Helloo~ I will share my experience how to achieve 7.0 for IELTS score
Its my 4th time of IELTS test and every time I went to the test I always anxious about my writing and speaking. I always aimed to get at least 6.5, with no score under 6.0. With my capability, I can get 'okay' result, but sometimes one of them only have 5.5 or overall score only 6.0.
There are many kind of IELTS course that I joined in span of 7 years, only to get into master degree and scholarship. Seven years of struggling and 4 times real test. Only two of them I get 6.5 and 7.0. Finally I got the pattern of how I study IELTS/.
Here are the courses that I joined before and my honest review: (Jakarta, Depok and Pare based)
2015
EF Depok - IELTS Intensive - about 4-5 months, fee between IDR 2000K-3000K
They gave us really great overall view about IELTS Test but I find it hard to get individual review.
2016
TEST Pare Kampung Inggris - IELTS 1 month Intensive - IDR 1000K
Its like an eye-opener for me to join them. I spend only one month but feels like 1 year staying there. I have to spend my time in a dorm learning english all day. The morning class start at 5.30 AM đđ and night class ended at 9.00-10.00 PM. But I really love all the curriculum, schedule, and classmate. I get to know all the theories to the specific tips from them. All in~! After join them I got my IELTS done with 6.5 score overall.
2018
LBI UI - Academic English or IELTS (?) I forgot, fee between IDR 1000K-2000K
I joined this only to upgrade my academic english but I feels like I did not really click with the lessons.
2018
Private Online IELTS Writing Feedback - 1 month - IDR 500K
Hemm its not really good experience for me because I couldnt catch up with daily tasks and my email stucked at his spam folder. Sooo did not get full review and there were no class interaction between peers.
2019
Bel*ajar ID IELTS Writing - Online Whatsapp, below IDR 200K
Sadly I cant even remember what I learned here... I was really stress with work at that time. I couldnt even get the accepted IELTS score at that time
2021
My Skill ID IELTS Intensive Class - Online Zoom 1 month - IDR 1000K
Only 10 times online class but its worth the price. I got 7.0 band and I think its also because I really want to push myself this time
I can say that the study time, consistency and have study partner is really important.
The amount time you spend is not really affected the result, but its crucial to have effective exercise.
I always use Cambridge IELTS as they have the most similar test package to the real one. They have 16 books and you can find the PDF easily on the internet. The listening part also on Youtube. You just have to type the specific test package, for instance: Cambridge 15-1, Cambridge 14-3. In one book, they have 4 test packages, include academic and general.
I prepare IELTS Test about 3 month:
First month is for refreshing the general type questions and grammar, also useful tips that cover all of questions type. Usually I have to join group or pay for a class for this 1 month. After the class ended, I made a self-assessment and start to apply for the real test. That way I can settle up without postponed too far from the initial plan.
The next month, I got to drill the Cambridge books, but a bit slower to understand where I usually have my mistakes and try to watch Youtube videos or listening to British podcast about different topics. This month I'm learning by myself so I have to be strict with schedule:
*Listening - 40 min + 10 min (5.00 -6.00 AM)
*Reading - 60 min + 10 min (6.00-7.00 AM)
*Speaking - 15min + 10 min (after 4.00 PM or after 8.00 PM)
*Writing - 60 min + 10 min (only 2-3 a week)
-NB: last 10 min for making note/reminder and self-review
of course I did not really following the plan but at least it help me to figuring out my schedule (I also working full time)
The last month before test, I find a study partner who can review my speaking or writing privately because its my weaknesses. Not to forgot also to keep drilling the practice books until I satisfied. I usually get to do listening and reading in the morning (I spend only 2 hours everyday) and writing/speaking 2-3 times a week (depend on revewer's schedule. If I need more opinion then I ask more than 1 reviewer. I really grateful to have friends who are willing to do that for me đđ
Here is my plan: