Read this before taking your IELTS ‼️
Many countries (including Australia) do not recognise English as first language in Singapore 🧐 so many universities would require a minimum IELTS academic score for Singaporeans before they can apply to study there.
👩🏫 I wanted to apply for the Victorian Teaching License and had to meet (rather strict) IELTS requirements as I was trained in SG. Initially, I didn’t much preparation was needed since I’ve been using English all my life, preparing students for comprehension and writing tasks for a living, and test-taking wasn’t foreign to me. Lo and behold ‼️ it took me THREE tries before I achieved 8.5 for my Speaking score 😮 (IELTS highest band is 9, so I was only praying for a 8.0 to meet requirements)
✨ these are some tips I wished I had known ✨
1️⃣ One Skill Retake is possible
If you’ve achieved the desired overall score and scores for each section, you can apply for the One Skill Retake, and only pay and sit for that. BUT if you intend to do the OSR in another country, please apply using your passport instead of local identity card. Overseas centres only recognise passports.
2️⃣ IELTS Speaking is NOT like O Levels Oral. You CANNOT sound rehearsed, you MUST NOT sound as if you’re doing a presentation. I only achieved the 8.5 when I included pauses, some fillers and engagement with the tester. 😂 what a total opposite from what we are used to in local examinations.
3️⃣ Writing Test does not only gauge your ability to argue and present your points. You’ve got to show your ability to use a variety of descriptors to describe trends/observations.
4️⃣ Test fatigue IS real. So while focusing on improving one skill’s score, don’t forget to prepare yourself for the other skills. When I finally got my 8.5 for Speaking, my Listening and Writing scores also dropped. This would have affected my overall average too.
🖥️ oh! Go for the computer test, results are released more quickly, within 2 days.
Comment away if you’ve questions regarding IELTS! 💭 happy to share more ☺️
As someone who has retaken the IELTS speaking test multiple times, I truly understand how challenging it can be, especially when the test feels very different from local English examinations. Memorizing vocabulary is helpful, but I found that practicing natural, conversational speech was just as important. Instead of sounding rehearsed, try to relax and engage with the examiner as if in a real conversation with pauses and fillers—they actually help with smoothness and fluency. Another thing I learned was balancing preparation across all test sections. It’s easy to focus on improving one skill, like speaking, and then see a dip in your listening or writing scores. To avoid feeling exhausted during the test, make sure your study plan includes regular short breaks and varied practice routines. For those self-studying, it’s useful to simulate real test conditions periodically—timed practice and mock speaking tests with friends or tutors can build confidence. Also, exploring the computer-based IELTS option can be a game changer since results come faster and typing out essays may be quicker than handwriting for some. Remember, IELTS scoring isn’t only about your language proficiency but also about demonstrating a wide range of vocabulary, especially in writing and speaking. Using descriptive phrases to explain ideas or trends shows your language capability well. So while you memorize words, also practice using them in full sentences and everyday contexts. Finally, if you’re applying for licenses or universities abroad, keep in mind the administrative tips I learned—such as using your passport for registrations if sitting overseas to avoid recognition issues. Feel free to ask if you want more advice on specific parts of IELTS or study techniques I used! Good luck on your preparation journey.