Unlock Ielts
By Richa Raj > May 08, 2023
Overcoming language barriers: Tips and tricks for non-native speakers
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For non-native speakers of English seeking to study or work in a foreign country, it's important that their level of English language proficiency is up to standard. The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is the most popular test among non-native speakers that measures their ability to read, write, speak, and listen in English.
Learning a new language can be quite a challenging task, especially when you have to prepare for an exam like IELTS. It takes time and effort to master the language and overcome linguistic barriers. But with hard work and good preparation, anyone can achieve their dream score in IELTS.
In this blog post, we'll explore some tips and tricks on how non-native speakers can overcome the language barriers for IELTS preparation. We'll also discuss how UnlockIELTS.com, with its comprehensive preparation material, can help aspirants improve their overall communication skills while preparing them for the exam.
Why do non-native speakers face difficulties with the IELTS exam?
The IELTS exam is designed as a gauge of your ability to communicate effectively in English. This means that aspirants need to possess not only sound grammatical knowledge but also expressive abilities such as fluency and accuracy. Often these essential traits pose challenges for non-native speakers due to cultural differences or linguistic background discrepancies.
For example, if an aspirant belongs from a region where there are strong accents or different dialects compared to British English or American English then comprehending spoken English can be difficult for them. Similarly, expressing oneself coherently in writing or conversationally could be another obstacle experienced by ESL learners.
Tips and Tricks
To overcome these hurdles successfully; here are some practical tips that aspirants can follow:
1.The Importance Of Vocabulary Development
Developing a strong vocabulary is halfway achieving proficiency in any language- including ENGLISH! Consistent exposure helps to understand words in context e.g. reading books, listening to podcasts, etc.
Here are two ways to approach vocabulary development:
• Learn new words daily
• Try spaced repetition method
The spaced-repetition technique utilizes flashcards that show words based on their difficulty level. Words that are more comfortable to remember will reappear in the deck at a longer interval than more challenging ones so you can focus on honing your weaker areas and improving overall retention.
2. Work exquisitely on Pronunciation
Pronunciation plays an important role in maintaining fluidity and clarity of communication.
• Practice pronunciation regularly: Pronounce difficult sounds/words and record yourself for self-review.
• Listen carefully: Pay attention to how native speakers pronounce specific words or sounds correctly, as this will help you articulate English more fluently.
3 Improving Communication skills:
From social conversations to academic discussions, Conversing in English goes a long way in building confidence around spoken communication.
Here are some strategies that an aspirant could opt-in order to strengthen their communicative abilities
1.Converse In English With Peers/Friends/Teachers
You don't have to wait till you have a mastery of the language before practicing it out loud. Engage with peers who use your target Language commonly; Try attaining proficiency through speaking practice rather than reading or writing alone
2.Watch Videos With Subtitles And Try To Speak Along
Watching movies or TV shows is an excellent exercise for attuning one's ears with different pronunciations while also practicing mimicking dialogues when combined with subtitles.
4.Reading Strategies:
Effective reading techniques can help non-native speakers improve their reading ability such as speed-reading while comprehending information quickly
1.Timed Reading drills: You set a timer for yourself when you're reading content (newspapers, books), which triggers greater comprehension efficiency.
2.Active Reading Techniques-
Such techniques as highlighting key phrases, creating annotations/margin notes can help readers better understand the text and synthesize important information.
5.Writing strategies:
From drafting an outline to finer details like checking grammar or spelling errors, written communication forms a sizeable chunk of IELTS exams.
1.Understand The Question
Understanding the main point in an essay is a key to delivering on the purpose of writing practice tests. Highlighting these points helps one get area-specific vocabularies.
2.Outline Your Essay Before You Start Writing
Outline serves as a roadmap for an essay that will help you avoid long run-ons and digression while making sure your response aligns with the requirements.
3.Practice Writing As Much As Possible
Buy yourself some time every day to engage in some writing prompts - either by choosing free topics or practicing previous IELTS writing questions.
UnlockIELTS.com
UnlockIELTS.com provides preparation material designed specifically for non-native speakers looking to improve their English language proficiency and excel in the IELTS exam. They offer comprehensive study materials that include grammar fundamentals, vocabulary building, pronunciation support and other training resources such as mock test papers, timed reading drills, speaking session arrangements with native English instructors, etc. Specifically tailored videos relate techniques which would interest people from all ages who have different learning patterns so there are more than enough options to select from
Their programs encourage users to opt for traditional methods of studying along with technology-based platforms such as interactive games-that promote additional proactiveness.. With expert guidance available through their coaching sessions & online classes offerings starting from foundational levels over Intermediate levels (measured by usual band score credibility), aspirants can get started correcting their mistakes & forging ahead with polished abilities.
Conclusion:
Language barriers can often prove challenging when attempting standardized English tests such as IELTS. However, this should not discourage you from achieving success on your test! Implementing the above tips and tricks could make a massive difference in your overall performance in the IELTS exam. Moreover, with websites such as UnlockIELTS.com, you can access quality preparation material online, which is readily available to support your journey towards improving your English language proficiency.
With an unwavering focus on consistent practice and perseverance, any non-native speaker can overcome these challenges and ace the IELTS exam!