IELTS Full Detailed Experience: Preparation, Test Day, and Results

1. My English Learning Background

• Studied English for 13 years (3 hours per week).

• Started watching English content in high school (YouTube, Reddit).

• Read 5–6 English books per year (700 pages on average).

2. Why I Took the IELTS

• I am a 21-year-old Italian law student.

• My upcoming Peacekeeping course requires at least a B2 level in English.

• Booked the test spontaneously, leaving 34 days to prepare.

3. Preparation Strategy

• Focused on listening and reading using the IELTS Ready Premium platform.

• Writing practice: Received feedback from u/Hestia9285 and used ChatGPT.

• Speaking practice:

  • Avoided IELTS Ready Premium due to navigation issues.

  • Watched IELTS speaking videos on YouTube.

  • Practiced English conversations through a "Pokémon Unite" Discord group.

  • Had an English-speaking teacher from Washington in high school.

4. Practice Test Results

(Listening - L, Reading - R)

• March 9: L: 6.5

• March 11: R: 6

• March 12: L: 6.5

• March 13: L: 6.5–7, R: 5.5–6.5

• March 14: R: 6

• March 26: L: 6.5

• March 27: L: 5.5, R: 6

• April 5: L: 6/5.5/7, R: 6.5

• April 6: L: 6.5/5.5, R: 6

• April 7: L: 5/5.5/7, R: 5.5/5.5

• April 8: L: 7.5/7, R: 6.5

• April 9: L: 7

• April 10: R: 6.5, L: 7.5

• April 11: L: 8, R: 6

5. Pre-Test Anxiety & Expectations

• Felt nervous but knew it was normal.

• Expected scores:

  • Listening: 6.5

  • Reading: 6

  • Writing: 6

  • Speaking: 6.5

6. Test Day Experience

• Arrived at 8:45 AM (test scheduled for 9:00 AM).

• ID scanned; placed all belongings in a locker (except a transparent water bottle, pencil, and ID).

• A photo was taken, and I had to sign my name without looking at my ID.

7. Listening & Reading Sections

• Listening: No issues.

• Reading: Slight time constraints.

• Faced a technical issue where I couldn’t type in the answer box but later figured out I had to drag the given words.

8. Writing Section Challenges

• Distracted by loud typing sounds from other test-takers.

• Had a headache and struggled to concentrate.

• Tasks:

  • Task 1: Compare two maps from different timelines.

  • Task 2: Discuss preferences for imported vs. local food and how to encourage people to buy local.

9. Speaking Test Experience

• The examiner introduced himself and asked how I wanted to be addressed.

• Questions included:

  • Where I am from.

  • Preferences: living in a flat or bungalow.

  • Opinions on social media.

  • Thoughts on street markets and my last purchase.

  • Online shopping habits and unnecessary purchases.

• Ended with a simple goodbye.

10. Final Results (Received in 3 Days)

• Listening: 8.5

• Reading: 6.5

• Writing: 6.5

• Speaking: 7.5

• Overall: 7.5

11. Final Thoughts

• Surprised by my results, especially in listening and speaking.

• IELTS Ready Premium was challenging, but it helped improve my performance.

• Special thanks to u/Hestia9285 for her helpful writing tips.

  
  

Let me know if you have any questions about the IELTS test! 😊

Shared by r/IELTS