Is it difficult to get IELTS 6.0? Explain the difficulty level and countermeasures for each part!

IELTS is an English test developed by the Cambridge University English Language Testing System in the United Kingdom. There are two types of exams, the Academic Module and the General Training Module. If you want to study abroad, take the Academic Module, and if you want to move abroad or work, take the General Training Module.

It has been adopted by institutions in more than 140 countries around the world, mainly in Europe, and the number of examinees is gradually increasing in Japan as well. The test result is not judged bypass/fail, but is indicated by a numerical value called a band score. This article is a must-see for anyone aiming for IELTS 6.0 or studying abroad at an overseas university.

How much English is IELTS 6.0?

IELTS positions band score 6.0 as a "capable user". Specifically, it states that "although there are some inaccuracies, inadequacies, and misunderstandings, we generally have the ability to use English effectively ." In the first place, many Japanese who take the IELTS are thinking about studying abroad, finding employment, or moving to an English-speaking world, and it can be said that they have higher than average English proficiency.

Source: IELTS 9-grade rating (band score)

If you have an English proficiency of 6.0, you can submit an application to a returnee quota of a university in Japan or a standard English-speaking university. In the case of difficult universities and graduate schools in Japan and overseas, a score of 7.0 or higher may be required, so if you are aiming for a prestigious school, English proficiency higher than 6.0 is required.

If an intermediate high school graduate English proficiency takes the IELTS without any special measures, familiar skills such as reading and listening may score 6.0. However, even if you have some English proficiency, it is unlikely that you will get 6.0 in speaking and writing without any measures, and the score will be around 5.0. As a result, the average score for the four skills, overalls, will probably be less than 6.0.

Difficulty getting a band score of 6.0 in IELTS

Even if you have an intermediate level of English proficiency, it is not easy to get IELTS 6.0. Even if you can clear up to 5.5 smoothly, there are many people who stumble on the wall of 6.0, so 6.0 is a guideline for taking the IELTS test. In this chapter, we will explain in detail the difficulty of getting a band score of 6.0 according to the four skills of reading, listening, speaking and writing.

English proficiency required for reading

Reading is a total of 40 questions. It consists of three passages, about 900 words per passage. Topics cover a wide range of topics such as business, history, and science. In order to get a band score of 6.0, you need to answer 23 to 26 questions correctly.

Example sentence: The invention of rockets is linked inextricably with the invention of'black powder'.

Source: Sample test questions

The above is a test sample of the academic module introduced on the English version official website of IELTS. There are many words per passage, but if you have enough English ability to read English newspapers, you will reach 6.0. In fact, reading is a skill that makes it relatively easy for Japanese people to get a high score. Compared to other English exams, it requires quick reading and reading comprehension.

English proficiency required for listening

Listening is a total of 40 questions. It consists of 4 sections, and each section takes about 7 to 8 minutes. In order to get a band score of 6.0, you need to answer 23 to 25 questions correctly.

Example sentence: What TWO factors can make social contact in a foreign country difficult?

Source: Sample test questions

The above is a test sample of the short answer introduced on the English version official website of IELTS. In listening, question patterns such as multiple choice, fill-in-the-blank questions, and labeling are decided. Since IELTS is a descriptive test rather than a selective test, it is important to be aware of spelling mistakes to get 6.0.

English ability required for speaking

Speaking consists of three parts, each part taking about 4 to 5 minutes.

Part1: Daily conversations including general questions
Part2: Speeches on specified topics
Part3: Discussions related to Part3

The above is the specific content of the speaking test. In addition, speaking is scored according to various evaluation criteria such as fluency and consistency, vocabulary, pronunciation, grammar and accuracy. It is important to use not only simple English words but also expressions suitable for the topic. In order to acquire 6.0, instantaneous power and presentation power are also indispensable skills.

Speaking evaluation criteria

Let's take a closer look at the criteria for getting 6.0 in speaking.

The above table is a brief summary of the evaluation criteria introduced on the IELTS official website. Even if you can't speak perfectly, you can get a rating of 6.0 level, but many Japanese people are not good at fluency, consistency, and pronunciation.

English ability required for writing

Writing consists of two tasks, task 1 with 150 words and task 2 with 250 words. Writing assessments are graded by a well-trained IELTS test tube. There are four evaluation criteria.

