Why You Keep Getting Band 4 (And How to Fix It)
5 Problems That Keep Your Score Low
You have taken the test. You got Band 4 again. Why does this keep happening?
Band 4 is not a failure. It shows you understand basic English. But you want Band 5. Here are 5 reasons you might be stuck and how to fix each one.
Reason 1: Not Enough Vocabulary
Band 4 students know about 2,000-3,000 words. To reach Band 5, you need 3,500-4,500 words.
When you do not know many words, you cannot understand the passages. You also cannot understand the questions.
How to Fix It
- Learn 10 new words every week
- Focus on academic words (words used in IELTS)
- Use our vocabulary section
- Write each new word in a sentence
Reason 2: Guessing True/False/Not Given
This question type has the most wrong answers at Band 4. Many students guess instead of using a strategy.
The problem is knowing the difference between "False" and "Not Given."
How to Fix It
- FALSE means the passage says something different
- NOT GIVEN means the passage says nothing about this
- Read our T/F/NG guide
- Practice this question type every week
Reason 3: Running Out of Time
You need 20 minutes per passage. If you spend 30 minutes on Passage 1, you will not have time for Passage 3.
Passage 3 is the hardest. If you rush it, you will get many wrong answers.
How to Fix It
- Practice with a timer
- Do not read every word (skim for main ideas)
- Skip hard questions and come back later
- Never leave questions blank (always guess)
Reason 4: Not Reading Questions First
Some students read the whole passage first. Then they read the questions. Then they read the passage again to find answers.
This takes too much time. It is also confusing.
How to Fix It
- Read all questions BEFORE the passage
- Underline key words in the questions
- Look for those words as you read
- Match questions to paragraphs
Reason 5: No Practice Routine
Taking one test per month is not enough. Your English skills need regular practice to improve.
Without a routine, you forget what you learned.
How to Fix It
- Practice 45-60 minutes, 5 days per week
- Follow a study plan
- Take the monthly diagnostic to check progress
- Rest 2 days per week (your brain needs breaks)
Band 4 Is Your Starting Point
Do not be upset about Band 4. It shows you where you are now. Now you know what to fix.
Many students improve from Band 4 to Band 5 in 12 weeks. You can do it too.
Start with our Reading for Beginners guide. Then follow the 12-week plan.