How to Ace Your IELTS Exam for Scholarships and Jobs Abroad: 7 Expert Tips

During our Community event on Friday, we had the pleasure of speaking with Tamakloe Feyikemi, a test-prep expert, discussing tips on how to ace the IELTS exam for scholarships and jobs abroad.

As a seasoned IELTS instructor, Tamakloe Feyikemi has helped countless students succeed on the IELTS exam and gain admission to top universities and job opportunities abroad. In this chat, we dive deep into the strategies and techniques students can use to boost their IELTS scores and achieve their goals. Read the full conversation below!

how-to-ace-your-ielts-exam-for-scholarships-and-jobs-abroad-7-expert-tips

Could you introduce yourself to us?

My name is Tamakloe Feyikemi, and I currently work as the Head of People and Operations at Pay4Me Technology.

Tell us about your record tutoring individuals who want to write the IELTS.

I started tutoring IELTS candidates after I wrote the exam in 2021. My first experience was not even a planned tutoring session; a member of staff reached out for help, and I decided to assist with a one-month tutorial that prepared him for the exam. After he wrote the exam, he passed in flying colors and is currently in Canada with a PR. He referred two more people, a Nigerian and a Pakistani, who also aced their exams. From there, I decided to add it to my stream of income and have since taught close to eight people, and the least of them had an overall score of 7.5.

You seem to have a good track record with IELTS candidates. Should we refer to you as the IELTS whisperer or guru?

(Laughs) Maybe, Maybe not. But I believe I have been able to figure out the techniques for acing IELTS, and it's not as bad as people thought before I wrote mine.

I noticed you mentioned he is in Canada with a PR. What can one use the IELTS for, and is it compulsory for studying or working abroad?

IELTS means International English Language Testing System. The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is designed to help you work, study or migrate to a country where English is the native language. This includes countries such as Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK, and the USA. Depending on the purpose of your travel, IELTS might be compulsory. For example, anyone looking to migrate through PR or a Work Visa in Canada will definitely need to write IELTS.

Can you explain the different types of IELTS exams available?

The IELTS has two types - IELTS Academic and IELTS General. IELTS Academic is for anything related to study migration, while IELTS General is for work or PR-related migration. Both types test the four basic means of effective communication: Speaking, Writing, Listening, and Reading. Although they are similar, the type of questions asked in Listening, Reading, and Speaking differ. The Academic version is more academic inclined, while the General version is more work-related.

Interesting! Could you tell me more about what is tested in each type?

IELTS consists of four modules, and each module tests the four basic means of effective communication: speaking, writing, listening, and reading. The Speaking module assesses your ability to communicate effectively in English through a face-to-face conversation with an examiner. The Writing module evaluates your writing skills by asking you to complete tasks like writing an essay or letter. The Listening module tests your listening skills by playing audio recordings and asking you to answer questions related to them. Finally, the Reading module assesses your ability to read and comprehend written texts, such as articles or academic texts.

Since both the academic and general IELTS exams assess the four basic means of communication, can we expect to see similar question types in both tests??

While the academic and general training tests evaluate the four basic means of communication, they differ in the types of questions asked in the listening, reading, and speaking sections. The academic test is more academic-oriented and includes professional contexts, while the general training test is more work-related. For example, in the writing section, the general training test has two sections: letter writing and essay writing. On the other hand, the academic test comprises a descriptive essay on a given graph or chart and an essay writing task. For listening, the academic test may include a group of students' conversation or a lecture by a professor. In contrast, the general training test may include a conversation between a staff and their supervisor or anything work-related.

Thank you for this breakdown. Are there any tricks to look out for?

Yes, there are a few tricks to keep in mind to improve your chances of success:

Don't attempt the IELTS exam without proper preparation.
Practice, practice, and practice! It's essential to put in the effort to improve your skills.
Look for helpful resources on YouTube, such as IELTSLIZ. She provides excellent tips and resources that could be beneficial to you.
Aim to practice for at least a month leading up to the exam. Devote one week to each section of the test, spending four weeks overall.
Choose the test format you are most comfortable with: CBT or PPT (Paper-Based Test).
If you watch a lot of American or other foreign English-speaking movies, it could be beneficial to your listening skills. This is because the listening section of the test comprises various speakers from different countries, so being able to comprehend different accents is helpful.
Learn the structures and patterns around each section, especially for speaking and writing, to be able to get them right.