・ Achievement of tasks
・ Consistency and cohesion
・ Vocabulary
・ Grammar knowledge and accuracy

It has something in common with speaking skills, but it tends to require more specialized words and expressions compared to writing.

Writing evaluation criteria

Find out more about the criteria for getting 6.0 in speaking. Here, we will introduce the evaluation criteria for Task 1.

The above table is a brief summary of the evaluation criteria introduced on the IELTS official website. A 6.0 level rating can be obtained even if it lacks accuracy, but the attitude of trying to use complicated syntax and specialized phrases is also emphasized.

Average IELTS score

IELTS is rated in 0.5 increments between 9.0 and 3.0. 9.0 is the highest score and 3.0 is the lowest, so 6.0 is just in the middle of IELTS. According to the data released by IELTS, the average score of Japanese is 5.8, and the specific figures are as follows.

The average score for Europe tends to be high, with Italy at 6.8, Spain at 6.9 and France at 6.7. In the same Asian region, China is 5.8, South Korea is 6.0, and Taiwan is 6.1. The overall trend is that reading and listening scores are high and speaking and writing scores are low.

Let's compare IELTS 6.0 with TOEIC / Eiken / TOEFL iBL

Let's compare IELTS 6.0 with TOEIC / Eiken / TOEFL iBL. However, since the skill to measure and the purpose of the test are different, it is a conversion table as a guide only.

Compared to other exams, you can see that the average score of Japanese is 5.8. From this, it can be said that people with a certain level of English proficiency are taking the IELTS test. Also, the difficulty level is higher than that of the multiple-choice test. To obtain IELTS 6.0, you need to have an essential understanding of English.

Scenes where IELTS 6.0 is required

Scenes where IELTS 6.0 is required in the Academic Module include studying abroad at a prestigious university in Asia / Oceania and applying to an overseas graduate school. Visa application is one of the scenes where IELTS 6.0 is required in the general training module.

However, not all countries require IELTS results. It is recommended to check the latest information as it will be in some English-speaking countries such as Australia and Canada.

[By part/learning field] Measures to take IELTS 6.0

The IELTS test time is approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes and is evaluated from four skills: reading, listening, speaking and writing. IELTS can get 6.0 or higher for the first time by taking proper measures and trends. Basically, you will study mainly 4 skills, but it is also essential to study vocabulary and grammar, which are the basis of English proficiency. This chapter introduces efficient learning methods for each part and learning field.

Reading

The reading is also high in the country data released by the IELTS official. Many people in Japan are accustomed to reading English, but let's learn so that you can understand the contents more accurately. Specifically, you need to understand the structure of the sentence correctly.

What I bought was a new computer.

For example, the above sentence is an emphasized syntax. Short sentences can recognize what as a phrase to emphasize a new computer, but the longer the sentence, the more confusing it becomes. English grammar is indispensable for grasping the structure of sentences. Let's acquire the skill to understand the syntax and read it logically, not "I can understand the written state somehow".

Listening

In listening, it is recommended that you listen to the whole sentence and then write it down. Shadowing is also an effective learning method, but there are some cases where you think you can hear it and you don't really understand it correctly. Especially in IELTS, spelling accuracy is also required, so it is important to visualize the words you hear. It is not uncommon to be asked for a person's name when it comes to spelling. You should also be aware of personal names such as John, Martin, and Serena, which are not so conscious of other English exams.

Also, in English, sounds may be combined or missing depending on the surrounding words. Even difficult-to-hear words such as is, was, have, has, and had are repeatedly learned so that they can be heard properly while guessing from the context. If you do not correctly recognize the plural and past tense, you will not be able to get a score.

Speaking

Japanese people tend to feel that they are not good at speaking, but it is best to get used to speaking English anyway. It's best to have someone like the actual IELTS test, but you can also practice by yourself. The IELTS speaking evaluation includes pronunciation items, so it would be effective to start with pronunciation correction.

Listen to the native pronunciation and immediately try to speak out. If possible, record your own pronunciation. By recording, you can objectively hear your pronunciation. If you can't pronounce it correctly, practice it repeatedly. Also, since heavy use of I (I) is subject to deductions, it is useful to remember ready-to-use paraphrases such as It'posable instead of I can and in my opinion instead of I think.

