When Hasin, a busy medical student from Bangladesh, had just one week of holidays before classes resumed, he decided to take a bold step: apply for a scholarship in Canada. But first, he needed a strong IELTS score – fast.

With only 7 days to prepare, no tutor, and a packed academic schedule, Hasin did what many students in his position struggle to do: he committed to a plan and followed it with precision.

The Turning Point: One Recommendation, One Book

A relative living in Canada recommended my book, Target Band 7 (Fourth Edition). Hasin opened the PDF version and, seeing 90 pages, felt a little overwhelmed. But he didn’t let that stop him.

“From the first day I just started reading your instructions on each module and kept implementing them as I went.”

He focused on all four modules, following the book’s techniques step by step – especially the tips for Listening and sample answers for Writing. During breaks, he reviewed Speaking questions and listened to Band 8 and 9 audio samples. For Reading (his weakest skill), he practised daily and applied the strategies exactly as outlined.

The Results: Band 7.5 in Just One Week

After a week of focused study using the book alone, Hasin achieved the following scores:

• Listening: 8.0
• Reading: 7.0
• Writing: 7.0
• Speaking: 8.0

Overall Band Score: 7.5

That’s a remarkable achievement – especially for a student juggling medical studies and a tight deadline.

“The great thing about your book is that all the instructions and advice are given so precisely and perfectly. If someone wants a piece of advice from me, it would be to just keep practising each module following the relevant instructions.”

Hasin proved that even with very limited time, a focused approach using the right materials can lead to excellent results. His story is a reminder that success doesn’t always depend on long hours – it depends on doing the right things with the time you have.

Hasin’s Full Story

“At first, a little description about myself – I am currently pursuing MBBS in Bangladesh. A month ago, while the classes were off and I wasn’t getting that spark in my regular studies, I decided to apply for a scholarship in one of my favourite countries: Canada.

Obviously, my first priority was a good score in IELTS, but I was short on time since my classes were about to resume in a week.

One of my relatives living in Canada recommended your book, Target Band 7. He advised me to just follow the instructions in the book and practise accordingly.

I still remember the first day I began preparing for the IELTS exam. I opened the PDF on my laptop and saw it had around 90 pages – I became a bit depressed because I had only 7 days before the exam. But from that first day, I started reading your instructions for each module and implemented them as I progressed.

For Listening and Writing, your tips, tricks, and sample responses saved a lot of my time and helped me greatly. I struggled the most with Reading, especially the final section, but I kept practising based on your advice.

During my free moments, I reviewed Speaking module questions and listened to Band 8 and 9 speaking samples. The great thing about your book is that all the instructions and advice are given so precisely and perfectly.

By the grace of Almighty, I secured an overall Band 7.5:
Listening 8.0, Reading 7.0, Writing 7.0, and Speaking 8.0.

If someone wants a piece of advice from me, it would be to just keep practising each module following the relevant instructions.

Thank you for giving me the chance to write about my short yet insightful journey.”

Want to Follow Hasin’s Path?

If you’re short on time, or preparing without a tutor, Hasin’s story is proof that the right approach makes all the difference.

Here’s how to get started: Get the book Target Band 7 (Fourth Edition)

Whether you’re aiming for Band 7, 7.5, or higher – you don’t need to do it alone.

You can do this. Let’s get you there.

The post How This Busy Medical Student Scored Band 7.5 in Just 7 Days first appeared on IELTS-Blog.

Some journeys to IELTS success are paved with discipline, hope – and a lot of late nights.

This is the story of one student who couldn’t afford a tutor, failed her first attempt, and still made it all the way to Band 8.

Her story moved me deeply – not just because of the result, but because it shows what’s possible when someone combines faith, strategy, and consistency. She told me:

“It was a journey of faith, patience and determination…”

Let me walk you through what made the difference for her – and how you can follow in her footsteps.

What Went Wrong the First Time?

She first took the IELTS in May last year, and here’s how she scored:

• Listening: 7.5
• Reading: 6.5
• Writing: 7.0
• Speaking: 7.5
• Overall: Band 7

A strong result – but short of her target. Many students stop here. But not her.

Instead, she prepared her mind, took a breath, and started over.

