How to score Band 7.5+ in IELTS Academic: A guide for IMGs
For International Medical Graduates (IMGs), securing a Band 7.5 or higher in IELTS Academic can feel like a daunting task. Yet with the right strategies, structured practice, and a clear understanding of the exam’s demands, it’s entirely achievable. This guide is designed to help you approach IELTS Academic with the same dedication and precision that brought you success in your medical career.
What is IELTS?
IELTS is a widely recognised English language proficiency test designed to assess the language skills of non-native speakers who want to study in, work in, or migrate to English-speaking countries. It tests Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking, each section reflecting everyday English usage.
Check out our guide: OET vs IELTS
IELTS Academic is required for higher education or professional registration (International Medical Graduates). There’s also IELTS General Training, which focuses more on workplace and everyday communication.
The test is scored on a band scale from 0 to 9, with 0 being “Did not attempt” and 9 indicating “Expert User.” For most medical professions in the UK, a minimum of 7.5 is often required, with no section below 7.0.
IELTS is one of the requirements for taking the PLAB 1 exam.
With a minimum score of 7.5 required, it’s essential that you get it right when it comes to IELTS. Here’s how to do it…
Understand the exam format
First things first: Know your enemy. And by that, we mean the exam you’re about to sit.
In case you didn’t know, IELTS Academic comprises four sections - Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking - each testing distinct skills.
|
Component |
Timing |
Details |
What’s assessed? |
|
Listening |
30 minutes |
4 sections, single play, with 10 min transfer time |
Assess the ability to understand spoken English in a variety of contexts, such as everyday conversations and academic discussions |
|
Reading |
60 minutes |
4 sections, single play, with 10 min transfer time |
Three academic-style passages that require a sharp eye for detail and the ability to skim effectively |
|
Writing |
60 minutes |
Task 1 (150 words), Task 2 (250 words) |
Task one: Describe visual information (like graphs or charts) in at least 150 words. Task two: Craft a formal essay of at least 250 words on a given topic. |
|
Speaking |
11 - 14 minutes |
Interview, cue card, and discussion |
Assesses fluency and ability to discuss familiar and abstract topics in a natural conversation |
Work on your core skills
A Band 7.5+ demands more than just medical knowledge - it requires robust, well-rounded English. Start by expanding your vocabulary beyond the medical terms you’ll encounter on a daily basis: try to read widely in as many formats as possible, from newspapers to academic journals and keep a notebook of new words with definitions and sample sentences - keep it handy wherever you go. This helps you integrate new vocabulary into your writing and speaking naturally.
Listening
Listening skills are often overlooked, but they are crucial for achieving a high score. Try to immerse yourself in English in its spoken form by listening to UK podcasts, medical lectures, and news segments. Pay special attention to sections 3 and 4 of the Listening test, where the difficulty ramps up. Spelling errors can be costly here, so practise accurate spelling of medical terms and general vocabulary alike.
Reading
Reading can be particularly challenging when it comes to time management. Practice reading under timed conditions using authentic IELTS materials, focusing on scanning for keywords and understanding the main ideas rather than reading every word. Use capital letters consistently when writing answers, especially on paper-based tests, to avoid losing marks for unclear handwriting.
Writing
Writing is where many IMGs stumble, but it’s also where you can make significant gains if you’re worried about other areas. As a rough guide, allocate approximately 20 minutes for Task 1 and 40 minutes for Task 2 to avoid rushing the essay segment.
Be sure to use a variety of sentence structures - including conditional sentences, relative clauses, and passive voice - to demonstrate that you have linguistic range. In Task 1, structure your response clearly, including an introduction, an overview that highlights key trends, and then detailed comparisons. For Task 2, aim for a logical progression with four to five paragraphs: an introduction, two or three body paragraphs, and a concise conclusion.
Writing tips for Band 7.5+
In the Writing test, accuracy matters just as much as complexity. Incorporate a mix of simple, compound, and complex sentences, but ensure they are grammatically correct. Too many errors, even in advanced structures, can drag down your score. For Task 1, always include a clear overview that summarises the key trends or features. In Task 2, provide a balanced discussion with well-developed ideas, and finish with a strong conclusion that ties your argument together.
Speaking
Speaking requires confidence and fluency; remember, you’ll be speaking to patients from all walks of life. Practice speaking English daily by recording yourself, talking with a language partner, or joining a conversation club. Develop the habit of adding detail to every answer, avoiding one-word or overly brief responses.
If you need to buy yourself time, use natural fillers like “Well, let me think…” - phrases which will also help you maintain fluency. Don’t underestimate the importance of rhythm and intonation when you speak, as these can contribute significantly to the impression of fluency and coherence during a conversation.
Develop exam-day tactics
Exam prep doesn’t end with practice - it’s also about the mindset and routine you maintain during your daily life. Ensure you get plenty of sleep before the exam and start your day with a good, nutritious breakfast to give you the energy and mental focus you need for the day ahead. Dress in layers, as exam rooms can vary in temperature and you can adjust as needed. Arrive early to avoid stress and ensure you’re fully equipped with pencils, erasers, your ID, and a transparent water bottle.
During the test, use the pre-listening reading time wisely to underline keywords and anticipate answers. Keep an eye on word limits in Writing - at least 150 words for Task 1 and 250 for Task 2 - to avoid losing marks for trivial reasons. Stay calm and focused, following instructions carefully and managing your time across all sections.
Practice, review, and repeat
Achieving a Band 7.5+ is rarely the result of a single test on a single day - it’s usually the product of a cycle: Test - Strategy - Test - Review. Take full practice tests under timed conditions (Cambridge IELTS Academic series is highly recommended). Afterwards, log your mistakes and develop targeted strategies to address them. For example, if you struggled with a particular question type in Reading, focus on that in your next practice session.
Before the big day arrives, ensure you’re consistently achieving Band 7.5+ in each section during mock tests - remember that those real-life exam conditions can change everything. Ensure that your vocabulary is up to date, your writing incorporates a variety of complex structures, and your speaking sounds natural and confident. Practice with at least five full Academic IELTS tests under timed conditions to familiarise yourself with the pacing and demands of the real exam.
A high IELTS score is an incredibly important step toward establishing your medical career in the UK. By building a strong foundation, refining your skills, and adopting a solid approach, you can confidently aim for a Band 7.5 or higher in the IELTS Academic test.
Remember that consistent practice and regular reviews on your progress are the keys to success. Good luck!