How can I improve my IELTS score?

Dear Nurse Beth Advice Column - The following letter submitted anonymously in search for answers. Join the conversation!

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I did my IELTS and I got 6 in listening, 7 in reading, 6.5 in writing and 6 in speaking. I am about to retake the IELTS exam what score can I combine with my present IELTS result to obtain USA visasceen.

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Specializes in Tele, ICU, Staff Development.

To improve your IELTS scores, consider the following strategies for each section:

Listening

  • Practice regularly. Listen to English podcasts, watch movies, and follow news in English to get used to different accents and speeds.
  • Take practice tests. Use IELTS practice materials to simulate the exam environment.
  • Focus on keywords. While practicing, identify keywords and try to predict what kind of information might follow.
  • Improve note-taking skills. Develop shorthand skills to jot down important points while listening quickly.

Reading

  • Skim and scan. Learn to find the main idea and specific information in texts quickly.
  • Expand vocabulary. Regularly learn new words and their usage.
  • Practice with different texts. Use various reading materials like articles, journals, and reports.
  • Answer strategically. Practice answering questions based on the type (e.g., multiple choice, matching, true/false).

Writing

  • Understand task requirements. Be clear about the differences between Task 1 and Task 2.
  • Plan your essays. Spend a few minutes planning your response before you start writing.
  • Improve grammar and coherence. Practice writing essays and get feedback to improve sentence structure and coherence.
  • Use a variety of sentence structures. Show a range of grammatical structures and vocabulary.

Speaking

  • Practice speaking daily. Engage in conversations with English speakers or practice speaking topics. Try having English-only days.
  • Record yourself. Listen to your recordings to identify areas for improvement.
  • Work on pronunciation and fluency. Focus on clear pronunciation and speaking without long pauses.
  • Mock interviews. Simulate speaking test conditions with a partner or tutor.

VisaScreen IELTS Requirements

For the VisaScreen Certificate, the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) requires the following minimum scores on the IELTS:

Listening: 6.5

Reading: 6.5

Writing: 6.0

Speaking: 7.0

Overall: 6.5

Since your scores are:

Listening: 6

Reading: 7

Writing: 6.5

Speaking: 6

It would be best if you improved your Listening and Speaking scores. When preparing for your retake, focus specifically on these areas.

Best wishes,

Nurse Beth

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