How She Changed Her Approach

Here’s what she did differently the second time around:

• Started with the hardest skill (Reading)
• Studied 3 hours a day, 5 days a week
• Read model answers to past questions daily
• Didn’t avoid any module – worked on all four skills
• Used my blog and email materials to sharpen Speaking and Writing

“I subscribed to your emails, and I can say it’s one thing that greatly helped me with my speaking and writing.”

And when her test date was unexpectedly delayed by 3 weeks? She didn’t give up. She stayed focused and kept preparing.

The Result?

She passed – with Band 8.

This time, she booked after two months of focused, structured preparation. And when her score came in, she sent me a message that I’ll never forget.

In Her Own Words (Full Story)

“It was a journey of faith, patience and determination. I’m a returning test taker, so I had to be on my A-game to make it work this time. It was quite devastating when my first result came in with a Band 7 in May 2024 (Listening 7.5, Reading 6.5, Writing 7.0, Speaking 7.5). I had to prepare my mind first – I allowed myself to get through the past failure, then focused on going for it again.

2025 came in and I set a goal for 3 months. I started preparing actively in February. First and foremost, I read about what the test entails from the official website. This gave me the knowledge of each module and helped me understand what I needed to get my required Band score. Though having to start reading for the test all over again was difficult, I saw myself doing it.

The second thing I did was read the success stories of others who made high band scores, so I set out on the journey to achieving my goal.

Furthermore, I came across your site online while searching randomly for pages where I could get questions and model answers. I subscribed to receiving your emails, and I can say it’s one thing that greatly helped me with my Speaking and Writing.

I made sure that I practiced for at least 3 hours, 5 days each week. I attempted several past questions, not leaving any module behind. Reading was where I got a 6.5 in my first attempt, so I started with it – that was the hardest part for me. My scores were very low in the beginning for like some weeks, but I didn’t give up.

Conclusively, the test cannot be written in haste. I booked after two months of intensive study. One thing that was about to pull me back was when my test date was changed. My hopes were high that I was already at the end of the journey, alas, 3 more weeks were added. I got discouraged when I received the email, but I continued in the energy-and now I am here today as a Band 8 test taker.

I will also like to thank you once more. May you find help in time of need, you will not be stranded of divine wisdom and strength. The peace of God that surpasses all understanding shall continue to abide with you now and forever more.

It cost me an arm and a leg to register for the test. I would have loved to get a tutor, but I couldn’t afford it. But your blog was of immense help to me. I look forward to seeing your academy very great and top of the list in the nearest time to come. Really, my heart prays for you, and I will always remember you on this journey.”

What Can You Learn From This?

• You don’t have to be perfect at the start (her Reading scores were low!)
• Faith and resilience matter just as much as practice techniques
• You need strategy + practice – not just motivation

Want the Tools for Success?

If you’re preparing for IELTS on your own – whether it’s your first, second, or final attempt – these are the resources that make REAL difference:

• Strategy Books
• Weekly Model Answers + Feedback in the VIP Club
• Free Study Emails – Join Here

The post From Disappointment to Band 8: How Victoria Did It first appeared on IELTS-Blog.

Today I would like you to meet Anmolpreet, an IELTS test taker from South Asia, and here is why. Anmolpreet achieved an impressive Overall Band 7.5 in the IELTS General Test, including a remarkable 8.5 in Listening, all by taking a few simple steps that YOU can easily take, too!

The interesting fact about Anmolpreet is that English is her third language, but it didn’t stop her – she transformed her preparation and achieved her dream score. Here’s how she did it, in her own words.

Why She Chose High Scorer’s Choice Books

When searching for practice materials, Anmolpreet came across my books on Amazon. The glowing reviews convinced her to give them a try:

“I was looking for practice tests on Amazon, and the positive feedback I saw compelled me to go with your practice tests to prepare for the exam.”

She found the books to be more than just practice tests—they provided a deeper learning experience:

“Usually, practice exams only provide the answers without reasoning, but High Scorer’s Choice helped me understand why answers were correct. This boosted my score and allowed me to improve with every test.”

How Anmolpreet Improved Each Skill

1. Listening

Anmolpreet initially struggled with listening, often scoring below her target in practice tests. However, the challenging listening exercises in the books prepared her for the real exam:

“The listening tests in your book were harder than the actual exam, and I ended up scoring 8.5 in listening with your help!”

