IELTS is a popular language test that can help you make a career in top countries such as the US, UK, and Canada.
As IELTS is one of the popular language tests, achieving a high score (above 8) can be a rewarding experience. It will help you make a career in top countries such as the US, UK, and Canada. You can be admitted to prestigious institutions such as Stanford, MIT, and Harvard.
But how do you get 8 bands in IELTS? It is one of the most asked questions among the candidates. In this blog, we will decode some proven tips and hacks to help you achieve a good band score.
But before moving ahead, it is essential to understand the structure and pattern of the test.
IELTS Exam Pattern
The IELTS exam covers four modules: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Each module consists of different types of questions.
Like in the reading section, questions like matching headings, sentence completion, true, false and not given, etc. are asked in the exam.
Here is the complete breakdown of what each of these IELTS modules contains:
Your performance from each module is measured by a band score ranging from 0 to 9. Here, 0 means the lowest and 9 means the highest. Since we are thinking about how to get 8 bands in IELTS, it requires some of the best strategies along with efforts. Let’s crack these strategies separately for each of the sections.
How to Get 8 Bands in IELTS Listening?
You will be asked to answer 40 questions in the listening part of the IELTS exam, which are heavily reliant on the audio clips that will be played for you. In this module, the examiner will assess your ability to follow the logical progression of spoken information, maintain connectivity between ideas, demonstrate a wide range of vocabulary usage, and exhibit accuracy in understanding and interpreting sentence structures during the listening section.
Here are tips to aim for a score above 8 in the listening section:
- Improve Your Vocabulary: Because vocabulary is essential in this area, we recommend reading as many newspapers and magazines as possible. Make it a habit to write down the unique terms you hear, which will help you remember them throughout the exam.
- Improve your listening skills: When taking the test, it is best to concentrate on the flow of the spoken material’s content. To do better on the exam, jot down the main ideas and significant and tiny information. After that, write the basic summary requested in the question using the outline. Do daily practice by listing numerous intellectuals’ podcasts; this will give you a notion of how to understand each spoken word more precisely.
- Pay attention to the flow and signal words: More attention should be paid to the words in the entire section that imply particular characterisations. Introductions, key stages, thoughts, and conclusions are the most notable portions in the listening section that you should distinguish.
- Practice Time Management: Work on pacing yourself during practice sessions to ensure you can answer all 40 questions within the allocated time. This will help you build confidence and reduce stress during the actual exam.
Also Read: IELTS Listening Practice Test 2024: Practice Test with Audio and Answers
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How to Get 8 Bands in IELTS Reading?
There will be 40 questions in the IELTS reading section, covering various question types such as matching, multiple-choice, True/False/Not Given, and sentence completion. These questions assess your ability to comprehend and interpret information from passages accurately.
Here are tips to aim for a score above 8 in the reading section:
- Refine Your Reading Speed: Given the strict time constraints, efficient time management is crucial. Enhance your reading speed to ensure you can complete each task within the allotted time, aiding in task completion and locating answers swiftly.
- Target Keywords: Every question contains specific keywords that are essential for finding the correct answers. Utilise these keywords effectively by noting their positions in the passage. Additionally, recognise how paraphrasing can help you identify relevant information.
- Master Skimming and Scanning: Skimming allows you to quickly grasp the main ideas of a passage, typically within 3 to 4 minutes. Scan for specific information by marking relevant parts and keywords while reading. This dual approach helps efficiently navigate through the text.
- Focus on Grammar: Pay attention to grammatical nuances, as they often play a crucial role in identifying correct answers. Many candidates identify the correct location but need to catch the answer because they overlook grammatical details.
Also Read:IELTS Reading Practice Test with Sample Answers
Excel in IELTS with India’s Top Online Coaching
Leap has helped more than 1 Lakh students achieve 7+ IELTS band.
How to Achieve Band 8 in IELTS Writing?
The IELTS writing test is assessed by an experienced examiner with a firm grasp of English. This ensures fairness and accuracy in marking. Examiners evaluate logical flow (coherence), connectivity (cohesion), vocabulary variety (lexical range), and sentence structure and correctness (grammar) in your written responses.
- Structure Your Ideas Clearly: Organise your thoughts logically and present them clearly. This clarity helps examiners follow your argument and enhances the overall readability of your essay.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Your answers should be easy to read and directly address the question. Use connectors that are not commonly used to make your responses stand out. This uniqueness can significantly improve your overall score. Develop a reliable strategy to engage and impress the examiner.
- Focus on Word Count: Many students find it challenging to write descriptively while adhering to word limits. It’s harder to convey complete ideas in fewer words than to write more. Managing your word count effectively is crucial for time management during the exam.
- Enhance Your Vocabulary: Expanding your vocabulary can greatly enhance your chances of achieving an 8-band score in the IELTS exam. Use new words appropriately, but avoid changing words unnecessarily or repeating parts of the question in your answers.
Also Read: IELTS Writing Samples 2024: Task 1 & Task 2 (Sample Questions & Tips)
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How to Get 8 Bands in IELTS Speaking?
The IELTS speaking test is regarded as one of the most realistic tests because its primary goal is to assess how much English you use in your daily conversations. You will be asked to sit in a quiet room with an examiner who will engage you in profound dialogues during the test. Remember that your ‘lexical resource,’ ‘pronunciation,’ ‘fluency and coherence,’ and ‘accuracy’ will be evaluated.
Here are tips to aim for a score above 8 in the speaking section:
- Expand on Ideas: While answering questions, aim to provide detailed explanations and examples to support your points. This demonstrates the depth of thought and clarity in communication, which are key factors in achieving a higher score.
