In the previous blog, we’ve seen what IELTS and PTE are. Just as a quick recap, they are English language proficiency exams that help universities decide whether your English ability is sufficient for you to study a university-level course.

So how much score would you generally need to be accepted into universities abroad? Well, for IELTS, you would normally need an overall score of at least 6, with a minimum of 5.5 in each individual band. For PTE, the minimum score asked is typically around 58 overall, with no band less than 50.

With the introductions out of the way, in this blog, we will look at a two-pronged strategy aimed at improving your IELTS or PTE scores.

Improve your English

This shouldn’t have come as a surprise, right? Both PTE and IELTS is an English language test and to do well in them, you’ll need to have good language ability. How can you do this, you ask?

Read in English about subjects you are interested in, and push yourself to look up words you don’t understand. Newspapers and magazines are a good place to build up your vocabulary. Reading will help your writing but practice writing too. Don’t limit yourself to a single writing style. Keeping a diary in English, writing short stories, and trying your hand at essays are all good practice. Correct your own work or find someone to go over it with you.

Watch English movies or listen to English-language radio. Replay the bits you missed until you understand them. Also, try to speak English wherever you possibly can. Are you ordering that pizza or speaking to customer care? Why not do that in English? Push yourself to talk about more advanced subjects than just “hi, how are you” types of conversations.

Consider joining IELTS/PTE classes

Knowing English alone will not help you tackle IELTS and PTE. These tests are nothing like English exams you’d have had taken in your school or college. By joining an IELTS or PTE class, you will get an understanding of the test pattern. Moreover, you will also be able to take practice tests under real exam conditions so that you are fully prepared on the exam day. Unlike practising on your own, taking mock tests in a class will enable you to get feedback on your written and speaking tasks. You will also be able to learn from other IELTS and PTE aspirants and pick up strategies that will help you get the score you want/need in order to study abroad.

STORM has over 30 branches across India and overseas with each of these offering IELTS and PTE classes to help you ace the exams. All of our trainers are fully qualified and experienced and have seen several of their students fulfill their dream of studying abroad.

So, what are you waiting for? Drop by your nearest STORM office to start applying!