Is IELTS Everything for Obtaining Scholarship?

IELTS fever is a term that is often used to describe the intense focus and anxiety that some people feel about preparing for and taking the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam. This exam is widely used as a measure of English language proficiency, and it is often required as part of the application process for scholarships, university programs, and work visas.

Is IELTS Everything for Obtaining a Scholarship?

It is important to keep in mind that IELTS is just one factor that is considered when applying for a scholarship or other opportunity. While a high score on the IELTS exam can certainly help to demonstrate your English language skills, it is not the only factor that is taken into account. Other factors that are often considered include your academic record, your work experience, your extracurricular activities, and your personal statement or essay.

It is important to remember that IELTS is just one tool that is used to assess your readiness for a particular opportunity, and it should not be the sole focus of your efforts. Instead, you should strive to build a well-rounded application that demonstrates your strengths and accomplishments in a variety of areas. This will give you the best chance of success in your scholarship or other application processes. So, it is not everything for obtaining a scholarship.

When applying for a scholarship or other opportunity, it is important to understand that the selection process is typically very competitive, and there may be many other qualified applicants who are also vying for the same opportunity. As a result, the selection committee will be looking for a combination of factors that demonstrate your ability to succeed in their program or opportunity.

In addition to your IELTS score, the selection committee considers your academic record, including your grades and the courses you have taken. They may also look at your work experience, including any internships or jobs you have held, and your involvement in extracurricular activities, such as clubs, sports, or community service.

Another important factor that may be considered is your personal statement or essay, which is often a required part of the application process. This is your opportunity to tell your story and explain why you are a good fit for the scholarship or opportunity you are seeking. You should use this space to highlight your strengths and accomplishments and to demonstrate your passion and commitment to your chosen field of study.

Ultimately, it is important to remember that IELTS is just one part of the puzzle when it comes to applying for a scholarship or other opportunity. By building a strong, well-rounded application that demonstrates your strengths and accomplishments in a variety of areas, you will give yourself the best chance of success. So, do not get a fever only for IELTS, prepare yourself for the overall application process.

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How to Learn Grammar for IELTS Exams and Get a Better Band Score?

There are several strategies that you can use to improve your English grammar for the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam:

1)    Purchase or borrow or download grammar books specifically designed for IELTS exams. The books usually cover the most common grammar points tested on the exam and provide practice exercises to help you improve your skills. These resources can provide explanations and examples of how to use grammar correctly.

2)    Enroll in an IELTS preparation course online or in person. These courses are usually led by experienced teachers who can provide you with personalized feedback and help you improve your grammar skills.

3)    Use online resources, such as websites and videos, to practice grammar. There are many free resources available that provide practice exercises and explanations of grammar concepts.

4)    Review the grammar rules: Start by reviewing the basic grammar rules, such as verb tenses, subject-verb agreement, and sentence structure. Make sure you understand how to use these rules correctly in your writing and speaking.

5)    Practice, practice, practice: The more you practice using the grammar rules, the more natural it will become. You can practice by doing IELTS practice tests, writing in a journal, or speaking with native English speakers.

6)    Pay attention to common mistakes: Make a list of the most common mistakes you make when using English grammar. Pay extra attention to these mistakes when you are practicing and try to avoid making them.

7)    Get feedback: It can be helpful to get feedback on your grammar from a tutor or a native English speaker. They can point out areas where you can improve and provide guidance on how to correct your mistakes.

Overall, the key to improving your grammar for IELTS exams is consistent practice and seeking feedback on your language use.

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My IELTS Experience for Scholarship & University Admission

My IELTS Experience to Let You Inform and Prepare for Higher Education with Scholarship

One of my grave mistakes in my life was wasting my valuable time as I did not prepare for the IELTS early. I could not apply for the admission in many universities. Most universities require English proficiency tests results to apply from non-native English speakers. So I could not apply for my higher studies at a full swing. 

With my IELTS result, I have got 3 scholarships and so be ready! (You can jump to the last paragraph if you are in a hurry.)

The author is in the middle: MFAMILY Erasmus Mundus 6th Edition Welcome Session 

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Advanced Tips to get IELTS Band Score 7 plus

Important tips & techniques for IELTS Academic   

The first thing you need to do is to buy Official Cambridge IELTS Books (5 to 16+) or print the downloaded pdf files. You will get the idea and feelings of real IELTS Exams. 

Before sitting for the IELTS exam, give mock tests under a real exam condition. You must analyze your practice test which you have just completed. Don’t make the same mistakes again. Practice, practice, and practice.

Listening

Instructions: It is very important and you must read the instruction before starting. For example: “No more than two words”.

Pronunciation of Singular or plural: Be careful with the word with s/es (or not). They are confusing.

Pronunciation of Words with ‘ing’ form

Pronunciation of Numbers: 13/ 30 or 15/50

Spelling: your answer will not be regarded as correct if your spelling is wrong.

Prediction: Use your knowledge and common sense to predict and write the answer. Watch the surrounding words for your conjecture.

Map: one of the difficult parts of the listening section is the direction in map completion. You should practice more on the map.

A conversation between two or more people in the 3^rd part: People often discuss their projects or talk about some other issues and you need to be extra careful. They tell about all options and it needs more attention.

There is no pause in the 4^th part of the listening section.

The spelling of the name and cell number are quickly told and notice.

Focused & give continuous attention to listening.

Answers can be changed and write each answer which you have just heard.

Be familiar with a range of accents.

Speaking

Discuss with a partner who will also sit for the IELTS exam.

If you cannot find a partner:

Use a mirror – you can watch yourself.

Speak yourself and record and then listen for your errors.

Read loudly any good passage.

Listen and sing English songs simultaneously.

Don’t stop in the speaking test. Fill the sentence with any meaningful words.

Don’t say um, Ummm etc.

Don’t repeat the same words. Use different words.

Different tense and sentence (Simple-Complex-Compound).

Intonation (the way someone's voice rises and falls as they're speaking) your voice.

Practice on Cue Card samples.  

Reading

Skim and Scan 

Underline keywords (and dates, names, and concepts) when you read.

Read continuously and make a habit of reading. You will need energy and concentration for the 1-hour reading test. 

Speed reading - don't read loudly because it will slow you down. 

Don't try to pronounce words 

Read 3 words at a time instead of one word. 

Don’t try to understand the whole passage and the exam is about strategy not for English knowledge.

Learn more vocabulary.

Complete real tests from Cambridge books

Concentration & practice

Try to remember what you have just read.

Difficult: T/F Not given questions, Matching Heading and ‘Matching Information to Paragraphs’.

After completing the reading task, solve the problems with detailed analysis and work on your weakness.

Matching Heading and ‘Matching Information to Paragraphs’ should be given at last.

Follow the instructions - not more than two words ... 

and practice & practice.

Transfer your answers to the exam script in time. 

Writing

Use different types of sentence structure (simple-complex-compound - conditional- question – passive – different tenses) in paragraphs. 

Utilize different vocabularies which are suitable to sentences.

Use linking words and adverbs (Moreover, however,  firstly, secondly …).

Before starting the task, you must plan for 2-5 minutes (keywords, instructions, question type).

Understanding the topic.

Practice writing part one and give emphasis on each type of graph.

Formal writing for academic IELTS and no contraction. (No etc., e.g.: for example and no etc. type words)

Avoid: there are/ it is

Write more words than the given number

Author: Shoukot Ali, a full funded MA Student at SFU in Canada

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