First-Time IELTS Academic Experience – Insights & Tips

I was super stressed before the test, even though I had traveled to the US & UK without issues.
I never had formal English education, which made me insecure, but 10+ years of organic exposure helped.
Took the computer-based test and found it frustrating that you must use the full time for each section—I finished Reading early but had to wait.

Biggest challenge: Yes/No/Not Given questions—they feel more like logic puzzles than English tests.
Some answers are partially contradicted or implied, making it confusing.
Tip: Practice reading strategies to handle tricky wording and implied meanings.

Easiest section and the one where practice helps the most.
Map labeling task: Super easy if you know common words like pond, gate, bend, etc.—everything shown on the map will be used.
Biggest challenge: The final academic lecture—jargon can be tricky if you're unfamiliar with the topic.
Tip: Listen to academic podcasts and lectures to get used to formal speech.

Least favorite section—40 minutes isn’t enough to write and review properly.
Task 1 felt unnecessary, and I didn’t have time to revise it after rushing Task 2.
Task 2 was fun because I had a lot to say, but that became a problem—I wrote 400+ words and had to cut down last-minute, probably making mistakes.
Tip: Stick to the word limit and leave time to review both tasks.

The test is fine—unless you get a random topic you know nothing about.
I had to describe a natural place I’ve visited… but I had never been to one!
Improvised a fake story about a park in Japan I had never visited but knew enough about. 😆
Other questions were about environmental issues, so I gave generic answers.
Final question: "Are environmental damages reversible?" I had no idea, so I thought out loud and used the ozone layer as an example.
Tip: If you don’t know the answer, speak your thought process—don’t leave silence.

I achieved >7.5 overall, which was my target for my master’s program application!
Biggest advice:
- Do full mock tests to simulate exam conditions.
- Manage time wisely in Writing.
- Stay calm & improvise in Speaking if needed.

🌟 Good luck to all IELTS takers! 🌟

Shared by r/IELTS

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