L34: How to practise with Cambridge IELTS books properly

Most Bangladeshi students own at least a few Cambridge IELTS books. They're the best practice material there is, because the tests are real past papers. But many students use them in the worst possible way. They do a test, check the score, feel happy or sad, and move to the next test. That's not practice. That's just measuring. This lesson shows you how to squeeze every drop of learning out of one test.

Why this matters

There are only so many official tests. If you rush through them, you'll run out before you improve. One test studied properly teaches you more than five tests done quickly. Many students find that this method helps them improve much faster than doing more tests.

The wrong way

1. Do the test.
2. Check answers.
3. Write the score.
4. Do the next test tomorrow.

This tells you your level. It doesn't change it.

The right way: the transcript method

Set aside about 90 minutes for each test.

Step 1: Do the test under real conditions (35 minutes). No pausing. No replaying. Headphones on. If possible, type your answers to copy the computer test.

Step 2: Mark it honestly (5 minutes). Spelling mistakes are wrong. Word limit breaks are wrong. Don't give yourself half marks.

Step 3: Listen again with the transcript (30 minutes). Play the audio and read the transcript at the back of the book. For every wrong answer, find the exact place where the answer was said. Underline it.

Step 4: Diagnose each mistake (10 minutes). Ask why you got it wrong. Write one of these labels next to each one:

• Spelling (I heard it but spelled it wrong)
• Word limit (too many words)
• Distractor (I chose the first answer, not the final one)
• Paraphrase (I didn't recognise the different words)
• Lost place (I was on the wrong question)
• Didn't hear (I really didn't catch it)
• Vocabulary (I didn't know the word)

Step 5: Listen once more without the transcript (10 minutes). Can you now hear the answers you missed? Usually you can, and that's your brain learning.

What the labels tell you

After three or four tests, count your labels. Most students find that one or two labels make up most of their mistakes. That's your study plan.

How many tests and how often?

Two tests a week, done properly, is better than one test a day done badly. Save the newest Cambridge books for the last month before your exam. Use older ones first.

A note on fake materials

Only use official books and official websites. Many free "IELTS tests" online are badly made, with wrong answers and unnatural audio. They can teach you bad habits.

Honest note

The transcript method is slow and sometimes boring. That's exactly why it works. Most students don't do it, which is why most students stay stuck.

Your task today

Take one test you've already done. Go through steps 3 to 5 for that test, even though you know the answers.