I am no expert in this, it is just that I got the required score and I am trying to help others to get to

their desired result. Even while reading this document, you might feel that “Hey, this part could have
been written in a better way. So please excuse any grammar mistakes.

Below are my scores in the span of 8 months, as I said it was tough for me too, but giving up is not
an option. Even with 6th attempt, I got a 6.5 in writing, then went for re-evaluation and got it
changed to 7. The key is never aim for 8777, but aim for 9999. Only then even if you fall short, you
would still be nearer to 8777. I had given all my attempts from British Council but I think it doesn’t
matter if you give from BC or IDP (May be their re-evaluation or time lines might be different).

If you ever think of giving it up, think why you started it. I did it for my 2 year old son. After my night
shifts, if I ever thought about sleeping and just giving up, I used to think where this 8777 can get me
(Hopefully – my current CRS is 468). You would need discipline, since you can never be always be
motivated.

Attempt Listening Reading Writing Speaking

1 8 7 6 6
2 8 7.5 6.5 6.5
3 8 7 7 6.5
4 7.5 7 7 7.5
5 7.5 7 7 7
6 9 9 7 8.5

Listening:

I think it is the hardest part after writing. Practice certainly helps here.

 Have the listening test played again, till you get a 40 for a certain test.
 If you get a wrong answer, try to identify how you got the wrong answer and what is the
right answer.
o This way, you would be training your mind to understand the format and give the
right answers
 When you practice, have the same format as a test, start with listening first
 Try to anticipate answers – like I remember one question which said “Horse riding may
result in..”. Now try to guess an answer, there are high chances it would be a spine or back.
The speaker would talk about his knee or what not, but then we have to listen carefully
almost till the end. Once he says “Back”, and then talk about something else, you would
then know the right answer.
 The speaker would usually talk about a secondary answer, but you would need to listen it
almost till the end.

Reading:
I have never worked hard on this module given the requirement is for 7, and it seems achievable at
least to me. Hence, I have fewer pointers for this section.

 One needs to be a natural reader to get a 7 easily in this section, try reading newspaper and
focus on your speed. This is not about the test, but your natural ability.
 The most difficult part according to me is the Yes, No and NA part. The key here is to not to
think too much and if the direct answer is not given, one should select NA.
 It is a bit easy to get cocky with the answers, so always recheck your answers at the end of
each section

Writing:

Ok, this is the most difficult part for most of us. In my first attempt, I thought I wrote the best
possible essay I could, and I got a 6. Then below are the few pointers that I followed, and fortunately
I got a 7 – 4 times in a row (although lacked .5 in other modules).

 Well, there is a fixed format based on type of essay. One has to basically use the follow it
and use a good vocabulary (apart from task achievement, coherence and grammar range).
 The essay & letter have to address questions and should sound relevant.
 We must use reference eg. “In a recent study, it was found that 60% of the parents would
not mind spending their life saving on an extravagant marriage function”. – There is no
proof of such statement but once has to use such analysis to make a point. It would be
hypothetical but should sound logical and reasonable.
 The videos of Jay E2 on YouTube are very helpful so I suggest you follow his guidance.
 When using a wide range of vocabulary, we need to ensure it goes with the flow of the
essay and should not sound absurd.
 In Opinion essays, your introduction should have an idea on what your take is, it makes the
essay more intriguing.
 Your essay should have a hook, and it should be interesting. After you read it, it should
sound convincing – i.e. the reader should agree with your thoughts.
 One last tip, read a lot of 9 band essay. It is difficult to write at that level, but more we read
them, we can write in a similar format (Search for only 9 band essays).

Helpful links:

Writing guidelines:
https://takeielts.britishcouncil.org/sites/default/files/ielts_task_2_writing_band_descriptors.pdf

Jay E2 guidelines:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zx-JcXsbUqQ

Speaking:
 Well this was one of my weaknesses and I knew it would be little difficult to achieve. This is
very similar to Listening, since you would have only few moments to think and speak up.
 First thing is you need to be very comfortable, ensure you smile and relax while giving the
answer.
 One has to think very quickly while giving answers. But the key that I found is you don’t need
to specifically answer the question, you need to show off that you can speak English even if
you don’t know the answer. Of course, it should sound relevant. For eg, if the question “Did
you ever had a pet, what was it?”. Now let us assume, you didn’t. Then below can be your
answer.
o “Well, I always wanted a pet, but till now didn’t had any. Right now I am not able to
manage my college / work timings and have a special time for a pet. Alternatively, I
can think of having a Gold fish or a Budgie, which doesn’t require a lot of attention
as compared to a cat or a dog”.
 Now, it might look easy, but during the test, you might not be able to think of such answer.
You can practice with these kind of weird questions and try to develop a method of speaking
about such unknown topics.
 You NEED to think in English. Once you start thinking in native language and start translating
it, it looses its essence.
 According to me, the Cue card is a bit tricky part. To get a good score, you need to speak for
full two minutes at least. Also when we say speak, it should have a good flow, and should be
pleasant to hear.
 Like in writing, your sentence should be convincing. Similarly, speak as you are speaking in
an interview – like your career is at stake and words and flow are the only tools you have to
convince the other person.
 Lastly, to get better marks, one has to play with the tenses and use complex sentence. It is a
double-edged sword, if you are good with it, it will aid you. However, if you are not that
comfortable, it is ok to use simple sentences, but sound good during the test.