She also followed her own strategies to enhance her listening skills:

• Listening to interviews of proficient English speakers.
• Building vocabulary to handle paraphrasing and synonyms effectively.

2. Reading

Anmolpreet credits the books for helping her refine her timing strategy, which played a critical role in her success:

“Ace the IELTS book suggested allocating 15 minutes to the easiest section and 25 to the hardest. This made sense, and I used it in my exam. It kept my nerves in check and helped me perform better.”

With regular practice and this strategy, she completed the reading test on time and performed confidently.

3. Writing

Anmolpreet used the essay structures in the books to organise her thoughts clearly:

“Each body paragraph has one central point, then an explanation of the point, and an example.”

She also practiced completing both tasks within the one-hour time limit and read sample essays to generate ideas for unfamiliar topics:

“Reading essays helped me brainstorm ideas as sometimes we may lack ideas to write on the topic.”

4. Speaking

For speaking, Anmolpreet used the recorded answers provided in the practice tests to enhance her responses:

“I would listen to the question, try answering it, and compare my response to the test taker’s. This gave me new perspectives and helped me enhance my answers.”

She also practiced with her sister during daily activities, using cue cards to simulate real exam scenarios:

“I remember walking to the relatives’ house with my sister, and I asked her to give me a cue card so I could speak on it. That’s how I practiced speaking without pressuring myself.”

What Made the Difference?

Anmolpreet’s dedication and the detailed guidance from High Scorer’s Choice Practice Tests were key to her success:

“High Scorer’s Choice books helped me identify the correct answers and how they were correct. I wasn’t just jumping from one test to another—I improved with every practice test.”

5. The Results

The post Anmolpreet’s Journey to IELTS Band 7.5 first appeared on IELTS-Blog.

Hishali, an IELTS test taker from Sri Lanka, achieved a Band 7 in her very first attempt – in just one month! Her approach to diagnosing her weaknesses early and working on them strategically was key to her success. Here’s how you can apply her insights to your preparation.

Her Strategy

1. Diagnose Weaknesses Early

Hishali began her journey by taking a diagnostic test to assess her level and identify which areas she needed to work on and focus more. As she explained, “I started with doing an exam to assess my level and also to identify which areas I need to work on and focus more.”

2. Set a Targeted Plan

Instead of randomly practicing, Hishali focused her energy on the areas that needed improvement, making her preparation much more efficient. She concentrated on understanding her weak areas, as identified during her diagnostic test, and then worked systematically to address them. For example, she targeted improving her writing coherence and timing, knowing these were critical for her success. One major issue she identified was writing very long and complex sentences, which often affected her grammar. Addressing this helped her streamline her writing and improve clarity. By having a structured plan, Hishali could allocate her practice time effectively, leading to faster improvements.

3. Daily Practice

She dedicated at least an hour every day to practice, gradually building her skills and confidence.

As she explained, “At start I did not time myself since I wanted to get familiar with types of questions and get to know about strategies I have to follow. Once I felt that I was comfortable with the questions, I started practicing under exam conditions to manage my time since it is crucial in our exam.”

4. The Results

5. What You Can Do

With our IELTS Diagnostics Package, you can replicate Hishali’s focused approach. The package includes:

• A full diagnostic test to assess your strengths and weaknesses.
• A 1-on-1 Zoom session with a highly experienced IELTS Expert (Simone) to analyse your performance.
• A personalised, strategic plan to get you to your target IELTS score as quickly as possible.
• Exclusive Preparation Materials & VIP Access: Get all the resources you need, plus a complementary membership to the IELTS VIP Club – an exclusive library of premium tools and strategies for a high score.

Ready to make faster progress? Book Your IELTS Diagnostics Package Today!

The post How Diagnosing Weaknesses Got Hishali Band 7 in Just a Month first appeared on IELTS-Blog.

When Birgit moved from Germany to Canada, she had one big goal in mind: to achieve a high IELTS Academic score. She had taken the IELTS General test a couple of years earlier, so she wasn’t starting from scratch, but this time, the stakes were higher. She needed to hit her target, especially in Writing and Speaking.

With hard work, a solid plan, and the right resources, Birgit achieved incredible scores: Band 9 in Listening and Reading, Band 8 in Writing, and Band 8.5 in Speaking!

