The strategies for the big English exams that change lives. How to prepare, how to score high.
“If you are reading this, you are probably close to the end of the journey. Many of you need to take a formal English exam: IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge. Today we share the strategies that turn good English into a high score.”
I have had hundreds of students pass IELTS, TOEFL, and Cambridge over the years. The ones who pass with the highest scores are not always the best at English. They are the best at THE EXAM.
The exam has rules. The rules can be learned. Once you learn them, you stop wasting time and start scoring.
Today we share the most important strategies for the three biggest English exams in the world.
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is the most common English exam for migration, university, and work.
Structure: Listening (30 min), Reading (60 min), Writing (60 min), Speaking (11 to 14 min, face-to-face).
Score: 0 to 9 in each section, averaged for an overall band score. Most universities want 6.5 or 7.
Two versions: Academic (for university) and General Training (for migration).
Cost: about £200, depends on country.
LISTENING: read the questions BEFORE the audio plays. Underline key words. The answers come in order. Spelling matters: misspelled = wrong.
READING: do NOT read every word. Skim first to understand the structure. Then scan for answers to specific questions. Move on if you get stuck.
WRITING Task 1 (Academic): describe a chart, graph, or diagram in 150+ words in 20 minutes. Stick to the data. No opinions.
WRITING Task 2 (essay): 250+ words in 40 minutes. Use the structure: introduction (with thesis), 2 to 3 body paragraphs, conclusion.
SPEAKING: relax. The examiner wants you to do well. Speak naturally. Develop your answers (do not give one-word answers). Use a range of grammar and vocabulary, including idioms (sparingly).
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is more common for US universities.
Structure: Reading (54 to 72 min), Listening (41 to 57 min), Speaking (17 min), Writing (50 min). All computer-based.
Score: 0 to 120 total. Top universities want 100+.
Speaking is recorded and graded later, NOT face-to-face like IELTS.
READING: passages are long and academic. Skim the structure first. Then read closely for the questions.
LISTENING: take notes WHILE you listen. You will not hear the audio twice. Write key points, names, numbers.
SPEAKING: you have 15 to 30 seconds to prepare, 45 to 60 seconds to speak. Practise speaking to a timer. Structure: state your point, support it, conclude.
WRITING: two essays. The first integrates reading and listening. The second is a standard opinion essay. Quality matters more than quantity. 300 to 400 words is the sweet spot.
Cambridge exams test similar skills to IELTS but are graded pass/fail with grades A/B/C.
B2 First (FCE) = upper intermediate. Used for school and basic work English.
C1 Advanced (CAE) = advanced. Common for UK universities.
C2 Proficiency (CPE) = near-native. Very hard, very prestigious.
Cambridge certifications never expire (IELTS expires after 2 years).
Strategy: practise with PAST PAPERS. Cambridge releases official past exams. They are gold.
1. Do at least 5 full practice tests before your real exam, under timed conditions.
2. Always check the time on every section.
3. Answer every question. There is no penalty for wrong answers in IELTS or TOEFL. Guessing is free points.
4. Sleep well before the exam. Eat a normal breakfast. Arrive 30 minutes early.
5. Bring all required documents (passport, registration). Forgetting them = no exam.
6. Trust your preparation. The exam is just a Tuesday with timer.
Click “Translate” below if you need any word in your own language.
IELTS score from 0 to 9.
I need a band 7 in IELTS.
Supervised by an examiner.
TOEFL is a proctored exam.
Booking your exam.
Complete your registration online.
Part of the exam where you speak.
Practise for the speaking section.
Writing section of the exam.
Plan your writing task carefully.
Old exam used for practice.
Cambridge past papers are essential.
Exams are not about your real English ability. They are about TECHNIQUE. Two people with identical English can score very different IELTS bands. The one who practised exam technique scores higher. Always.
Try these on paper or out loud. Mr. Gee's rule: practice today, do not save it for tomorrow.
IELTS: 4 sections (listening, reading, writing, speaking). TOEFL: similar but computer-based and slightly different. Cambridge: pass/fail, never expires. ALL exams reward technique. Practise with past papers and timed tests. The exam is a game with rules. Learn the rules.
Read aloud every day. Even if it sounds funny. Your tongue needs practice.
Free, instant translation. Powered by Google Translate. Opens in a new tab.