Lighting

The evaluation items for IELTS writing are also open to the public, but unlike the other three skills, it is also a skill that is difficult for individual learning. In particular, the item "consistency and cohesion" required in 6.0 tends to be a subjective judgment. You can learn the points for a high score, but you shouldn't evaluate yourself if you can practice it. Regarding writing, it is better to learn in an environment where you can get feedback from a third party. After completing some IELTS writing exercises, you can improve your skills efficiently by using correction lessons such as online English conversation.

Writing requires not only correctness of grammar, but also the ability to keep up with learning in the English-speaking world. Get in the habit of actively using newly learned words and phrases. The breadth of the text is also an important evaluation point. If you're aiming for 6.0, don't escape to simple grammar and words, and aim for a level of writing that will work as an English-speaking student.

Word

To get a high score, it is also important to train the basics of English proficiency. Focus on vocabulary and grammar in the basics of English proficiency. Approximately 6,000 to 12,000 words are required to capture IELTS, but it is not efficient to memorize such a huge number of words one by one.

The recommended learning method is to memorize it as a sentence. Since you can predict words from the context, you can acquire multiple vocabularies in one sentence. You can also strengthen your vocabulary by associating and remembering synonyms and antonyms. It is important not only to input words, but also to output them regularly. Use the words you have learned positively in writing and speaking exercises.

Grammar

Grammar is another important factor in strengthening basic skills. There are many rules and types of English grammar, so many people may not be good at it. However, understanding the grammar is essential to get 6.0 in IELTS. You may be able to make up for your lack of grammar knowledge by doing the amount, but it takes a lot of time and effort. It is far more efficient to learn the grammar required for 6.0 than that. If you can understand high school level grammar almost perfectly, you can aim for 6.0.

Would you be willing to move to NewYork to run our US office?

In the IELTS test, sentences that are difficult to distinguish between the main subject and the verb are often asked. For example, in the above example sentence, to appears many times, so the structure of the grammar is easily confused. If you have grammatical structure and vocabulary, you will be able to understand the meaning of the sentence in a short time.

What is an efficient way to study to take IELTS 6.0?

Since daily accumulation is important for IELTS, it will be difficult to drive in just before the test. Therefore, make sure to have a study period of at least 3 months. In this chapter, we will introduce concretely how to study efficiently to take IELTS 6.0.

Study in the order of input to output

Let's start studying in the order of input to output. At first, thoroughly learn the words and grammar that form the basis of your English proficiency. Input is suitable for night time, so it is recommended to study together before going to bed. In addition, memory is fixed in the brain by repeating inputs and outputs. Outputting the words and grammar you learned the next morning will improve your learning.

Let's actively use the input contents in the IELTS exercises. In particular, speaking and writing long sentences requires the ability to use grammar properly. Let's analyze why you made a mistake in the exercise and why you made a mistake. Correcting mistakes will definitely improve your English.

First of all, solidify the basics in junior high school English

Just because IELTS 6.0 is equivalent to Eiken Level 1, you don't have to focus on difficult learning. Especially if you are taking the exam for the first time, let's solidify the basics in junior high school English. In junior high school English, frequently used expressions are used in both words and grammar. It will be easier to get a high score in IELTS if you work hard enough to get a perfect score on the middle school level test. Middle school English may seem easy, but getting a perfect score is actually quite difficult. If you don't really understand it, you'll make small mistakes.

Once you have a solid foundation in junior high school English, you can move on to high school English. If you get a perfect score on the high school level test, you should be able to get an IELTS reading and listening score of almost 6.0 or above. IELTS is a test to judge whether you can use practical English from four skills. At the same time as preparing for the exam, let's study while being aware of strengthening your English proficiency comprehensively.

Receive professional guidance in an English conversation class

In descriptive IELTS, getting professional guidance at an English conversation school is the fastest way to a high score. Even if you solve the problem repeatedly, you cannot improve it unless you know what is the deduction factor. In particular, speaking and writing skills will be difficult to score without professional guidance.

At English conversation schools, you can either go to the classroom and study face-to-face or online. For working people who are busy, we recommend online English conversation, which is flexible in time. There are various courses for online English conversation. It is attractive that it is easy to learn by utilizing the gap time, such as lessons specialized in IELTS and writing correction. In order to acquire the usable English proficiency required by IELTS, it can be said that the most efficient learning method is to repeat the practice under the guidance of a professional.