Last Updated on March 26, 2024 by Jawad Ali
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is among the most significant examinations to assess a candidate’s command of the English language for Overseas Education. Getting one is often a prerequisite for working or enrolling in school in the United States.
In preparation for IELTS Exam, most non-native English speakers who hope to work or attend school in the United States are now studying the language.
In this article, we will dispel some common fallacies and share some fascinating information about IELTS.
IELTS Myths: The Top 10
Myth #1: Only Those with Superior English Proficiency Aim for 8 Bands
On the contrary, that is not so. Extraordinary English abilities are not inherited but acquired through extensive study and practice. They do drills, study new vocabulary, watch English TV shows, participate in workshops, and much more!
Indeed, you are capable of doing the same. In other words, if you set your sights on 8 bands and are prepared to put in the effort to improve, you can achieve that goal.
Learn the fundamentals first, and work your way up to more complex material. You can’t earn 8 bands by magic or chance, but you can get them through training and effort.
Myth #2: Using More Words and More Complex Sentences Will Boost Your Grades
Another prevalent IELTS Myth is that scoring higher requires utilising more complicated phrases and more extended essays. Isn’t this the complete opposite of what should happen? Avoid using complicated phrases and clauses. Although it is OK to utilise more challenging vocabulary, sentences should not become too convoluted for the reader.
This is especially true for IELTS Writing Tasks 1 and 2, when excellent results are possible even if you write exactly the required number of words. Make sure you include at least that many words in your submission.
If you’re writing an essay for the IELTS, stick to the word count specified there. Keep your writing to the specified length.
Myth #3: Disagreeing with the Examiner or Offering an Opinion Is Never Permitted
With the IELTS Reading, you’ll encounter Agree/Disagree questions, where the examiner will look for you to express your viewpoint and grade you accordingly. “I think/I believe/I feel” statements are acceptable if the query seeks your opinion. Don’t get into that IELTS urban legend, OK?
You will get a lower score for failing to meet the Achievement requirement if you don’t share your viewpoint while answering questions.
IELTS Speaking Exam candidates are also encouraged to offer their thoughts and opinions. You are under no obligation to agree with the examiner. That won’t lower your grade at all. Get your point through and justify it with an explanation.
Myth 4: Skimming and scanning are unnecessary when reading.
No. Skimming and scanning are necessary to solve the reading question. Do not listen to anyone who advises skipping this stage. Avoid the standard academic approach of reading the question before looking for the solution. The IELTS Reading exam is not the place for this strategy.
If you’re taking a computerised test, compile a list of keywords that describe the context as you read the text; if you’re taking a paper test, do the same. You may benefit from utilising tactics presented in credible and genuine study resources. However, to answer the questions, you must read the assigned materials.
Myth #5: Non-Native Speakers Can’t Achieve Good Results
That is not the case. In India, many students take and pass the IELTS exam. Any hopeful with aspirations of studying or settling abroad must take this test. What makes you think that non-native speakers can’t get better results?
As many as 4.5 Lakh took the IELTS exam in 2022, and organisers predicted a 30% increase for the next academic year when nearly all students went abroad.
Myth #6: Speak in British or American Accent in IELTS Speaking
As much attention as this IELTS Myth receives, many students still fall for it when taking the Speaking Exam to study abroad. A phony or forced accent is unnecessary, so keep that in mind. Examiners will enjoy it if you talk with your unique accent. Use your native accent and make sure the readers can understand you.
Myth #7: Speak Rapidly and Make People Laugh
Speaking at a tempo that is neither too fast nor sluggish is ideal for the IELTS Speaking Exam. Every word you say should be crystal clear to the examiner. Don’t worry about speaking too quickly; shorter phrases that are easy to understand are good.
The ability to make the examiner laugh is often seen as a plus. False; these are just myths about the IELTS test. Remember that you will not immediately find out how you did on an exam. Your responses are being recorded and will be reviewed by several examiners later. Therefore, you shouldn’t worry that they didn’t laugh or that they didn’t respond to your responses.
Myth #8: Taking the IELTS in one’s own country or city can improve one’s score
That is not the case. It’s a popular misconception that taking the IELTS exam in your nation or city can improve your score. No. Never accept any such nonsense as accurate. Today’s test takers are less likely to be based in their hometown than previous generations were for various reasons, including career and school. There are as many as 1600 exam centres spread out over the globe to make things easy for every hopeful.
The Exam is administered in the same way at each location. There is a similar level of rigour among the examiners and invigilators. Thus, rather than believing such IELTS misconceptions, take the test wherever you feel most at ease.
Myth #9: IELTS Online Training Doesn’t Work
This is the subject of several debates. In every case, the same response is given. When it comes to IELTS Online Coaching, there is nothing worse than a lousy teacher. Every teacher hopes their pupil improves and does well on exams. Whether in front of a classroom full of students or at a computer, it makes no difference to them. Teachers just want what’s best for their kids’ education.
During this epidemic, many educators brushed up on their computer skills to better serve their kids. You can put your faith in such IELTS Myths or in your instructor.
Myth #10: The IELTS exam is all a trick.
Taking the IELTS test is not a hoax. However, the IELTS test is rather difficult. Prepare thoroughly if you want a high band score on the IELTS. Improve your grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation with IELTS Online practice tests, and evaluate your progress periodically.
It’s simple to get disheartened and use unnecessary effort worrying about learning the best strategies to achieve success. This contributes to the widespread belief in IELTS Myths among hopeful candidates. Don’t try to cut corners; just put in the time and effort.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the IELTS exam?
The acronym “IELTS” describes the International English Language Testing System. All four literacies—reading, writing, speaking, and listening—will be tested in this particular Exam for Overseas Education.
How much would it set me back to take the IELTS?
The precise sum may be seen on the British Council’s official website.
How soon after failing the Exam may a candidate retake it?
If you did not earn the score you needed, you could reapply to take the IELST Exam as soon as you feel prepared. Your score will unlikely increase without severe work and extra preparation before requesting a retake.
Will I get the IELTS Speaking slot I choose during the registration?
The candidate’s preferred speaking time slot must be made accessible; however, this may not be possible in light of the present COVID scenario. Candidates will get a reminder email and text message with IELTS test details (location, date, and time) two days before the scheduled Exam.
Conclusion
Surely you have heard all of the above falsehoods about the IELTS before. In contrast, if you want to prepare for or take the IELTS test seriously, you need to just put these misconceptions and rumours out of your mind and concentrate on your preparation for Study Abroad. Because these misconceptions may hold you back professionally and are entirely false, use your brain! And if you have any questions about the IELTS, feel free to chat with professionals at places like Eduversal Global.