Can you share these patterns?

For the writing section, there are patterns to follow, particularly in the essay section, part 2. The structure includes:

Introduction: This paragraph should contain the general statement, paraphrased statement, and thesis statement.
Body Paragraph 1: This paragraph should cover the major point, paraphrased point, an example of your point, and a supporting point.
Body Paragraph 2: This paragraph should cover the second point, paraphrased point, an example of your point, and a supporting point.
Conclusion: This final paragraph should summarize the essay's main points.

By following these steps, your essay will be detailed and meet the required structure. For the speaking section, when answering a question, particularly in part 2, start with general information about the topic before diving into the specifics. It's also advisable to use a broad range of vocabulary.

The overall score for IELTS is 9.0, and for academic purposes, most schools require a score of at least 6.5 in each section. However, for those looking to work or apply for PR, a score of at least 7.0 in each section is required. Additionally, for PR, the higher the IELTS score, the more points one can gather.

Is the IELTS exam time-limited or does it expire?

Yes, the IELTS exam is time-limited, and it expires every two years. If you take the test this year, for instance, you cannot use it again after 2025.

How can one register for the IELTS exam?

You can register online through two main IELTS recognized bodies - IELTS British Council and IELTS MOD. The exam is offered at different times each month, depending on the test type you choose - CBT or PPT.

What is PPT?

PPT stands for Paper Based Test. It's an IELTS exam where you use pencil and paper to write your answers. It takes about 14 days to receive your scores. In contrast, the Computer Based Test takes 3-5 days, and you use a monitor, keyboard, and mouse to answer the questions.

Who marks the IELTS exams, and are they Nigerians?

There are IELTS certified markers in each country who mark the exams, and the speaking part is recorded while you speak. The markers then listen to the recordings to evaluate your speaking skills. It is possible that some of the markers could be Nigerians, but markers come from various backgrounds and nationalities.

How much does the IELTS exam cost?

The IELTS exam currently costs between 83,000 - 90,000 naira.

If the exam is computer-based, do we have to type the essays?

Yes, for the computer-based test, you will have to type the essays. The listening, reading, and writing sections are each 60 minutes long, and the speaking section is 20 minutes long. You can complete all sections in one day or split them into two days, depending on the test center. The speaking section is usually on a separate day from the other three sections.

In a scenario where a husband and wife are planning to travel, who should take the IELTS exam?

It depends on their profile. If they are applying for permanent residency (PR), both individuals can take the exam to add points to their application. However, if only one person is the primary applicant with a higher profile (more work experience, educational certificates, etc.), then that person should take the exam.

Where is the exam venue? Is it possible to take the exam from home?

The exam is typically held at designated testing centers, which are located in various states and countries. In Nigeria, there are centers in places like Lagos and Ibadan. You'll need to go to the testing center to take the exam. In Ibadan, the exam center is located at the Best Western Hotel along Dugbe. In Lagos, there are several centers located in Yaba, Ikeja, and Lekki, among others. The specific exam center will depend on your state and country.

Key Takeaways on How to Ace Your IELTS Exam for Scholarships and Jobs Abroad

1. Prepare well for the exam.

2. Practice a lot, especially for at least a month before the exam date.

3. Watch helpful YouTube videos for your learning.

4. Choose the type you are more comfortable with: computer-based (CBT) or paper-based (PBT) test.

5. Watch American or other English-speaking movies to improve your listening skills.

6. Know the structures around each section, especially the speaking and writing parts. Follow the structure for essay writing and introduce your answers in speaking by giving general information about the question before diving into the specifics.

7. Register for IELTS online through IELTS British Council or IELTS MOD.

Also, remember that there are two types of IELTS: IELTS Academic and IELTS General. The Academic test is for study-related migration, while the General test is for work or PR-related migration. Both tests cover the same four basic means of effective communication: speaking, writing, listening, and reading. The difference lies in the type of question asked in listening, reading, and speaking.

Lastly, the overall score for IELTS is 9.0, but for those who want to study, most schools require at least an overall score of 6.5 in each section, while those who want to work or obtain PR are required to get at least a 7.0 in each section. It is essential to note that the exam is time-based and expires every two years.

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