So you sat for the IELTS or PTE Academic tests and the results are out - you did not get the band (score) you need. Life comes to a halt. English proficiency tests like IELTS, PTE Academic, and Cambridge English Exams are considered to be "high stakes" examinations.
By definition, testing becomes high stakes when the outcomes are used to make decisions about promotion, admissions, graduation, and salaries. *High-stakes Testing - Education - Oxford Bibliographies
We use IELTS and PTE Academic for so many reasons; visas, tertiary education entrance, professional registrations, etc. Often we also have so many other things going on in our lives at the same time - application deadlines, studies, work, family, financial commitments.
Not getting the (band)scores you need to move onto the next step in your life makes the situation far more difficult to deal with.
The stakes are high, time is ticking away and life comes to a standstill. The worst part? For so many candidates I deal with, this painful disappointment repeats itself. It is rarely the first time for many, I have had students who have sat for these tests more than once - sometimes more than 13 times. It is heartbreaking.
How are we supposed to deal with this disappointment all while continuing to manage all the other things that are going on in our lives?
Acknowledge Your Feelings: It's okay to feel disappointed, frustrated, or upset about not achieving the desired score. Allow yourself to acknowledge and accept these emotions. These tests are not here to destroy your life, they're here to help arrive at the destination you've been dreaming of.
Avoid Self-Blame: Understand that test scores do not define your worth or intelligence. Avoid blaming yourself excessively for the outcome. The mere fact that you speak more than one language is already wonderful! No one will ever gauge your intelligence or worth based on a language test.
Reflect on the Experience: Take some time to reflect on your test preparation and performance. Identify areas where you could have improved and consider what strategies might be more effective in the future.
Seek Feedback: If possible, request feedback from the testing organization or your instructors to understand where you fell short and what areas need improvement. Whether it's from a tutor, your language course provider or even a mentor, seek feedback. ASK for help.
Set Realistic Goals: Evaluate your goals and consider whether they were realistic given your level of preparation and other commitments. Adjust your goals if necessary to set achievable targets.
Create a Study Plan: Develop a structured study plan to address your weaknesses and improve your English language skills. Break down your study sessions into manageable tasks and set deadlines to keep yourself accountable. No one goes from Band 5.5 to Band 7 without a clear plan.
Practice Regularly: Consistent practice is key to improving language proficiency. Incorporate various language learning activities such as reading, writing, speaking, and listening exercises into your routine. Make everything a learning experience, as opposed to having a specific time for "practicing" IELTS/PTE.
Stay Motivated: Keep yourself motivated by setting small milestones and celebrating your progress along the way. Surround yourself with supportive peers or join study groups to stay motivated. Can't find someone to stay motivated with in-person? The online community is full of IELTS and PTE candidates ready to commiserate and offer support!
Explore Additional Resources: Consider using additional study materials, online courses, or tutoring services to supplement your learning and address specific areas of difficulty. Can't find a course? Get a tutor! Like me! This is why I created Perth IELTS and PTE Tutoring. To fill the gap in teaching services to candidates of English language proficiency tests! Get in touch and see how I can help.
Stay Persistent: Remember that progress takes time and effort. Stay persistent in your efforts to improve and don't let setbacks discourage you from pursuing your goals.
I hope this is helpful. So often I meet and interview students who are just so heartbroken, stressed, frustrated and demoralized. I'm here to tell you it's going to be okay. You can and you will achieve the IELTS band score or PTE Academic score you need.
Love,
Reena
Comments