Vũ Mai Lan (11C1, Cambridge International Program, Greenfield School Ecopark) has impressively achieved an 8.0 IELTS score on her very first attempt — without cramming non-stop, sacrificing sleep, or spending long hours at intense exam prep courses. So, what’s her secret to conquering this highly coveted IELTS milestone?

Mai Lan developed a love for English from an early age. She often watched English-language movies and practiced reading comprehension through novels and storybooks. During summer breaks, she could finish a 300-page novel in just 2–3 days. “Maintaining these habits helped me constantly be exposed to English, absorb it naturally, build reflexes, and expand vocabulary and grammar structures,” Mai Lan shared.

Since transferring to Greenfield School Ecopark in Grade 8 and joining the Cambridge International Program, Mai Lan has had more opportunities to immerse herself in English. With the Cambridge curriculum, all subjects are taught in English, making English not just a subject but a powerful tool to access knowledge and develop skills in other areas such as Mathematics, Business Studies, and Information Technology.

Mai Lan emphasized: “Studying English solely for exam preparation is a common mistake. IELTS doesn’t just test grammar or language use; it also evaluates a candidate’s general knowledge across various fields. Without understanding and relevant vocabulary, even a proficient English speaker cannot effectively communicate or write a compelling essay.”

Additionally, the A Level English program at Greenfield School, aligned with IELTS preparation, helped Mai Lan strengthen all four skills — Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing — under rigorous standards. She also practiced critical thinking, research, and confident, independent presentation of ideas.

Beyond classroom learning, Mai Lan explored extra practice materials, such as Reading and Listening exercises on Study4, reading news articles, watching international current affairs, and chatting in English with foreign friends online. She also practiced Listening with TedX and Ted Talks sessions.

For Writing, she initially struggled with social topic essays, producing superficial or poorly structured pieces. Studying Business Studies, which requires timed essays, helped her improve significantly over time.

Mai Lan noted: “Of the four skills, Speaking was the hardest because it requires quick thinking, broad vocabulary, and analyzing multiple aspects of a topic.” She focused on fluency and coherence rather than overloading her speech with sophisticated vocabulary.

In November 2025, Mai Lan decided to sit for the IELTS to standardize her profile early while continuing her academic goals. Without intense cramming or stressful prep courses, she achieved an 8.0 overall score on her first attempt, with Listening 9.0, Reading 8.5, Writing 7.0, and Speaking 6.5.

Mai Lan believes that there is no one-size-fits-all method for learning. What matters is finding a method that suits oneself. While guidance and references are helpful, it’s crucial to adapt techniques to personal strengths and preferences, making language learning simpler and more enjoyable.

Even with an effective approach, Mai Lan faced periods of stress and pressure, balancing IELTS preparation with the dual demands of the Vietnamese national curriculum and the Cambridge A Level program. She learned to manage her time effectively and prioritize urgent tasks, achieving better balance.

Her favorite motto: “You don’t need to overcome all your fears before doing what you want. Just focus on taking action even while your fears are still there.”

Congratulations to Mai Lan on this remarkable achievement! May she continue to thrive in her pursuit of knowledge and bigger dreams ahead.