For the past decade, we have not been asked even once about what really matters in order to get the desired IELTS bands. The reason seems to be that almost all YouTube videos, blogs, advertisements, and other material targeting IELTS test takers revolve around two words: tips and tricks.

The underlying motive behind the “tips and tricks” question seems to be a preference for ‘the path of least resistance’ and the ‘short-cut’ mentality. There are no short cuts and hacks when it comes to materializing anything valuable, and IELTS test is a valuable commodity. Cutting corners might leads to less exhaustion and grinding, but it also leads to below average results, hence the disappointment.

It is not that tips and tricks are useless and have no place in the IELTS prep courses. They do, but what most test takers do not realize is the nature of these two and the extent to which these two can help. The truth is: tips and tricks do help you avoid the common pitfalls and penalties. They can help you save yourself from falling from a 7 to 6, but they cannot help you jump from 6 to 7.

So, what can be done in order to ace the test in first attempt besides learning tips and tricks. Here is the ultimate move that really matters.

Improve your general English. That’s it.

The most important, yet the most neglected, part of the IELTS prep is improving the language you are being tested on. Below are two activities that must be incorporated in your daily routine for at least three to four months or even more, depending on your current level of English.

1. Listen to native speech every day for about two to three hours
2. Read (your favorite books, blogs, articles in newspapers, or popular essays) 

Podcasts, YouTube channels, documentaries and even movies can be great sources. Do your research. Choose the channels and material that you think you will enjoy listening to. Do not just listen once and forget about them. Listen to the same video/audio multiple times in the span of one week.

2. Read (your favorite books, blogs, articles in newspapers, or popular essays)

Pick up a book you always wanted to read or was highly recommended by your teacher or friends. Read at least one article and essay every day. Just read.


by: Syed Idrees - Senior Verbal Trainer