As IELTS experts, we have trained about 3000 students. We have found ourselves thinking over and over about the performance of our students. We believe experience is not the best teacher, but evaluated one is.
For this reason, we can distill priceless wisdom to help our students. For instance, it has always bothered us why someone very intelligent fails to get a Band 7 in IELTS Reading. We discover the reasons for this in a light-bulb moment.
- Overconfidence.
This may be because of past successes. This mindset may make the person too relaxed in the exam. The implication of this is he or she may not be able to manage the time well. It may also lead to the assumption of answers and analysis which leads to paralysis. This will surely affect the person’s score in TFNG questions and multiple choice. Because these question types are logic-based.
- Carelessness.
This is another major factor. This occurs when a person takes little details for granted. In IELTS, a letter or punctuation may be very deadly if not noticed. So you need to be meticulous and patient.
- Anxiety and inner pressure.
The person may be having mental pressure either from work or home. All these may not allow the person to be in the best state of mind needed for the exam. Many people underestimate IELTS; they load their schedules with a lot of goals to achieve. They forget that IELTS needs time, attention, concentration, and focus. If these tool sets are not brought on board, the person may get a bitter surprise. You need to be intentional to pass IELTS; brilliance may not be enough.
- Wrong mindset that IELTS is a test of English knowledge. IELTS test Re receptive skills (Listening and Reading) and Productive skills ( Speaking and Writing)
A person who considers himself smart may just not practice enough. He or she may feel since he has scored very high in some practices he did, not need to bother doing more. During the listening exam, the person may be greatly shocked. Little distractions like the invigilators walking around him may cause his mind to shift. The conditions of the exam hall may distract. Listening requires a sharp attention level and a sound mind. A person may be very intelligent but may not have a focused mind.
- Handwriting can also be a disadvantage. For example, it is believed that some doctors don’t have good handwriting. This does not apply to every one of them. If a candidate knows what to write but has issues with scripting it, it may reduce the score of the person. The examiner will mark what is seen not what is meant.
- Lack of strategy and Time management.
Strategy, they say is more than energy. It’s not enough to know the modules, you must know how to finish them within the time frame. In writing, you must finish on time to edit your work and check for errors in spelling and grammar composition. For listening and Reading, you must be fast to finish so you can cross-check if you follow the instructions.
Akinwumi Taiwo Ademola
Grace Edu Consult