Mastering the IELTS exam requires a diverse set of skills, some more challenging to acquire than others. As an IELTS instructor with over 20 years of experience, I’ve witnessed firsthand the struggles students commonly face. While every learner is unique, certain skills tend to present more significant hurdles.
Understanding the Tricky Aspects of IELTS Skills
The difficulty of acquiring a skill often depends on the individual’s background and strengths. However, some skills consistently prove challenging for many IELTS test-takers:
1. Fluency and Coherence in Speaking
Many students, even those with a good grasp of English grammar and vocabulary, struggle to speak fluently and coherently under pressure. This is particularly true in Part 3 of the Speaking test, where they are required to express complex ideas and opinions.
Why it’s tough:
- Thinking in English: Formulating thoughts directly in English, rather than translating from one’s native language, is crucial for fluency.
- Managing nerves: Test anxiety can lead to hesitation, repetition, and difficulty retrieving vocabulary.
- Connecting ideas logically: Using discourse markers and cohesive devices effectively to create a smooth flow of ideas can be challenging.
2. Writing Cohesive and Coherent Essays
Constructing well-organized essays that effectively communicate ideas is a significant challenge. This involves using a range of grammatical structures and vocabulary accurately and appropriately.
Why it’s tough:
- Understanding essay structure: Grasping the nuances of different essay types (e.g., argumentative, discursive) and structuring them accordingly requires practice.
- Developing ideas with supporting evidence: Providing relevant examples and details to support arguments can be difficult, especially within a time limit.
- Using a variety of vocabulary and grammar: Showcasing a wide range of vocabulary and grammatical structures naturally and accurately is essential for a high score.
3. Listening for Specific Information
The IELTS Listening test demands focused attention and the ability to identify specific information from a continuous flow of speech. This can be challenging for those unfamiliar with different accents and fast-paced speech.
Why it’s tough:
- Different accents: The recordings feature a variety of native English accents, which can be difficult for some test-takers to understand.
- Distracting information: Identifying and extracting the specific information needed from a larger context requires strong concentration and listening skills.
- Fast-paced speech: Keeping up with the speed of the recordings and noting down key information simultaneously can be overwhelming.
Tips to Improve these Tricky Skills
While these skills may seem daunting, they are certainly not insurmountable. Here are some tips:
- Practice speaking regularly: Engage in conversations with native speakers or proficient English speakers. Record yourself to identify areas for improvement.
- Plan your writing: Take time to brainstorm ideas and create a clear outline before you start writing your essay.
- Listen to a variety of English accents: Expose yourself to different English accents through podcasts, movies, and TV shows.
- Focus on key words: Train your ear to pick out key words and phrases in spoken English. Practice note-taking while listening.
- Seek feedback: Ask experienced IELTS instructors or tutors to review your speaking and writing and provide constructive feedback.
Conclusion
Mastering the skills needed for the IELTS takes time and dedication. Don’t be discouraged if you find certain aspects challenging. By understanding the areas where you need to improve and implementing effective learning strategies, you can achieve your desired results. Remember, consistent effort and targeted practice are key to succeeding in the IELTS exam.