How do I Improve my IELTS Score from 5.5 to 6.5?

The IELTS score requirement varies from academic institutes to immigration centers. Since moving abroad submitting the IELTS score is a necessity, every student tries their best to score a really high score. For non-native English speakers, IELTS is often hard. Especially the speaking and reading sections, as it contains vocabulary, it tests fluency, and the candidate also needs to speak in front of an examiner - that is altogether a reason for stressing out. If you are also someone who has recently taken IELTS and has landed with around a 5.5 score then sadly, you really have to buck up. Most universities, colleges, and immigration requirements look for a minimum of around 6.5 scores. You definitely don’t want to sabotage your plan of studying abroad.

An IELTS score of 5.5 labels you as a moderate to competent user. Whereas, an IELTS score of 6.5 escalates you to a position of competent to a good user. Although an IELTS score of 6.5 is also not advisory once you start preparing for increasing your score from 5.5 to 6.5 it will result in an even higher score. Now, before starting with the preparation method you need to get a hold of the IELTS band descriptors to understand the difference in performance levels:

Listing down a few of the IELTS score improvement tricks

To be noted, these are tricks exclusively shared by previous IELTS test-takers.

For IELTS Listening:

Listening can be greatly improved by listening to BBC, CNN, DW, as well as documentaries featured in National Geographic and HBO. The aim is to listen to accents and speeches that would provide an idea about the English language. Informative English movies are another source of preparation tool for the IELTS listening test.

Important note: Concentrate completely on the recording and the voice of the speaker. Pay heed to every word spoken by the speaker as losing concentration for a minute second will cost you leaving 1 or 2 blanks empty. This will eventually cost you scores.

For IELTS Reading:

To prepare for IELTS reading, opt for informative pieces like the New Yorker, the Atlantic, the New York Times. The main aim of the IELTS reading preparation is to focus on the details rather than the verbiage, get a comprehensive idea of the purpose and author’s viewpoint. The best way to ace the reading passage is by reading the first para then moving on to the questions, you will instantly be able to answer a question. This way go on with the second and third paragraphs as well.

Important note: It should be noted that you will get certain complex questions and that will test the candidate’s competency. It is then you need to focus on all the details.

IELTS Writing: Focus on writing a summary of the IELTS writing topic. In two to three minutes pick up the major ideas, brainstorm, contemplate, and jot down the pros/cons of the topic as fast as possible. This is majorly applicable for the for or against essay but every topic will be benefitted from this preparation method.

Important Note: Complex sentences with wrong spellings and misplaced words are just not what is expected.

IELTS Speaking: The best way to prepare for IELTS speaking is to speak with yourself. No matter how weird it sounds, you have to frequently speak with yourself to pace up fluency. The British Council book contains plentiful IELTS speaking sample questions, practice from those. Grammatical errors should be properly worked on.

It is mandatory for you to practice all the lessons from the British Council preparation guide. It contains not only a wide range of IELTS practice questions but also authentic question types. It will way easier for the candidate to practice from the British Council questions since it will give them the idea of the questions of the real-time exam.

Few more IELTS preparation tips to increase your score from 5.5 to 6.5:

1. Join an online IELTS coaching institute
2. Prepare an IELTS study plan for you
3. Take numerous IELTS practice tests
4. Devote all your time in balancing the strengths and weaknesses
5. Finish understanding a concept, take a diagnostic test
6. Get your friends and family to help you with IELTS speaking