Is it difficult to get 6.5 in IELTS? Tips to Study methods

IELTS 6.5 is the English level required when going to an overseas university or moving abroad. In fact, the difficulty is so high that many people may be worried about how to achieve it. However, if you learn by holding down the points, it is not impossible to acquire.

In this article, we will introduce recommended study methods and reference books for acquiring IELTS 6.5.

IELTS 6.5 difficulty

Let's take a look at the difficulty level of IELTS and the learning time required to acquire IELTS 6.5.

IELTS band score (overall score) has 9 levels

IETLS calculates a band score from 1.0 (lowest) to 9.0 (highest) for each of the four English skills (listening, reading, writing, and speaking). First, individual band scores are given for each of the four skills, and the total score (overall band score) calculated from the average value is the final IELTS score.

The overall band score (hereinafter referred to as overall) is characterized by being rounded up to the nearest 0.25. For example, if the average of 4 skills is 5.81, the overalls will be 6.0, and if the average of 4 skills is 3.21, the overalls will be 3.0.

The following is the level feeling for each band score introduced on the IELTS official website.

1 Non-user
Only a list of words and basically does not have the ability to use English.

2 Sporadic users
Under familiar circumstances, it is impossible to communicate realistically except to convey extremely basic information in one word in order to deal with the need on the spot. It is difficult to understand English conversations and sentences.

3 Very limited users
Can convey and understand only general meanings in very familiar situations. Communication breaks occur frequently.

4 Limited users
Only in familiar situations can they demonstrate their basic abilities. Problems of comprehension and expressiveness are frequently seen. I can't use complicated words.

5 Moderate users
Incomplete but capable of using English, can get a rough idea of what it means in most situations. However, they often make mistakes. It is possible to have basic communication in one's specialty

6 Competent users
Although there are some inaccuracies, inadequacies and misunderstandings, they generally have the ability to use English effectively. Especially under familiar circumstances, you can use and understand fairly complex language.

7 Excellent user
Inaccuracies and inadequacy are seen, and although misunderstandings may occur in some situations, he has the ability to master English. Can handle complicated language and understand detailed logic.

8 Very good user Although there are some
inaccuracies and inadequacy, he has the ability to use English freely. Misunderstandings can occur in unfamiliar situations. It can handle complicated discussions.

9 Expert user
Has the ability to use English freely. Appropriate, accurate, fluent, and fully comprehensible.

Source: IELTS 9-grade rating (band score)

Cases where IELTS 6.5 is required

In the first place, IELTS is an exam that is required when going abroad or immigrating. In particular, when going on to an overseas university or graduate school, a band score of 6.5 or higher is required at 80% or more of the schools. Although it is a score that can be applied for at most universities, there are many places where the band score of 7.0 is used as the standard in some faculties such as medical schools and law schools and graduate schools.

For those who want to go abroad, getting a band score of 6.5 is the first step in preparing for study abroad. Also, when applying for university or graduate school, not only overalls but also standards such as "Speaking 6.0 or higher" may be set for each section. Check in advance how much score you will need for the submission destination.

In addition, IELTS 6.5 is a score required when applying for a visa in Australia or Canada, or when applying for a European / Asian MBA.

IELTS 6.5 level feeling [with conversion table]

IELTS, which is not very familiar to Japanese people, is actually difficult to understand. Here, in order to understand the difficulty level of IELTS, let's compare it with the scores of Eiken, TOEIC, TOEFL iBT, etc., which are familiar to Japanese people.

From the above table, the level feeling of IELTS 6.5 compared with other tests is as follows.
・ Eiken: Level 1 to Level 1
・ TOEIC: About 900 to 940
・ TOEFL iBT: About 80 to 95

You can see that the level of IELTS 6.5 is high. However, these tests have different characteristics and contents, so please use them as a reference only.

Study time required to obtain IELTS 6.5

The Cambridge Assessment English website provides level-specific study time for the CEFR guideline, which indicates the level of foreign language learners. When converting the levels of CEFR and IELTS with reference to this data, the study time required to acquire IELTS 6.5 is about 400 to 500 hours. However, this data also includes non-native European scores that are less difficult to listen to and write.

Therefore, it is better to assume that it will take two to three times as long for Japanese people. Also, even if you study for 400 to 500 hours, the contents are important. It will be difficult to get IELTS 6.5 if you are just learning lazily. You need to set goals and learn for yourself.

Reference: Guided learning hours ｜ Cambridge Assessment English

How do I get IELTS 6.5?

Now that I know the level of IELTS 6.5, what I'm curious about is what to do to get it. Here, let's take a look at the points required to obtain IELTS 6.5.

