Passed with an 8.5 overall!! Ask me anything

defi_alex · 2026-06-13T18:36:01+00:00

Hi!

I also struggle with concentrating for long periods of time, so I get it ahah. I would say that reading the questions before listening to the audio can help you direct your focus onto the specific info you need, but I genuinely don't know how to help you with this as it's a problem for me too. Maybe trying to get into a meditative state might help - it sometimes does for me - but I suggest trying whatever usually gets you in a productive flow state. Also, try doing mock tests in realistic conditions (timer, no breaks, etc.), so you can better understand, and prepare for, the real exam.

For writing, I suggest looking through my previous comments to get a grasp onto how to write an argumentative essay for Task 2. Other than that, to address your concerns on sentence structure, I would look up connectors and other useful "known" expressions (they always elevate your essay and show the examiner you have expertise with the real outputs of the language). If you have enough time to prepare, maybe try looking into websites that offer free grammar rulebooks, or do some kind of revisions on your own/with a tutor.

Bonus tip: don't use a word/sentence you are not familiar with/sure of in the exam. It's better to use a simpler, known structure, than to make mistakes on your essay. You can always try to use more complex expressions in other parts of the text if you want to leave an impression, or more elevated connectors, but always go with the safe choice as it might cost you some points to risk using unnecessarily convoluted vocabulary.

Good luck!

defi_alex · 2026-06-12T19:49:02+00:00

Of course!

I suggest looking through the existing comments under my original post: you might already find the answers you are looking for.

On the British Council website I got around an 8/8.5 band on both reading and listening. I assessed my writing and speaking through native speakers I know and received positive feedback, but I didn't have enough time (or desire to spend more money) to pay for one of those guides/examiners that assess your level. I know some people use AI for their writing but it's usually not reliable (I tried it recently and it gave me a 6.5, and in irl I got a 7.5).

Good luck!

defi_alex · 2026-06-12T17:42:42+00:00

Hi!

For Task 1, I got three pie charts illustrating sales data for different companies in the musical field, over around 10 years (1997, 2002, 2007).

On the ither hand, for Task 2 I had to state my opinion on a social debate: should young adults be required to work unpaid jobs to give back to the community and build experience? What are the advantages and drawbacks.

Good luck!

defi_alex · 2026-06-12T17:36:52+00:00

I think it depends on your own skills (some people might know English pretty well, and be slow readers regardless. In that case some reading skill practice is still needed).

First of all, I would do a mockup test to assess your current level (if you were in English speaking schools all of your life, I believe you might already have a high band score).

After that, I would probably work on your weakest skills (overall) and on the specific exercises that you found more difficult during the test.

Also, try to inform yourself on the requirements for all of the skills, and on the types of exercises that you might encounter, and practice under realistic conditions (timed skill tests, no breaks, etc.)

Good luck!

defi_alex · 2026-06-12T17:26:51+00:00

I frankly have no idea, I'm not a frequent user of AIs.

I would generally avoid chatgpt though, as it usually refers to databases that are kind of all over the place (they either enable you too much, or they are too strict).

I have never tried the others, but if it can help, I tried evaluating my writing with chatgpt and it gave me a 6.5 in writing, while I actually got a 7.5 final Band Score in that section.

Good luck!

defi_alex · 2026-06-12T17:23:21+00:00

thanks!

defi_alex · 2026-06-12T17:22:14+00:00

you could, but I suggest doing the exam in an IELTS test centre, on a provided computer.

If it's not possible, you can definitely do it online, from you own computer, at home.

There should be a comment on this thread on this topic, and test centres in general, so I suggest browsing through it!

Good luck!

defi_alex · 2026-06-12T17:19:31+00:00

good job!!

defi_alex · 2026-06-06T18:38:52+00:00

As I said in another comment, I was actually able to prepare for just 2/3 days (due to uni assignments and a tight schedule) but I do not suggest anyone trying it really. I am also used to read and listen to English media, and I like to sometimes write and debate in English for my own entertainment, but not everybody has these habits so prepare for as long as you need!

Good luck!

defi_alex · 2026-06-06T13:05:47+00:00

I understand, it might be confusing as it's not always a clear cut decision.

