50 Odd Myths and Facts about IELTS: Be Careful!!

Myths and Facts about IELTS: Whenever we talk about any exam, it’s common for us to hear various things about it and believe them without knowing whether they are true or false. The same goes with the IELTS Exam, where we encounter numerous questions and seek information from friends, and teachers or try all means to get the right one.

However, we often struggle to find accurate answers, and even if we do, they may not be for the right questions. Consequently, we end up paying the cost of either incorrect or half information, in our exams.

To address this mix-up and achieve the best, it is essential to read this article today. It will provide you with insights into what we knew so far, distinguishing between what was correct and what was not.

Ultimately, this will help you achieve a good score in the IELTS exam, making your dream come true. So, let’s dive in and learn about the myths and facts of IELTS to fulfill our aspirations effectively. [Myths and facts about IELTS]

General Myths and Facts about IELTS

1. Solving as many sample papers as you can, is the key to scoring high

Fact: Yes, solving sample papers is indeed a very effective method. When we solve sample papers to prepare for any exam, our skills improve. However, we need to see what exactly it is about when we talk about IELTS.

The IELTS exam is basically about the English language. And if you want to improve your listening and speaking skills, solving sample papers may not be as effective. This is because when we talk about listening, you have to work on understding various accents, and when we talk about speaking, you have to work on your fluency.

The same goes with the Reading Module as your comprehension skills fetch you a good band that you can improve by reading and understanding various reading materials not just solving IELTS sample papers.

2. TOEFL is easier than IELTS

Fact: Most students often think that the TOEFL is easier than the IELTS.  However, it’s essential to understand that no exam is inherently easy or difficult; it’s the format only, that differs.

The difficulty level for both exams is essentially the same; it depends on how well-prepared you are. So, you should attempt that exam which aligns with your goals.

3. Different countries have different complexity levels for IELTS

Fact: See, this is an international exam that is accepted worldwide. So, thinking that the difficulty level changes from nation to nation, i.e., it might be easy in one country and tough in another, is absolutely not true.

It has two formats: Academic and General. Besides that, there is no other difference in it. [Myths and facts about IELTS]

4. To pass the IELTS, you need a 7.0 and above band

Fact: IELTS is an exam that assesses your proficiency in the English language and how much English you know. Scores range from 0 (no English proficiency) to 9 (expert user). There is no pass or fail in the IELTS test. Your band score depends on your level of English proficiency.

The required band score varies based on the university for admission or country requirements for PR. There is no fixed requirement; it depends on the specific criteria of the institution or country you are applying to.

Hence, in IELTS, you are not limited to achieving a score of 7 bands; it can be 5 and a 9 as well depending upon the requirement.

5. You can appear in IELTS only once

Fact: You can take the IELTS exam as many times as you want until you achieve your desired band score. The only thing is that you have to pay the examination fee each time.

6. You can’t make any mistakes or mistakes will negatively impact your score.

Facts: It’s not that we cannot make mistakes in the IELTS. Mistakes can happen, and that’s okay, but there is a limit to it.

For instance, if I talk about the Speaking module, it’s quite forgiving. You can make a mistake once or twice, correct yourself while speaking and it won’t be a problem. However, if it happens too frequently, it will negatively impact your score.

The same goes with Writing, if everything is generally fine and there is an occasional mistake or two, it won’t pose a significant problem. But, continuous mistakes will hamper your score.

7. Computer Based Test is easier/harder than Paper Based Test.

Fact: The computer-based test is designed for individuals who feel more comfortable using a computer. On the other hand, the paper-based test is suitable for those who find writing and reading on paper more comfortable.

It’s not accurate to say that the computer-based IELTS exam is either tough or easy; it depends on where you feel more at ease. You should choose the exam format that suits you best.

8. Examples in the IELTS Test Could Be Either Real or Imaginary.

Fact: You are free to provide any genuine and verifiable examples that support your response in the IELTS test.

9. IELTS examiners have a specific connection or link with some well-known IELTS training institutes.

Fact: Examiners cannot do that. They go to different places to take the test. Sometimes, they don’t even know where they are going until a few hours before. So, no institute can have a special connection with any IELTS examiners. [Myths and facts about IELTS]

Reading Module- Myths and Facts about IELTS

1. The difficulty level of the IELTS reading section is increasing

Fact: This can be true to an extent but we cannot blame the examiner for it. Yes, these days, they are introducing new passages that they think students can handle easily.

To tackle this, students should not only prepare through mock tests but also read articles from newspapers and various other methods. So, cracking the reading section won’t be tough for those who are well-prepared and read various articles.

2. Reading is the easiest module

Fact: This is not entirely true. It’s not like how we used to solve unseen passages in our schools; it’s not as easy to solve IELTS Reading passages at the same level.

In schools, the passages used to be around 100-200-300 words. Now, our passages are approximately 2600 words long, and that too in advanced English, not simple English. So, please prepare accordingly to handle not the easy but the difficult passages.

3. The Reading Section is less time-consuming

Fact: In the Reading section, you have to read lengthy passages written in advanced English. So, it’s not that this is not time-consuming.

