MOD Education

This is a common myth. It is important to understand that the IELTS test is delivered in the same way all over the world and will be the same level of difficulty wherever you sit the test. Think about where you will feel most confident taking the test, and this may well be in your home country. Keep in mind that all IELTS examiners in each country receive the same high level of training and are closely monitored to ensure they rate your responses consistently wherever you sit the test.

Everyone speaks with an accent and you are not expected to change your accent for the IELTS test. Instead, focus on speaking clearly and at a natural pace so that the examiner can understand you. Practising your English every day and listening to different native speaker accents will help you to more clearly pronounce difficult words.

The minimum word limit is important and you must write at least 150 words for Writing Task 1 and at least 250 words for Writing Task 2.

If you write less than this, you will have fewer ideas and may lose marks. However if you write much more, this does not mean you will gain marks. It is more important that you use correct English, appropriate grammar, and a wide range of vocabulary and sentence structures.

In your Writing and Speaking tests, there are no right or wrong opinions. The examiner is assessing how well you can use your English to report information and express ideas.

Practising sample tests will help you learn what is expected in each part of the test and is good test preparation in order to maximise the English skills you have. However, remember that to improve your English you need to use English in everyday contexts – speak English with your friends, write notes and email in English, read English newspapers, listen to English radio.

If you feel you need help with your English, you should also consider taking an English course.