I’m so tired of hearing the word "IELTS". When will people realize that it is not a subject to "study"? That it's not something you should be cramming for? English is what you should be learning. The IELTS is just a tool to measure your English skills. Please, focus on actually learning English, not just "studying" for the IELTS.
Honestly, this whole IELTS circus is draining. It’s like a never-ending loop where everyone thinks they need to cram for this test as if it’s the only thing that matters. But let me break it to you: that’s not the point. The IELTS is just a test. English is what you should be learning, living, and breathing.
Let’s talk about the IELTS itself. In its most common form, it’s a test of Academic English. And guess what? Academic English isn't for everyone. It's not fancy, complicated, archaic, or convoluted. It’s straightforward, governed by strict and logical rules, modern, and concise. As much as possible. Academic English is the language of science. Be familiar with science, and Academic English becomes easier to understand.
Training for the IELTS means consuming and producing a lot of Academic English. It will be hard if your daily life doesn't somehow revolve around academia or science. All that knowledge will be basically useless outside the examination room if you don't do science.
So, how do you break free from this madness and actually learn English? Here’s what you should be doing:
Surround Yourself with English: Stop treating English like a subject and start living it. Watch movies, read books, listen to podcasts, and chat with native speakers. Drown yourself in English until it feels natural. When you immerse yourself in the language, you’ll pick up new words and phrases effortlessly. It’s not about cramming vocabulary lists; it’s about absorbing the language in a way that sticks.
Communicate, Don’t Memorize: Speak and write in English as much as you can. Find language exchange partners or discussion groups. The goal is to communicate, not just pass a test. Use social media to your advantage: join English-speaking forums, participate in discussions, and even comment on posts in English. The more you use the language in real-life contexts, the more natural it will become.
Read Everything: Grab newspapers, magazines, and books. This boosts your vocabulary and exposes you to different writing styles. Test prep books don’t count. Diversify your reading materials – read fiction, non-fiction, blogs, and articles on topics that interest you. This not only keeps you engaged but also helps you understand different ways of expressing ideas.
Listen Actively: Tune into English news, TED talks, or YouTube channels. Try to understand the context, pick up new phrases, and get used to different accents. Listening is more than just hearing words; it’s about understanding them. Try to mimic the speakers, pay attention to intonation, and practice shadowing – repeating what you hear immediately after hearing it.
Write Often: Keep a journal, start a blog, or write essays on things you care about. Practice makes perfect, and this helps you organize your thoughts and use proper grammar without it feeling like a chore. Write reviews of movies or books you’ve watched or read, draft emails to friends in English, or even write short stories. The key is to write regularly and seek feedback.
Get Feedback: Ask for feedback on your speaking and writing. It’s painful, but it’s the only way you’ll improve. Find a mentor or join a study group where you can exchange constructive criticism. Use language learning apps that provide corrections and suggestions for improvement.
Have Fun: Learning a language should be fun. Find ways to enjoy it, whether through games, hobbies, or socializing in English. Play word games, do crossword puzzles, or join online gaming communities where English is the primary language. Engage in activities that you enjoy, and the language learning will become a natural part of your routine.
And here's a few more points to consider:
Travel if You Can: If it’s possible, visit an English-speaking country. There’s nothing like real-world immersion. Being in an environment where you have to use English to communicate daily will force you to think and respond in the language. Plus, you’ll get to experience different cultures and ways of life, enriching your understanding of the language.
Stay Consistent: Learning a language is a marathon, not a sprint. Set aside time each day to practice, even if it’s just 15 minutes. Consistency is key. Use apps to set daily reminders and goals, and track your progress. Celebrate small victories along the way to keep yourself motivated.
Don’t Fear Mistakes: Making mistakes is a part of learning. Don’t be afraid to mess up. Every error is a step towards mastery. Embrace your mistakes, learn from them, and move on. Remember, everyone who has mastered a language has made countless mistakes along the way.
Let me make one thing clear: I practice what I preach. Check out my activities on Facebook if you think I'm bluffing. I listen to English songs and sing along until I get every little pronunciation right. I binge-watch YouTube videos in English every day, reading the captions and looking up any new words. I translate books I love from English to Vietnamese. I write essays in English about whatever’s on my mind. I meticulously write bilingually (English-Vietnamese) for every photo caption and social media post. I think in English more often than in my mother tongue (and no, my Vietnamese isn't bad). I even talk to my cats in English.
I’ve said it a thousand times, and I'll say it again: focus on learning English. The IELTS is just there to see how good you are at it. By actually learning the language, you’ll naturally do better on the test without the endless stress and cramming.
In the end, the IELTS is just a tool. It’s useful, but it shouldn’t be your obsession. Learn English for real, and the test scores will follow. So please, for your sake and mine, stop "studying" for the IELTS and start living English.