Tips To Crack IELTS & TOEFL

Acing English Language tests is a no mean feat and to do so you need to up your all-round language skills. Over the years, we at The English Advantage have found that every student can clear the test if they understand their needs. Through this article we will try to help you develop your own strategy to ace any English Language Test. 

Know the Test - Know the Rubric 

It is key that you understand the test format and its marking system. Many students are disappointed with the results because they personally felt that they did well at the exam. It is important that you go through the different parts of the exam and understand what is expected of you in each part. The Rubrics of the exam will also state the kind of language you are expected to use during the exam. The publicly available marking band descriptors will help you understand how the examiners will mark your language and response.   

Focus on Developing all your Language Skills 

Don’t just fret about Speaking and Writing. Pay attention to your Reading and Listening skills. Look at the sub-skills in play and practise using the sub-skills through mock papers and practice tests. Ask your English Teachers to conduct mock-interviews based on the IELTS format or have them listen to you as you answer questions from TOEFL Practice sets. Solve as many reading and listening activity sheets as you can. Ensure that you are exposed to different accents and authentic listening materials. Read a variety of texts especially those that are out of your comfort zone. Develop reading lists and vocabulary lists. Specially watch out for C1 - C2 level vocabulary. Learn to use them in context and appropriately. Avoid overuse of jargon and let the use of the words come naturally, especially in everyday life. Higher order language skills is what you must seek to achieve.  

Eat - Sleep - Practice - Repeat 

There is no shortcut to developing language skills. Can memorising how to shoot an arrow help you develop Archery skills? So also the only way to develop language skills is practising using the language. You need to allow yourself to be immersed in an English ambience. Talk in English, listen to a lot of English, read more English, and write plenty in English. Identify your opportunities that will allow you to express yourself in English in a safe manner.  

Know what score you require - and go beyond

It is very important that you know what score or band level you are required to prove. For some it may just be anything about 5 or for others it might be 7.5 overall. This will help you direct your efforts and energy in developing skills. Yes, higher order language skills are definitely not wasted on anyone and it will help you be more confident about your performance. Prepare to achieve a score at least a point above what you require. This will help you comfortably sail through the test in your very first attempt.  

Scour for resources - be watchful

In the age of the internet you can never be short on learning or training resources. You need to pick and choose these carefully. Look especially for known publications and trusted sources. You may want to watch something from a random guy on the internet, but treat the information with caution. All official information about the tests must be noted only from official websites and books. Everything else is just an attempt to interpret that information. Maybe something that this article is doing.  

Don’t Rote Learn - Understand and Apply  

Do not try to memorise sentences and phrases to be used. It can do you more harm than good. A simple clear sentence will go a long way than a sentence that has inappropriate words or structure.  

Be Clear - Concise - Correct 

Always keep the holy CCC in mind. You need to be correct about the way you present your information. Your language shouldn’t edge towards ambiguity. You can express something concisely if you use the right phrases or words.  

All in all, you need to develop your own guide or path to ace English Language tests. We are just here to support you with pointers and resources and may be a little (sometimes a lot of) help here or there to get you on your way. Your final score will always reflect the effort you invest in developing your skills, improving your vocabulary, and building your overall command of the English Language.  

John DSouza

Guest Author John DSouza founded The English Advantage in July 2012. John holds a Diploma in TESOL from Trinity College London (LTCL). He has completed his M.A. in ELT from PSTU, Hyderabad. In addition, he is C2 proficient in English and has been an examiner on the panel of Trinity College London as a Speaking Examiner.