By J. Abrahim The author is a non-native speaker and has himself scored band 9 in the IELTS. He is a professional IELTS tutor, and has helped thousands of students across the world score 7+ in the IELTS. CONTENT 1. What Does It Take To Be An Ielts Winner? 2. What Is The Ielts? 2.1 WHAT IS THE IELTS SCORE USED FOR? 2.2 STRUCTURE OF THE IELTS 2.3 IELTS BANDS 2.4 THE MYTHS OF IELTS 3. The Winning Ielts Prep Strategies 3.1 THE FIRST STEP: KNOW YOURSELF 3.2 IDENTIFYING YOUR WEAK AREAS 3.3 WORKING ON YOUR STRONG AREAS 3.4 WHICH IS THE BEST COURSE/BOOK/STUDY MATERIAL FOR ME? 3.5 MUST HAVE BOOKS 3.6 IS PRIVATE TUTORING THE HOLY GRAIL OF A HIGH SCORE? 4. How Do The Ielts Winners Actually Study? 4.1 WHY THE MOST IMPORTANT PROBLEMS ARE THE ONES YOU GET WRONG 4.2 WHAT IS THE RIGHT TIME TO BOOK YOUR IELTS EXAM? 4.3 WHY DO IELTS WINNERS TRAIN LIKE AN ATHLETE? 5. How Did Kiran Go From 5 To 8… 6. Why Some People Score Higher The Second Time Around 7. Beating The Four Components Of The Ielts 7.1 LISTENING 7.2 SPEAKING 7.3 READING 7.4 WRITING 8. The Winning Approach 8.1 TIME MANAGEMENT 8.2 DO IELTS WINNERS WORK IN GROUPS? 8.3 WHY THE WINNERS IGNORE SELECTED ‘DIFFICULT’ PROBLEMS 8.4 WHY YOU SHOULD READ THE NEWSPAPERS 8.5 HOW TO FIND OUT YOUR FUTURE IELTS SCORE WITHOUT TAKING THE IELTS 8.6 WHEN SHORTCUTS/EDUCATED GUESSES ARE IMPORTANT 8.7 WHY MENTAL FITNESS IS KEY 9. How To Get ‘Lucky’ In Ielts 10. The Winning Mind Set 10.1 BURNING DESIRE TO EXCEL 10.2 HOW WINNERS OVERCOME LIMITING BELIEFS 10.3 HOW WINNER’S MANAGE THEIR SELF IMAGE TO SUCCEED 10.4 THE MENTAL PICTURE PRINCIPLE 11. The Winning Traits 11.1 HOW WINNERS PLAN 11.2 BEWARE OF YOUR BIGGEST ENEMY 11.3 HOW PERSISTENCE PAYS 12. How Burnouts Can Ruin You Prep & How You Can Avoid Them 12.1 RECOGNIZING THE SYMPTOMS 12.2 GETTING OUT OF IT 13. How Winners Avoid The ‘Average’ Mindset 14. Ielts Winners Countdown To The D Day… 14.1 A WEEK BEFORE THE TEST 14.2 THE DAY BEFORE THE TEST 14.3 THE TEST DAY 14.4 THOSE FIVE HOURS 15. Managing Test Anxiety 15.1 WHAT DOES TEST ANXIETY FEEL LIKE? 15.2 WHAT CAN YOU DO TO CONTROL TEST ANXIETY? 15.3 SO HOW DO YOU GET TO BE SELF-CONFIDENT? 16. Should You Ever Cancel Your Score? 1. What does it take to be an IELTS Winner? If you think it is only knowledge that will make you an IELTS winner, think again. Knowledge can only take you so far! There are scores of graduates and even PhDs who have not managed to get a Band 7+ in the IELTS. Of course, this was before the ‘Ways of the IELTS winners’ existed! The point is that knowledge by itself is not sufficient to ace the IELTS. You need the other ‘intangible’ qualities & smart Studying Strategies to make the thing work. The subsequent sections will discuss some of these strategies, but first… 2. What is the IELTS? International English Language Testing System or commonly called IELTS is an exam that assesses a person’s English skills. There is no passing or failing score in the IELTS exam. Unlike other English exams such as TOEFL wherein you need to acquire a certain score to pass the test, IELTS is more focussed in gauging the individual’s English skills. Each score in the IELTS exam expresses an individual’s English level. The IELTS exam is recognised by most universities around the world like Australia, UK, New Zealand, US and Canada. Most of these countries offer studies abroad as well as migration programs in their country either for permanent residency or work programs making the test an integral part of their application. Each area requires a certain level of English competency that will allow the examinee to be admitted at the university, gain entrance for permanent residency and get hired for a job application. There are two versions of the IELTS Exams and each serves its own purposes. An examinee should know which of the two versions he must take before applying for the exams. Scores are not interchangeable and knowing the specific type of IELTS exam is necessary in completing your requirements for your study, immigration or work application. Academic IELTS is commonly taken by those who are trying to obtain a degree in a university either for graduate or undergraduate studies. It is used basically in determining the student’s English skills where English is the main language used during their course study. Meeting the required IELTS score is essential to gaining acceptance for your studies. Academic IELTS is an improved English skills test for those who want to gain acceptance for their studies and are especially planning to study abroad. It consists of the four main areas of English skills (listening, reading, writing and speaking) wherein reading and writing are entirely different from that of the General IELTS. These two areas are more comprehensive and needs a thorough analysis by the examinee. Academic IELTS exam is necessary as well for those who are applying for professional work abroad like nurses, doctors, dentists and physical therapists. General IELTS is for individuals who are applying for immigration or working abroad. Employers and countries where English is the medium of instruction want to know the English levels of the migrants or workers before they accept their application. Obtaining the required score is important in being accepted for the job as well as in entering the country where you applied for your migration. General IELTS is a much simpler test compared to the Academic IELTS consisting of the four main areas of English skills. Its main purpose is generally focussed on the individual’s social survival at work and in the country s/he wishes to live. This gauges the individual’s English skills in communicating at his/her work and living