How to score a band 8 in IELTS

Many students dream of achieving a band 8 in IELTS, whether you are planning to study abroad or work. A high score in IELTS can open many doors for you. While the test might seem onerous initially, you can reach this goal of how to score band 8 in IELTS with smart preparation and the right mindset. Following the right strategy, persistent practice, and dedication are a few things one needs to follow to make it possible. This guide will walk you through all four modules and the effective steps to score your targeted score.

How to Score Band 8 in IELTS: Key Strategies

A band 8 score means a very good holder of the English language. It shows your control over the language. Each section has distinctive challenges. However, we can overcome those challenges through some helpful strategies. In each section, a band 8 requires:

1. Listening: 35-36 correct answers out of 40
2. Reading: 35-36 correct answers out of 40
3. Writing: well-structured responses with clear ideas
4. Speaking: fluent speaking skills with minimal mistakes

Tips to reach a band 8

1. IELTS Band 8 Tips for Listening

• Practice active listening: Regular practice of active listening will help the learner to achieve a high score in IELTS. Listen to podcasts, news, and conversations.
• Use a real IELTS practice test: so many Cambridge IELTS materials are available on the internet—practice for your test utilizing these resources. 
• Improve your spelling: spelling errors can cost marks. The key is to notice the words you are making mistakes with repeatedly. Learn and practice writing spellings quickly.
• Read questions before the audio starts: Before every section of listening, you will be given some time to read the questions. Use this time wisely. Read the questions carefully and identify the key words. Understanding what the question requires to answer is very important. Most of the time, you can predict the answers too.
• Watch for paraphrasing: you won’t be able to find the same words in the questions, so look for synonyms. For this, having an advanced vocabulary is essential. 
• Different types of questions: understanding the various types of questions in the IELTS listening task is also a major key to scoring band 8. Each type of question requires different techniques, and cracking this will help you attain your future goals. 
• Identify weak areas: identify your weak areas and work on improving those areas. Practice more on the type of questions where you make the most errors. 
• Diverse accent practice: practice using diverse accents, as it will help you understand the audio better. 
• Check your answers: after your listening test, you will be given some time to transfer your answers to the answer sheet. Make sure the spellings are right, easy to read, and avoid crossing out on the answer sheet.

2. IELTS Band 8 Tips for Reading

• Skim and scan: Skimming and scanning is the cardinal rule of reading. Reading the whole passage and answering all 40 questions will not be possible in an hour. For this matter, developing the skill to identify only the important information is vital. 
• Understand the question type: be familiar with the contrasting types of questions you come across in reading. Each question requires different methods to find the answers. 
• Practice with a timer: Always practice with a timer. This will allow you to assess your growth and how much time you are taking to complete each section. Spent 15 minutes on the first passage, 20 on the second passage, and 25 on the last one.
• Build vocabulary: Building a strong vocabulary will help you understand the text easily. Identifying synonyms will help you find the keywords and main idea of the passage. 
• Do not leave any questions blank: there is no negative marking, yet always try to answer all the questions. 
• Speed in reading: improve your reading speed to find answers quickly. This means you need to skim and scan swiftly to locate the answer. 
• Read the questions first: before you dive into the passage, you must know the type of questions you have to answer. This will allow you to answer multiple questions at the same time.
• Keywords: Locating the keywords is the predominant element in reading. If you can find the keywords, then finding the answer is a piece of cake. Keywords will navigate you towards the answers.

3. IELTS Band 8 Tips for Writing

• Types of writing tasks: The first and foremost step towards achieving a band 8 in writing is to familiarize yourself with the different types of Task 1 and Task 2 writing criteria. 
• Types: Task 1: For academic purposes, we have graphs, charts, tables, maps, process diagrams, and combination charts. For Task 2, we have opinion essays, discussion essays, problem-solving essays, advantage-disadvantage essays, and direction question essays. If you are planning on writing a general IELTS test, then the Task 1 remains the same, but on the other hand, in Task 1 you will be asked to write a letter in response to a situation, like, formal, informal, semi-formal, requisition information, explaining a problem, and responding to a request. 
• Focus on important information: In Task 1 for the academic IELTS test, the key is to identify only the important information and not to include everything you see in the graph. Understand the deflations and inflations, the fluctuations, the intact trends, the peak points, and the dramatic shifts happening in the graph. 
• Letter writing: In Task 1 of the general IELTS test, firstly, you need to understand what type of letter you are asked to write, secondly, what is the tone of the letter? Is it formal, informal, or semi-formal?. Setting the tone for the letter is the first step towards scoring Band 8 in IELTS writing. 
• Paraphrase the question: the first line of the essay must be a paraphrasing of the question. Using different vocabulary and sentence formation, you can paraphrase your question. 

For instance, some believe that investing in urban infrastructure is the best way to solve traffic problems in cities, while others believe there are superior solutions.

Paraphrase: There are differing opinions regarding the most effective approach to addressing traffic issues in cities. Some advocate for investment in urban areas, while others propose alternative solutions that they consider to be more effective. 

• Follow the structure: for Tasks 1 and 2, there is a particular structure that you need to follow. For task 1, it is 150 words, and for the latter, it is 250. 
• Vocabulary and grammar: Do not repeat any words in the IELTS writing task. Use various synonyms and different sentence structures to make your essays more appealing and Band 8 worthy.
• Cross-check: always cross-check your work. Try to finish your tasks at least 5 minutes prior to the time limit allotted so that you can check your work.

4. IELTS Band 8 Tips for Speaking

• IELTS speaking has 3 sections: it starts with an introduction and general questions, and the cue card, where you need to speak continuously for 2 minutes. Lastly, discussion based on your cue card. 
• Speak fluently and naturally: focus more on clarity than on your accent. The IELTS speaking test is being conducted to analyze your clarity of speech and fluency. 
• Expand your answers: do not give answers in one word or line. Try to elaborate on your answers. This shows your level of speaking. 
• Vocabulary: Use a wide range of vocabulary when you speak. This shows your command over the language how well you can use the vocabulary in distinct scenarios. 
• Use connectors and linking words: words like ‘however’, ‘on the other hand’, ‘for instance’, etc., will help you sound more fluent while speaking. 
• Practice: Practice is the key to scoring an IELTS band 8 in speaking. Common and repeated topics of IELTS speaking are available on the internet. Make good use of them. Constant practice will make you a good orator. 
• Grammar: following the right tense and grammatical rules while speaking is salient. Before you speak, make sure you are using the right tenses.

Achieving a band 8 in IELTS is not easy, but with the right resources and practice, nothing is impossible. Focus on understanding the format of the test, improving your vocabulary and language skills, and following the tips shared above. Remember, consistency is the key to success. Follow the right strategy that works for you and work smart. Good luck!