepare for the test in a similar manner.
All examiners follow the same pattern while marking the students and so there is no room for discrepancy.
IELTS IS TOUGHER THAN OTHER LANGUAGE TESTS
There are tests such as PTE, OET and TOEFL which also assess an individual’s proficiency in English. However, each of these are different in how they need to be prepared for. IELTS too needs to be dealt with strategically. If you have practiced well and are aware of the kind of questions you will be asked, you are bound to do well in the test.
Keep these myths as away from you as possible since they will only act as deterrents before your final IELTS test.
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