environment. Generally, the English skills required when migrating and applying for work is to have a basic and simple understanding of the English language allowing the person to express himself. Moreover, General IELTS for work application is for those applicants that are applying as skilled workers like carpenters, masons, waiters and plumbers. However, considering the fact that the IELTS scores are not interchangeable, applying for an Academic IELTS exam can serve the purpose of all three applications. A minimum score of 5 will be accepted in getting into a university. Generally your score is dependent on the school’s requirement. Some schools require a score of 5 while others require a score as high as 7 or 8. For immigration and job purposes a score of 5 is acceptable. Where to Apply for an IELTS Exam? IELTS exam is available worldwide. It has more than 500 locations in 130 different countries. It is jointly managed by the British Council, IDP - IELTS Australia and the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations (Cambridge ESOL). You can find the nearest IELTS Test Centre in your location by visiting their website (www.ielts.org). You can either call or send them an email to find more details and information on what you need to do in applying for your exam. How to Apply for an IELTS Exam? IELTS application can be filed in two ways. You can either send your application via mail or you can apply in person at the IELTS Test Centre. Filling up the application form properly is very important when applying for your IELTS exam. Make sure you have filled up all the necessary information and answered all the questions on the form before registering for your exam. The following documents should be completed when filing your IELTS registration via mail or in person. Completed IELTS Application Form Completed IELTS Payment Form Receipt for your IELTS payment 2 latest passport size photos (not older than 6 months) Certified photocopy of the first page of your passport where your picture and personal details are found. The IELTS Test Centre will send you a confirmation letter via email if your registration for the exam is sent via mail. If you applied in person your confirmation letter will be given to you upon completion of your application. How much does an IELTS Exam Cost? IELTS exam costs the same for both General and Academic exams. Currently it costs £110. There is a set test fee for the Test Centres in every country. How long does an IELTS exam take? Approximately, the IELTS exam takes about 2 hours and 45 minutes. The speaking exam can be taken on the same day or it can be scheduled for another day within seven days from the date of the exam. How often is an IELTS exam given? IELTS exams are usually given three or four times a month depending on the country and the IELTS Test Centre. Some IELTS exams can be arranged for particular institutions and sponsors as well. How often can you take the IELTS Exam? If the desired score is not met, you can take the IELTS exam after three months from the first test date you had taken the exam on. How long is the score valid for? IELTS scores are valid for up to two years. If you are not able to use your test score within the said validity period, you need to take the exam again if you are applying for your studies, immigration or work. What your IELTS Score means? The IELTS score is an individual’s English level in using the English language. Scores are reported as band scores from 1 being the lowest up to 9 being the highest. The examinees are given an overall band score and separate scores for each of the areas in the Exam. When is an IELTS exam result issued? Results of IELTS exams are issued after two weeks from the date you have taken the exam. It is sent to you personally or it can be sent to five different institutions as specified by you on your application form. 2.1 What is the IELTS score used for? Not all scores are created equal The IELTS score is used for assessing the level of English needed for certain candidates or students in performing efficiently and effectively in their studies, immigration, work or training. Score requirements are set by the each of the institutions or organisations and may vary from one to another depending on their specific needs and requirements. Enrolling in a College or University When going for studies abroad especially in Australia, UK, Canada and the US, an IELTS score is one of the basic requirements. Certain colleges or universities require a minimum Academic IELTS score of 5 or as high as 7 or 8. IELTS Score for Migration Most individuals who are migrating to Australia, Canada or New Zealand need to show their English level before getting their visas at the respective embassy. Individuals are required to have a minimum General IELTS Score of 5. IELTS Score for Training and Work Those who are applying for professional training or work abroad like working as nurses, doctors or therapists need to have an Academic IELTS score of 7 or 8. This is one of the basic requirements especially for those who will be working in countries like US, UK, Australia or Canada. Skilled workers like waiters, carpenters, plumbers and welders who are going to Australia, Canada or UK need a General IELTS score of 4.5 or 5 before they are accepted for the job they are applying. Having knowledge why you are being asked for an IELTS score when going for your studies, work or migration is a way of conditioning your mind for your IELTS preparation. If you want to pursue your career or migrate in another country you must properly prepare for your IELTS to fulfil your chosen career path as well as fulfilling your dreams in living abroad.