The ‘noise’ I mean is social media noise. We’re all guilty of it - sending messages, commenting, sharing tips and advice – some good, some perhaps not. Just the sheer volume of ‘stuff’ out there is enough to give you a headache. And then, what do you do with it all and how does it actually help you? These are important questions.
In my experience a lot of this extraneous noise just makes people more confused, more anxious and lowers confidence levels. It’s all too much and makes your head spin. It’s confusing – questions or text first – how much to read – when do I write about both sides – how many points per paragraph - to skim or not to skim - or should we be scanning, how can I remember all the choices in MCQ – maps are my nemesis; and the answers come back thick and fast from students, from teachers with many different opinions and then those annoying offers of certificates without the test!! And so on and so on and so on.
Sound Familiar?
I had a conversation earlier today with an IELTS student and we were discussing whether there should be 2 or 3 main paragraphs in her task 2. A teacher had told her to have 3 but she had seen some examples with 2. I said I didn’t think it mattered really. But, she said if the examiner is a ‘3’ examiner I will fail. I said, and if you write 3 and the examiner is a ‘2’ examiner you will fail too 
What is important 2 or 3 paragraphs or the quality of what you write?
So, what is the answer?
For me, a good level of English performed well in all four skills on the day of the test. How to achieve this?
- Make sure your English is good and at the level you need for the band you want
- Practice the test before the exam so that you can do it well and perform well
That’s it – simple.
Now step back from the noise and focus on this.
And as to the 2 or 3 paragraph conundrum – this is what IELTS says:
Candidates are assessed on their ability to:
- To present a solution to a problem
- Present and justify an opinion
- Compare and contrast evidence and opinions
- Evaluate and challenge ideas, evidence or arguments
And also:
- Write in an appropriate style
How many paragraphs you use, what words you choose and the ideas you present are not mentioned – so it’s up to you as long as you present everything well according to the question.
So get back to basics – more time on language and practice and less time on noise.