- Don’t stress over your accent: The examiner understands that you’re not a native speaker of English. Focus on clear pronunciation rather than accent, as flawless pronunciation will not negatively impact your overall IELTS score.
- Avoid fillers: Speaking confidently and without hesitation can significantly boost your IELTS score. Steer clear of fillers if aiming for an 8 on the IELTS. Using fillers when unsure about a question can give the impression of inadequate language skills. Instead, strengthen your answers with idioms and phrases.
- Utilize varied speaking styles: Varying your intonation and emphasising key words can enhance clarity and engagement. Avoid speaking flat or monotone, which may distract the examiner. Employing effective speaking techniques will leave a lasting impression on the examiner.
Also Read: IELTS Speaking Questions with Answers 2024 | [Questions For 8+ Bands]
It is understandable that IELTS preparation and getting IELTS band 8 are not easy. Your journey should be well-planned, and you should be aware of everything that can affect your score on the next IELTS exam.
You can attend our free IELTS masterclass by the top Indian educators who will help you learn all the strategies to ace up the 8 band score.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is band 8 a good score in IELTS?
A. Yes, achieving band 8 in IELTS is considered an excellent score. It demonstrates a high level of English proficiency across all skills—listening, reading, writing, and speaking. Band 8 indicates that you can handle complex language tasks, understand detailed reasoning, and communicate effectively in academic and professional settings. It opens doors to prestigious universities and job opportunities and may fulfil immigration requirements in English-speaking countries.
Q. How to get 8 bands in IELTS in one month?
A. To achieve an 8-band score in IELTS within one month, you need a structured study plan. Start by assessing your current English proficiency through practice tests. Identify weak listening, reading, writing, and speaking areas and focus on improving them daily. Expand your vocabulary, practice advanced grammar structures, and refine pronunciation. Familiarise yourself with the test format and strategies for each section. Regularly review your progress and adjust your study plan accordingly. Consistent effort, effective time management, and dedication to targeted practice are crucial for achieving a high score in a short timeframe.
Q. What is the advantage of IELTS 8?
A. Scoring band 8 in IELTS offers significant advantages. It qualifies you for admission to top universities worldwide, particularly in English-speaking countries like the UK, USA, Canada, and Australia. Many employers and immigration authorities recognise band 8 as proof of strong English skills necessary for professional roles and residency applications. Additionally, achieving this score reflects your ability to communicate fluently, handle complex tasks, and engage effectively in academic and professional environments.
Q. Who can get 8 bands in IELTS?
A. To achieve band 8 in IELTS, you need a thorough understanding of English grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation. Successful candidates can express themselves fluently, with clarity and precision, across a wide range of topics. They demonstrate a strong command of language nuances and can effectively handle complex academic or professional tasks. Achieving band 8 requires consistent practice, familiarity with the test format, and the ability to adapt language skills to various contexts presented in the exam.
Q. Is 7.5 IELTS bad?
A. No, scoring 7.5 in IELTS is considered a very good result. It indicates a high level of English proficiency, demonstrating that you can understand complex texts, express ideas fluently, and interact effectively in academic and professional environments. A score of 7.5 meets the entry requirements for many universities and immigration programs worldwide, allowing candidates to pursue educational and career opportunities where English proficiency is essential.
Q. How many components does the IELTS speaking test have on average?
A. The IELTS speaking test consists of three main components. It begins with an introduction and interview, where the examiner asks questions about familiar topics like hobbies or daily routines. The second part involves giving a short presentation on a given topic. Finally, the third part is a discussion with the examiner on more abstract or complex issues related to the presentation. Each component assesses different aspects of speaking ability, including fluency, coherence, vocabulary use, and pronunciation.
Q. In the IELTS reading test, how many reading passages are there?
A. The IELTS reading test typically includes three reading passages of varying lengths and complexity. These passages cover different topics and are followed by a series of questions that assess comprehension skills, such as identifying main ideas, understanding detailed information, and recognising the writer’s opinions or attitudes. Candidates are required to read the passages carefully and efficiently manage their time to answer all questions within the allocated time frame.
Q. What factors determine the IELTS exam score?
A. The IELTS exam score is determined by performance in four main areas: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Each section is scored separately on a band scale from 0 to 9, and the overall band score is an average of these individual scores. Examiners assess various aspects such as accuracy, coherence, vocabulary range, and fluency in speaking and writing, as well as comprehension skills and the ability to find specific information in reading and listening.
Q. Can IELTS be prepared in 15 days?
A. While preparing for IELTS in 15 days is challenging, it is possible with focused and intensive study. Candidates should prioritise practising sample tests to familiarise themselves with the test format and types of questions. Improving weak areas, such as vocabulary or grammar, through targeted study can also enhance performance. Effective time management and dedication to daily practice are essential for maximising preparation in a short timeframe.
Q. How much is an IELTS score required to enter Harvard?
A. Harvard University generally requires a minimum IELTS score of 7.0 or higher for undergraduate and graduate programs. However, specific requirements may vary by department and level of study. Applicants are encouraged to check the exact language proficiency requirements for their chosen program on Harvard’s official website or directly with the admissions office to ensure they meet the necessary criteria for admission.
Q. Can I get admission in USA with 8 band?
A. Yes, an IELTS band score of 8 is generally sufficient to meet English language proficiency requirements for admission to universities in the USA. However, admission criteria may vary between institutions and specific programs within universities. Candidates should research the language proficiency requirements of their desired universities and programs to ensure they meet or exceed the necessary standards for admission.
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