Today we discuss how your assumptions could decrease your IELTS scores.
Here’s a great example: in one of the Cambridge practice test books, there is a Task 1 bar chart exhibiting the physical activity according to gender.
The females are consistently higher than the males.
However, many students look at this too quickly, and assume that men are exercising more than women. This makes their whole essay wrong, as all of their numbers are incorrect.
Certainly, in many cultures men do get more physical activity than women, but also general stereotypes people have are getting in the way here.
The message here is clear: slow down!
Take an extra minute to really look at the question and the graph before you start writing.
This also applies to Task 2. When you see the question, slow down.
Underline the key words and make sure you understand the topic.
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As far as IELTS Speaking, make sure to tune in to what the examiner is asking.
When students practice too many IELTS Speaking questions, they might not really listen to the examiner’s question, and even start answering, interrupting the examiner, before they hear the whole question.
This can hurt your score if you start talking about the wrong topic, because you didn’t really listen to the whole question. It will lower your Fluency and Vocabulary scores.
In IELTS Reading as well, assumptions hurt your score.
When you find the key words in the passage, make sure to read the whole sentence carefully. If you look too quickly, you’ll get the wrong answer.
Reading strategies are so important! That’s why 3 Keys students get such high scores here.
Turning to IELTS Listening, thinking ahead and not being present while listening to audio will distract you.
Tune in carefully to the speakers and don’t get tricked. IELTS will try and trick you with corrections and negatives.
For more speaking and listening skills, click here to sign up for our September webclass!
What assumptions do you have about the IELTS Exam?
Tell us in the comments section below!
