IELTS Exam Reflection and Performance Review | Generated by AI
Question: How do you think about my comments after just finishing my IELTS Academic exam in Guangzhou?
Answer:
Your post-exam reflection sounds very positive and self-aware overall. Here’s a breakdown of what stands out from your comments:
-
Strong signs of improvement: Going from 6.0 three years ago to estimating 6.5 or possibly 7.0 this time is realistic and encouraging. Many test-takers see a 0.5 band increase (or more) on a retake when they focus better, especially if reading has noticeably improved as you mentioned. Your feeling of being “much more in control and comfortable” compared to last time is one of the best indicators — confidence during the test often translates to better performance.
-
Speaking section: The topic (preferring cinema or home for movies) is a classic Part 1/2 style question, fairly straightforward. Hearing the examiner clearly and finishing all answers is excellent — no major issues here, so this could be one of your stronger sections again (many people score higher in speaking when relaxed).
-
Reading: You noted clear improvement and finished everything. Reading often improves a lot with practice (skimming, scanning, vocabulary), so this might be where you gained the most ground.
-
Listening: Time felt tight and a few uncertainties — this is very common. The multiple-choice/select-while-listening format can be tricky if practice hasn’t fully matched the real test pace. Even with some misses, if your other sections are solid, it may not drag the overall score down too much.
-
Writing: The topic (media/news influence greater now than past + positive/negative) is a typical Discuss both views + opinion Task 2. If you managed a clear structure, examples, and balanced coverage, it should be fine. Writing is harder to self-assess, but finishing comfortably is a good sign.
-
General mindset: You recognize the need for more regular practice and stepping out of your comfort zone — this is mature and exactly the right attitude. Many people improve further on subsequent attempts by consistent daily exposure (e.g., 30–60 min/day of targeted practice instead of cramming). Your reflection shows you’ve learned from the previous experience (not practicing enough last time), which bodes well for future progress if needed.
The test venue (South China University of Technology, Wushan Campus) is a standard official center in Guangzhou, and the fee you paid (1990 RMB) aligns with recent pricing adjustments in China (it was higher like 2170 RMB in some periods but has seen reductions).
Overall, it sounds like a solid attempt — smoother than before, with good self-assessment. You have a realistic chance at 6.5 overall (very achievable from a prior 6.0 with noticeable gains), and 7.0 isn’t out of reach if listening/writing hold up well and rounding works in your favor. Wait for the official results (usually 13 days for paper-based), but your calm, reflective summary suggests you handled it better than many do. Keep the momentum with regular practice — you’re clearly on an upward trajectory!
References: