How to Improve Your IELTS Score? Simple. Follow These Tips

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) examination has been taken by hundreds of Filipinos every month making it the most taken English fluency examination nowadays. Apart from all the review courses given by IELTS review centers, candidates still want to know different tips that can help them ace the examination. 

Here are simple yet the most effective tips you can do to be successful for the IELTS exam.

Reading Section:

1. Improve vocabulary by reading journals, magazines, and even newspapers. Actually, any reading material is recommended. The point is your adding more and more words to your vocabulary bank. 

2. Read instructions. Do not overlook instructions for they contain the tasks needed for the question.  Skipping this part is a big no no. 

3. Use correct grammar. 

4. Spelling is a very common mistake. Do not be careless. Always check the spelling of what you wrote.

5. Focus on the meanings of the words in the sentences. 

6. Learn the art of skimming. Skimming is looking for the main idea in the paragraph instead of the details. 

7. Scanning makes reading easier. Scanning is to locate key or specific information quickly. 

8. Underline keywords and main ideas. 

9. Start reading the questions before reading the passage. This will give you the idea on what to look for in the passage. 

10. Skip items that you fill difficult to save time. Go back to those questions after you have answered all reading questions. 

Listening Section

1. Read the questions before the audio starts. This will give you time to predict what the conversation or lecture will be all about. 

2. Focus on the listening passage. 

3. Take note of key words and details needed for the questions. Make sure your notes are complete and are written well. 

4. Follow instructions. If you are asked to write at least three words, then write only three words. Not following instructions will be penalized. 

5. Check your spelling. Careless spelling mistakes are not given any considerations when marking your papers. 

6. As much as possible, do not leave any questions unanswered. If you are not sure, take a guess. Who knows you might get lucky with that guess. 

7. Practice listening to different accents. The test commonly uses three different accents: American English, Australian English, and British English. 

8. Be familiar on how certain expressions are used in the different accents. 

9. Do practice tests. This will help you know the flow of the test.

10. Listen to English conversations like interviews or news. This will practice your skill on distinguishing English sounds.

Speaking Section

1. Like in the reading, your vocabulary should have a strong foundation. 

2. Watch English movies. Observe how actors or actresses pronounce words and the manner of delivery.

3. Watch talk shows. Look at how people behave on interviews.

4. Find a speaking partner. This person will make comments on your responses and how it is delivered. 

5. Avoid stuttering during the examination.  

6. As much as possible, provide details to your responses. Let there be an open dialogue between you and the interviewer. 

7. Provide details to your responses by citing examples. 

8. It is okay not to have an accent. Your pronunciation matters a lot. 

9. If you do not understand the question, do not hesitate to ask the interviewer to repeat the question. 

10. Listen carefully to the interviewer. Have a happy disposition and be confident with the exam. 

Writing Section

1. Practice writing diaries and journals. 

2. Improve your vocabulary by reading a lot and learning synonyms of words.

3. Before writing, make sure you understand what the tasks want. 

4. Create an outline for your essay. This will guide you and make your ideas organized. 

5. Do not repeat your ideas in the essay. Review your essay before handing in your paper.

6. Check your spelling. If you are unsure with how a word is spelled, think of its synonym or related phrase.

7. Always use correct grammar. Review on subject-verb agreement. 

8. Use transition words. 

9. Pay attention to the punctuation marks you use. 

10. Always review your work. Check any mistakes and be sure you have completed the task asked in the question. 

Simple yet effective tips – these are sure points that can help candidate be prepared and successful in taking the IELTS test. 

Get more IELTS tips here www.ieltsexamstips.com.

Top 10 Universities in Europe

Studying overseas is a great privilege given to any student. It has been one of the brightest students’ dreams to be part of the best universities abroad. Here in the Philippines, thousands of students are aiming to get high grades in their secondary or undergraduate studies to qualify for a spot in colleges and universities overseas. Among the many countries in the world, Europe has been a destination for most Filipino students. 