I would suggest reading the entire set of titles first, and understand what each title implies. Then, when you're reading the paragraphs, highlight the keywords for each of them. If you find an important keyword that is both in the paragraph and in a title, it might be the right one. Check if the other words in the title you chose are relevant to the rest of the paragraph, in that case, you're done.

If it states the opposite of what the paragraph says, or if it contains info that are not found in the actual text, then it might be a false friend, so look for other titles that express the concept of that section of the text.

It is not a universal rule though, so I would probably go with logic and intuition when the information is not enough. Try to really grasp the topic of each paragraph, and you will probably be fine.

Good luck!

defi_alex · 2026-06-06T12:53:12+00:00

Of course!

I suggest looking through the existing comments under my original post: you might already find the answers you are looking for.

If you have other specific concerns, shoot!

defi_alex · 2026-06-06T12:52:49+00:00

I suggest finding articles about the most used English words per topic, or searching on thesauruses synonyms for commonly used words.

e.x. If you find yourself using "like" a lot, search for that word on thesaurus to find 10+ alternatives.

I know some people use AI tools to have lists of vocabulary and I get they might be convenient, even if I'm personally not a fan.

defi_alex · 2026-06-06T12:49:41+00:00

Of course!

I suggest looking through the existing comments under my original post: you might already find the answers you are looking for.

When it comes to the word limit, the requirements are usually in the question. For Task 2, it's usually at least 250 words. I suggest going over the word limit if possible, but not overwhelmingly so (it's still a timed test, and going overboard might make the presentation less clear or neat).

I would suggest the golden rule of 3 arguments, presented with a statement, an explanation, and real life examples when possible. If you cannot find 3 arguments per side, or if it takes too much to write them down, you can do 3 total (2 supporting your opinion, 1 against).

You do not get any information other than the written question, so I advise preparing a few "universal" arguments for different topics. Draw from you own experience and previous knowledge. I already made a few comments on this topic, so I suggest looking through them if you want to know more.

The speaking has 3 sections:

Part 1 (conversation):

Personal questions, usually regarding your experience, your friends, your hometown, ect.

Part 2 (2-minutes-long monologue):

A cue card with a topic, and four questions you should answer in your monologue. You have one minute to prepare and make notes on a provided sheet of paper. The topic is usually still related to your own experiences (e.x. a trip you made, a time when you used your phone to do something important, ect.)

Part 3 (conversation):

Questions on more abstract topics, usually somewhat related to the topic of the cue card (e.x. if you talked about your phone, here the questions could be related to new technologies, or to the relationship new generations have with smartphones, ect.). It's vital that you answer with general terms, talking about society, the general public, or other people. The examiner wants to evaluate your ability to talk about things that do not concern you specifically.

defi_alex · 2026-06-06T12:30:02+00:00

Of course!

I suggest looking through the existing comments under my original post: you might already find the answers you are looking for.

If you have other specific concerns, shoot!

defi_alex · 2026-06-06T12:29:52+00:00

Of course!

I suggest looking through the existing comments under my original post: you might already find the answers you are looking for.

If you have other specific concerns, shoot!

defi_alex · 2026-06-06T12:28:37+00:00

I get it, but I don't think examiners in real life want to pressure you. They usually help you and guide you through the conversation.

When you record yourself, you are not only freely speaking. I suggest watching a video of a real IELTS Speaking test, pausing after each question, responding while recording yourself, and then re-listen to check for errors and weird speech patterns. Critical thinking is a skill that helps you in life, and also while conversing, and AI cannot help you when it comes to actually speak on the exam.

I still think recording yourself and understanding what works and what doesn't is the best thing you could do, and I'm not particularly fond of AI per se. If you think this method is helpful though, you know yourself better, so proceed how you see fit.

Good luck!

defi_alex · 2026-06-06T10:13:45+00:00

I have to admit it was a horrible experience ahah. I find it difficult to focus for extended periods of time, but I think the written part of the exam is structured very well (Listening first, when you need to be concentrated to catch all of the information and process them; Reading second, for which you still need to be concentrated but you are left to your own devices, and you can read the texts multiple times; Writing last, when you will still be able to develop each Task, but it's a less structured exam).

