IELTS Preparation with SMART IELTS – How to score 7 in IELTS (or more!)..
SMART IELTS is the best IELTS Preparation and IELTS Practice resource for your plans to achieve high scores.
Online IELTS Course for the Highest Scores in IELTS Listening
Our course has structured listening lessons (See the Listening Curriculum in SMART IELTS) for IELTS Listening. There are also 10 full-length IELTS practice tests which are great for monitoring your progress. The IELTS online course along with the IELTS practice tests and 15 Listening mini tests prepare you completely for a great performance.
Important Fact: Listening is the highest scoring section for 78% of our students as per a survey of 200 Study Unifees students. However, we feel it means that you should concentrate more of listening to boost your overall score!
What’s in the 4 Listening sections?
The listening test is the first section in the main IELTS testand trust us, it’s important in any test to get a great start.
IELTS Listening is in 4 sections. You have to listen to conversations and talks and answer questions about them.
Section 1: A conversation between 2 people in an everyday setting. There are 10 questions from this section and it lasts for about 6-7 minutes. This is the easiest listening section.
Section 2: A talk by 1 person also in an everyday setting with 10 questions. This is a little more difficult than section 1.
Section 3: A conversation between 2, 3 or 4 people in an academic setting. The speakers are usually students and teachers in a university or college. There are 10 questions from this section which lasts for about 6-7 minutes. This section is a little harder that section 3.
Section 4: The toughest section of the listening test. There is only one person speaking and the context is always an academic lecture. There are 10 questions from this section with no breat in the middle.
Gaps in the Audio Recording: You will be able to see the questions all the time. You can see the test booklet in a paper-based test and your screen in the computer-delivered IELTS. Sections will have several gaps in the recording to let you study the questions. In all 4 sections, there will be a gap before the section begins to help you prepare. Sections 1, 2 and 3 will be divided into 2 parts each and there will be a gap in the middle to help you prepare for the second part of these sections. Section 4 has no gap in the middle to help you prepare.
Which Listening skills are tested?
Who are the speakers in Listening?
Accents Used in IELTS Listening Recordings
It seems likely that the accents used are standard or neutral forms from each of the represented countries. Specifically, the test includes:
What kinds of Questions are there?
Question Types List:
What’s the best Strategy?
Now, let’s assume that you’re a competent user of English. These are the best tips we can share with you. Each of these strategies is extensively demonstrated in SMART IELTS by Study Unifees.
Develop Test-Specific Skills
Practice multitasking by reading questions, listening for answers, and writing simultaneously.
Employ Strategic Guessing
First, pre-guess the answer. Analyse the questions and make a prediction about what form the answer will take- is it the name of a person, a phone number or the title of an assignment?
Employ Strategic Guessing
First, pre-guess the answer. Analyse the questions and make a prediction about what form the answer will take- is it the name of a person, a phone number or the title of an assignment?
TOP TIP:
Listening on Paper Vs Listening on Computer
| Aspect | Paper-Based IELTS Listening | Computer-Delivered IELTS Listening |
|---|---|---|
| Answer Input | Test-takers write answers on the question paper during the listening, then transfer them to an official answer sheet. | Test-takers type answers directly into the computer interface, with no separate transfer needed. |
| Transfer/Checking Time | Provides 10 minutes at the end of the listening section to transfer answers from the question paper to the answer sheet, allowing time to review and correct. | Offers only 2 minutes at the end of the listening section to check answers already typed, with no separate transfer time, requiring more focus during the listening. |
| Answering Method | Answers are handwritten, which may suit those comfortable with writing by hand, potentially slower for some. | Answers are typed or dragged on the screen, which may feel less natural for some, with reports of distraction from dragging answers (e.g., “dragging answers caused loss of concentration”). |
| Result Timing | Results available after 13 days, as per official sources, reflecting the manual marking process. | Offers faster results, typically 3-5 days, due to digital processing and automated checking, beneficial for urgent applications. |
IELTS Online Course for guaranteed IELTS Reading success
Reading is a really important part of the IELTS for a reason very few people know. Researchers Mary Kerstjens and Caryn Nery published a studycalled ‘Predictive validity in the IELTS test: A study of the relationship between IELTS scores and students’ subsequent academic performance’. The findings of the study indicated that The Reading test was found to be the only significant predictor of academic performance in the IELTS. This means that students who succeed at Reading at more likely to succeed academically in higher education. There are 2 takeaways from this:
1. If you do well at IELTS Reading, there’s a stronger chance that you will succeed at college.
2. Admissions officers should look closely at your Reading scores when deciding admissions and scholarships.
In Reading, you need to incorporate the most basic reading skills with time management strategies that take your score over the line. SMART IELTS’s Online IELTS course gives you all the tools to excel at Readingwith complete coverage of all reading basic skills and advanced strategies. (See the Reading Curriculum in SMART IELTS) SMART IELTS also gives you access to 10 IELTS Practice Tests and 15 Reading Skills-based tests to sharpen specific abilities.
