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We are about to debunk some of the misconceptions you carry for acing IELTS that might hold you back from achieving the high band score you want. Without further ado, let’s dive into a much-needed IELTS exam prep myth-busting! 

In this blog: 

  1. Giving IELTS in home country increases the chances of high band
  2. You can only appear once for IELTS exam
  3. There is only one correct answer in the speaking test section
  4. Examiner’s and my opinion should be alike
  5. The more you write, the more you score
  6. Using fancy big words and idioms would fetch high score
  7. Having a western accent will help in scoring high
  8. Band 7 is the passing score in IELTS
  9. I do not need practice sessions as English is my mother tongue
  10. To get a higher band, make the examiner laugh in the speaking test
  11. Bottom Line

Myth 1– Giving IELTS in home country increases the chances of high band 

Many IELTS aspirants hold this common misconception. Test centres or cities are neither elitist nor exclusive. IELTS is a standardised exam having two formats – General Training and IELTS Academic, which remains the same across all countries and centres. Thus, the outcome is completely based on how well was your performance rather than where you appeared. 

Also read: IELTS Listening test: question types and basics from the British Council

Myth 2 – You can only appear once for IELTS exam  

The truth is you can appear for IELTS unlimited times – there isn’t any upper limit. However, you will have to pay an exam fee every time you schedule a test.   

Also read: IELTS Exam Dates 2023

Myth 3 – There is only one correct answer in the speaking test section

There is no correct or incorrect answer. The examiner evaluates you on the basis of your pronunciation, articulation, grammatical accuracy and range. A question can be answered in five different ways (or many) and all can be correct!   

Myth 4 – Examiner’s and my opinion should be alike 

Your grades are based on how well you exhibit your English Language skills & how perfectly you express & articulate your ideas and views. The examiner could have a difference in opinion but it won’t reflect on your grading. You could easily get a 9 band if you have an impeccable hold on Grammar. So, don’t hold yourself back from expressing your feelings and opinions.  

Myth 5 – The more you write, the more you score 

There’s this misconception among the test-takers that exceeding the word limit will boost your IELTS band score. In the IELTS Writing test section, 150 words are expected to be written in Task 1 and 250 words for Task 2. Just as writing fewer words than mentioned will lower your score, exceeding the word limit will also affect your IELTS band score. Make sure the idea you want to deliver, should be crisp, brief, meaningful and within the allocated word count. Quality over quantity, remember? 

Myth 6 – Using fancy big words and idioms would fetch high score

Many students come with the notion of ‘The more complex your vocabulary, the higher your IELTS band score’. Yes, having a rich vocabulary is important but it should have a coherence to what you are thinking and writing. Know how to use them appropriately. Remember that IELTS is not a platform to show off your vocabulary or idiom skills. Writing with clarity will determine your chances to score a high IELTS band. 

Myth 7 – Having a western accent will help in scoring high

The IELTS Speaking test typically aims to assess English speaking proficiency. You should speak in your native accent you’re comfortable in, rather than flaunting an American or British or any western accent – it doesn’t boost your score. Pay attention to how to pronounce words correctly and listen to native speakers. Your focus should be to express your thoughts in a clear and simpler language to the examiner.    

Myth 8 – Band 7 is the passing score in IELTS   

There is no such thing as a pass or fail in IELTS. The band score that you get is to assess your English Language proficiency. However, for admissions, some universities and schools have their own standards that require a specific IELTS band score. 

Myth 9 – I do not need practice sessions as English is my mother tongue 

Many who speak English as their first language or have a good hold in the language often believe this. No doubt that you have an upper hand but we always recommend students to prepare before they sit for the IELTS exam. It is important to study the format and understand each question type in different sections. 

Myth 10 – To get a higher band, make the examiner laugh in the speaking test section

No, this is not true! It is expected of you to be at ease while appearing for the exam. Passing a pleasant smile to the examiner or sharing a joke while speaking surely can help you to de-stress but certainly cannot get you a higher band score in IELTS. 

Suggested Read: IELTS vs TOEFL- the right exam for you

Bottom Line 

In the IELTS exam the highest score is band 9 and the lowest is band 1, where each band score reflects the test-takers’ proficiency in English Language at several levels. 

Keep in mind these set of myths while you set out on your quest to ace the IELTS exam. Remember that western accent or throwing big words at the examiner is not a prerequisite. It’s quality and not quantity that counts. Adopt a succinct, easy communication while holding on to the grammar principles. Last but not the least, be consistent in your practice and prepare diligently.

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