Here’s how she did it – in her own words – and how you can do it too.

How Birgit Prepared

1. Using Band 8 Model Essays and Reports to Boost Writing

Birgit knew Writing was going to be one of her biggest challenges, so she signed up for the IELTS-Blog VIP Club Membership to access the Band 8 Model Essays and Reports. These turned out to be one of her most helpful resources.

“To be honest, I didn’t quite start from scratch. I had taken the IELTS General two and a half years ago, so I was familiar with the format. Meanwhile, I have moved to Canada, and I needed the IELTS Academic and a higher score now, especially in the writing and speaking parts,” Birgit explained.

She focused on studying the Band 8 Model Essays and developed a clever strategy for improving her own writing:

“I focused on these areas [writing and speaking], and the most useful resource for me were the model essays and reports of IELTS-Blog and the practice test books. I prepared by reading one of them and then writing my own answer using words I learned from the model texts.”

By consistently practicing this way, Birgit built a strong set of synonyms, phrases, and grammatical structures that she could adapt to different writing tasks.

2. Getting Feedback with the Writing Correction Service

While practicing was important, Birgit knew she needed feedback to really improve. That’s where the IELTS-Blog Writing Correction Service came in.

“In addition, I used your very fast and affordable writing correction service, which gave me valuable feedback,” she said.

This feedback helped her fine-tune her essays and feel more confident about meeting the Writing test’s high standards.

3. Improving Speaking with Podcasts and Practice Questions

Birgit also put a lot of effort into preparing for the Speaking test. She used a mix of resources, including IELTS-Blog podcast and YouTube videos:

“To prepare for the speaking test, I listened to the IELTS-Blog and All Ears English podcasts and watched YouTube videos of tests from various IELTS teachers. I then tried to answer the questions in the practice task books and the recent questions on IELTS-Blog.”

By practicing these questions, she became more fluent and comfortable speaking about a variety of topics—exactly what’s needed to score high in Speaking!

4. Getting Test-Ready in the Last Two Weeks

When the test day was just around the corner, Birgit focused on fine-tuning all her skills:

“The last two weeks before the test, I used your online practice tests for IELTS on computer and the practice test books to practice all skills and to hone my listening and reading abilities.”

This intensive practice helped her feel confident and fully prepared for the test.

The Results

All of Birgit’s hard work and smart strategies paid off with these incredible scores:

Listening: Band 9
Reading: Band 9
Writing: Band 8
Speaking: Band 8.5

Birgit’s Advice for Other IELTS Test-Takers

If you’re feeling stuck, especially with Writing, Birgit has some great advice:

“By following this strategy, I achieved a score of 9 for both Listening and Reading, 8 for Writing, and 8.5 for Speaking. I hope that my story encourages other students. Especially the writing part can be frustrating. I would recommend starting to write your own essays early in the preparation process rather than spending too much time just reading model essays.”

The post How Birgit Scored Band 8.5 and Started a New Life in Canada first appeared on IELTS-Blog.

When Tanet found out he needed IELTS to get a scholarship, the countdown began.

With just three months to prepare for the IELTS exam, he had no time to waste. Luckily, his mother bought him a copy of Target Band 7, hoping it would give him the edge he needed.

Tanet got straight to work, tackling each section step by step. Raising his scores in Listening and Reading was a matter of consistent practice. He started at Band 5.5, and with hard work, managed to push his scores to Listening 8.5 and Reading 7.5.

Writing proved more challenging. He struggled with grammar and task achievement, but the sample tasks and writing corrections helped him sharpen those skills.

When it came to Speaking, Tanet enlisted his family to act as interviewers, practicing until he felt confident. That practice didn’t just boost his IELTS score – it also gave him the skills to nail his scholarship interview.

The Outcome

“In the end I got Listening 8.5, Reading 7.5, Writing 6.0, Speaking 6.0, with a total band of 6.5, which was enough for me to get my scholarship from a designated university within the first attempt. I improvised on the speaking skills I practiced for my interview too, which I am very satisfied with. Once again thank you for your help.”

Tanet’s success isn’t a one-off – it’s the result of a proven method. The same strategies he used are available to you, too. If you’re ready to boost your IELTS score, this book is exactly what you need.