First, acquire the basics of English

In order to obtain IETLS6.5, it is necessary to acquire the basics of English. Since the level is high, such as Eiken Level 1 to Level 1 and TOEIC 900 to 940, it will be difficult to obtain IELTS 6.5 without basic vocabulary and grammar knowledge. In the first place, questions and questions are displayed in English in the IELTS test, so you cannot understand the questions without basic skills.

First of all, let's improve the basic ability of English with the aim of solving the problems of Eiken Level 2 to Level 2 without making a mistake. It is recommended that you select one vocabulary/grammar question book that suits you and solve it over and over again. By reviewing the mistakes without leaving them as they are, you will definitely improve your English.

Clarify the purpose and set goals

It is important to clarify the purpose in studying IELTS, which is more difficult to take than Eiken and TOEIC. IELTS scores are less likely to grow than other exams, so you can be frustrated if you don't have a clear goal. Each person needs an IELTS score, such as going on to university or graduate school, or getting an MBA.

First, clarify how much score you need and make a concrete learning plan for your goals. Back-calculating from your goals makes it easier to understand how much study time you need each day.

Study with an awareness of the score distribution of 6.5

In order to get IELTS 6.5, you also need to be aware of the score distribution. IELTS is calculated from the average value of 4 skills, and the score is rounded up to the nearest 0.25. So if you can get 6.5 in 2 sections and 6.0 in the other 2 sections out of 4 skills, your final score will be 6.5.

Some people may think that it is better to take 5.5 in the section that they are not good at and 7.0 in the field that they are good at, but it is quite difficult to get a stable 7.0 in the exam. First of all, it is realistic to aim for a stable 6.0 with all skills, and aim for 6.5 in the field where you are good at. However, depending on where the score is submitted, the minimum score for each skill may be set, so it is necessary to confirm in advance.

Specific study methods for acquiring IELTS 6.5

From here, I will introduce the study methods for acquiring IELTS 6.5 by field.

Reading

To aim for a high score in reading, it is effective to study by holding down the points of vocabulary, grammar, and long reading comprehension.

Vocabulary

At the IELTS6.5 level, vocabulary of about 3000 to 4000 words is required. However, you don't have to remember all the words used in the problem. First, learn the essential words that lead to your score. It is difficult to decide which word to memorize, so it is recommended to use a vocabulary specialized for IELTS.

Some IELTS vocabulary books are divided by band score, so you can choose one with IELTS 6.0-6.5. Also, check the words you don't know when you solve the problem book.

Grammar

As for grammar, let's review the basics. Among them, relative pronouns and participle syntax are frequently used items, so it is recommended to hold them firmly. Many people are not good at these, and it is a chance to make a difference in the score.

In addition, the five sentence patterns are an important point that is indispensable when reading long sentences. Knowing what the subject is and what the predicate or object is will help you understand long sentences.

Reading comprehension

"Reading carefully" is recommended as a measure for reading long sentences. Since there is a time limit, it is necessary to read quickly, but it is recommended that you first look up the syntax and words, and then carefully read each English sentence. In addition, it is more effective to read aloud "read aloud".

If you then solve the problem again, you will find that your understanding is much higher. Once you get used to the problem patterns, practice speed reading. If you use slash reading, which reads while separating each chunk of meaning, the reading speed will increase dramatically.

Listening

Listening, which Japanese people are not good at, can be improved by holding down the points and practicing. I would like you to incorporate "dictation" and "shadowing" into your learning.

Dictation

In order to improve your listening skills, it is important to pick up inaudible English. No matter how many times you hear an inaudible English sentence, it will be difficult to understand the meaning. First of all, it is recommended to do dictation.

Dictation is to write down the English sentences you hear word by word. By writing down, you can input English both auditorily and visually. In general, English sentences used in listening tend to be less difficult than reading, so remember all the words and grammar that appear.

Shadowing

To hear English, you need to get used to English pronunciation. Shadowing is recommended for that training. In shadowing, the point is to follow the sound source and immediately pronounce the same sound. It is different from the repeat that repeats after listening to the English text.

By practicing repeatedly, you will become accustomed to the speed of English and will be able to understand phrases that you could not hear. First, do one sentence at a time, and when you can do it perfectly, move on to the next sentence. At first, repeat it several times without looking at the script, and check the English text with the script if you really don't understand.

And by shadowing again, you will be able to hear the English sounds well.

Lighting

There are three main points in writing learning. Write a lot anyway and overcome your weakness in writing.

