Common Misconceptions about the IELTS Exam

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Common Misconceptions about the IELTS Exam

Given that you intend to take the IELTS exam, it’s likely that you have heard odd things about it. You must use reason and progress towards your objectives if you are truly getting ready for the IELTS exam. Since the majority are technically untrue myths, you don’t need to become sidetracked. Students who want to study in UK are particularly susceptible to confusion due to these widely circulated falsehoods. But even after consulting their teachers or friends, some people are still unclear about their doubts. Check out Nodnat Lucknow if you want to know about IELTS, Studying Abroad, etc.

  • Myth 1- IELTS is too challenging:

It is not harder to take the IELTS than any other test. The questions are simple and intended to evaluate your proficiency in using English, not to deceive you or gauge your viewpoints. Like any exam, IELTS calls for extensive study. 

Recall that there is no pass or fail in the IELTS exam. A nine-band scale—one being the lowest and nine being the highest—is used to report the results. For over two decades, this scale has remained unchanged.

The minimal score needed varies according to the requirements of the organization or institution you are applying to as well as your particular visa requirements. Before taking the test, always remember to confirm the score you require.

  • Myth 2- IELTS preparation classes are not necessary:

Even though it’s not required, taking a course is beneficial. Locate a local course that will teach you the strategies for aiming for a high grade. A quality preparatory course ought to point you in the appropriate preparation direction.

  • Myth 3- The IELTS is different in each country:

Both the Academic and General Training versions of the IELTS are available. There isn’t another format except for these. The IELTS is the same everywhere on any given day.

  • Myth 4- You can improve your score by taking too many practice exams:

There is no denying the necessity of the practice. Giving lots of practice exams alone won’t get you high marks, though. It’s critical to improve your English and understand the test’s tactics.

  • Myth 5- You can only take the IELTS exam once:

The exam has no maximum number of attempts that can be made. But there’s a charge for every test.

  • Myth 6- The speaking portion of the IELTS is the most crucial:

What would make one test section more significant than the others if there were four sections and each section received the same score? It follows that each of the four IELTS sections—Reading, Speaking, Writing, and Listening—is equally significant. Minimum score bands for each section as well as an aggregate score are typically part of the requirements for college admissions (and/or visa requirements).

  • Myth 7- To ace the speaking exam, you need to sound native:

Put aside your “mother tongue influence” and practice pronouncing words correctly. Put emphasis on the proper syllables and speak at the proper tempo. And voilà! You’re about to have an excellent Speaking test. You will do more harm than good to your test if you try to emulate a foreign accent by skipping these stages.

  • Myth 8- The IELTS minimum score is 7.0:

It is merely a scale to determine how well you speak English. To reach your desired destinations, you must, however, meet the necessary IELTS score requirements (both total and particular score bands) set by institutions and organizations.

  • Myth 9- It’s possible to sacrifice speed:

Since each component has a time limit, you must attend them mindful of the running clock. Your goal should be to complete the assignment with high-quality responses in the allotted time.

  • Myth 10- IELTS is harder than other English language tests:

IELTS is regarded as one of the top tests for the English language because of its tried-and-true format, which has been in use for many years. Other tests exist, such as the PTE and the TOEFL, although they differ from the IELTS in terms of difficulty and have different forms. Regardless of how challenging the questions are, you can achieve your ideal score with dedicated practice.

  • Myth 11- The IELTS exam location needs to be in your city:

The test locations and the cities in which they are administered are not exclusive. Additionally, there is no prejudice. Thus, when making your IELTS reservation, only consider the availability of the test day and how easy it will be for you to get to the testing location.

  • Myth 12- Going above the word limit pays off:

Make sure it is clear, succinct, and relevant. Simply make your point within the allotted word count, regardless of what it is.

  • Myth 13- One should keep their opinions to themselves:

Keep in mind that the IELTS is merely an English language test. It is unrelated to your beliefs or thoughts. Therefore, in order to speak freely and fluently, be honest and comfortable.

  • Myth 14- Long pauses and a moderate speech rate will be negative:

To express your argument, speak with clarity and lucidity. When pauses are used correctly, they will make the examiner more impressed.

  • Myth 15- The right and wrong answers:

There are no correct or incorrect responses. Your grammar, pronunciation, and fluency in the English language will be tested with each question and module.

  • Myth 16- Different IELTS test centres have different scoring schemes:

The scoring patterns are the same throughout locations and countries as the format. Examiners are in sync and calibrated when grading this “extremely important to the test-taker’s future” exam.

  • Myth 17- There are examiners who are more generous than others:

This is untrue. Examiners would quickly lose their positions if they were excessively strict or generous. You are the deciding factor, not the facility or the examiner.

Many students lament that because the examiner was unpleasant or didn’t like them personally, they didn’t receive a very high score. Giving you an accurate score is the examiner’s responsibility; being your friend is not. Although they ought to be cordial, if they aren’t smiling all the time, it’s probably because they are focused on something else rather than because they don’t like you.

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