The IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is one of the most commonly used tests to evaluate a candidate’s ability to use and understand English in a real-world environment. Clocking in at nearly 3 hours, the exam is made up of 4 parts (reading, writing, speaking, and listening) and has over 100 questions covering every aspect of English. With so much to study for, it’s easy to be a little confused. There are a lot of myths and misconceptions about the IELTS exam; below, we’ve laid out some of the most common to try and separate the myths from the facts.

Myth: The IELTS is easier in X country.

This is one of the most common misconceptions about the IELTS, but in reality, it doesn’t matter where you choose to take the exam. The IELTS is a globally standardized test. On any given day, the tests offered are the same across the globe. Everyone takes the same test, no matter where they are. The most important thing is to choose a location that is convenient and easy for you to travel to.

Myth: The IELTS exam is easier/harder on the computer.

The IELTS is a globally standardized exam. Every student every day takes the same test, regardless of whether it is on paper or the computer. Both have their advantages, but ultimately it is up to you to decide which one you feel more comfortable with. It is true that the IELTS computer exam (2h30m) takes less time than the paper exam (2h40m), but this is not because of different content, rather a slightly different structure. During the listening section of the paper IELTS, you are given 10 minutes at the end of the section to check your answers and transfer them to the answer sheet. During the computer IELTS, this time is removed, as you are given two minutes at the end of each listening task to review your answers before they are automatically submitted.

Myth: I just need to do as many practice tests as possible.

Practice tests are one of the most important study tools to ensure a high band score, but they are only one of many valuable resources. Practice tests will help you to become familiar and comfortable with the format of the test and the types of questions you’ll encounter, and that comfort is extremely beneficial. But you need to remember that the purpose of the IELTS exam is to evaluate your ability to use English in the “real world”. Aside from practice tests, you need to practice speaking with friends, reading articles, listening to podcasts, and watching TV. 

Myth: I need to speak like a native to pass the exam.

This is simply not true. While pronunciation is a key part of your score on the speaking section of the exam (25% of your total) you are not evaluated on your specific accent. The pronunciation part of the score is simply to measure that you are understood by your interlocutor. English is a global language, and there is no one “right way” to speak it. What’s most important is that you speak clearly, loudly, and calmly. Remember, 75% of your speaking score is about fluency, grammar, and vocabulary.

Myth: More is better.

During the writing section of the exam, you will be asked to prepare two answers with minimum word counts (150 for task 1 and 250 for task 2). Many test-takers get the impression that by writing more than the minimum, they can increase their band score. While there is no word maximum, part of your grade is coherence and cohesion (25%). What this means in practice is that the more direct you are, the better. 150 words is not much more than a couple of paragraphs, get to the point and keep to the topic. You will not get extra points for writing more words, and it may hurt your score as you are more likely to go off-topic. Keep your answers to no more than 180 words for task 1 and 300 words for task 2. Remember, you are on a very strict timer.

Myth: I can only take the IELTS exam once.

You can take the IELTS exam as often or frequently as you like. If you are unhappy with your score or if you didn’t get quite high enough, you can reschedule a new exam date immediately. You will, however, need to pay for each exam in full.

Myth: Keep it simple to not make mistakes.

This is a tricky one to address. On one hand, you want to speak and write as perfectly as possible, avoiding as many mistakes as you can. On the other hand, you don’t want to speak in short sentences with simple grammar. You are not expected to be an ultimate master of English, you are being evaluated on your ability to use natural language. You will likely receive a better score by attempting a complex grammatical structure and making a small mistake than by just using basic tenses. A few key grammar points to make sure you use during your speaking and writing test are:

• Conditionals - If you’d asked me, I could’ve helped.
• Time clauses - As soon as I heard the news, I ran out the door.
• Reported Speech - My dad used to tell me to work hard.
• Modal verbs - He might have been there.

Myth: I’ll lose points for guessing.

There is no penalty for a wrong answer on any portion of the IELTS exam. On the listening and reading sections, there is no difference between a wrong answer and a blank answer. If you don’t know the answer and you’re running out of time, don’t be afraid to guess. You’ll often be surprised at what your instinct will get you. During the writing and speaking sections, you are evaluated on how thoroughly you answered the questions. While there may be certain factual information that is required, you are not evaluated on your opinions or whether the examiner agrees with you.