Do’s and don'ts of the IELTS test to score high

Respond to all questions – leaving blank spaces won't result in any mark deduction.

Hurry while transferring your answers to the answer sheet (IELTS on paper test) to prevent placing the answers in the wrong spaces or making spelling mistakes.

Use preparation time to identify keywords in the question page, including headings.

Use incorrect punctuation for numbers (e.g. $1.50 instead of $1.50, etc.).

Stick to the specified word limit (e.g. maximum 2 words and/or a number).

Solely rely on practice tests - Try to listen to a variety of materials.

Practice listening to both monologues (one person speaking) and dialogues (multiple people speaking).

Focus on just one type of speaker (e.g. British English); instead, listen to a variety of accents.

Verify your spelling to avoid unnecessary mark losses.

Concentrate solely on one question at a time - keep an eye on the next question in case you miss the answer to the previous one.

Attempt all questions - leaving blank spaces won't result in any mark deduction.

Wait until the last minute to transfer your answers to the answer sheet (for IELTS on paper test), as you will not have any extra time.

Examine the heading and sub-heading of the article to get a good general idea of the content.

Spend too much time on one question if you don't know the answer. Try your best to answer and then move on to the next question.

Highlight keywords in the questions to quickly locate the answers within the article.

Limit yourself to just practicing tests - make sure you read a variety of articles and topics.

Ensure that the evidence you use to decide your answer covers the entire statement or question, not just isolated keywords.

Decide your answer solely by matching one keyword in the question to one keyword in the article. Ensure that the entire question and supporting evidence align.

Transfer your answers to the answer sheet (for IELTS on paper test) in sections, rather than waiting until the end of the test, to avoid running out of time.

Select 'False' or 'No' if there is no evidence in the article to prove the statement. Use "Not Given" in this case.

Watch out for distractors (incorrect choices) in the questions as they will be mentioned somewhere in the article.

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Read a variety of articles in your free time to enhance your vocabulary and ideas.

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Remember that some question types appear in order in the article (e.g. Yes/No/Not Given, True/False/Not Given, Multiple Choice), so you don't have to answer them sequentially.

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Have clearly separated paragraphs.

Copy too many words from the input language in the question.

Divide your body paragraphs clearly.

Describe each line/segment/bar one by one – try to compare and contrast them.

Include a sufficient amount of data.

Include data or figures in your overview – otherwise it may look like another body paragraph.

Make comparisons and contrasts of the data.

Spend too much time on less significant data. Try combining these together and spend more time on the data that is more relevant.

Use linking devices (e.g.However, Overall, etc.) to connect your paragraphs and ideas within the paragraphs.

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Include an overview and mark it clearly (e.g. Overall, In general, etc.)

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Include an overview for process and map questions as well.

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Check any time references and use the correct verb tense.

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Include all key features from the diagrams, otherwise, you will lose marks.

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Answer all parts of the question.

Make a list of ideas in your body paragraph. Try to develop one idea fully – this will show how much you can develop your discussion.

Make sure your opinion is clearly marked.

Use headings or bullet points – otherwise, you will lose marks.

Use paragraphs – otherwise, you will lose marks.

Repeat the same vocabulary – try to use referencing words (e.g. it, that, these, they, etc.)

Have a clear topic sentence at the beginning of your body paragraph.

Write in short sentences. It is important to use complex sentences if you want to achieve a higher band.

Make a clear separation between your paragraphs.

Use invented statistics in your examples.

Use punctuation sufficiently and correctly in your sentences, including full stops (periods), apostrophes, and commas.

Have paragraphs with a single sentence. Paragraphs should have at least 2 sentences.

Use examples to support your argument.

Begin every sentence with a linking device (e.g. Furthermore, In addition, For example, etc.). If you over-use them, you may lose marks.

Use fillers (e.g. let me see, good question, etc.) to maintain the flow of the conversation and gather your thoughts briefly.

Avoid giving short answers. Showcase your fluency by extending your answers naturally.

Make use of the one-minute preparation time, even if you already know what you'll talk about, to organise your ideas effectively.

Don't worry if the examiner interrupts you mid-sentence – it won't affect your score; they are adhering to time limits.

Include linking devices in your responses (e.g. however, so, personally speaking, because of that, etc.) to connect your ideas, improving your Fluency and Coherence score.

Don't wait for the examiner to ask 'Why?'. Instead, offer reasons for your ideas automatically.

Speak for the entire 2 minutes in Part 2 of the test.

Refrain from speaking too quickly, as it can affect your pronunciation, rhythm, and intonation. Good fluency doesn't mean speaking fast; focus on speaking without hesitations.

Write your notes in large print during Part 2 preparation to easily refer to them during your short talk.

Avoid going back to correct a grammar mistake. Instead, keep going with your answer as correcting mistakes on the spot can impact your fluency.

Refer to your notes during your short talk – it won't affect your marks.

Don't provide basic answers in Part 1; use a variety of vocabulary and give extended responses, as this section is still part of the assessment.

Keep the question card in front of you during your short talk and refer to it if needed - it won't impact your marks.

Avoid giving memorised answers; aim to speak more authentically, as answering from memory can hinder pronunciation and accuracy.

Seek clarification if you don't understand or hear the question properly – you won't lose marks for doing so.

Don't worry if the examiner doesn't engage in small talk before the test; their role is to welcome you into the room.

Use unfamiliar or less common words, even in Part 1, to demonstrate a wide range of vocabulary to the examiner.

Refrain from translating while you speak, as it can affect your fluency. Try to express yourself directly in the assessed language.

Present both sides of an argument in Part 3 to further develop your answer.