Some facts have changed since we first published this article. We are working to update them ASAP.
These tips we are going to give are just the general stuff you need to know on how you can get the best IELTS band score possible. You’d have to get our book, Band 9, to get the details on how to score band 9 in IELTS in case you’ve forgotten, on the individual sections.
So, if you’re ready, then let’s roll.
Guidelines on How to Score Band 9 in IELTS
Here are some steps you must take if you’re keen on learning how to score band 9 in IELTS.
1. Don’t Be Complacent
The first lesson on how to score band 9 in IELTS is resilience. Growing up in or residing in an English-speaking country is not a reason to be complacent in your prep for your IELTS test. Your regular spoken English might most likely be rife with unacceptable irregularities that could detract from your marks in the test. Another good tip will be to send in some of your writing practice tests for comments from an experienced tutor.
2. Go With an Ample Stock of Words
If you have a lot of time to prepare, then we advise you to study a pocket dictionary. But if you don’t have enough time, or in addition to studying a pocket dictionary, you could also google up “100 best words in English” and compile your list of 200 from any of 4 or 5 entries that you fancy.
You need to be able to recognize, understand, and use these words in all the sections of the test to effectively prove your proficiency in the use of the language.
Focus on simple and meaningful words, “abstruse”, “sepulcher” are good choices, “recondite” or “chicanery” on the other hand, might not be so necessary.
Take a printout of these words with you on test day…
Of course, you won’t be allowed to take it into the test room, but at least, you get to go over it again before taking the test.
READ: Important Facts About IELTS
3. Minimize Your Chances of Spelling Error
You’ve not been groomed on how to score band 9 in IELTS if you still make spelling errors. In your prep, draw up a list of commonly misspelled words, Google can help with that. Just search “200 common spelling mistakes” and study them before test day. You can use techniques that work for you to memorise the correct spellings of words that you normally misspell.
While one or two errors here and there might not be such a big deal, a work replete with errors will not only look bad, it will enervate the examiner.
PS: The IELTS accepts both British and American spellings.
4. Practice Writing With a Pen
Especially for those who work primarily with computers, writing enough pages with a pen will help remind your fingers, and get them used to the idea of writing speedily with a pen again in prep for your test.
Have a good night’s sleep!
You need to come to your test centre well-rested and fresh. And again, keep from taking in too much fluid. The tests run at a stretch without breaks. And there’s no assurance that you’d be allowed to visit the facilities during the course of the test. So, to be on the safe side, don’t overdo the fluids.
That’s all you need to know on how to score band 9 in IELTS. All the best in your exam!