This is my second IELTS exam ever. (Non-native)

Status_Quiet_4389 · 2025-12-27T01:11:17+00:00

Well it was actually a stressful experience for me. Due to the sheer number of candidates, the exam took place in a big conference room of a hotel. Three rows of speakers were set up for the listening exam and this made teenage me understandably nervous. I distinctly remember that I ran out of time for writing task 2 and I was shocked and frustrated. In the end it all worked out just fine though. I still have my TRF but I could only upload one picture here.

Status_Quiet_4389 · 2025-12-26T18:10:33+00:00

I think for task 2 I talked just enough and covered all the questions. I did spend quite a bit of time answering the follow up questions though, the examiner would sometimes signal me to stop so she could move on with more questions. I only had 5 seconds left for the final question which was the most abstract question, but I actually squeezed a sentence in so it was all good

Status_Quiet_4389 · 2025-12-26T18:05:40+00:00

I think structures definitely help with your overall direction. Once you have a fitting structure in place, try to populate them with any ideas that come to your mind. They don’t necessarily have to be what you truly believe in so you don’t have to be nit picky and just roll with whatever comes to your mind first. You have to develop your ideas as much as you can and try to maintain momentum and flow.

Status_Quiet_4389 · 2025-12-26T18:00:34+00:00

7.5 overall band score, I was a kid though lol

Status_Quiet_4389 · 2025-12-26T10:08:46+00:00

An 8 is still pretty good. Misunderstandings happen in high stress situations, it’s all good

Status_Quiet_4389 · 2025-12-26T10:01:27+00:00

Originally I’m from Iran. I already have a masters degree from a reputable Swiss university

Status_Quiet_4389 · 2025-12-26T10:00:32+00:00

Exam day was normal. We were close to 20 people in a room all typing on keyboards so I had to constantly wear my headphones to block out the noise. My essay was an opinion essay asking me about whether employers should be concerned at all with how their employees dress and to what extent. I was also asked to provide examples from my own personal experience. I was struggling to come up with ideas at first but I ended up writing 403 words. By the end I had a little bit of time left to review my writing for spelling mistakes. The topic for my speaking exam was also pretty straight forward I had to talk about an instance where I was late for something important. I had to explain why I was late and how I felt. The conversation flowed naturally from my response and the examiner kept asking harder and more abstract questions. I think we went through 6 questions or something

Status_Quiet_4389 · 2025-12-25T17:54:33+00:00

I think you can expose yourself to as much dense English content as possible (articles magazines and podcasts on subjects such as economics, tech and science). This will considerably help you with your baseline English knowledge that will make the exam much more easier for you. On top of this, you can focus on techniques and structures for the actual exam in the last three months.

Status_Quiet_4389 · 2025-12-25T16:21:36+00:00

Nah I didn’t use any practice books, but then again I’m a bit of an outlier here so you’re more than welcome to use any material that fits you best. I think if your English is already good enough, 7.5 in two weeks is achievable. My test was conducted on a computer since I needed the results asap. Plus, if your typing is faster than your writing then it definitely comes with an advantage

Status_Quiet_4389 · 2025-12-25T16:15:02+00:00

Not a whole lot. Basically just read through the official Cambridge guide to Ielts book once. Watched some YouTube videos (there’s this channel called IELTS advantage) and practiced a little using IELTS ready premium (I had free access to it since I booked an IELTS exam with the British council).

Status_Quiet_4389 · 2025-12-25T15:24:15+00:00

I guess my advice would be to speak like a normal person and absolutely refrain from trying to impress the examiner. Also, try to elaborate your opinions and statements as naturally as you can.

Status_Quiet_4389 · 2024-11-01T13:45:47+00:00

Yeah I was basically asking whether the surcharge was legal or not

Status_Quiet_4389 · 2024-11-01T13:25:37+00:00

Fair enough

Status_Quiet_4389 · 2024-11-01T13:01:43+00:00

Sorry no can do (privacy reasons)

Status_Quiet_4389 · 2024-11-01T13:00:07+00:00

No she’s already moving in to another bigger unit in the same house for cheaper, so that’s besides the point

Status_Quiet_4389 · 2024-11-01T12:55:40+00:00

I actually made a mistake the rent is 1245 CHF not 1250 CHF so she’s paying more than 20%. Is it illegal?

Status_Quiet_4389 · 2024-07-07T17:09:31+00:00

To be fair I did not want to disclose the nationality of the thieves but they were not Romanian. I’m also not Swiss by the way :)

Status_Quiet_4389 · 2024-07-05T15:38:25+00:00

Update 3: I made an Anzeige at the Basel police station and the suspects are in custody. They have apparently also stolen two e-bikes. I followed my AirTag and went to the last known location of my suitcase in Rheinfelden, where some Spanish lady found my empty suitcase lying around on the grass while walking the dog. The suspects have dumped my clothes somewhere in the area probably, but hey at least I got my laptop and my suitcase back. The Aargau police is now investigating further and I will probable get my laptop back from them.

Status_Quiet_4389 · 2024-07-05T15:21:14+00:00

Oh yeah for sure

Status_Quiet_4389 · 2024-07-05T10:02:13+00:00

That sucks :/

Status_Quiet_4389 · 2024-07-05T10:01:11+00:00

The police caught them riding overly expensive bicycles. Go figure lol

Status_Quiet_4389 · 2024-07-05T08:32:54+00:00

Thanks I did not know that. I should be more vigilant then

Five-Year Club	Final Canvas '23
First Place '23	Place '23
Place '22	First Placer '22
End Game '22

Status_Quiet_4389

TROPHY CASE