A concrete approach to improve your IELTS Academic reading score.
What are the Basics of IELTS Reading?
There are 3 passages and a total of 40 questions from the passages. 2 passages will have 13 questions each and the third will have 14. The passages and questions will be in order of increasing difficulty; this means that the first passages and its questions will be the easiest and the 3rd passage and its questions will be the hardest. The passages are long (we’ll come back to that later) and vary in subject matter.
What’s in the Passages and Questions?
The passages are from the following areas:
| Category | Subtopics |
|---|---|
Environment | Climate change, global warming, pollution (air, water, soil), deforestation, renewable energy, conservation, sustainable practices. |
Science and Technology | Artificial intelligence, machine learning, genetics, genetic engineering, space exploration, astronomy, nanotechnology, IoT applications |
Science and Nature | Earth sciences, geology, weather patterns, natural disasters, animal behaviour, adaptations, plant biology, ecosystems, solar system, planets |
Education | Education systems, reforms, early childhood education, distance learning, online education, funding, accessibility, higher education challenges |
Social Issues | Gender equality, women’s empowerment, poverty, income inequality, immigration, multiculturalism, human rights, social justice, social media impact |
Politics and Governance | Government systems, structures, international relations, diplomacy, political ideologies, philosophies, human rights, democracy, political campaigns, elections |
Cultural Diversity | Cultural heritage, preservation, multicultural societies, diversity, traditional clothing, customs, celebrations, festivals, cultural identity, assimilation |
Global Issues | Migration, global poverty, development, climate refugees, environmental migration, humanitarian crises, relief efforts |
History and Culture | Ancient civilizations, World Wars, cultural traditions, festivals, historical landmarks, monuments, art movements, famous artists |
Literature and Language | Classic literature, authors, poetry, poetic devices, language acquisition, bilingualism, literary analysis, critical thinking, cultural significance of language |
Film and Entertainment | Film genres, characteristics, famous directors, actors, film industry, societal impact, evolution of special effects, cultural significance of films |
Cultural and Historical Figures | Influential political leaders, historical figures, contributions, pioneers in science and technology, iconic artists, musicians, humanitarian activists |
Business and Economics | Globalization, consumer behaviour, marketing strategies, entrepreneurship, startups, international trade, tariffs, economic inequality, wealth distribution |
Energy and Resources | Fossil fuel depletion, alternative energy, water scarcity, conservation, sustainable agriculture, food production, waste management, recycling, energy efficiency |
Health and Well-being | Healthy lifestyle, wellness, mental health, disease prevention and control, nutrition and diet, healthcare systems, policies |
Technology and Society | Social media impact on relationships, privacy, data security, ethical implications of technologies, automation, job displacement, digital divide, technology access |
Technology Advancements | 5G technology, internet privacy, cybersecurity, AI in everyday life, smart cities, sustainable technologies, virtual reality, augmented reality |
Geography and Landforms | World geography, continents, major mountain ranges, features, oceans, marine life, volcanoes, volcanic activity, natural wonders, landmarks |
Urbanization and Infrastructure | Urban planning, sustainable cities, transportation systems, congestion, urban renewal, revitalization, smart cities, infrastructure technologies, housing affordability, homelessness |
What are the skills tested?