Many times, your answer is not just in one line; it’s best found in the entire paragraph, requiring you to read the entire paragraph carefully. So, please manage your time since beginning. [Myths and facts about IELTS]

Listening Module- Myths and Facts about IELTS

1. You cannot write “and”, “. (Full stop sign)” in the answer sheet

Fact: If needed, you can use them. There is no such rule as of now in place.

2. You have to write your answer in sequence only or in the order of appearance in audio only like Obama, Jack, and Smith

Fact: You can change the order just keep in mind that your answer should be correct both in terms of spelling and grammar.

3. Listening is the most scoring module

Fact: Yes, the Listening module can be the highest scoring because here you need to listen and write. However, it’s essential that you are familiar with accents and can keep up with the speed.

If you find difficulty in understanding accents and keeping up with the speed, this section can also be the toughest one for you.

4. No need to practice the listening module as it is easy

Fact: No, that’s not true at all. Merely listening to BBC channels will not help you improve your listening skills. It would help if you listened to more regional channels or podcasts so that you can make yourself comfortable with different accents.

5. No extra time to transfer or review your answers

Fact: In the Listening test, you get separate time for transferring or reviewing in both formats.

For example, in the CBT, you get 2 minutes in addition to the 30 minutes to review your answers.

In the PBT test, you get 10 minutes in addition to the 30 minutes to transfer your answers to the answer sheet.

6. Every candidate will be provided with a headset to listen to the audio

Fact: This depends on the facilities provided at each center. In some centers, individual headsets are provided, while in others, audio is played through speakers.

So, please be aware of the type of center you are assigned to and prepare accordingly. [Myths and facts about IELTS]

Writing Module- Myths and Facts about IELTS

1. You must write between 150-180 words for Task 1 and 250-280 words for Task 2, otherwise you will be penalized

Fact: Following the minimum word count is compulsory in the IELTS writing module, but following the maximum word count is not at all compulsory. This is a big myth among students that if I write more than 280 or 180 words, I will be penalized.

No, this is not true. It is only a recommendation to prevent you from overwriting, as writing more does not necessarily mean you are writing relevant content.

If you don’t write relevant content, you may go off-topic, and then you could be penalized. However, you must follow the minimum word count; you should not write less than that.

2. While counting words for IELTS, Articles like “A”, “AN”, and “THE”, are not counted

Fact: Articles “A”, “AN”, and “THE”, are counted in words. So, while counting words for IELTS Task 1 and Task 2, these are also included.

3. Cursive writing can fetch you more bands

Fact: This is completely a myth. Your writing should be such that it can be easily read and understood. If your writing is not clear, you will not get a good band score, It does not matter, if it is cursive or regular.

Therefore, it is best to write clearly so that the examiner can understand. [Myths and facts about IELTS]

4. You need to write your answer in Capital/Block letters in the Writing Module

Fact: You can write your answer in any way you want whether it is in capital letters, small letters, or cursive writing.

But keep in mind the English grammar rules, where we need to write in capital letters, you should write in capital letters only.

5. Fancy vocabulary should be used to gain good bands

Fact: If you want a good band in IELTS, use appropriate and clear vocabulary instead of fancy vocabulary. Yes, use basic terms, add a little more than average, and only use appropriate terms, according to the context of your content.

Avoid the use of forced vocabulary and fancy phrases. Fancy words should be minimal unless you are sure about that particular word. [Myths and facts about IELTS]

6. Want more bands, then write more

Fact: Some students think that if I write more, I will get a better band score because writing more will give me a chance to showcase my vocabulary, grammar, and knowledge.

But try to understand this: writing more does not mean that you are writing relevant content. You might start giving off-topic answers, and if you give off-topic answers, you might be penalized.

Therefore, keep your answer appropriate, maintain word count limits, and use suitable vocabulary so that your answer can be the best it can be, and you can achieve the highest band score. [Myths and facts about IELTS]

Speaking Module- Myths and Facts about IELTS

1. In the speaking module, the examiner judges you based on your physical appearance and your behavioral traits

Fact: IELTS is an English language test and not a physical appearance test or a character certificate test. Here, only your proficiency in the English language is assessed, and nothing else. Yes, but it is always advised to follow basic etiquette.

2. In the cue card section which is the 2nd part of the IELTS Speaking Module, the examiner gives you the Q-card, you have to read it and before starting your topic, you will have to return it to the examiner or he will take it back from you

Fact: The IELTS speaking test is not a memory test where your ability to memorize content for an extended period is assessed.

It is simply an English language test where the examiner focuses on whether you can survive in an English-speaking environment and how well you understand English.

So, it’s not that the examiner will take back the cue card from you.

3. 4.5 out of 9 bands are allocated to section 2 (Cue Card) in Speaking.

Fact: The IELTS speaking module assesses candidates based on four parameters:

• Fluency and Coherence
• Lexical Resource
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy
• Pronunciation.

Each of these parameters carries a weightage of 25%, and this weightage is equally applicable to all three sections. It is not the case that the weightage of one section is higher or lower than another section.

