IELTS Advice: it takes time

Can I improve my score from 5.5 to 7 in one month?

The honest answer is: no, you probably can't

It's important to be realistic about the time it takes to improve your ability to speak, write or understand a second language. It's a really difficult task. There is no magic recipe for success and there are no shortcuts. Take your time, work hard and be patient.

Note:
I've underlined the good vocabulary contained in my advice.

Comments

[Konomy]

How can I study hard?

Can I improve my score from 5 to 6.5 in one month?

[Shadi]

Hi Konomy!
As Simon said: " No! You probably can't!"
I have taken 3 Ielts exam. I got 6 at first one(W:5.5, L:5.5, R:6.5, S:6.5). I took the second one about 3 months later and I got 6.5(W:6, L:6.5, R:6.5, S:6.5). But I need 7 band, so I have taken another exam today, but I am not sure whether I will get 7 or not!
I mean if you want to improve your English skills, you should be study more than 1 month and continuously!

[PP.]

Not only cool advice given from you,Simon but I can also learn more academic words from your suggestion.

[James]

Yes, Shadi is quite correct!

Generally it takes mid-level IELTs students at least a month to increase half a band score.

It is crucial to be organized, dedicated, persistent and patient with your IELTS (and English) study. View it more as 'a marathon rather than a sprint' and plan accordingly.

[JD]

I have my exam on 9th Mar. This will be my first attempt. I am really anxious. Don't know what will happen.I have been following this website only and has learnt a lot of new things in last one month.Let's see how it goes.

[Abdul]

totally agree , it need time with practice and correction

[Cathy]

Hi Simon:

Do you mind doing a lesson about the difference between 'take part in', 'participate' and 'join'? Can I say 'take part in the club'?

Thanks

[Zahid Masum]

HI Simon, Could you say that is it good just practice IELTS base or general English or both? I mean if I plan to take IELTS within one month then am I just practice strategy if exam or try to improve general level? Hope answer me.

[taher]

Hi Simon,
I am very much disappointed after i have my result.i took the test on 16th,Cambridge.
L 7.5
R 8
S 7
W 6.5
I need 7 in each section.Is it worthy to apply for recheck the writing section? Is there anyone who improved their score after rechecking?
Please i need your suggestion,and comments from any other here is cordially welcome.
thanks.

[Ivy.H]

hi Taher, I also need get 7 in each part,can you share ur experience how u prepare IELTs? I also suffering in writing part too :(

Go back to topic.
Yes!! I can't agree Simon more.
Ielts need time,Just like James said, increasing 0.5 score need at least a month effort.

However if u got some knacks and u have good basis,it is possible to increase one band score in one month.
(L6.5R6 W6 S6) 6
(L6.5R6.5W6 S7)6.5

I really need more skill and practice in writing part. anyone plz share ur experience. Thx alot.

[tuğçe]

Hi Simon;
Fisrtly thank you so much for this useful website. I have problem with reading. My first language is Turkish and my education language is English ( I am student in university and it is my last year ). I took Ielts last year and got 5. I attend course for ielts since a month. I am going to take ielts(academic)next month. How I should study for reading part? How can improve my reading score? I have Cambridge books from 1 to 8. What do you recommend?

[ASD]

Hi Tuğçe,

You should start doing Cambridge books, you know they are official materials and you will benefit from them also you can read articles from http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/
When I come across English written articles, it does not matter topics I try to read in order to improve my reading.

All the best,

[Martin]

Hi Simon,

Thanks for the advice!

Not sure about you, but I get lots of inquiries from new students who give themselves 1 month or less to improve from 5.5/6.0 to 6.5/7.0... I try not to discourage them, but unfortunately I need to tell them the truth based on the speaking/writing skills that they show me.

Anyway, I think it's shocking to see that certain students treat English as a subject in which they only need a short time to make a drastic improvement. But on the other hand, I'm always glad to see students who plan ahead and understand the challenges/difficulties when it comes to learning a foreign language.

Best,
Martin

[Simon]

Nice to see you back Martin! I agree with you as usual. Hope you're well.

[NA]

Hi Simon and everyone,
I have taken this exam for 3 times. First attempt (Nov,2012)i got 6 (L5.5,R6.5,W5.5,S6.5) and also got band 6 for 2nd attempt (L6.5,R6.5,W6,S5) in Feb 2013. Last week i done another IELTS and i hope i will get 6.5 all. But i have no confident. Please pray for me.

[sobman72]

IELTS ....
I need some guidance to pass IELTS with 7 Band in each section. Now, I am preparing 6th time for 6th April exam. My previous results are:

R 5 , L 6.5 , W 6 , S 7
R 6 , L 6.5 , W 6 , S 6.5
R 5.5 , L 6.5 , W 7 , S 7.5
R 6.5 , L 7 , W 6.5 , S 6.5
7 , 6.5 , 6 , 7

I am really in a need of good advice to overcome my weaknesses.

Please help me..

[QUI]

I have consumed nearly one year to improve half mark and I've been really exhausted by IELTS. My deadline is this July. I do not have any confident to pass IELTS with four 7. Before preparing the exam, I think it is enough to improve the score from 6.5 to 7 in each section using a year and half. But the reality tells me "NO"

If anyone has good method or advice of studying IELTS, please help me...

[Suri]

hi, simon
Now i am the second student in Banking Academy. My school require student to get 6.5 IELTS when the student leave it. So how can I begin to get this?

[SR]

Hi Simon.
I've got 5.5 band score from IELTS last year in summer. My current trouble is that i've learned General English since a years by translating words to my native language (and russian) which caused negativly to my IELTS. One guy who took 8.5 band score advised me to learn English by English, he said that it can cause as a improvement at least 1 point to my IELTS for one year period. What is your opinion about this and please give me some recommendations to improve my band score for 1 point at least. Best regards