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Hi Pat:
 
The first time I took the IELTS test, my speaking score was only 5.5 and my writing score was just 6. Then I read your books before I took the test for the second time. This time my speaking score is 6.5 and my writing score is 8! I have to say your books helped me a lot! Every time I read them, I felt like I was communicating with you. Thank you very much! I’d like to share my learning experience with all the friends who are preparing for the test now.

I kept listening to BBC every day. This is one of the reasons I did well in listening. What I also recommend for listening is using the listening materials in the Cambridge IELTS series to do dictation. It is very effective.
 
For reading, expanding vocabulary is important. So memorising words every day! I also recommend intensive reading practice before the test. It means reading through the whole article quickly first, then underlining the topic sentences, and then finding out unfamiliar words. This method can help us to grasp the structure of the passages and expanding our vocabulary. We should also be familiar with the different types of questions. So do as many practices as you can!
 
What I want to emphasise about writing is the body paragraphs and the conclusion. You should expand your topic sentences using many ways, like giving examples and making contrast. If you have not given clear opinion in you introduction or body paragraphs, restating it in the conclusion is extremely important. Practice as much as you can and comparing your essays with the samples!
 
As for speaking, I think we should try to grasp the way to express our thought. This can be achieved by reading samples. Also, when we are reading, memorising the useful words and sentences.

I’ll be really happy if my learning experience can help others. In fact, I still have many problems when I use English. I will keep learning.

Good luck to everyone! 

Best wishes
Miranda Li