Firstly, let’s clarify the correct acronym, which is IELTS, short for the International English Language Testing System, and it is pronounced as “i-al-ts.”

Now, let us proceed to the top ten things an IELTS mentor won’t typically tell you.

1. Criteria for assessment:

For all four skills (Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening), the main criteria for assessment are:

– Structure: 25%

– Coherence: 25%

– Lexical Terms: 25%

– Grammar: 25%

The weightage may vary depending on the skill being assessed. It is necessary for the examinee to understand the criteria before attempting the IELTS.

2. Importance of idioms and phrases:

Never underestimate the power of idioms and phrases when dealing with the speaking and writing tasks. Using idioms improves sentence quality and demonstrates a good grasp of the English language, which is exactly what the examiners are looking for. Familiarize yourself with using idioms related to various topics in day-to-day life.

3. Paraphrasing:

Paraphrasing is another important yet rarely mentioned trick. It can significantly improve your sentence structure. For instance:

Original: Will was famous for his delicious sweets.

Paraphrased: Will was well-known for his delectable confections.

4. Time management in speaking task 2:

In speaking task two, you are given a cue card with a topic to talk about for two minutes. Use the one-minute preparation time wisely. Rather than writing a complete speech, use the time to list down all your ideas and then think of connectors to link them together during the remaining time.

5. Using connectors while speaking:

Connectors are words that help you frame sentences and connect thoughts to make your speech coherent. Examples of connectors include “although,” “occasionally,” “recently,” etc.

6. Using connectors while writing:

Using connectors in writing is essential for creating a cohesive essay or report. Connectors link paragraphs together and improve the flow of your writing. For example, use phrases like “in the illustrated graph…” or “in contrast to…” to link ideas.

7. Not using fillers:

Avoid using fillers like “um,” “ah,” or “you know” while speaking. Practice strategies to remove fillers from your speech, making it more fluent and confident.

8. Brainstorming the content:

Before you start writing or speaking, it’s crucial to brainstorm ideas. This skill helps you think of all the points beforehand, allowing you to organize your thoughts and use connectors effectively in your sentences.

By keeping these tips in mind while preparing for the IELTS, you will be better equipped to excel in the exam.