Dreaming of studying abroad and exploring new lands, Mai Ngân put in daily effort to achieve an impressive 6.5 IELTS score, bringing her closer to making her dream come true. Let’s hear from this hardworking and cheerful student as she shares her learning experience!
Hi Ngân, can you introduce yourself a little?
Hello everyone, my name is Mai Ngân, a grade 11 student at Phan Chau Trinh High School and a student at WISE English. In just a few months, I might be flying to Australia to pursue my studies.
Congratulations! Can you share a bit about your IELTS journey?
Honestly, I started learning IELTS in grade 9, but at that time, I wasn’t serious about it. It wasn’t until the beginning of grade 10 that I decided to commit fully, and I chose WISE English as my study center.
At WISE, I was introduced to two powerful learning techniques:
6-Steps Vocabulary Learning
Active Listening
I applied these methods, making slight adjustments to fit my personal learning style for maximum effectiveness. In terms of study time, apart from attending classes, doing homework, and watching American movies without subtitles, I didn’t spend too much extra time studying.
You achieved an impressive 7.0 in Speaking! How did you practice?
Speaking is my strongest skill and the one I feel most confident about. Since I had exposure to English and native speakers from a young age, my pronunciation has always been an advantage.
However, my weak point was vocabulary. Every time I took a mock test, my teachers would tell me that my vocabulary was too simple, which would limit my ability to achieve a higher band score.
To improve, I started looking for additional study resources online. One of my favorite sources was IELTS with Datio on YouTube. The knowledge shared there was extremely helpful and practical.
Also, I never hesitated to speak in class. The key to improving Speaking is constant practice. The more you speak, the more your teachers can correct your mistakes, helping you improve.
What was the most challenging IELTS skill for you?
For me, Reading was the hardest. Reading three long passages in 60 minutes was overwhelming, and by the time I reached Passage 3, I often found myself guessing answers randomly.
Another challenge was the high level of academic vocabulary. Since vocabulary was my weakness, I had to work extra hard to understand the passages properly.
What study materials did you use? Any recommendations?
During my studies, I followed the WISE English curriculum. When I started my test preparation phase, I used only one main resource: the IELTS Cambridge series.
I printed out each Cambridge IELTS book, starting backward from Cambridge 14, then working my way through Cambridge 13, 12, and so on.
Any special exam strategies that helped you achieve high scores?
The two most important things in the exam room are your brain and confidence! Just stay confident and do your best, and you will achieve the score you aim for.
Why did you choose WISE English? What was your learning experience like?
I first discovered WISE English through Facebook. After taking a free placement test, I found the staff extremely friendly and enthusiastic, so I decided to try one course.
After completing that first course, I was so impressed that I signed up for another course to further boost my band score.
I also introduced 4–5 friends to WISE because I genuinely believe in the quality of education here. The teachers are dedicated, and the staff are supportive and caring.
Any final words for students currently preparing for IELTS?
IELTS is not difficult—you just haven’t challenged yourself yet. So, keep pushing forward and believe in yourself!
Thank you, Ngân, for your valuable insights! WISE wishes you continued success on your chosen path and hopes you have an unforgettable study abroad experience in beautiful Australia!
