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There is a well-known English proverb that says, “When the going gets tough, the tough get going”. In other words, when a situation becomes difficult, strong people do not give up; they work harder. It can be very disappointing if you do not achieve the score you want in your IELTS test but remember that it can also be a great opportunity to improve yourself. Learning from your mistakes can help you to develop your skills as an IELTS test taker, as well as an everyday English user. In this post, we will talk about the steps you can take to become focused again and achieve your IELTS goals. So, stay positive and continue reading!

Tip 1: Take a break

It is natural to feel upset and frustrated if you don’t get the IELTS score you want. However, letting your emotions control you at times like this will probably stop you from thinking clearly and will make you want to give up your future dreams. 

After hearing the bad news, take a step back from the problem. Allow yourself some time to relax and express your feelings; sharing your experience with friends and family can help you to release frustration and to better understand your situation.

Tip 2: Reflect on what went wrong

Once you have let go of any negative feelings and have taken a break to relax and recover, you’ll be better able to reflect on what went wrong. Analyse your IELTS results by looking at the band score for each individual test. Focus on the difference between the scores you obtained and the ones you want, and choose the main areas requiring attention. Next, make notes on the types of tasks you found difficult in those specific skills and use your notes to help you prepare a plan of study.

Tip 3: Focus on areas requiring attention

Now that you’ve identified the main areas for improvement and have developed a plan of study, it’s time to get ready for your next attempt. There are many high-quality print materials available to help you prepare (e.g. books, self-study packs and other practice materials), as well as online sources that you can access for free. You can access free preparation materials written by our resident Experts on the IELTS website focusing on IELTS Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking. You will receive a comprehensive feedback report on your performance including tips and feedback chosen by our expert markers.