The IELTS (International English Language Testing System) has become a crucial milestone for students in Bangladesh aspiring to study or work abroad. Every year, thousands of students sit for this exam, yet many find it challenging to achieve the score they desire. However, it's essential to question the common belief that IELTS is inherently difficult. The truth is, IELTS is not hard; rather, we tend to make it difficult by focusing on the wrong strategies and adopting inefficient methods of preparation. Let's explore how the IELTS can be mastered and break down the four skills it tests, listening, reading, writing, and speaking, to show that it's all about smart, effective preparation.
One of the primary reasons students in Bangladesh struggle with IELTS is psychological. There's a widespread belief that English proficiency is unattainable for many, creating self-doubt. This mindset, reinforced by societal pressure, hinders students from performing well. But if approached with the right mental attitude and strategies, IELTS can be a straightforward test of language ability. The truth is, IELTS merely measures your ability to communicate in English, a skill that can be improved systematically with regular practice.
Instead of viewing it as a "hard" exam, it's vital to understand that IELTS tests your day-to-day English proficiency. If approached as a natural, continuous process of learning and applying the language rather than a stressful task, students will find that IELTS is not as daunting as it seems.
The listening section of the IELTS assesses how well you can understand spoken English. Students often panic about this part, but it's a skill that can be developed easily through regular exposure to English audio. Listening to podcasts, watching English movies with subtitles, or tuning in to news channels like BBC or Al Jazeera can gradually improve this skill.
It's important to note that the IELTS listening test is about grasping the general meaning of conversations or lectures. According to recent studies, those who practice active listening for just 30 minutes a day show significant improvement in their IELTS scores. Thus, with consistent engagement, Bangladeshi students can improve their listening comprehension, making this section of the test less intimidating.
Writing, often considered the most difficult section, is where students tend to go wrong by trying to use complex vocabulary and intricate grammar. IELTS writing is not about how "fancy" your English is, it's about how clearly and logically you can present your ideas.
A good approach is to focus on structuring your essays. Begin with simple, coherent sentences and organize your thoughts logically into paragraphs. Practice writing short essays (150-250 words) on familiar topics, gradually working your way up to more challenging topics. Research suggests that students who practice writing regularly for six months improve their scores by 0.5-1.0 band on average. Remember, clarity and coherence are more valuable than using impressive words.
The speaking section intimidates many students, but it's essentially a conversation. The examiner isn't there to judge you harshly; they just want to see how well you can express your ideas in English. The key to excelling here is building confidence.
Start by speaking English with friends or family. Record yourself and play it back to identify areas for improvement. Engage in casual conversations about topics you enjoy. Research shows that Bangladeshi students who practiced speaking English regularly were able to increase their IELTS speaking scores by up to 1.0 band within four months. Consistency is key, don't aim for perfection, aim for progress.
IELTS is more than just an exam. For many students in Bangladesh, it's a gateway to opportunities, whether it's studying abroad, accessing global job markets, or immigrating to countries like Australia or Canada. In 2023, around 60,000 students from Bangladesh took the IELTS, and for most, it was a life-changing step towards their goals. The importance of this exam lies in its ability to open doors to higher education and better career prospects.
Thus, students should not approach IELTS with fear but as an exciting challenge. The skills developed in preparing for IELTS, effective communication, critical thinking, and clear writing, are invaluable in both academic and professional contexts.
The IELTS exam is not a test of intelligence or even a test of mastery over the English language. It is simply a measure of how well you can communicate in English in real-world situations. The key to success is not in memorizing complex words or cramming rules, but in consistent practice, structured preparation, and a positive mindset. By breaking down the four skills and practicing each in a natural, enjoyable way, students can easily crack IELTS and achieve the scores they need.
So, to all the students in Bangladesh aiming for a higher IELTS score: remember, it's not hard. You've got this! Stay focused, practice regularly, and approach the exam with confidence. The journey towards mastering IELTS can be smooth if you make the right efforts in the right direction.
The writer is a Master of Technology student of Power Engineering at Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Ropar