Get your copy of Target Band 7 today and start your IELTS success story!

If Tanet could do it, so can you. Why wait?

The post How Tanet Earned a Scholarship with ‘Target Band 7’ first appeared on IELTS-Blog.

Meet Krisztina, a determined professional who turned her dreams into reality with the support of IELTS-Blog VIP Club. Her journey from a struggling newcomer to the UK to achieving her desired IELTS score proves it yet again that perseverance and having the right resources are so, so powerful! Here’s her inspiring story.

Krisztina’s Background

Five years ago, Krisztina moved from Hungary to the UK with a dream of continuing her career as a dentist. However, her journey was not an easy one. Arriving without knowing English, she spent a year and a half studying the language at a school while working part-time jobs unrelated to her profession. Despite her efforts, Krisztina faced significant challenges when she first attempted the IELTS exam.

“I tried to pass this exam twice three years ago but failed,” Krisztina recalls. “My speaking and writing were simply not at the level required. After these negative experiences, I felt depressed and thought that I would never be able to pass this exam.”

Feeling disheartened, Krisztina took a step back and began working as a dental nurse, convincing herself that mastering English and reclaiming her career as a dentist might never happen. But the desire to return to her profession never left her.

Discovering VIP Club

Despite her busy schedule working full-time, Krisztina decided it was time to take control of her future. She needed a flexible and effective way to prepare for the IELTS exam, and that’s when she discovered VIP Club.

“I subscribed to your website over a year ago and started reading the essays and speaking samples. In the beginning, I was anxious and nervous because I couldn’t use such complex vocabulary. But I pushed myself,” Krisztina shares.

VIP Club’s resources, designed for busy professionals like Krisztina, provided her with the tools she needed to prepare efficiently during her limited free time. She found herself immersed in sample essays and speaking practices, steadily building her confidence.

The Transformation

Motivated and determined, Krisztina began a rigorous study plan.

“Two months ago, I decided to gather all my knowledge and try to take the exam again. Every day I spent 3-4 hours studying after work, practicing listening one day, reading the next, and so on. I studied almost all day at the weekend. The last 8 weeks were very intense and exhausting for me.”

During this period, Krisztina found a quote online that became her mantra: “Don’t call it a dream, call it a plan.” She printed it and placed it on her wall where she could see it daily, keeping her focused and motivated.

Finally, her hard work paid off. Krisztina passed her IELTS exam with the score she needed to register as a dentist in the UK.

“I am delighted to inform you that I passed my IELTS exam two weeks ago in the UK. I have got the desired score of 7! I am very thankful to you—even there are no words to express my gratitude for your help and for your useful website.”

Start Your Success Story with VIP Club Today

Krisztina’s journey is just one of the many success stories from VIP Club. Start yours today and see how far you can go!

The post Krisztina’s Success Story: From Failing IELTS Twice to Achieving Her Dream Score first appeared on IELTS-Blog.

Remember my student Baina? She made an incredible leap in her IELTS scores, and I just had to share her story with you!

Baina increased her Listening score from a Band 4.5 to an impressive 7.5! Her Writing score also jumped from a Band 6 to 6.5 – in just a month. This is a remarkable achievement, and I know many test takers are striving for similar success.

I recently interviewed Baina to uncover her strategies and insights so you can apply them to your own preparation. Here’s what she had to say:

My IELTS Journey to a Band 7

“I started preparing again after my test when I didn’t get the score I needed. I later bought two very popular IELTS courses, none of which helped me, because anytime I emailed them that I’m hearing impaired and needed their help, they always told me they have no solution for hearing impaired students. I became frustrated and nearly gave up when your email popped up in my inbox asking if writing wasn’t my only problem. I decided to message you even though I thought the reply will be the same like the other IELTS teachers, so I wasn’t expecting anything good. But you replied to me and I was really satisfied. That was when my real IELTS journey began.

I started practicing with Cambridge IELTS books and official Cambridge guide to IELTS. I later bought “Target Band 7” and academic practice tests from you. Your books where really helpful because I used the transcript from each listening test.

For Reading, whenever I read one paragraph, I would go through the set of questions and answer every question that can be found in that particular paragraph before moving onto the next paragraph. That saved me lots of time.

