Top 20 Tips To Score An 8.5 In IELTS (2024)

The IELTS Exam in 2024 is a big deal for many people who want to study or work in English-speaking countries. Did you know that every year, more than 3.5 million individuals take this test worldwide? Getting a good score is really important, and a lot of students aim for a band score of 7 or higher.
To achieve this, it's crucial to understand the test well, use smart strategies, and improve your language skills. This blog is here to help you with that! We've put together easy-to-follow tips and techniques just for you, specifically for the 2024 IELTS Exam. Let's explore these ideas so you can do your best and reach your goals.
If you are looking for an education loan to fund your studies, we can help you with that too! Please request a callback from us and we will be happy to assist you with the process.

Format, Syllabus and Fees of IELTS exam 2024

IELTS Exam Pattern:
The IELTS exam consists of four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. The Listening, Reading, and Writing sections are conducted on the same day, while the Speaking section can be taken up to 7 days before or after the other sections. The total duration of the test is 2 hours and 45 minutes.

Know: IELTS Exam Dates and Details 2024

IELTS Exam Fee:
The IELTS Exam Fee 2024 has been revised to INR 16,250 for both the Pen and paper-based IELTS and Computer-delivered IELTS exams. The fee for Computer-delivered IELTS for UKVI has been revised to INR 16,500. Candidates are required to pay the IELTS Registration Fee of INR 16,250 every time they book their IELTS exam. The IELTS exam can be taken in both online and offline modes throughout the year on all 7 days of the week in 3 slots per day.

Tips to get good score in IELTS

If you want to do really well in the IELTS test and get a score of 8.5 or higher. Doing great in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) means understanding the test well, practicing a lot, and using the right techniques. You need to learn about each part of the test, improve your language skills, and use smart methods. Here's a breakdown of the top tips on “how to get 8.5 band in ielts?” and “What should you include in your daily routine to achieve the score you want?”.

Comment down your recent IELTS score and showcase your improvement.

Top 20 Tips To Score An 8.5 In IELTS

To reach this high score, you need to be good at English and know how to tackle the test well. This guide gives you the top 20 tips that are really helpful for doing well in the IELTS exam. These tips cover improving your English skills and learning smart ways to handle the test. They're super important for helping you get that impressive 8.5 score you're aiming for in the IELTS exam. So, follow these tips, study well, and get ready to ace your IELTS test

IELTS Listening test

Before the Listening test:

1. In Listening, use the example at the beginning of the first section to familiarize yourself with the sound, the situation, and the speakers.
2. Remember that they normally follow the order of the information in the recording.

During the Listening test:

1. Keep listening until the recording stops, looking only at the questions that relate to the part being played.
2. Answer Listening questions in the order they appear on the Question Paper.
3. At the end of the recording, you have some time to transfer your answers to the Answer Sheet. Check your grammar and spelling as you do so.

List of Top 5 Free IELTS Listening Practice Test

There are so many “IELTS Practice Tests” available online nowadays, so it is difficult to choose which is best suitable. We suggest students do their own research before their preparation. Here we have listed a few free IELTS listening practice tests available online that can be useful for you.

1. IELTSOnlineTests.com
2. IELTS Buddy
3. BestMyTest
4. Road to IELTS
5. IELTS Essentials

IELTS Reading test

Reading Tips for IELTS before test:

1. In Academic Reading, begin by quickly going through each passage to identify features like the topic, style, likely source, writer’s purpose, and intended reader.
2. Reading tasks sometimes have an example answer. If so, study it and understand why it's correct.
3. Some tasks may require using words from the text in the answer; others may need your own words. Check the instructions carefully.

Reading Tips for IELTS during test:

1. As you read, avoid trying to understand the precise meaning of every word or phrase due to time constraints and potential non-testing of those parts.
2. Instructions may include a word limit. For instance, "Use no more than three words." Adhere to this by avoiding unnecessary words in your answer.

Know More: Study Abroad without IELTS

IELTS Writing test

Before the Writing test:

1. In Academic Writing, you must always keep to the topic set. Never try to prepare sections of text before the exam.
2. Keep to the suggested timing: there are more marks possible for Task 2 than Task 1.
3. If you write less than 150 words in Task 1 or less than 250 in Task 2, you will lose marks, but there is no maximum number of words for either.
4. When you plan your essay, allow plenty of time in the end to check your work.

Before the Writing test:

1. Organize and link your ideas and sentences appropriately, using a wide range of language and showing your ability (in Task 2) to discuss ideas and express opinions.
2. Avoid directly copying the words from the questions. Instead, candidates should construct their own sentences and use their own words.

