I think it's important to remember that you can never be 100% prepared for any exam. One of the aims of an exam is to take you out of your 'comfort zone' in order to find the limit of your current ability. There will always be surprises and difficult questions; otherwise everyone would get full marks.
So, don't worry if there are topics that you haven't studied, or words that you don't understand, and try not to get too nervous or frustrated. Just keep working hard, do your best, and try to enjoy the challenge of the exam!
Note:
I'm sorry if you posted a "comment" and I haven't answered it. I try to answer a few questions here and there, but I'm afraid it's impossible for me to reply to everyone.
Hi Simon. i have a gramma exercise. Correct the mistakes. Please help me
It is important that cancer iđ diagnosed and treated as early as possible in order to assure a successful cure.
Posted by: Loulaalaa | Sunday, April 15, 2012 at 09:44
Hi Simon, this is so true!
We should enjoy examination!
Posted by: Maria | Sunday, April 15, 2012 at 12:51
Hi Simon,
Thank you so much for all your guidelines on IELTS.
I took the IELTS test Saturday 14/4 and during my speaking test my examiner was not making eye contact with me. However, I spoke very well and also covered all bullet points. Just afraid is this a +ve sign or -ve???
Once again thanks, all your speaking topics are very useful.
Cheers.
Posted by: Preeti | Sunday, April 15, 2012 at 14:21
HI Simon I am too nervous when taking exam...and made a big mistake, Would marks still be obtained if me shortened all the answers as T/F/NG or miswrote as Yes/No/Not Given (or Y/N/NG)? thank you very much!
Posted by: teddy | Sunday, April 15, 2012 at 14:39
I am still confused, the biggest question, which test is easier?
Academic or general??
Posted by: Jay | Sunday, April 15, 2012 at 15:02
Hi Simon, I'm working for general exam. Do you give advice for writing task 1 here in you site. could you show me, if there is any. Thanks
Hami.
Posted by: hami | Monday, April 16, 2012 at 02:50
This is absolutelt true just enjoy the test as you normally would when taking any other test or Pretend that you are just playing a video game online that you challenge somebody and beat him. To get nervous during the exam is the same as competing with someone else.
Posted by: gwapo | Monday, April 16, 2012 at 08:14
Hi,
Simon, I hope you doing well over there. Here I would like to inform you about a new topic. This new topic I got in my last exam. It was a Task 2 in writing. The topic was
" The tendency of news reports is focus on problems and emergencies rather than positive developments is harmful to individuals and society.
To what extent do you agree or disagree? "
I found it difficult. May be you will share more ideas on this topic.
Thanks !!!
Posted by: Rony | Monday, April 16, 2012 at 08:25
Hi, Simon! It's sophie from Korea.
Sorry, I am just asking my personal question in here because I don't know where I can ask a question.
I did an IELTS test 2weeks ago and I've just got the results.
However, I am not sure it is right as I thought I did really well in speaking, but I only got a 6 which is the lowest score out of the all my exams. (first = 6, second = 7, third = 6.5)
My teacher who is an IELTS examiner always said to me "You will definetly get a 6.5 or 7" and other my English friends who know about IELTS said it, too.
Obviously, the examiner was new. He made a mistake when he tried to record my voice and also he already put the question paper in front of me when I sat down on the chair.
However, he was quite nice during the exam and he even told me "It was interesting to talk to you".
Therefore, I am going to apply for "enquiry on results".
Do you know somebody who has done it and what were the results?
It costs me 60pounds, so I want it to be worth it.
Could you tell me about it if you know?
Many thanks
Sophie
Posted by: sophie | Monday, April 16, 2012 at 15:40
Hi Simon,
Thank you very much. I got my result after 3 month online study (31 March test). L6.5, S 7, R 7, W 7.5 .
Posted by: daniel luo | Monday, April 16, 2012 at 20:30
Hi Sophie,
I do know students who have had their scores raised (usually by 0.5), so it might be worth trying in this case. Good luck!
...
Congratulations Daniel!
...
I'll answer some of the other questions this weekend.
Posted by: Simon | Thursday, April 19, 2012 at 14:56
Hi Simon, thank you so much for the IELTS
eBook which i just received, am sure it will be VERY useful for me, because i've done the exam 4times but unable to get the required band(7)score.
Posted by: Kofo | Wednesday, June 27, 2012 at 11:31
Hai Simon,I would like to buy your book "ideas on ielts topic".could you tell me how many topics are in the book.piease reply me soon.
Warm regards,Julie Jaison
julie jaison.
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Posted by: Julie Jaison | Monday, August 20, 2012 at 13:47
Hi Julie,
There are 24 topics. You can see the full contents page by clicking on the "example chapter" link on this page:
http://ielts-simon.com/ielts-help-and-english-pr/ielts-ebook.html
Posted by: Simon | Tuesday, August 21, 2012 at 17:55