For Speaking I couldn’t practice much because I always communicate in English wherever I go, that was the only preparation I did towards the speaking test. I just read other topics I wasn’t familiar with and how to go about answering the part two cue card. I just made sure to speak throughout the test.

For Writing, I give all the credit to you because without “Target Band 7”, and your advice of not giving up, I wouldn’t even be close to the 6.5 band in the first place. Your writing corrections were really helpful and so I started practicing within the time allocation and under exams condition.

I started to produce an essay within 50 minutes, and then reduced the time to 45 minutes and further to 40 minutes. Finally, I managed to produce an essay in 30 minutes, and proofread and even plan before writing. It was really great.

Two Weeks Before The Test

Two weeks before my exam, I printed out the writing answer sheets and started practicing on them so that I can know the number of words that can fit onto the paper. That helped me on exams day because I knew how my 250-270 words would look like on the answer sheet, so I did not even bother to count my words because I knew it was 250 or more.

The same applies to the task 1 writing. I’m a mother of 2 boys, a 5- and 3-year olds. So I always wait for them to fall sleep before I start my practice test. But one month before the exam, I took a part leave from work so that I could fully concentrate on my exams. So when my children leave for school, my husband and I would practice the listening test together and then go over it to see where my weak areas were. We would then practice those areas well to make sure I master those types of questions. The same goes for the reading too, and we always practiced under timed conditions.

On The Test Day

On the test day, I really took time to write my essay and report using my own English without any memorised phrases and answers. So I was able to comfortably convey my message across because it was my own writing and not memorised. The grammar mistakes and vocabulary were on my mind throughout the writing test, so I tried not to repeat words unnecessarily while writing. Also, in task 1, after reading the question, I wrote on top of the answer sheets ‘past and present’, to remind myself that I needed to write the report using the past and present tenses because that was that type of diagram.

The speaking component was the easiest, and I had a feeling I would score around band 8, but I ended up with a Band 7. For the writing, I needed a band 6.5 but I always attempted to achieve a Band 7, thinking that even if I couldn’t reach a 7, I would get at least a 6.5.

I always practiced having in mind that I needed above band 7 in all components, so that I get used to that. Those attempts really helped me to get the Band 7. I made sure to practice every single day and under timed condition, without any breaks.”

If you’re struggling with the IELTS, use Baina’s advice to optimise your own preparation, and you may achieve a score like hers:

The post Featured Success Story: Step by Step to IELTS Band 7 first appeared on IELTS-Blog.

Ask anyone who has tried to raise their IELTS Listening score from 4.5 to 7.5, and they will tell you it feels impossible. For Baina, it seemed like a distant dream. A nurse from Ghana, Baina faced a unique challenge in her IELTS preparation.

“I want to give up writing IELTS because I am hearing impaired,” Baina wrote in her first email to me. She felt the material and support available to students like her was non-existent. Most IELTS resources catered to individuals without hearing issues, and Baina’s frustration was understandable. Despite doing OK in other areas — scoring 7.5 in Speaking and 6 in both Reading and Writing — Listening felt like an impossible obstacle. She was devastated, fearing that her dream of working in the UK as a nurse was slipping away.

“I bought two popular online IELTS courses, all of which didn’t help me, because anytime I emailed them that I needed their help, they always told me they have no solution for students like me,” said Baina.

But Baina didn’t give up. She reached out to me for help, even though previous attempts with other coaches had left her feeling dismissed. What followed was an extraordinary journey of perseverance, innovation, and success.

A New Approach to IELTS Listening

When Baina explained her difficulties, I realised that traditional methods wouldn’t work. After researching accommodations for hearing-impaired IELTS test-takers, I discovered that she could have a staff member read the Listening script during the test—along with some other key adaptations. However, this alone wasn’t enough; Baina needed a way to practice.

To bridge the gap, I suggested that she watch someone read the IELTS listening script to her. This allowed her to practice lip-reading in tandem with answering IELTS Listening questions—something that she never had as an option before. Using listening scripts from my books, Baina’s husband would read the text aloud to her while she practiced answering the questions. Little by little, her confidence grew.