There are 3 passages and a total of 40 questions from the passages. 2 passages will have 13 questions each and the third will have 14. The passages and questions will be in order of increasing difficulty; this means that the first passages and its questions will be the easiest and the 3rd passage and its questions will be the hardest. The passages are long (we’ll come back to that later) and vary in subject matter.
| Skill Category | Skill Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
Basic | Understanding Main Ideas | Identifying the central theme or purpose of a passage or paragraph. |
Basic | Identifying Specific Information | Locating particular details, facts, or data within the text. |
Basic | Skimming | Quickly reading through the text to get a general understanding or locate information. |
Basic | Scanning | Searching for specific information by quickly looking through the text. |
Basic | Vocabulary in Context | Understanding the meaning of words or phrases based on their use in the text, including synonyms and paraphrases. |
Advanced | Recognizing Opinions and Attitudes | Determining the writer’s viewpoint, stance, or attitude towards a topic. |
Advanced | Following the Development of an Argument | Understanding how ideas are presented, linked, and developed throughout the text. |
Advanced | Understanding the Writer’s Purpose | Determining why the text was written, such as to inform, persuade, or entertain. |
Advanced | Paraphrasing | Rephrasing information from the text in your own words, often required to match question language. |
Advanced | Inference | Drawing conclusions or making deductions based on the information provided in the text. |
What’s the real problem in IELTS Reading? What are the solutions?
Solution: Start reading journals, international news sites and even storybooks.
Solution: SMART IELTS Resource Center (Coming soon!) with detailed articles on several high-frequency topics.
Solution: Get familiar and practice a lot. SMART IELTS by Study Unifees helps you to do just that.
Solution: SMART IELTS Vocabulary games and flashcards. (Coming soon!)
How to improve IELTS Reading Score
SMART IELTS by Study Unifees is the solution. Go through 12 hours of structured video lessons on Academic IELTS Reading and while you’re doing so, attempt all the skill-based tests packaged with the lessons. After that, test your progress in Reading on the 10 full-length tests in SMART IELTS.
IELTS Writing Overview to Excel at Writing in IELTS
A 2022 data analysis by Dfavo, sourced from official IELTS statistics, provides comprehensive insights into test taker performance across all sections of the Academic IELTS. The key findings related to Writing are:
Global Average Scores: The worldwide average IELTS score in 2022 was 6.3 bands, with individual section averages as follows:
Scary stuff, isn’t it? Well, now that you know that it’s actually writing (not reading) that’s your biggest challenge in IELTS, let’s start solving this problem. A great place to start is to first understand the scoring criteria- the official band descriptors. Download a free manual that explains the scoring criteria here and get started on understanding what you have to do to get that high score in IELTS writing.
What’s inside Academic IELTS Writing?
The Academic IELTS Writing test comprises two tasks.
Task 1 (150 words, 20 minutes) involves describing visual data, such as charts, graphs, or tables, summarizing key trends or comparisons. A map task requires describing changes or layouts of a location, while a process task involves explaining a sequence, like a cycle or manufacturing process.
Task 2 (250 words, 40 minutes) is an essay requiring a clear argument or discussion on an academic topic. Essay types include: Agree/Disagree (state your position), Advantage/Disadvantage (weigh pros and cons), Problem/Solution (address issues and suggest fixes), Discussion (explore opposing viewpoints), and Two-Part Question (answer two related questions).
IELTS Online Course with Feedback
One of the best features of the SMART IELTS by Study Unifees is that it offers detailed evaluations of your writing. Try it now (link to free trial) with your free trial. Write a full writing test and see how accurate our writing scores are and how detailed the evaluation and advice is.
Why is IELTS Writing is a low-scoring section?
The Academic IELTS Writing test comprises two tasks.
Among all four sections of the IELTS exam, Writing consistently records the lowest average band scores for test takers worldwide. While several factors contribute to this trend—such as limited grammar range, vocabulary issues, or time pressure—the most important reason is that many candidates are simply unaware of the IELTS Writing Band Descriptors, and therefore fail to write according to the specific criteria on which they are assessed.
The IELTS Writing Band Descriptors are the official scoring guidelines used by examiners to assess writing tasks. They include four major areas: Task Response (or Task Achievement for Task 1), Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource, and Grammatical Range and Accuracy. Each of these carries equal weight, but most test takers are either unaware of these criteria or do not understand how to apply them effectively. As a result, even those who are fluent in English may underperform in the Writing section simply because they are not writing in a way that matches what the exam requires.
For instance, a student might write an essay that is grammatically correct and well-organized but score poorly because they failed to fully address the task or lacked lexical variety. Others might write informally, use bullet points, or repeat ideas, all of which go against the expectations set out in the band descriptors. Without specific training or feedback aligned to these standards, test takers often do not know what they are doing wrong—or how to improve.
How can you get a GREAT Score on IELTS Writing?
The Academic IELTS Writing test comprises two tasks.
To achieve a high score on the IELTS Writing section, you must align your responses precisely with the four band descriptors: Task Achievement/Response, Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource, and Grammatical Range and Accuracy.
