Interesting IELTS Myths & Facts: Think Wisely!

As you are planning to give IELTS test, so most probably you would hear strange things about this test. If you are really preparing for the IELTS test then you have to think logically and move further towards achieving your goals. You don’t need to get distracted as most are technically false myths. If we talk about students, they easily get confused because of these myths that go viral. However some ask friends, some ask their teachers but still, some remain confused with their doubts. This blog will help you to clear all the doubts as every myth has been countered with respective facts about the IELTS course.

General Myths of IELTS

Myths Facts

You must be ready to do as many IELTS practice tests as possible.

You just need to opt for particular test strategies instead of preparing for multiple tests to achieve the desired score on your IELTS test. But it does not mean practice tests aren’t helpful. However, IELTS measures your English proficiency, not how well you know the test.

IELTS is a one-time opportunity!
You can appear for the IELTS test as many times as you wish to until you get the desired score. But yes, a maximum of twice a month is a basic criterion set by IELTS academic fraternity.


You need a 7.0 band to pass the IELTS test.


IELTS test is not a pass/fail test. It just measures your English proficiency. But yes you can say that you passed or failed depends upon your eligibility. For instance, if you get the IELTS score required to enter a Master’s degree program, then you can say you passed.

In different countries, there is a different IELTS test.

IELTS test has two different versions (IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training), each version is the same everywhere in the world; so, the test is not easier for anyone

Examples used in the IELTS test may be fact or fiction.

Any example that supports your answer and is authentic in nature can be stated as an example during the IELTS test.

IELTS Speaking Myths

Myths Facts

Accent matters a lot in IELTS Exam.

Accent does not matter. IELTS examiners don’t look for accents. They simply judge you for your 100% error-free English, both in writing and speaking module.


Complex sentences or accents get better scores.

It's one of the common misconceptions that using complicated sentences or speaking in a fake accent will not get a better score. Instead, focus on speaking clearly, correctly, and at a normal pace.

Ornamental English is a must in the IELTS test.

Examiners prefer to use formal and academic vocabulary during the IELTS speaking test.


speaking part is the most essential component of the IELTS test.

This is not true. All four modules (speaking, listening, writing, and reading) are equally important. As the overall score is required and ALL components above a specific band (e.g. an overall score of 8.0 with all components above 7.0).

Confidence and attitude are tested during the IELTS Speaking test.

This is a false myth. Your English speaking proficiency is judged based on four parameters: Fluency and coherence, Lexical Resource, Grammatical Range and Accuracy, Pronunciation

IELTS Reading Myths

Myths Facts

The standards for the IELTS Reading section is getting hard.

You cannot blame the IELTS exam committee for updating the standard of the Reading section. But yes, they have now added new passages that they believe students can read. If a student goes through multiple practice tests, they can surely pass the modified version of the Reading part.

You can easily find answers in the reading section.

No, it’s not like that, you can’t find answers directly by reading a passage. It’s a tricky section, you have to read a passage and questions thoroughly just to find the answers.

The reading section is not time-consuming.

It is a more time-consuming part than other IELTS modules. As there are multiple sections in reading modules, thus it becomes really time-consuming to read each passage properly for finding the exact answers.


IELTS Writing Myths

Myths
Facts

IELTS test needs to be solved in block letters.

In the IELTS Writing section, you can write both in cursive and in block letters. However, you need to be careful in the capitalization of alphabets at the required places.


Word count is compulsory in the IELTS writing test.

When it comes to word count, surely you can exceed words in the IELTS writing section. However, examiners won’t consider the extra writing for credit marks or negative marking. So your efforts to write more might go in vain.


Use special words that can show your vocabulary level.
This myth is misleading the students. No doubt, you must have a proper understanding of the term “Vocabulary”. Moreover, it is about using only the words that are relevant to the topic given.

IELTS Listening Myths

Myths Facts
To-the-point answers are not accepted.
Examiners ask to repeat two out of three terms used in the audio clip. So make sure you write only two not the entire content an examiner says.

Every candidate will be given a headset in the listening test.

Some centers provide individual headset and some offers sound system with speakers. Make sure to check with the center beforehand regarding the same

Learn to translate everything into English.

As translating everything sometimes becomes a problem because it is slower and in the listening test you won’t have enough time for translating.

You won’t get extra time to transfer your answer to the answer sheet.

The listening test will take around 30 minutes and each section will increasingly get more difficult. Therefore you will have 10 minutes, in the end, to transfer your answers to the answer sheet.


No practice is needed!

Listening to the BBC is not enough, you need to try smaller regional radio stations or watch TV shows from different English-speaking countries.

You don’t need to concentrate more on the listening section.

Read and listen to the instructions very carefully. Many students won’t get the desired score by misreading or not following simple instructions.

Conclusion

That’s all! You must have heard all the above myths about IELTS before, probably more that I haven’t mentioned here in this blog. But if you are seriously interested in preparing or appearing for the IELTS test, all you need to do is to keep your mind aside from these useless myths or rumors and focus on preparing for your IELTS. Because these are the useless myths that can become barriers to your career. So think logically! And if you need any help regarding IELTS coaching, you can contact us and speak to our study abroad experts so that they can fix your appointment with our IELTS expert. Good luck!

Dr.Roma

@Content Writer