Top 10 Myths about the IELTS Exam – And the Truth Behind Them
- douglas540
- May 22
- 4 min read
Are you preparing for the IELTS exam? You might have heard many tips and warnings from other students or online forums. The internet is thick with false information and rumours about this high-stakes exam. Not everything you hear is true. Read some advice from an experienced IELTS examiner (Douglas) and together, let’s look at the 10 most common myths about IELTS – and the real facts you need to know.
Myth 1: You need a British or American accent to do well.
Reality: IELTS does not test your accent. Examiners look for clear pronunciation, not a specific accent. You can speak naturally as long as you are easy to understand. Intelligibility is the key, so instead of trying to copy the Queen's English (impossible), be yourself. Just be aware of any English sounds you do have problems with (th, r, l, long/short vowels) and simply slow down and try to get it right.
Speak naturally and be yourself.
Myth 2: You must use "big words" to get a high score.
Reality: It’s more important to use the right word than a difficult one. If you try to use complicated vocabulary and often make mistakes, it can hurt your score. This is especially true if it slows you down. Instead, aim to use a variety of vocabulary that you are comfortable with. If you do know some less-common words or idioms, show the depth of your English knowledge to avoid being stuck at Band 6.
Myth 3: The IELTS exam is easier in some countries.
Reality: This is one of the top myths I've heard about IELTS. I've even heard of people flying abroad to take a test in another country because they heard somewhere that IELTS is easier in that country. This is false.
IELTS is a standardized test. The British Council and IDP take extreme efforts to ensure it has the same level of difficulty no matter where you take it. The questions may be different, but the test format and scoring are the same worldwide.
Myth 4: You need to speak fast in the Speaking test.
Reality: Speaking quickly does not improve your score. In fact, it can cause more mistakes. I've had some very fluent Indian test takers speak at machine gun speed with 200-word sentences and no pauses between sentences. This not only hurts my head, but also hurts your intelligibility and comprehension.
Instead, pause 1-2 seconds between sentences and allow the examiner to follow your ideas. If you know that you have a heavy accent, a slower pace of speaking will be appreciated. Moreover, a better score can be found in the quality of your speech - not in the quantity of words.
Myth 5: You can pass or fail the IELTS exam.
Reality: IELTS does not have a pass or fail. When you hear this expression, just understand that test takers are talking about if they got the band score they needed (for university admissions, immigration, etc.).
I tell students that IELTS is like a ruler. It is simply a measurement of your English skills, rather than a pass/fail test. It may feel that way as an expensive, high-pressure test, and that is what people are expressing when they talk about "passing IELTS".
Myth 6: You should memorize full answers for the Speaking test.
Reality: OMG...never do this! Examiners always know when answers are memorized. You will sound unnatural and off-topic, and your efforts will be completely ignored. You are better off to practice often, speak naturally about common topics.
On the other hand, at the start of IELTS, certain questions about your hometown, workplace, or study can be expected. This is common knowledge. Be prepared to respond confidently and naturally to these questions at the beginning.
Finally, there are so many possible random questions that trying to memorize a response to one or two questions is definitely a waste of time.
Myth 7: Only perfect grammar gets you a top score.
Reality: While grammar is important, small mistakes are okay if they don’t affect communication. Too many errors can be confusing for the listener, such as mixing up he and she, and getting your verb tenses wrong. You should aim for accuracy and range, not perfection. Perfection is a myth.
What does this mean? Accuracy is about making fewer and smaller grammar mistakes. If you know this is your weak point, slow down. Range means your ability to use short and long, complex sentences easily. E.g. "I have been working as a driver for 2 years, which is not only a short time, but also a difficult time for new drivers."
Myth 8: If you don't know the answer, you’ll get a low score.
Reality: IELTS Speaking is not a knowledge test. Examiners are judging your English language skills, not whether your answer is “right.” It’s best to say you don’t know something, and then the examiner will quickly move on to a question that you can answer. Why? We need enough samples of your speaking to make an accurate assessment of your band score. If you are silent or mumbling something, then test time is wasted.
Myth 9: Long answers always get higher scores.
Reality: Again, quality matters more than quantity. Speaking too much can lead to confusing, rambling, and off-topic responses. Aim for clear, complete answers – not long ones just for the sake of length. Know when to stop talking, just as we do in natural conversation.
Myth 10: Use formal language like a job interview.
The IELTS Speaking test is a semi-formal. You don’t need to speak like you're in a formal job interview, but you should also avoid very casual language ("I wanna go there 'cos, it's like, y'know,...it has a cool vibe")
I've had native speakers of English score simple Band 7's because they were over-confident and lazy. They did not show their deeper knowledge of English, such as complex sentences, a rich vocabulary, or idiomatic language.
This speaking test is not a chat with friends. It's best to use clear, polite, and natural spoken English. Think of it like a conversation with a teacher or someone you respect — friendly, but appropriate.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the truth behind these IELTS myths can help you study smarter and feel more confident. Don’t believe everything you hear – focus on real strategies, build your English skills, and practice often. Getting feedback from a professional tutor is the best balance between self-study and taking a class. Take what you have learned, practice with Douglas English Centre, and get quality feedback on your speaking performance or writing.
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