For many, the first step in relocating abroad involves taking an expensive English proficiency test like the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
While some argue that the test is unnecessary for Nigerians — since English is the country’s official language — the IELTS assesses more than just the ability to speak English. It evaluates comprehension, coherence, and critical thinking, which is why some Nigerians fail on their first attempt.
To break down the realities of preparing for this test, we spoke to two Nigerians who scored Band 7.5 even with a tight schedule and minimal study time.
Meet the Test-Takers Who Passed in One Try
- Morayo, 25, had no choice but to pass after spending ₦285,000 on the test in January 2025. She had just five days to prepare and was determined to score at least Band 7.0.
- Chike, 24, worked two jobs and had only one week to study.
Despite their busy schedules, both exceeded their expectations. Here’s how they did it.
Book your test wisely
Different organizations conduct the IELTS worldwide, but Morayo recommends registering through the British Council or the International Development Program (IDP) for a smoother experience.
Morayo’s Tips for Booking the Test
- Choose the right test type: Check the requirements of your institution or immigration process. There are two types:
- IELTS General – For work and migration.
- IELTS Academic – This is for studying abroad (Morayo took this).
- Decide between paper vs. computer-based tests: Morayo chose the computer test because she was concerned about the legibility of her handwriting. Computer-based tests can also be ₦10,000 cheaper
- Pick your test centre carefully: Search for centres near you and confirm the exact test format (computer-based or paper-based, General or Academic) before finalizing your booking.
- Double-check your test details: One mistake in selecting the test type can mean losing another ₦285,000, so read carefully before making payment.
Prepare for your test
The generally recommended preparation time for IELTS is between 6-8 weeks, but Chike believes that this doesn’t apply to every student, and his result proves it.
Chike’s Tips for Exam Preparation
- Use free IELTS resources: After registration, the British Council provides practice materials that replicate real test questions.
- Focus on the three key sections: Reading, Listening, and Writing. Observe instructions, time limits, and question formats when taking the practice tests.
- Identify weak areas: After each mock test, you can download the correct answers on the same portal. Track your mistakes and dedicate extra time to weaker sections.
- Use YouTube for targeted learning: Chike recommends three channels.
- IELTS Liz – Writing techniques.
- IELTS Advantage – Reading and Speaking strategies.
- E2 IELTS – Comprehensive study guide.
- Take a study leave if possible – Dedicating a few days solely to practice can make a significant difference.
Get a high-band score in your Speaking test
Morayo, after getting an 8.5 band score in Speaking, believes it is the easiest category to pass.
Morayo’s Tips For Passing The Speaking Test
- Know the marking criteria and build confidence: You are scored based on fluency and coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation, so it’s important to expand your vocabulary and build confidence ahead of time.
- Get familiar with the common questions asked during this test: Your examiner would typically start the conversation by asking if you’re currently studying or working.’ For this question, Morayo recommends that you answer plainly but aim to use high-band words. For example, instead of saying, “I’m a student”, say, “At the moment, I am studying XXX at a tertiary institution in XXX”.
- Use complex sentences: You should use complex sentences and linkers like however, although, and meanwhile. Feel free to show off your extensive vocabulary, but keep in mind that you’ll miss marks when you go off-point.
- Show that you understand the complexities of the English language: Morayo recommends saying “My name’s XXX” rather than saying “My name is XXX” when you’re asked to introduce yourself, as this shows that you have a good command of the English language.
- Remain calm: The test only lasts 13 to 15 minutes, so try not to be anxious. Remember to smile and maintain eye contact. Your speaker is most likely going to be British, so avoid saying “umm”, “ahh”, or “I don’t understand” because it suggests that you’re not comfortable speaking or understanding English. You’ll be given headphones, so listen as carefully as possible.
Get a high-band score in your Listening test
When Chike found out that the Listening category features different accents and multiple speakers, he got nervous. But after getting an 8.0 band score, he wondered why he doubted himself in the first place.
Chike’s Tips for Passing The Listening Test
- Know the basics: This test takes 40 mins and is divided into four parts. You’ll only hear the recording once so it’s important to listen carefully.
- Understand the four categories in this test: The first part is a dialogue, while the second part is usually a monologue about everyday living or social situations. The third and fourth parts are dialogues and monologues on academic subject matters.
- Study the questions: Before the recording starts, you’ll be given time to acquaint yourself with the questions. It helps to take note of the keywords in the questions so you can easily pick them out when the audio starts. Chike says it’s important to know that the questions and answers flow naturally in the audio. If you miss the answer to one question, don’t stress; just move on to the next.
- Get familiar with different accents: According to Chike, you’ll most likely hear an Australian or British accent. It’s helpful to watch as many foreign videos as you can without captions to improve your chances of understanding those accents.
- Prepare for all categories of questions in this section: Sometimes (very rarely), you’ll be asked to label diagrams. IELTS Liz has videos and articles that can help you prepare for label-related questions. Other common questions you’ll find in this category include multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, and sentence completion questions.
- Read the instructions carefully: Paying attention to instructions is one of the easiest ways to score a high band in this category. For example, if the instruction in the question you encounter reads, ‘NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER’, your answer should be ‘Train station’, not ‘dusty train station’. But if the instruction gives room for numbers, the answer would be “100 train stations”.
Get a high-band score in your Reading test
According to Chike, the reading test can be complicated and nerve-racking, but he managed to secure a band 7.0 score using the right strategy.
Chike’s Tips for Passing The Reading Test
- Know the basics: The reading section is divided into three parts and lasts 60 minutes. The passages cover different topics, from everyday life to complex scientific research, diagrams, and logical arguments.
- Learn to skim and scan: Chike recommends skimming through the passages to understand the details. After skimming, find helpful keywords in the questions and scan the passages until you spot the keyword.
- Read to comprehend: IELTS primarily tests your comprehension skills so these questions can be tricky. Read between the lines and find your answer carefully.
- Get familiar with the question types: There are different types of questions you’ll likely encounter– True/False/Not given questions, Yes/No/Not given questions, matching heading questions, multiple choice questions, sentence completion questions, short answer questions and summary completion questions. These questions can be difficult, so Chike recommends spending more time taking reading mock tests.
- Exam day tips: Manage your time wisely and read to understand before choosing your answer.
Get a high-band score in your Writing test
For Morayo, the writing test was almost as easy as the speaking test because they require similar strategies.
Morayo’s Tips for Passing The Reading Test
- Know the basics: This test has two categories. The first part takes 20 minutes, while the other takes 40 minutes. Morayo suggests spending less time on Section A, where you’ll need to write a report based on given data (presented in either bar or pie charts). She also advises using words like illustrates, shows, displays, etc. Videos from IELTS Liz are very helpful for Part A. In the other category, you’ll be asked to write an essay on an arts and culture-related topic. For this part of the test, start by paraphrasing the question you’ll be asked to base your essay on. Aim to use high-band words and linkers.
- Follow the general rules of writing: Start each argument paragraph with a clear idea, then use supporting ideas to strengthen your point. Make sure to state your position at the beginning and end of your essay. At the end of your essay, it helps to close with a paragraph starting with “In conclusion”.
- Exam day tip: Read the instructions carefully and stick to the word limit.
Understanding band scores
- Band 9 – Expert user
- Band 8 – Very good user
- Band 7 – Good user
- Band 6 – Competent user
- Band 5 – Modest user
- Band 4 – Limited user
- Band 3 – Extremely limited user
- Band 2 – Intermittent user
- Band 1 – Non-user
- Band 0 – Did not attempt the test
Each section (Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking) is scored individually, and the overall band score is the average of these four sections, rounded to the nearest 0.5 or whole band.
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