How to get an 8 band in IELTS?

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is one of the most accepted international standardized tests of English language proficiency for non-native English language speakers. IELTS is jointly owned by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia, and Cambridge Assessment English. 

The IELTS score is an important eligibility criterion set by English-speaking countries to allow immigrants and students to settle down and study, respectively. The proficiency in the English language among non-native English-speaking applicants is tested by measuring the ability in four sections: writing, reading, speaking and listening. IELTS is graded on a scale of 0-9. Students get separate scores for all four sections, and then these scores are averaged for a total IELTS score. A band score of 8 in IELTS means the applicant is an expert user and has a good grasp of the English language. With an 8-band in IELTS, applicants will have no problem working or studying in English-speaking countries. Top-ranked universities and colleges worldwide grant admission to applicants with an 8-band score.

Tips to Get an 8-bands in IELTS

Getting a band score of 8 in IELTS is an accomplishment, and you have to keep certain things in mind to get this score. There are four sections in the IELTS examination, and the applicants need to work on each of them to achieve a total score of 8 bands in IELTS. Listed below are all the tips related to the four sections of the IELTS test that can help a student get an 8-band score.

IELTS Reading Tips

• For an 8 band score, the reading skills of applicants should be excellent. For this, applicants must read a lot of English newspapers, journals, magazines, and books regularly. It will improve grammar, fluency, and vocabulary. Applicants can connect sentences and improve sentence connection and understanding. 
• Try to understand the question well, as the answers are in the question itself. It is better to understand the texts and questions before applicants start drafting the answers. 
• Skim the passage given in the question paper. Do not give more than 2-3 minutes, and don’t try to understand and read all the words in it. Just roughly go through the important information to be able to answer all the questions. 
• Scanning is important as applicants can quickly scan and locate the relevant details and information available in the passage. 
• Use keywords to locate and find the details quickly. It is time-consuming to go through the entire passage to get one small detail. 
• The IELTS Reading section will have 40 minutes, and applicants must not spend more than a minute on a particular question. 
• Study and go through the vocabulary that is relevant and related to the topic. 

IELTS Writing Tips

• The writing section is time-consuming. Plan quickly and effectively to write the tasks within the time given to finish the entire examination.
• Sentences should be connected. Follow the structure so that one sentence is linked to another with the right choice of words. 
• The examiner must understand the ideas that applicants want to explain in their essays; only then is it possible to get a band 8 in the writing section. 
• Excellent grammatical knowledge with a focus on vocabulary and academic writing skills is important to get a band score of 8 in writing. Grammar fluency and good vocabulary should be excellent for an 8 band. 
• Concise and coherent answers should be written. Construct on-point and short sentences to increase the readability. 
• Avoid making major grammatical errors. Minor ones are okay, but make sure you keep in mind while writing that you need a band 8. 
• Focus on Task 2 of the Writing Section. It carries double marks as compared to Task 1. Applicants can easily score more by focusing on Task 2.

IELTS Speaking Tips

• Applicants need to speak confidently without any stuttering and hesitation. The fluency of the test taker is important, and it is measured. 
• Do not use big and complex words to impress the examiners when you are not sure about something. 
• Applicants must try to formulate the answer at the time of listening to the question and should immediately start speaking. Answers should be concise, coherent, and to the point. 
• Speak in a structured manner. Every sentence that is used should be linked to one another. 
• Pronunciation is the key to getting an 8 band in speaking. This is why one shouldn’t use words that one is not sure about.

IELTS Listening Tips

• Listen to understand and answer. When applicants listen to an audio clip, they should pay attention to every word and minor detail. 
• Noting down all relevant information while listening to the audio clip will help the applicants to have all the details while answering the questions. 
• Pay attention and concentrate 100% to understand the accent and every single word in the audio clip. 
• Practice makes the Listening section perfect. The more the applicants listen to audio clips and answer the questions, the better the band score will be. 
• Listen to English every day and not occasionally. It will increase their understanding capability, grasping power, vocabulary, and grammar fluency.

Important Resources to Read About IELTS:

How to score 8-band in IELTS General

To score an 8-band in IELTS General, one must know that there is no shortcut to success. The only way that can help you score well is to practice, strategize and execute.

Here are a few strategies one can implement in every section: 

Listening-

• Listen actively
• Practice the lessons regularly

Reading-

• Read regularly
• Looking for an answer to the question will be helpful
• Understand the difference between skimming and scanning to apply them well 

Writing-

• You must be able to explain your ideas clearly
• The answer should be precise to have high readability
• Working on grammar and accuracy is considered the most important in the writing section

Speaking-

• You should be fluent, and your pronunciation must be clear
• The structure of the sentence should be maintained while speaking, leading to the proper delivery of ideas or thoughts
• Grammatical errors must be avoided

Benefits of Scoring a band 8 in IELTS

Getting an IELTS score of 8 means that you are near to being a native English speaker and is considered among the best scores. Most of the colleges require around a 6.5 - 7.5 band score, so a band score of 8 means a sure shot chance of getting the admission.

IELTS can help students get into top institutions in the US, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, and other English-speaking countries. A good IELTS band score can change your life in different countries and in your own. You can work for international firms and other top organizations if you have good communication skills. The test might introduce you to people who can help you find the best career opportunities in other nations. It might also assist you in improving your English skills. You will be given a complete evaluation of your English proficiency level, which will help you find areas where you can improve. Having an excellent grasp of the English language is essential to enjoy international culture and entertainment. This is something that IELTS can help you with. The IELTS test can also help you get your visa approved by government officials.

Read More Resources About IELTS:

Prepare for IELTS with upGrad Abroad

Why worry when you can get assistance with your IELTS preparation. Choose upGrad Abroad’s  12-week booster program covering IELTS preparation, Application and Visa counseling, Profile Building, Academic writing, and mentorship. With this program, you can pursue your dream of studying abroad with full assistance from the best-in-class experts.

Conclusion

IELTS Band 8 is an ideal score to be eligible to work and study abroad. Applicants need to put effort and concentration into each of the sections to score an 8 band in total. Applicants with an 8 band will face no difficulty in immigrating or studying abroad or in English-speaking countries.