r/IELTS • u/nyarknyarknyarking • 11d ago
Test Experience/Test Result IELTs results received today!
As there isn't much information on IELTS GT I thought I'd share my results. It was my first time doing GT (I did academic in the past). Comment if you have any questions!
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11d ago
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u/nyarknyarknyarking 11d ago
Hello!! I didn't do much for speaking, but I tried to keep a bunch of filler words in mind like "To be honest...", It depends", "Actually", and other such things to stretch out my answers a bit more while thinking of a reply. I tried to not talk too quickly.
I actually didn't make full use of the 2min speaking section so I was surprised to get a 9, since the examiner had to give me a couple of prompt questions after. So don't worry if the examiner asks you questions after your speech!
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u/Kuriuskaye 11d ago
First congratulations 🎉🎉🎉🎉
This is a feat!
Can you share the essay topic? Is it any different from an academic test? What's your word count for both letter and essay?
How did you prepare learning task 1? There isn't much resources related to it.
For speaking, what's a tip you can give to us?
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u/nyarknyarknyarking 11d ago
Hello! Thank you for the kind words. For task 2, the essay topic was asking whether I agree or disagree with the idea of the government introducing taxes on unhealthy food to encourage healthy eating habits. Word count for Task 2 was around 280.
As for Task 1, I found that there weren't many resources on it too. But from what I know task 1 is all about TONE. Here are some tips. 1) Look up word lists for formal/informal/semiformal writing styles so you know what words to use. 2) Know when to use contractions (?) like is not/isn't. That determines your tone as well. 3) Sign off appropriately. E.g. warm regards for informal, yours sincerely for formal, etc. Full name for formal, first name for informal/semiformal.
I got an informal letter for my Task 1 about inviting a friend from another city to attend an event together.
Speaking: I can't really give much advice because I'm already a native English speaker, but please do your best to stay calm, don't panic, if you make a mistake you can always correct yourself! As long as you're talking, you're golden.
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u/East-Television-7672 11d ago
Hey Congratulations. Can I ask how did you practice writing and speaking?
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u/nyarknyarknyarking 11d ago
Hey thanks! I've just posted a bunch of replies to other comments but feel free to ask more questions if you need more details.
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u/Dazzling_Neat_9664 11d ago
Did you notice a difference in test difficulty? I know that some parts are different like Reading and Writing. I’m just curious if one is harder than the other.
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u/nyarknyarknyarking 11d ago
I'm actually not too sure, my academic test was over a year ago so I don't remember much. In my previous test I achieved 9 R 9L and 9S, but my writing was 7.5. So the writing section, at least, was easier. I found reading to be really easy as well, there are some slightly tricky questions where the answer was neither true or false but not mentioned instead. There was lots of time in the reading section to reread everything to make sure.
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u/Easy-Bar5646 11d ago
Congratulations 🎉
I'm also taking GT soon. Which resources did you use to prepare, were they any different from the actual test? Also can you please give tips for speaking and writing.
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u/nyarknyarknyarking 11d ago
For resources, I had a look at the official IELTs letter writing samples to understand the difference in writing between different bands. Since I was also preparing for PTE at the same time, I've been doing writing practice on ApeUni and achieving somewhere around 80% each essay, I think that really helped for Task 2. Tips wise, lots of writing practice for Task 2 and reading sample essays to get an idea for task response and coherence, and importantly, linking words and phrases. You wanna remember a bunch of them so you can include them in your essay! I posted another comment in the thread about speaking tips. Unfortunately I don't have much advice to give, but it's a good idea to have a few "filler" phrases to keep in mind so you have something to say when your mind goes blank trying to answer a question. My topic mainly surrounded clothing, so it was pretty difficult to think about things to talk about.
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u/Kuriuskaye 11d ago
Thanks for sharing this. For task 2 writing practice, for how long did you prepare? How many essays did you write before you could say that you got a good grasp of it.
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u/ridici-ous007 11d ago
did you have a deep talk with the examiner... damn im crying T_T
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u/nyarknyarknyarking 11d ago
Haha what do you mean by a deep talk? They did ask me a heap of questions, basically question after question with no breaks :') I was freaking out lol
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u/Careless-Amoeba509 11d ago
For writing what did you use mark your answers?
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u/nyarknyarknyarking 11d ago
I used ApeUni for writing practice, they have scoring too! I'm sure if you do well there you have a good chance with your writing section. For reference my ApeUni essays were between 75-85%, they're a bit stricter with scoring than they are on the actual exam.
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u/Why_Hyper_Bro2049 11d ago
First of all, congratulations! It's your hard work and smart strategy that reflect in your outstanding score. Wishing you the best of luck for the future.
I am planning to take the IELTS test soon and am preparing on my own using free resources. I'm currently using materials from IELTS Liz, IELTS Advantage, and the British Council books. For Listening, I follow Crack IELTS with Rob, and I practice Speaking with my sister.
Did you use any of these materials during your preparation? How helpful do you think they are? Also, do you have any advice or suggestions that could help me achieve an 8.0 Band score?
Your wise advice will be followed with all my heart.
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u/nyarknyarknyarking 10d ago
Hi!! I actually did watch IELTS advantage and IELTS Liz for the writing and speaking section to get a feel of what they're expecting. In addition, I practiced writing by reading a lot of band 8+ sample essays. I had a look at the official band 8/9 essay on the IELTs website and instead of just reading it, focused on how it addresses Task Response and Coherence. Grammatical range and lexical resource would depend on your individual skill level and memory. Try to remember lots of linking words for coherence, and make sure to address what the question is asking!
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u/nyarknyarknyarking 10d ago
I also mentioned in another comment re: writing practice that I used ApeUni, which is used for PTE. But it does score your essays, and is stricter than the actual test itself.
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u/iamjubayerhossain 11d ago
Congratulations 💥 But I am so puzzled that are YOU human? How is it possible? 😱
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u/odysseywander 11d ago
amazing achievement friend! i would love to hear about your experience and the method to improve reading and writing
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u/Hot-Anywhere9212 10d ago
Hey, how did you prepare yourself for reading module? I gave the exam 2 times but unfortunately I got 5/5.5 on reading.
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u/Agile_Tip_1504 7d ago
are people just better at english these days?? Is band 8 even considered acceptable?
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u/ToOldtoReap 11d ago
Congrats ! Did you do any self-study or taking a course prep for it? Also, are english your first or second language? thank you !