Assemble sentences logically

First, let's practice constructing English sentences logically. Especially in essays that express your opinion, it is important to clarify your claim first. In Japanese, the sentence is composed according to the flow of Kishōtenketsu, but in English, the conclusion is drawn first.

After making a claim, I will give the reason and concrete examples. There are rough patterns in writing essays, so let's solve the problem book repeatedly and get used to the pattern. It is also important to write using simple expressions that you know, without using difficult words or phrases.

Practice writing within the time limit

Once you get used to writing to some extent, set a time limit and practice writing. However, it is a high hurdle to work suddenly at the same time as the actual production, so we will gradually shorten the time by taking steps. In IELTS production, the writing time limit is 60 minutes. It's a good idea to gradually get used to the practice, starting with 120 minutes, then 80 minutes, and finally 60 minutes.

Have the writing corrected

Anyway, "writing a lot" is effective for writing measures. Without actual output, you will not be able to write forever. At that time, it is also important to have someone see what you wrote.

It's OK if you review what you have corrected and rewrite it. This is a good opportunity to check out unnatural expressions that you do not notice.

Speaking

The IELTS listening test consists of self-introduction and interviews, speeches and discussions. Be aware of the actual test and try simulating it many times.

Strengthen pronunciation

To get IELTS 6.5, you need to speak English fluently. The point is that you can pronounce it properly in English. Make sure to check the difference between L and R and the pronunciation of TH, which Japanese people are not good at, and practice so that you can pronounce them smoothly.

To hear your pronunciation objectively, it is recommended to record your voice. It will be easier to notice and correct parts where the pronunciation is unclear or incorrect. Furthermore, by transcribing the recorded content into characters, it is effective to visually check the speaking content.

Keep in touch with English news on a regular basis

In the exam, the examiner asks questions about familiar topics and gives you the opportunity to give your opinion on them. I don't know what topics will be covered, so it's a good idea to read and read English news and articles on a regular basis.

Even with some speaking ability, it can be difficult to say that you have no knowledge of the topic. It's okay to have two or three a week, so it's a good idea to keep in touch with various news and stock your ideas.

3 Recommended Reference Books for Those Aiming for IELTS 6.5

Here, we will introduce three carefully selected reference books recommended for IELTS 6.5 measures.

This one book is perfect for IELTS word measures!

One recommended book for IELTS English words and idioms, " IELTS Essential English Words 4400 ". Contains 3300 English words and 1100 English idioms that are essential for IELTS. It is attractive to be able to study efficiently because it is made by thoroughly analyzing the past questions of IELTS.

Words are classified into A to D according to the difficulty level, and each word/idiom has a phrase that is often asked in the exam. In addition, the sequence is "headword", "English example sentence", "Japanese translation of example sentence", and "consensus expression of headword", and the points that often appear in the exam are also introduced.

You can listen to all the Japanese translations and English phrases as well as the headwords that appear on the sound source.

A versatile textbook that can comprehensively improve your 4 English skills!

" Directly connected to the score! " IELTS Thorough Measures Textbook & Problem Collection " is an IELTS measure book for those who aim for a band score of 6.0 or higher. The feature of this book is that it carefully explains how to solve all four fields of reading, listening, writing, and speaking. We also introduce "strategies" that aim for high scores.

It is also recommended for those who are taking the IELTS test for the first time because you can easily learn the pattern of the problem and the points of how to solve it. There are two mock exams that are perfect for testing your skills just before the exam, and it is a nice point to be able to figure out your own time allocation.

Also, since it comes with a sound source (2 CDs) from native speakers from the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia, please use it as a listening measure.

For listening measures for advanced English speakers

" Listening for IELTS " is a recommended listening comprehension book for those who aim for IELTS 6.0 or above. Since this book is a foreign book, it is natural that it is all written in English. Therefore, it is perfect for training to "understand English in English" without using Japanese. This book is suitable for advanced users with some English proficiency.

This book contains various forms of listening questions so that you can familiarize yourself with the IELTS listening format. However, compared to Japanese IELTS countermeasure books, the drawback is that there are few explanations about the problem. Recommended for those who want to solve a lot of good questions rather than commentary.

You can also practice dictation and shadowing by downloading the audio.

Conclusion

As you can see from the scores of other English exams, IELTS 6.5 is by no means an easy level to reach. In order to acquire IELTS 6.5, it is necessary to study by holding down the points. Start by clarifying your goals and understanding what you should do now.

Please try to incorporate the study methods introduced in this article into your daily learning. Let's thoroughly study the areas that we are not particularly good at and aim to raise the overall score.