luck-2

Hi, I need to have 8 in my academic writing. To be precise, 8 in each skills. I have ever got 8 in other skills, but just not for the writing. My score is around 6.5- 7. Out of all my attempts, I only managed to get 7 once though.

I have bought several cambridge book, attended courses, read tips in some blogs etc, but I am still questioning myself if this is achievable? I took the test last saturday, and felt that I have screwed it up.

Helps? Suggestions? Encouragement?

Thanks in advance.

old.sparkles

I have 9's in each area but I sat the academic test as I'd been told (wrongly) that you couldn't get 8.0's on the general test. I'm an electrician with some higher study, English first language if that helps

luck-2

Wow.. Are you serious?!! But why do you still need to take the test if english is already your first language? Just out of curiousity?

Well, if you just lied, that's fine. It is still some sort of encouragement. =)

mrsgreenstar76

Only holders of certain passports are able to use them to exempt themselves from taking the IELTS test. However, there are plenty of people that take it anyway because they need the extra points.

old.sparkles

Yep - needed the 20 points

luck-2

Ohh right!! You are truly amazing..

uzi

What kind of courses did you attend? The reason I asked this question is in countries like Pakistan, every Tom, Dick and Harry thinks he can start teaching English/IELTS. Many consultants whose primary job is dealing with educational visa has also started IELTS courses as a side business (this was true while I was back there, it might be worst by now). The other just teach spoken part of English. You need to get in touch with a qualified instructor who knows English (as a subject matter) and ideally a former IELTS examiner. Knowing the IELTS test format is one thing (the Cambridge books, reading tips help there), knowing rules of English language grammar is an entirely different matter. You need to go through the grammar rules (specially rules regarding complex sentences) and increase your vocabulary to attain a high score.

Cheers,

Usman

luck-2

Hi, the course is pretty good. The teacher is not native speaker but she has had a lot of experience in teaching IELTS. I understand where you are coming from, but well, I did a bit of research first before deciding to take a course there.

Anyway, I am just wondering if 8 is achievable. None of my friends or people who I know ever got 8 in writing, thus it is sort of discouraging me a bit. So, if any of you who read this post and had obtained 8 in academic writing, please reply. In that way, i will know that this is not something impossible.

Thanks

giri26

I got 8 in writing, 8 in speaking and 8.5 in listening. I am not a native English speaker, so it is achievable. I just practiced for 3 weeks with the materials available online. So yes with lots of hard work you can achieve 8.0's across the categories.

luck-2

Oh thanks! that sheds a bit of light! Do you write one essay each day for practice?

giri26

Yes I wrote at least one letter and one essay everyday during those 3 weeks. Best of luck on your preparation.

uzi

There is a difference in just teaching IELTS and knowing the subject matter (English) and understanding how IELTS examination itself works. IELTS examiners are trained and required to evaluate on very specific style and pattern of writing (and speaking module). Usually the native speakers are well-versed in these specifics (naturally) and get 8 or 9 easily. The non-native speakers, if they are exposed to English at various levels, educational institutes, daily exposure, magazines, news etc. also manage to get high score. However, if you are constantly getting 6.5-7, then clearly you need guidance on your style of writing.

Yes, it is possible to get 8 in academic writing module (for non-native speakers). Heck, even 9 is possible. Have you actually gone through what does an 8 band means in IELTS?

They key is the last part, you need to show through your writing and speaking that you can create and defend a complex detailed argument on given topic(s).

Good luck.

old.sparkles

If you google it, you can find examples of IELTS essays written to the standard of an 8.0 or better - that's what I did even though I'm British so I understood what it was they were looking for in the exam

cyber_drac

Be prepared. IELTS is an exam ! More you prepare more you get. Good Luck

luck-2

Thanks guys for all the comments, suggestions, wishes etc. I will keep you all updated with my results. Hopefully I can get the score I want. Fingercrossed..