Demystifying the “IELTS Myths” Every Test Taker Should Know Before the Exam

The “Myths” That Discourage Many Before the Real Test

Everyone preparing for the IELTS has probably heard various rumors or “myths” about the exam, haven’t you?

  • “If I don’t have a British accent, I won’t get a good Speaking score?”
  • “The Writing examiners are brutal; you must use difficult academic vocabulary to survive?”
  • “The exam centers all have different difficulty levels?”

These stories circulate online, sometimes leaving us confused, discouraged, and misinformed, leading to misguided preparation. IELTS is not a mystery; it is a standardized global system. It’s time to demystify these legends and truly understand the core of the exam, ensuring your preparation is efficient and aimed directly at your goal.

Common Misconceptions About IELTS

The key to conquering IELTS is understanding what the exam expects from us, not believing the circulating myths. Let’s see if these three popular misconceptions are “Fact or Fiction.” Myth 1: You must speak with a British accent to get a high score.

  • The Truth: IELTS does not measure accent! What the Examiner assesses in the Speaking part is your ability to communicate with Fluency, Grammatical Range and Accuracy, Lexical Resource, and clear Pronunciation. Whether you speak with an American, Australian, or clear and natural Thai-English accent, you can achieve a Band 8.0 or 9.0. All you need is to “communicate with confidence and clarity.”
  • Focus on: Confidence, a variety of sentence structures, and using appropriate vocabulary.

Myth 2: You must use difficult academic vocabulary excessively in Writing.

  • The Truth: Using overly complex vocabulary unnecessarily or incorrectly will instantly lower your score! The Writing Band Descriptors prioritize Accuracy, Coherence and Cohesion, the use of Less Common Lexical Items used accurately and appropriately, and Task Achievement/Response.
  • Focus on: Clarity of reasoning, a strong essay structure, and precise and natural word choices.

 Myth 3: Studying at famous schools or with Native Speakers guarantees a good score.

  • The Truth: Having a good English foundation is not the same as being “good at the IELTS exam,” as IELTS has a unique format and specific techniques that differ significantly from everyday English usage. Choosing an institution that focuses only on general language skills, or instructors without direct experience in teaching IELTS exam techniques, can lead to a waste of time and money without the desired results.
  • Focus on: Seek courses that emphasize specific strategies for each section (e.g., Scanning techniques in Reading, Task 1/2 structures in Writing) and instructors who are experts in giving feedback based on real IELTS criteria.

Ending the False Myths… and Building Success at New Cambridge

IELTS is not a scary exam… if you know the “secrets.”

Believing in myths or misconceptions is a major pitfall that causes many test takers to waste time and repeat the exam. What you need is not just “English fundamentals” but a “map and compass” to guide you to your target Band Score quickly and accurately.

We invite you to discard those false beliefs and start your correct preparation with New Cambridge, an institution that understands every nook and cranny of the IELTS exam.

Why choose New Cambridge?

  • We Focus on ‘Strategy’ over ‘Myth’: Our curriculum is designed to dismantle misconceptions and teach practical, effective techniques for every section.
  • Real Expert Instructor Team: Our instructors are Native Speakers who not only possess excellent language skills but also have a deep understanding of the IELTS scoring criteria (Band Descriptors).
  • Pinpoint Feedback: We provide specific advice, enabling you to identify and fix your weaknesses immediately.

Don’t let the “IELTS myths” overshadow your future

Ready to stop believing rumors and start achieving your dream score? Contact New Cambridge today for a course consultation and start your path to the Band Score you need.

Word/Phrase (IELTS Level) Winter Theme Meaning Application in IELTS Topic (Example)

Brisk / Crisp

Refreshing/invigorating cold weather

Daily Routine: Describing an energetic morning, e.g., "I enjoy a brisk walk to start my day."

To be snowed under

Trapped by heavy snow

Work/Study (Idiom): Meaning "overwhelmed with work," e.g., "I'm snowed under with assignments this week."

On thin ice

In a dangerous situation (on fragile ice)

Society/Politics (Idiom): Meaning "in a precarious situation," e.g., "The company is on thin ice after the scandal."

The dead of winter

The coldest and darkest part of winter

General: Used to refer to a "most difficult period," e.g., "The economy struggled in the dead of winter of the recession."

Cosy / Snug

Warm and comfortable (under a blanket)

Lifestyle/Home: Describing a comfortable environment, e.g., "It's important to create a cosy atmosphere at home."

To break the ice

To shatter the silence, start a conversation

Communication/Socializing (Idiom): Meaning "to initiate an interaction," e.g., "A good joke is a great way to break the ice at a meeting."

2.2 Speaking: Crafting Stories from ‘Winter Activities’ (Part 2 & 3)

  • Part 2: Cue Card
    • Sample Prompt: “Describe an enjoyable indoor activity you like to do.”
    • Winter Theme Application: Describe an indoor activity suited for cold weather, such as “curling up with a book” or “sipping on a hot beverage.” Use descriptive words like Serene, Tranquil, and focus on Adverbs of Manner like leisurely or comfortably.
  • Part 3: Discussion
    • Sample Prompt: “Do people’s shopping habits change with the seasons? Why?”
    • Analytical Approach: Answer by using specific winter vocabulary, e.g., “Consumers tend to splurge on thermal clothing during the winter months,” and “The onset of a cold snap often triggers a demand for heating appliances.” This demonstrates a nuanced analysis of weather’s impact on the economy.

2.3 Writing Task 2: Writing an Issue-Based Essay on ‘Climate Change’

  • Sample Prompt: “Some people believe that climate change will eventually eliminate the concept of distinct seasons like winter in many regions. Discuss the causes of climate change and suggest solutions to mitigate this impact.” (Causes & Solutions Essay)
  • Essay Structure:
    • Introduction: Start with a compelling sentence about the impact on the winter season.
    • Body Paragraph 1 (Causes): Explain the main causes (e.g., Industrial emissions, deforestation) and use specific terms like mitigation measures.
    • Body Paragraph 2 (Solutions): Propose solutions (e.g., Transitioning to renewable energy, Global collaboration) and use words like sustainable or imperative.
    • Conclusion: Reiterate the urgency of protecting “winter’s climate” or our “environmental heritage.”

Part 3: Conclusion & Call to Action (CTA)

This winter offers the perfect period of calm for you to dedicate yourself to improving your English. By transforming simple vocabulary about weather and activities into high-level words and idioms, you will be able to answer IELTS questions with greater fluency and sophistication. It’s time to make the most of the winter season!

Don’t let the cold stop your dream! Let’s boost that Band Score together! Stay Warm, Study Smart