IELTS Speaking test

IELTS Speaking tips before test:

1. In Speaking, don’t try to give a prepared speech, or talk about a different topic from the one you are asked to discuss.
2. Remember that you are not being tested on your general knowledge but on your ability to communicate effectively.

IELTS Speaking tips after test:

1. Always speak directly to the Examiner, not to the recording equipment.
2. Whenever you reply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ to the Examiner’s questions, add more details to your answer. In each case, aim to explain at least one point.
3. Organize and link your ideas and sentences appropriately, talking clearly at normal speed and using a wide range of structures and vocabulary.

How to Improve Speaking Skills in IELTS

• Practice often: Get comfy with test style and questions by practicing alone, with a friend, or a tutor.
• Learn more words: New words help express better. Use flashcards, books, or movies.
• Work on pronunciation: Listen to natives, practice tongue twisters, or online tools help.
• Use varied sentence structures: Make speech engaging by practicing different structures in writing and reading.
• Get feedback: Ask for input on pronunciation, grammar, and vocab from tutors or friends.
• Avoid plagiarism: Use your own words, cite sources, and don't plagiarize.
• Be confident: Relax, speak naturally. Remember, the examiner is not there to judge you, but to assess your speaking skills.
• Use online tools: IELTS Liz, IELTS Advantage, IELTS Buddy offer practice and feedback.

Comment- If you have any other ideas on improving speaking skill apart from the above mentioned points, you can comment down below.

Common speaking topics for IELTS

The IELTS Speaking test consists of three parts, and each part assesses different aspects of your speaking skills. The examiner will ask you questions about yourself and your life in the first part. These IELTS Speaking questions are usually easier to answer than the other two parts. The good news is all of the questions are about, and you are the world-leading expert on the topic of you. Some examples of questions are:

1. Can you tell me where you live?
2. Do you work or study?
3. What do you do in your free time?

In the second part, the examiner will give you a topic card. You will have 1 minute to prepare your response. Then you will speak for 1-2 minutes on the topic. The topics are random and cannot be predicted, but they are normally topics that anyone in the world can talk about. Here are some examples of Part 2 IELTS Speaking questions that have been asked in previous years:

1. Describe a time when you were really proud of yourself.
2. Talk about a hobby that you enjoy.
3. Tell me about a place that you have visited that you really liked.

In the third part, the examiner will ask you more detailed questions about the topic from Part 2. They may also ask you about other interrelated topics. They are normally on abstract IELTS Speaking questions, and resemble the kind of ‘academic’ questions you might get asked in IELTS Writing Task 2. Here are some examples of questions that have been asked in previous years:

1. What are the advantages and disadvantages of taking up a new hobby?
2. Do you think people should return to their hometowns after finishing school or university?
3. What are the benefits of living in a big city?

It is important to note that these are just examples of questions that have been asked in the past. The actual questions that you will be asked in the IELTS Speaking test may differ. However, practicing with these questions can help you prepare for the test.

Read: List of Countries that accepts IELTS Exam

Mistakes to Avoid in IELTS exam preparation

• Memorizing answers: Trying to memorize won't help in speaking tests like IELTS. Speaking needs quick, natural answers, not memorized ones. Real, spontaneous responses work better.
• Speaking confidently: Feeling nervous is normal, but unclear speaking or avoiding eye contact isn't good. Treat the examiner like a friend, keep eye contact, and smile sometimes.
• Repeating words: Using the same words a lot doesn't show a wide vocabulary. Learning synonyms or new words helps express ideas better.
• Straying from the topic: Sometimes, you might go off-topic if you don’t understand the question. Pause, make sure you get it, and ask for clarification if needed. Staying on track matters for your score.
• Not practicing enough: Like any skill, improving English needs practice. Do mock tests, read, watch English stuff, and talk to native speakers regularly.
• Time management: Manage your time well during the exam. Practice dividing time for each section and don’t spend too long on one question.
• Understanding the test format: Learn about the sections, question types, and time limits. It helps you get ready and avoids surprises.
• Getting enough rest: Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep the night before the exam. Being well-rested helps you concentrate better.

List of Free Online IELTS Mock Test in India

Here's a list of free online IELTS practice tests available in India. These tests can help you get ready for your exam if you want to study abroad or apply for an education loan. Take advantage of these resources to improve your scores. If you need help with an education loan, you can request a callback from a team of WeMakeScholars financial officers.

1. IELTS Ninja
2. IELTS Online Tests
3. Hotcoursesabroad
4. BestMyTest
5. IELTS Buddy
6. IELTS Practice
7. IELTS Material
8. IELTS Essentials
9. IELTS Exam
10. IELTS Advantage