4 pitfalls in IELTS test preparation

Spending too much time and effort practicing with sample tests when you don't have enough vocabulary, or blindly applying tips found online, can both make IELTS preparation ineffective.

Dr. Hoang Ngoc Quynh, a lecturer at the University of Leicester, UK, shares four things learners should avoid getting sidetracked by when preparing for the IELTS exam.

Too hasty

Whenever I receive the question, "How can I achieve an IELTS score of 6.5 or higher?", I usually reply, "Have you dedicated enough time to building a solid foundation in English?".

In reality, IELTS results only reflect your English proficiency, not something miraculous. The first mistake in IELTS preparation is impatience and trying to skip steps.

With IELTS scores being so highly valued for securing admission to prestigious universities or enhancing study abroad applications, the desire for quick results is understandable. However, to prepare for the IELTS, you need a solid foundation in vocabulary, grammar, and basic listening and speaking skills. Getting familiar with the exam format might only take a month, but building a strong language foundation takes many months. Therefore, in my opinion, candidates should temporarily set aside long-term pressures and goals and dedicate their time to thoroughly developing all four English skills.

You can create your own English-speaking environment through daily listening and reading, starting from your current level. To prepare for the IELTS exam, you should combine reading vocabulary and grammar books, or IELTS preparation guides that follow a structured learning path.

The drawback is that it's easy to get bored. Therefore, combine learning English from many different sources and methods, for example, learning through podcasts, movies, books, newspapers, YouTube, clubs, etc.

Dr. Hoang Ngoc Quynh, lecturer at the University of Leicester, UK. Photo: Provided by the subject.

Overemphasis on practicing exam questions.

Practicing too many test questions puts pressure on learners regarding scores, affecting the natural process of language acquisition. Try to learn English in a relaxed and enjoyable way, and when practicing with test questions, everything will be easier.

For example, if you're struggling with your Listening score despite practicing with various tests, try spending 1-2 months watching movies or listening to English podcasts on topics you enjoy, to improve your speaking speed. From my experience preparing for the IELTS, I found this method much more effective than sitting and listening for hours on end just to do practice tests.

Overly concerned about tips.

Online or in IELTS classes, you can easily find and receive tips on studying and taking practice tests. This can confuse learners and cause them to forget their main task, which is to improve their English skills.

I don't deny that you should "keep in mind" a few tips when taking the exam, but that's only a secondary factor. When I took the IELTS exam, quite a while ago, I didn't use any tips at all; I simply focused on listening in the Listening section and focusing on reading in the Reading section.

For the Speaking and Writing sections, I practiced speaking more before the exam and wrote essays every day. Actually, I had already spent a considerable amount of time self-studying English beforehand. I entered the exam room feeling confident and didn't think about any tips or tricks.

Learning by rote

Many IELTS preparation centers teach students how to predict, "cram" for specific topics, and memorize answers. Some students even practice with specific Speaking topics, writing scripts in advance, hoping that the actual exam will feature that topic. However, writing scripts in advance is actually ineffective, as the probability of encountering the topic is low, and it can make it difficult to speak fluently if the topic is chosen incorrectly.

To be objective, rote learning might be helpful for some students who need to score points quickly for an exam, but it's not an effective long-term learning method. In my opinion, what's important is helping students confidently use English, so that the language helps them achieve their long-term, sustainable, and greater goals.

In the UK, if you ask what IELTS is, almost no one knows. But when you communicate, they will recognize your confidence and language skills. Set ambitious goals to motivate yourself on your English learning journey. And once you maintain that motivation, achieving your desired IELTS score won't be too difficult.

Hoang Ngoc Quynh

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