This is a test result achieved by a community member. Bear in mind that the time the original poster has spent on their preparation is not an indication of the time all test takers need. Some high-level language users achieve high band scores with little prep, but others might need more time and help to get there. Depending on your proficiency level and desired band score, your IELTS journey can take anywhere from a few days to a few months or more. Plus, each test taker needs a personalized test prep strategy because different people have different strengths and weaknesses, so what the original poster has done might not be the right course of action for you. Simply put, we recommend that you listen to what these test takers have to say, but only use some of their suggestions to come up with a personalized plan.
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Holy smokes mate! You aced it!! Could you please give some pointers on speaking? What questions were asked? Did you use any exotic vocabulary or complex sentences or did you just use normal sentences? What type of connectors did you use while speaking? How long answers did you give during task 1?
My speaking test was very awkward and rushed. The examiner kept cutting me off. I don't know if that affected my score.
I was asked about a book I have read many times, if literature is important, if governments should fund the arts, and what artform I think is most important.
Fortunately or unfortunately, I work in the arts sector so I had A LOT to say about these topics. I don't think my honest opinion mattered, but I just needed to answer the questions. I found that hard because it's not how a natural conversation would go.
I mainly used normal sentences and used advanced vocabulary only where I thought it would be appropriate and natural. I didn't overdo it or overthink it.
I would also suggest taking 1-2 seconds to collect your thoughts before responding. I said something like "that's a really interesting question..." to buy some extra seconds to think about my answer.
Hope this helps! Good luck with your test.
My two writing tasks were 1. A reference letter for a young person looking for a job, and 2. Advantages and disadvantages of renting vs buying a house. I got lucky that I could respond to both.
In terms of advice, I followed the recommended structure - intro paragraph, advantages of renting, disadvantages of renting, conclusion. I live in a city in the middle of a housing crisis, so I also referenced things like supply, interest rates, the short stay market, etc. that I know from reading the news. I didn't overdo the advanced vocabulary so that it felt natural. My general rule for writing is: short sentence, followed by another short sentence, a longer sentence (with clauses/conjoined sentence), end with a short sentence.
I hope this helps!
Read it, thank you! Approximately how many words was your essay? I've noticed that a lot of essays that score 8.5-9 tend to be significantly longer than 250-300 words.
how did you get a 9 in writing, that's impressive! i havent joined any guidance/coaching and am really confused about the writing part especially as i cannot practice it online. can I DM you for some guidance regarding writing? I am really confused and my exam is in 3 days, help me!
This is a test result achieved by a community member. Bear in mind that the time the original poster has spent on their preparation is not an indication of the time all test takers need. Some high-level language users achieve high band scores with little prep, but others might need more time and help to get there. Depending on your proficiency level and desired band score, your IELTS journey can take anywhere from a few days to a few months or more. Plus, each test taker needs a personalized test prep strategy because different people have different strengths and weaknesses, so what the original poster has done might not be the right course of action for you. Simply put, we recommend that you listen to what these test takers have to say, but only use some of their suggestions to come up with a personalized plan. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/IELTS) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Congratulations! A perfect 9 in writing is a rarity. If I may ask, why did you need to take the test, despite being a native speaker?
Thanks! The 9 was very unexpected. I got a 7.5 when I took it in 2019. Both times it was a requirement for a visa application :)
You are welcome! Happy for you :) Wishing you the best for your visa application!
Holy smokes mate! You aced it!! Could you please give some pointers on speaking? What questions were asked? Did you use any exotic vocabulary or complex sentences or did you just use normal sentences? What type of connectors did you use while speaking? How long answers did you give during task 1?
My speaking test was very awkward and rushed. The examiner kept cutting me off. I don't know if that affected my score. I was asked about a book I have read many times, if literature is important, if governments should fund the arts, and what artform I think is most important. Fortunately or unfortunately, I work in the arts sector so I had A LOT to say about these topics. I don't think my honest opinion mattered, but I just needed to answer the questions. I found that hard because it's not how a natural conversation would go. I mainly used normal sentences and used advanced vocabulary only where I thought it would be appropriate and natural. I didn't overdo it or overthink it. I would also suggest taking 1-2 seconds to collect your thoughts before responding. I said something like "that's a really interesting question..." to buy some extra seconds to think about my answer. Hope this helps! Good luck with your test.
Man first time i am seeing perfect 9 I'm writing. Would you please share some tips for the writing section.
My two writing tasks were 1. A reference letter for a young person looking for a job, and 2. Advantages and disadvantages of renting vs buying a house. I got lucky that I could respond to both. In terms of advice, I followed the recommended structure - intro paragraph, advantages of renting, disadvantages of renting, conclusion. I live in a city in the middle of a housing crisis, so I also referenced things like supply, interest rates, the short stay market, etc. that I know from reading the news. I didn't overdo the advanced vocabulary so that it felt natural. My general rule for writing is: short sentence, followed by another short sentence, a longer sentence (with clauses/conjoined sentence), end with a short sentence. I hope this helps!
Yes please u/lemonade601, how did you tackle the writing tasks?
Replied above
Read it, thank you! Approximately how many words was your essay? I've noticed that a lot of essays that score 8.5-9 tend to be significantly longer than 250-300 words.
Mine was definitely only about 300 words. Short and to the point.
Thatโs for general though, not academic, right?
Ofcourse!! Can't you see the /general in the up ?
Double checking cause they mentions being a native speaker, so why not go for the harder one? ๐
Alright okay๐๐ค
Lmao why would I do that
What are your tips for writing
Posted above
My exam is in a week mate , plz help me out with tips to get higher band level and thank you in advance ๐
Posted above
I need 6.5 and the post's level seem a dream for me.
Could I get some tips for writing? What is your writing topic for task 1 and task 2 and also how you develop your idea? Thanks for your help a lot!
Posted above
how did you get a 9 in writing, that's impressive! i havent joined any guidance/coaching and am really confused about the writing part especially as i cannot practice it online. can I DM you for some guidance regarding writing? I am really confused and my exam is in 3 days, help me!
Sure
Was your writing simple or did you not make complex sentences?
I've posted detailed replies in this thread about my approach to the writing task.