Europe is rich in culture. It has been a must-go place for any travelers. Most of these people like to travel in Europe as backpacking across countries is very common and a whole new experience for any adventure seekers. Aside from this great opportunity to explore Europe, many are encouraged to further their studies as Europe has the best universities in the world. Here are the top 10 universities in the continent:

1. University of Cambridge (United Kingdom)

2. University of Oxford (United Kingdom)

3. Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich (Switzerland)

4. University College London (United Kingdom)

5. École normale supérieure  - Paris (France)

6. École Polytechnique (France)

7. Imperial College London (United Kingdom)

8. University of Paris-Sud (France)

9. University of Edinburgh (United Kingdom)

10. Pierre-and-Marie-Curie University (France)

This ranking is based on the Center for World University Rankings (CWUR). Certain specifics are included to determine their ranking: 

• national rank

• quality of education

• alumni employment

• quality of faculty

• publications

• influence

• citations

• broad impact 

• patents 

Since these universities are the best among the rest, Filipino students aim high and want to be part of these prestigious academic institutions. 

Any student aiming for these universities need to know the qualifications they have for international students. There are indeed quite a number of requirements needed and series of examinations to be considered a spot in these schools. 

Ranked at number 1, the University of Cambridge has a very promising program for international students. There is a vast variety of course programs that students can choose from different disciplines. Most importantly, accommodation is provided by the Cambridge Colleges. Aside from the applicant’s academic records and other qualifications as requirements, the university imposes an English language requirement. Candidates have to take an English proficiency examination and one of these is the IELTS or the International English Language Testing System exam. Candidates should score an overall band score of 7.5 in the Academic Module without any score lower than 7.0 on the four sections of the test. 

For students who are planning to apply for any of these universities, visit their websites and make sure to understand all the requirements. Any university needs an IELTS score; hence, it should be a priority and training for the test is a must. 

If you need more IELTS tips go here www.ieltsexamstips.com.

Stuttering and Your IELTS Score

Individuals need to communicate every single day of their lives. It is through communication that we are able to share ideas and express emotions to the people around us. Daily conversation and dialogues complete our lives. Hence, is it safe to say that people are already comfortable in talking with other people? For some, it could be true but for some, there is anxiety felt when speaking in front of other people. This type of situation is commonly seen in interviews or speaking examinations like in the International English Language Testing System examination.

The IELTS speaking examination is a one-on-one interview with a native English speaker. Many are not comfortable and feel nervous with this test that it is common for this people to experience stuttering. Stuttering is a condition wherein an individual has difficulty in having a normal flow of speech characterized by prolong or repeated sounds and even words. Once a person stutter, communication is affected. Some stutter due to a medical speech condition while some experience it because of nervousness or anxiety. For IELTS candidates, most of them experience stuttering because of the feeling of fear to commit a mistake, embarrassment of their English skills and even frustration if they feel that they are not giving the right answer during the examination. These contribute to stuttering.

Can stuttering affect the score of the candidate?

Looking at the assessment points of the speaking exam where clarity is a factor, stuttering may contribute to a low score in the exam. Once a person stutters, words do not come out clearly and the interviewer might assess an inability of the candidate to speak fluently. Some say that stuttering cannot affect the score; however, there are instances where responses are so inaudible that interviewers find answers confusing.
Stuttering is normal but can be avoided. Here are some ways how one can avoid stuttering during the IELTS examination.

1. Prepare for the exam through constant drills and exercises. Getting used to speaking with varied topics makes one comfortable in speaking.
2. Have a speaking partner. Make sure your partner can comment on your response and your delivery of the response.
3. Build strong vocabulary makes responses better. You will not have a hard time thinking what to say because you know exactly the right words to express.

This condition can be avoided through the tips mentioned. Generally speaking, what candidates have to do is to take a lot of speaking exercises to be familiar with the test. The IELTS speaking test should not stress the candidate. Indeed, candidates can experience cold feet but with enough preparation, candidates are sure to get a good score in the speaking test.

If you are planning to take IELTS go here www.jroozreview.com/ielts-review-center.