IELTS – Getting the desired score
View(s):The IELTS examination tests your ability to communicate in English in a country, academic institution or workplace where English is your only means of communicating with the others around you.
In my experience as an examiner for over 20 years I have seen so many candidates fail to get their desired scores. Many of these sit the exam over and over again in the hope that finally they will get lucky. What puzzles me is that many of these candidates are highly intelligent professionals such as doctors, lawyers, scientists, engineers, IT buffs and students who have excelled in their studies locally and are seeking to get higher qualifications abroad or those choosing to migrate.
So why is the IELTS seen as a stumbling block for many of them? One of the reasons I can think of is that the language skills needed to score at IELTS are different from the English language skills taught in most Lankan schools.
Many of the candidates have got through even their tertiary examinations paying more attention to the content of their answers than to language accuracy. The IELTS exam requires you to be precise and focused and most of all to be able to write and speak without making grammatical errors. Sometimes candidates need to relearn the basics of the language. Most of all they need proper guidance and a great deal of practice before they sit for the exam.
There is a vast quantity of material available for self study on the internet. However candidates need to use choose wisely as some of this may not be according to the requirements of the exam.
To succeed at IELTS certain basic steps need to be followed. First of all you should be thoroughly aware of the examination requirements. Cambridge websites are very reliable for information and past papers. You should then prepare well for each module. Make sure you are able to use language accurately, focus on the given task and manage time well. Be very careful of using words and phrases you are not sure of. Remember this is not a test of knowledge but a test of your ability to express opinions and substantiate them as well as acknowledge the opposite point of view.
If your grammar is weak you need to study and practice grammar before attempting the exam. You need to change your perception of the exam as difficult and change your attitude towards it. It is not rocket science if you are willing to work hard to achieve your goal.
NIRMALI HETTIARACHCHI
Senior IELTS examiner with over 20 years experience