‘Practice makes perfect’ - but how should we practice?

The one thing I always tell my students when preparing for IELTS is ‘Practice makes perfect’. But what is the definition of practice here?

It doesn’t mean doing 50 Listening and Reading module tests, or writing a 100 essays. You need to capitalize on each test you attempt, and figure out your strengths and weaknesses.

For example, if you come across an essay question whose topic is not very familiar, it would be a good idea to read about it on some blog or in a newspaper article, rather than searching for its model answer. Once you’ve gathered some basic insight regarding the topic, try paraphrasing it in your own words. Make someone else, who may be more familiar with that topic than you (preferably your teacher), read it and give you an honest feedback.

This is how you will know whether you are able to write nicely about a new topic that you’ve just learnt.

Remember, spending 1 hour writing an IELTS Writing module test, without really making your brain work for it is not called efficient practice.

Even if it takes you 4 hours to complete just 1 paragraph (100-150 words) as per the method I mentioned above, it is probably going to help you much much more than just giving mock test after mock test.

Let’s try that shall we?

Nowadays many people are diagnosed with anorexia. What do you think the causes of this are? What can be done to improve the situation?

Many of you may probably have heard about anorexia, but do not have additional knowledge about it.

Here’s what you’re going to do – Search Anorexia on Google and read the first couple of links that you get in results. Try and understand what Anorexia is. Then write about whatever you’ve read (not necessarily in context with the essay question) and make your teacher read it. If you get a good feedback, attempt the essay and get it checked. I can guarantee you that your score will improve.

P.S. – The model answer to this essay is on ELTnest, you may look it up after you’ve finished writing your essay to compare. But mind you, do not cheat if you really want to improve!

Get going then! All the best!