What to Do after Receiving a Low IELTS Band Score

The International English Language Testing Exam (IELTS) is not a pass or fail type of exam. It is designed to assess test takers English language proficiency; thus, it is a requirement prior to admissions in academic institutions, acceptance in employment and approval of immigration. If test takers get a low IELTS band score, they may be declined and prevented from carrying out their purposes for leaving for an English-speaking country.

There are several reasons why some applicants get a low IELTS band score. Some lack preparation for the exam, while some come from non-English-speaking countries (where the language is hardly ever used).

Commitment to study is the key to acing the IELTS exam. Test takers can either study on their own or enroll in tutoring services. Then again, there are consequences when you procrastinate—receiving an undesirable band score. Say, for example, you showed up in the exam prepared and did your best yet still did not get your target band score. It can be heartbreaking. How do you move on?

Here are three things you must remember:

    1.)    Try harder
    If you get a low band score, you may be wallowing in self-pity. Remember that everyone has a unique learning curve. Your learning curve when it comes to the English language proficiency may not be as fast as that of others. This does not mean that you are slow. You just need to take more time to learn. What you can do is to try harder—push past your limits. Think of other ways that can help you learn the language better: read more books, play word games, watch movies, among others. Avoid procrastinating and set a schedule in developing your English language skills.

    2.)    Never settle
    Do not settle for anything less, okay, mediocre and the like. Whether you are preparing for your first take, or even second, do your best. Look for the best IELTS review centers in town. And even if you have achieved a high band score in the IELTS exam, keep on learning and looking for areas of improvements—always strive to become a better version of yourself.

    3.)    Be optimistic
    Everything happens for a reason. It is better to move forward than dwell on something that you cannot change or go back to. Be optimistic that your turn will come. It may not be today, but it will one day. Moreover, believe that you emerge as a stronger person with every failure or frustration that you have experienced. To keep yourself from having discouraging thoughts, surround yourself with people who support you. Immerse yourself with inspiring and entertaining movies, books, etc.

 A setback can pave the way to a greater comeback. Do not let your low IELTS band score deter you from achieving your goal to study, work or immigrate abroad—do not give up. Remember what people used to say “best things come to those who wait.” The high IELTS band score may yet to be given to you, but know that with commitment and perseverance, it will be given sooner than you expected.

As early as now, start looking for the best IELTS review centers in the metro. There are IELTS review centers in Davao, Baguio, Cebu, Makati and Manila. If you are still feeling bad about receiving a low band score, remember what H. G. Wells said, “If you fell down yesterday, stand up today.”

References:

• "10 Ways to Turn Things Around When You're Failing a Class." Study.com. Accessed December 08, 2016. http://study.com/articles/10_Ways_to_Turn_Things_Around_When_You_re_Failing_a_Class.html.
• Eion, Katherine. "10 Great Lessons Highly Successful People Have Learned From Failure." Lifehack. Accessed December 08, 2016. http://www.lifehack.org/articles/communication/10-great-lessons-highly-successful-people-have-learned-from-failure.html.
• "The Importance of Failure: 5 Valuable Lessons from Failing." Wanderlust Worker. Accessed December 08, 2016. https://www.wanderlustworker.com/the-importance-of-failure-5-valuable-lessons-from-failing/.