Do you want to pass IELTS in 2025? Of course, you do! Let's cut to the chase—here's how you can do it.
The first step is to learn from your mistakes. Wait, wait, I know it sounds simple, but let me explain. In this guide, we’ll explore the biggest mistakes IELTS test takers make in each section of the test, how to avoid them, and why learning from these mistakes will help you achieve a higher score.
Speaking Section: The Biggest Mistake
Speaking Part 2 is one of the most challenging parts of the IELTS test because speaking alone for an extended period can be difficult. Many test takers fail to speak for the full two minutes, limiting their ability to demonstrate their English proficiency and earn higher marks.
For example, consider this Part 2 task card: Describe a type of food you would like to try.
- What type of food it is
- How you know about it
- Where you would try it
- Why you would like to try it
If I received this card, I might talk about Korean food, specifically bibimbap, and my desire to visit Korea. But what if I run out of things to say and still have 30 seconds left? A simple trick is to discuss what others think about the topic. We call this technique "reflecting globally."
For example, I could mention how Korean cuisine has gained global popularity or what other people think about bibimbap. This method helps extend your response and ensures you fill the two-minute time requirement. If the examiner interrupts you, it means you’ve reached the time limit—well done!
Writing Section: The Biggest Mistake
Many test takers write essays with perfect grammar, vocabulary, and punctuation, yet they fail to answer the question directly, leading to a lower score. Take a look at the Writing Task 2 band descriptors: to achieve Band 9, you must present a clear, fully developed position that directly answers the question.
For example, if the prompt asks, "To what extent do you agree or disagree?", you must clearly state your opinion. If asked, "What are the advantages and disadvantages?", your essay should cover both. Understanding and fully addressing the question is crucial.
Consider this prompt: "It is predicted that robots will become increasingly important in our lives. How could robots be used in the future? Will this be a positive or negative development?"
A high-scoring response would include:
- An introduction outlining the main points
- Body paragraphs discussing possible uses of robots
- An argument for why this is a positive or negative development
Always make sure your essay fully answers all parts of the question to maximize your score.
Reading Section: The Biggest Mistake
Many test takers focus heavily on speaking and writing while neglecting the reading section, which can lower their overall score. One of the most confusing question types in IELTS Reading is True/False/Not Given and Yes/No/Not Given.
- True/False/Not Given is based on factual information in the text.
- Yes/No/Not Given is based on opinions or claims made by the writer.
- Not Given means there isn’t enough information in the text to determine whether the statement is true or false.
For example: Statement: "The Amazon rainforest is being destroyed for soymilk production."
- If the passage states this clearly, the answer is True.
- If the passage states something contradictory, the answer is False.
- If the passage does not mention soymilk production at all, the answer is Not Given.
Understanding how to differentiate between these answers is crucial for improving your reading score.
Listening Section: The Biggest Mistake
One of the biggest mistakes in IELTS Listening is failing to listen for tone and speaker intention. For multiple-choice questions, you must infer the speaker’s emotions based on tone, rather than waiting for direct statements like "I felt nervous."
Consider this excerpt from an IELTS listening question: "At first, I was confident, but then I got into the lecture and thought, 'What’s happening? Why can’t I understand anything?'"
- The speaker does not explicitly say they were confused, but their tone and words indicate it. The correct answer would be confusion.
Recognizing tone and context is a key skill for IELTS Listening success.
The Key to Success: Learn from Your Mistakes
These are just some of the most common IELTS mistakes. As you prepare, you’ll make mistakes too—but that’s okay! The key is to stop and analyze your mistakes so you don’t repeat them.
For instance, if you score 20 out of 40 on a reading test, review each incorrect answer. It might seem time-consuming, but skipping this step will cause you to make the same mistakes over and over. Learning from your errors will ultimately save you time and improve your performance.
Good luck with your IELTS preparation in 2025!
