The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is the world’s most renowned English language test either to migrate or to pursue higher studies in any English-speaking country. There are two formats for IELTS test – General Training and Academic.
General Training is for applicants who want to migrate to another country, whereas, Academic is for the ones who wish to study for any undergraduate or post graduate program in an English-speaking country. Qualifying an IELTS exam pave the way for opportunities across almost 140 countries. The test is accepted by authorities of the immigration in the United States of America (USA), the United Kingdom (UK), Ireland, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Over ten thousand organizations worldwide accept IELTS. When we tell people that we are about to take the IELTS test, we would receive many unsolicited advice which are misled by rumours. It is of due importance to cross check all the facts and be fully informed about the test rather than following the hearsay. We have listed below some common myths with the facts alongside.
Myth 1: IELTS is more difficult than other English tests like PTE, TOEFL and DUOLINGO
There is no doubt that this test requires systematic preparation and hard work. However, it is not more difficult than other tests. There are more parameters to each part of the test. For instance, when it comes to speaking, the criterion includes fluency, lexical resources, grammar range and its accuracy and pronunciation with approximately 5 sub-parameters under each. To prepare for IELTS, systematic improvement in grammar and learning how to use the wide variety of vocabulary is an inevitable factor in achieving a high band score. Most importantly, there is no pass or fail in IELTS. The candidates are assessed on the basis of the band score that ranges between 1 to 9. Candidates who would wish to pursue their higher studies (an undergraduate or a post graduate program) would need an overall band score of 6.5 with no score less than 6 in each part of the test. Candidates who would need to migrate to an English-speaking country would need an overall band score of 7. Because more detailed parameters are being evaluated in this test, anyone would need more preparation to score high. Its worthwhile taking IELTS considering its acceptance across countries and educational institutions. Having said this, we have to admit one aspect in writing which we have experienced with our own students. Those students who were struggling to score more than 6.5 in IELTS, was able to score 90 in PTE. This is because of the detailed stringent criteria laid out for IELTS.
MYTH 2: The level of difficulty of the test is different in different regions
This is one of the most common myths that surrounds the IELTS test. We have seen many students who prepare for the exams very well but are still hesitant in choosing the test centers in bigger cities thinking that they will be evaluated on a comparative performance. Many students have come to us seeking help in booking the test date and while choosing the test centers, they tend to choose faraway cities instead of the ones close to their home, thinking that IELTS in the remote areas might be easier. The fact is that, IELTS is the same irrespective of the city, state or region. IELTS evaluation is not done locally but is done from a central location. Therefore, this myth is completely baseless.
MYTH 3: Some modules are easier compared to others
This is a false belief that some modules to the test will be easy. We need to understand the fact that all modules are marked out of band of nine. Each individual will have different ability in answering a module. For instance, an individual might find listening and reading easier, whereas, for another it would be speaking or writing. Therefore, we should not generalize that some modules would be easier or difficult. When in case of listening, a candidate would need to focus on the audio being played, interpret the meaning of it, read and write at the same time. When it comes it reading, time management, right understanding of the question and the interpretation skills are very much necessary. All modules are designed to test individual’s language capability on that skill. Its meaningless in comparing the skills between different individuals.
MYTH 4: Complicated vocabularies and foreign accent help secure high score in the speaking section
This is a common misconception about the speaking test. Using a complicated vocabulary that is memorised, in fact, would create a negative impact if the usage in a sentence is not accurate. Speaking in a fake accent will never help one score high. Instead, we need to focus on using the not-so-common vocabulary with the right sentence structure and speak with clarity at a normal pace. All we need to make sure is to speak in an accent neutral way which means avoiding mother tongue influences (MTI). Listening to podcasts or YouTube videos of native English speakers will help one understand the different accents to English across the Globe. There are many different ways to improve our language capabilities. For example, following is a link to an Australian podcast – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XsFVp0PJzXc would help you get used to Australian accent.
MYTH 5: Never speak against the examiner’s opinion
There is no right and wrong answer. Sometimes, the way the examiner asks the questions might make you think they have an opinion to it but all they want to evaluate is how well you substantiate your idea. Please remember that IELTS is just a test of the English language. Every question posed by the examiner aims to evaluate only the different aspects of the language like lexical resources, grammar, fluency and pronunciation. It has nothing to do with your opinions, ideologies and beliefs as none of these are evaluation parameters. Therefore, be frank so that you are able to speak fluently with more clarity.
MYTH 6: The friendlier the examiner, the higher the speaking score
No, this is absolutely wrong. Their behaviour or response during the interview depends on their individual style. They will behave the exact same manner with every candidate. It is purely based on the evaluation criteria. The marking is not done during the interview. It is based on the evaluation of the recorded speech based on the parameters and sub-parameters.
MYTH 7: I don’t need an IELTS coaching
Many people the think that they do not need an IELTS coaching, only the videos in YouTube are sufficient for the preparation. Though there are many umpteen number of videos available in the public forum, its extremely difficult to separate good from bad as there are many misleading videos uploaded purely with the marketing intention without ensuring the accuracy of what is being covered. It is extremely heartening to see that how this misleading wrong information is getting huge followers. Anyone can prepare for an IELTS exam. Therefore, the coaching from the professionals is very much necessary to take you a long way. The evaluation criterion for the Indian examination and the international test are not the same. There is always a need for fine tuning.
Conclusion:
These are the main myths that we have come across during our IELTS teaching stint. If there are more that you have come across, please share them in the comments so that we can clarify those in our future blogs. Probably, you might have heard about these myths before. There might be few that we wouldn’t have mentioned here. All you need to do is, push aside all these myths and the focus should only in preparing for the test well. The positive mindset and confidence can do wonders once you have prepared for the exams.
Authored by : Manju Mahadevan
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