4. The examiner records the whole Speaking Test so that 2-3 examiners sit together to award bands later on

Fact: The IELTS speaking test is indeed recorded. It is recorded for the examiners for monitoring purposes. If, in the future, a student applies for rechecking of their test, the recording serves as the basis for the re-evaluation. [Myths and facts about IELTS]

5. While answering, the candidate should keep on using sir/madam, in between and should start the answer by saying thank you, sir/madam

Fact: See, there’s nothing wrong with giving respect to someone, but if you do all this, it should feel natural, not artificial.

Because repeatedly saying “Thank you, ma’am or sir” sometimes sounds artificial. It doesn’t feel natural, and you won’t get a very high band score from it.

So, please focus on being natural, not on respect and artificiality.

6. In Task 1 of General Training (Letter Writing), only writing salutations such as Dear Sir, Yours Sincerely, etc. can get you one band

Fact: Is it possible that a student will only write salutations, like “Dear Ma’am, Thank you, Your Sincerely”? No, that doesn’t happen, and based on empty salutations, you won’t get any band score.

7. To get a good band, you will have to speak like a native speaker or native accent is the key

Fact: This statement is inaccurate. Although pronunciation plays a significant role in your speaking section score (having 25% of the total), you are not judged based on a specific accent.

The pronunciation component assesses whether you can be understood by your listener. English is a global language, there isn’t a singular “correct way” to speak it. The crucial factor is clear, loud, and composed speech. [Myths and facts about IELTS]

8. Only the Speaking Module is the most important component, to get a good score in IELTS

Fact: No, it is not the case. All four modules are equally important because the overall band score is calculated by considering scores from all four modules.

It is not solely based on the Speaking module. If you receive a lower band score in any one module, it will negatively impact your overall score.

9. You should not ask the examiner to repeat the question

Fact: In a speaking test, the examiner might ask you a question, and you don’t get it. If such an instance happens, you can confidently and without hesitation ask the examiner to please repeat the question or explain it a bit. There’s nothing wrong with that.

10. I have to agree with the examiner’s opinion.

Fact: In IELTS, you will not be evaluated based on whether you agree or disagree with the examiners or the quality of your ideas. They simply assess your English language skills using various parameters.

They check different aspects of your English language, without delving into whether you advance or contradict certain views or evaluating the quality of your ideas.

The focus is primarily on your language proficiency across different parameters of respective modules. [Myths and facts about IELTS]

11. Maintaining politeness and courtesy can contribute to achieving a higher score for me.

Fact: Being polite and courteous is part of basic etiquette, which should be observed. We should never exhibit rude behavior towards anyone, but this doesn’t play a role in the evaluation of IELTS.

Therefore, when attempting the IELTS Speaking module, focus on staying on topic and delivering your answer effectively.

12. If I am not aware of any answer, they may penalize me.

Fact: In IELTS, your knowledge is not being tested regarding how much you know about a specific topic. IELTS checks how effectively you express yourself in the English language. As we possibly cannot prepare for every topic.

If you do not know the answer, just try to answer with the help of your personal experiences in whatever way you can, so that conversation can move ahead.

13. Using short sentences, may lead to fewer mistakes and higher bands.

Fact: Yes, using straightforward sentences can reduce mistakes, but you should also keep in mind that you are tested based on grammatical range and accuracy as well.

In IELTS, it is observed to determine the range of grammar you use, whether you are using complex sentences or sticking to simple ones. Using only simple sentences may drop your overall band score. [Myths and facts about IELTS]

Biggest Question Now: How to Score Good Bands in IELTS

To achieve a good score, you need to understand the format, parameters, and demands of IELTS. You have to see what parameters are there for each module, based on which you get a band in IELTS. If you understand them well, then no one can stop you.

All the parameters are explained here one by one, and for more in-depth understanding, you can follow the provided links.

Reading and Listening Module Parameters

There is a band conversion table that determines the band score for each correct answer in the Reading and Listening module. You can follow the provided link for a detailed understanding.

Writing Module Band Descriptors

There are 4 band descriptors in the Writing Module of IELTS:

1. Task Achievement
2. Coherence and Cohesion
3. Lexical Resources
4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy

All the band descriptors carry 25% weightage. For more and in-depth understanding, you can follow the links:

Task 1 Band Descriptors

Task 2 Band Descriptors

Speaking Module Band Descriptors

There are 4 band descriptors in the Speaking Module of IELTS:

1. Fluency and Coherence
2. Lexical Resources
3. Grammatical Range and Accuracy
4. Pronunciation

All the band descriptors carry 25% weightage. For more in-depth understanding, you can follow this link.

Read Also:

1. Speaking Part-3 Questions with Answers-PDF

Conclusion

So, that was about myths and facts regarding IELTS. You might have heard many myths and perhaps not about many others, and there might be many myths that we haven’t covered here. But we would like to advise you to please think logically and not follow any misconceptions because they will only hinder your path and negatively impact your score. There is no benefit to it.

To achieve a good score in IELTS, as it was mentioned earlier, it is essential to understand the parameters of the exam. All the links for this purpose have been provided to you. You can visit those links to enhance your understanding and potentially improve your score in the IELTS exam. [Myths and facts about IELTS]

All the best!!

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