For Task 1, make sure you select and summarize key information without inserting opinions or unnecessary details. For Task 2, clearly address all parts of the question, present a clear position, and develop ideas with relevant examples and logical reasoning.
Your writing must also be well-organized. Use clear paragraphing, logical sequencing of ideas, and a range of linking devices that are accurate and natural (not overused).
To meet the Lexical Resource criterion, use a variety of precise vocabulary, avoid repetition, and ensure word choice fits the context. For grammar, you need to demonstrate a mix of complex and simple structures with a high degree of accuracy.
IELTS Writing Task 2 Tips
Writing task 2 is the longer and more important task. It’s more important because it constitutes double the marks of task 1. Here are the top ten tips for doing well in writing task 2.
How to score 7 in IELTS writing
To achieve a Band 7, candidates must meet the following criteria, rephrased to ensure originality while reflecting official standards:
IELTS Preparation with AI Scoring
SMART IELTS gives you a game changer! No need to consult teachers and peers to evaluate your essay. The AI in SMART IELTS gives you not only an accurate score but also detailed feedback on what you write and suggestions for improvement. Try it now with your free trial. (Link to free trial)
IELTS Speaking Overview and how to access our IELTS AI Scoring
What’s inside IELTS Speaking?
The IELTS Speaking test, lasting 11-14 minutes, assesses your spoken English through a face-to-face interview in three parts.
Part 1 (4-5 minutes) involves an introduction and general questions about familiar topics like family, hobbies, or daily routines, testing your ability to discuss personal experiences fluently. Part 2 (3-4 minutes) requires you to speak for 1-2 minutes on a given topic from a cue card (e.g., describing a memorable event), with one minute to prepare, evaluating your ability to organize and express ideas coherently. Part 3 (4-5 minutes) involves a discussion with the examiner on abstract or complex issues related to the Part 2 topic, such as societal trends or opinions, assessing your ability to analyze and articulate arguments.
The test evaluates fluency, coherence, vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation, crucial for academic or professional communication. Preparation involves practicing varied topics and improving clarity.
Who are the examiners?
IELTS examiners are highly qualified professionals who assess Speaking and Writing tests, ensuring fair and consistent scoring.
They require an undergraduate degree, a TEFL/TESOL qualification (e.g., CELTA), and significant teaching experience.
Examiners undergo rigorous training and ongoing monitoring to maintain scoring consistency.
They are trained to create a supportive environment to help candidates feel at ease during the test.
What are the skills Tested?
Key Points
Skills Tested in IELTS Speaking
Below are the key skills tested, aligned with the official IELTS Speaking band descriptors (IELTS Speaking Band Descriptors), with brief descriptions tailored to Band 7 expectations:
- Speaking at Length: Produces extended speech with minimal hesitation, maintaining flow.
- Logical Organization: Connects ideas logically using a range of cohesive devices (e.g., “furthermore,” “on the other hand”).
- Topic Development: Expands answers with relevant details and examples, maintaining focus across all three parts (e.g., Part 2 monologue on a cue card topic).
- Vocabulary Range: Uses a variety of words, including less common terms and some idiomatic expressions.
- Paraphrasing Ability: Rephrases ideas effectively to convey meaning, avoiding repetition.
- Topic-Specific Language: Employs vocabulary suited to diverse topics showing flexibility in Parts 1 and 3.
- Sentence Variety: Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures
- Error Management: Produces mostly accurate grammar.
- Grammatical Flexibility: Adapts grammar to express ideas across different question types, such as opinions in Part 3 or descriptions in Part 2.
- Clarity and Intelligibility: Speaks clearly with generally accurate pronunciation.
- Intonation and Stress: Uses appropriate intonation and word stress to convey meaning effectively, enhancing natural speech patterns.
- Phonological Features: Employs a range of pronunciation features (e.g., linking, stress patterns) with good control.
Tips for the best Speaking Interview
How to score 8 in IELTS Speaking
IELTS Speaking Overview and how to access our IELTS AI Scoring
SMART IELTS is for you if you want these things:
Flexible: Study and practise when you want, where you want on your smartphone, tab, laptop or PC.
Comprehensive: SMART IELTS covers everything in 40 hours of lessons, 10 full-length tests and 65 mini tests.
Structured: Each lesson starts with the basics and builds up to advanced skills while each lesson leads on the next.