The Writing Breakthrough

Though Listening was the primary hurdle, Baina’s Writing needed attention too. She felt uncertainty and fear about the writing component. We tackled that head-on. A month before her exam Baina started to use my book “Target Band 7” and submitted her writing task 1 and 2 for personalised feedback. My team and I focused on helping her improve Task Achievement, Task Response, Coherence and Cohesion and sentence structure – the areas Baina had trouble with. By submitting reports and essays for correction, she learned how to refine her responses, making them clearer and more organised.

Baina didn’t stop there. She practiced under timed conditions, gradually reducing her writing time while ensuring quality. In the last two weeks before the exam, she even printed out writing answer sheets to write on. She said, “That helped me on exam day because I knew how my 250 – 270 words would look like on the answer sheet, so I did not even bother to count my words.”

The Results

On the day of her IELTS exam, Baina felt confident. The special arrangement allowed her to lip-read during the Listening test, and because of her relentless practice, she excelled.

Baina’s results speak for themselves: Listening 7.5, Reading 7, Writing 6.5, and Speaking 7.

Her improvement in Listening from 4.5 to 7.5 went beyond her wildest dreams. Her progress – in just one month – from Band 6 in Writing to a 6.5 was also very impressive!

A Journey to Celebrate

Baina’s success is a testament to her determination and hard work. She didn’t allow her hearing impairment to dictate her future. Instead, she found new ways to overcome the barriers she faced, and I’m grateful to have been part of her journey. Her story highlights the importance of personalised solutions and the power of never giving up.

“Without “Target Band 7” and your advice, I wouldn’t even be close to the 6.5 band,” Baina shared after the test. Her journey shows that with the right guidance and perseverance, even the toughest obstacles can be overcome.

This email from her brings tears to my eyes every time I read it:

“I’m so grateful for finding you in this amazing journey. You told me not to give up and I didn’t. You were the only IELTS teacher online who understood my pains and how it feels to be different.

I truly cannot thank you enough for believing in me and taking time off your busy schedule to explain things to me. That alone means the whole world to me. All the other IELTS teachers I mentioned earlier on truly made me feel terrible. I thank my stars that directed you to my inbox that very day.”

If you’re facing challenges with IELTS, let Baina’s story inspire you. Your journey to success might just be starting.

The post Featured Success Story: From Nearly Giving Up to IELTS Band 7 first appeared on IELTS-Blog.

Wondering how other people achieve great IELTS scores in a short time? Strategic preparation and the right resources play a big role. Just look at Raksha, who nailed an overall band of 8.5. Her journey offers some smart strategies that could work for you, too.

How Raksha Prepared for Success

There were 3 main things that made a difference:

1. Consistent Practice
Diving into the IELTS with both feet, Raksha used the practice tests from the High Scorer’s Choice books, Set 1 and 7, to their fullest. By hitting 2-3 tests each week for a month before her exam, she stayed on top of her game.

2. Key Insights for Writing
It wasn’t just about practicing; it was about practicing right. Raksha found gold in the “Target Band 7” IELTS strategy book. It saved her when she almost ran out of time in her writing task. The book’s tips on what examiners look for and common pitfalls helped her get a Band 7.0 in writing, even under pressure.

3. Learning from Examples
The sample essays in the practice test answer keys weren’t just answers – they served as guides to writing well. Raksha used them as a benchmark, to know what to aim for in her own essays.

Raksha Recommends

Not one to keep good things to herself, Raksha shared her opinion about ‘Target Band 7’ on Amazon with a 5-star review that sums it all up: “Great for passing the IELTS”. She said, “I used this book to practice for the IELTS exam last month. The tips and examples are great and have helped me achieve an 8.5 overall result and a 7.0 in the writing part. I recommend it!” (translated from Spanish, below)

One email that says it all

“Dear Simone, Thank you again for your kindness and help. I passed the IELTS with an 8.5 overall score.”

This email from Raksha is more than just a thank-you note: it shows how crucial effective coaching was to her outstanding IELTS success. Raksha’s story is all the proof you need that the right approach, expert help and materials are key to acing the IELTS.

The big takeaway

If your IELTS is around the corner, remember Raksha’s method: focused prep, insightful resources, and keeping cool under exam pressure.

Cheers to Raksha for her fantastic achievement!

The post Raksha’s IELTS Journey from Practice to Perfection with an Overall 8.5 Score first appeared on IELTS-Blog.