Misinformation is everywhere when it comes to IELTS band scores. Most of the students believe that a native speaker automatically gets a band 9. Whereas some believe that grammar is all about writing accurately. However, the reality is completely different from the assumptions. The actual truth is that the IELTS scoring system actually works on your performance. Thus, in this article, you will read about the most common myth about the IELTS overall band score calculator. If you are aiming for band 6 or 8+, it’s time to stop guessing and start your self-study with a realistic approach that helps you succeed in the test.

List of Common Myths About IELTS Band Scores

It is very obvious to believe in the end of the myth once you decide to take the exam. However, you need to check on certain false facts that can hinder your preparation and IELTS band as well. So, before you start your preparation, go through the following myths: 

1. Don’t Require Formal Preparation

The first myth is that you do not need to formally prepare for the test. However, you need to enrol in a formal course for the IELTS exam to get a high IELTS band score. But you must practice multiple test papers to get a command of the exam. Because practice makes the men perfect.

2. Practising the Number of Mock Tests

The second misconception is that to gain a high IELTS band score, you need to practice innumerable IELTS tests. The IELTS exam does not test how well-equipped you are to get the desired IELTS scores. It tests how proficient you are in English. Although practice will help you to know the test pattern in advance, the number of tests you practice should be limited. Rather, you should focus on improving your proficiency in the English language. 

3. Adapting Western Accent

Most students believe that speaking in a British or American accent will help them score a higher band score. Well, that’s not the case; you should speak naturally and fluently and not copy any accent. However, you can practice speaking with varied tones and pitches.

4. Speaking Module is the Crucial Element

The speaking section is the most important module of the IELTS exam. But the real fact is that all four modules, listening, writing, speaking, and reading, carry equal weightage in the exam. Therefore, one should focus equally on all the other sections. Speaking alone will not sail your boat on D-Day.

5. Quality Vs Speed

Some students are puzzled by the dilemma of whether quality matters more than English. Well, both aspects are equally important to score higher bands in the IELTS exam. Your English level will not save you unless you can end the paper on time. Thus, one has to work on the level of English as well as practice completing the paper within the time limit.

6. Include Difficult Vocabulary

The other myth is that students believe that only difficult vocabulary words can help them get a higher band score. However, when it comes to choosing the right words for the IELTS exam, you need to choose accurate vocabulary. It is not about the tough words; it’s all about choosing and using the right words that fit in the context.

7. Schooling in English Medium

The last myth is that only English-medium students can achieve higher IELTS band scores. This is not the right fact; one can always improve the level of English language you speak at any stage of your life. You need to read English books, newspapers, practice, and write as well. You might entertain yourself by watching English shows and learn how they use the words in the correct context. 

8. Impossible to Get 7.0+ Band Scores

Most of the students have the opinion that one cannot score more than a 7.0 band score in IELTS. If you focus on the right things, you might even score a perfect band of 9.0, too. So there is nothing to stop you from getting a high band score.

How the Overall Band Score is Calculated?

The IELTS overall band score calculator is the average score of all four sections and is rounded to the nearest half band. If the average of all four sections ends in 0.25, then the total score is rounded up to the next half band. If it ends in 0.25, then it is rounded to the next whole band.

Conclusion

To conclude, scoring a high band score in the IELTS exam is tough, not a cakewalk, but with the right approach and strategy, one can achieve it. Your preparation approach should be realistic and avoid any misconceptions. The article points out all the common false beliefs that will lead you towards the wrong path. Practising IELTS mock tests online for all the sections will help you achieve the desired result. Still, you need help for IELTS preparation, then you can connect with experts at Gradding.com. They will help you in providing the best study material and make your preparation journey easy-going.