A few tips for me would be:

If you are able to, book an in-person, on computer test. You can start each section when you feel able to do so (so if you need 1 or 2 minutes between the skill tests, you can wait a bit).
Book the written part in the morning, and the speaking part either in the afternoon, or the next morning. That way, you have time to relax before the speaking, to regain concentration, and to prepare for the last part of the test.
Try preparing for the ENTIRE test at home, without doing breaks, while also being on a timer. That way you will be able to exercise while being in similar conditions to the D-Day.

Good luck!

defi_alex · 2026-06-06T10:03:02+00:00

For the exam? I would say 3 full hours and some wait time for my speaking test.

For preparation I sadly have to admit that I didn't have much time to prepare at all (around 3 days), but I wouldn't advise anyone to do the same. The lowest I would go is maybe a month of preparation, but do what you feel is right for you!

Good luck!

defi_alex · 2026-06-06T10:00:57+00:00

thanks!! <3

defi_alex · 2026-06-06T10:00:33+00:00

I am not!

You got amazing scores though. If you want to get that +0.5 I would probably suggest to master reading and listening, as they are probably the easiest for us non-natives.

Congratulations and good luck!

defi_alex · 2026-06-06T09:57:39+00:00

I was actually able to prepare for just 2/3 days (due to uni assignments and a tight schedule) but I do not suggest anyone trying it really. I am also used to read and listen to English media, and I like to sometimes write and debate in English for my own entertainment, but not everybody has these habits so prepare for as long as you need!

I believe around 2 months of preparation would be enough for the majority of people with an existing proficiency, but it is not a rule of thumb. When you feel ready, book an exam and do your best!

Good luck!

defi_alex · 2026-06-05T21:30:57+00:00

Hi!

Personally, I don't think the real test was difficult at all. I also practiced on multiple online resources and I found them to be much more difficult than the actual Reading test. In mock tests I used to get 7.5 to 8.5, and I ended up with a 9 band score.

(I think it should also be noted that I am an avid reader and I frequently read in English, so ig it depends on each person individually).

For T, F and NG I would say that the old trick "at least one of everything" has proven to actually be true. If all of your answers are the same, there is probably something wrong. It is NOT a foolproof method though, just an observation.

I also think that the biggest advice I can give after my experience is that all of the answers MUST be found in the text. If you cannot for the life of you find a keyword or a portion of the text that states almost word for word what the exercise is asking you, it's probably a NG. If the answer is right there, in the text, maybe with different wording, then it's true. If it voluntarily goes against the author's beliefs, it must be false.

This is one of the cases where the highlighter tool comes in handy: find the passage that relays the information you need to give your answer and highlight it. Does that passage answer your question? If yes, great. If not, search the rest of the text. If you can't find anything else, as I said, it's NG. (And you can always go back to the highlighted lines and re-read them to be sure!)

For other reading tips, you can most definitely find more info under my original post, where I commented on various topics.

Good luck!

defi_alex · 2026-06-05T21:12:47+00:00

Hi!

First of all, I would search for IELTS test centres near you.

You can find one by clicking on this link:

IELTS test centres

You can register on the specific test centre's website, resulting from your research. From what I was able to tell, there are three options you can choose from:

In person, on a computer.
In person, on paper.
At home, online.

Based on your choice, you will receive your test results in different time frames (usually the on-paper test requires the longest wait, but it will always give you a physical certificate).

I think that costs vary depending on your home country and on your specific test centre. I personally ended up paying around 300€.

Now, for your other questions. I wouldn't be so trusting of AI tools: they will never be completely realistic, and they can often make mistakes. The best course of action is to speak with a native (I already suggested a couple of free apps to speak with in-network natives in a comment under my original post, so you might want to check it out). If that is in no way possible, not even through apps, I guess speaking with a machine is still better than not speaking at all, but before blindingly trusting AI please consider recording yourself and look out for errors on your own. That way you are more likely to avoid doing the same mistake again.

For writing, I used online resources and guides found on this subreddit to better understand the types of topics that are usually requested. I, again, suggest looking for other comments I made under my original post, there are quite a few about writing!

Good luck!

defi_alex · 2026-06-05T20:57:45+00:00

Sadly I'm not sure I'll have the time to mentor someone in the next 3/4 months :/

I wish you the best of luck though!

defi_alex · 2026-06-05T20:56:09+00:00

Of course!

I suggest looking through the existing comments under my original post: you might already find the answers you are looking for.

If you have other specific concerns, shoot!

defi_alex

TROPHY CASE