Taking the IELTS exam as an English teacher is a surprisingly eye-opening experience. Many people assume that because I teach grammar, writing, and academic communication, achieving a high band score should be effortless. But the truth is very different. Preparing for IELTS requires not only language ability but also discipline, structure, and familiarity with the test format.
In this article, I share how I prepared, what I learned during the exam, and how digital tools such as the IELTS Writing AI Essay Checker played an important role in improving my writing skills and helping me understand the exam from a student’s perspective.

How I Approached IELTS Preparation as a Teacher

Even though I teach IELTS writing, I wanted to experience the exam myself so I could better understand my students’ struggles. I started by reviewing each writing task type and identifying the skills required to achieve a Band 7 or higher. I quickly realized that while I could explain these skills in class, applying them under strict time pressure was a different challenge.

To prepare effectively, I followed a structured study plan. Every week, I scheduled six writing sessions—three for Task 1 and three for Task 2. I also practiced brainstorming ideas within one minute, outlining essays quickly, and organizing paragraphs clearly. This helped me become more efficient and confident.

One of the most helpful resources during my preparation was the IELTS Writing AI Essay Checker, a tool that provides real-time feedback on Task Achievement, Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource, and Grammar. As a teacher, I appreciated how specific and practical the feedback was. It highlighted issues such as unclear topic sentences, repetitive vocabulary, and minor grammatical inconsistencies that I might overlook when evaluating my own writing.

More importantly, the tool’s automatic band score estimations allowed me to track my progress. Seeing my writing gradually improve gave me not only motivation but also a clearer understanding of what examiners look for. This made my practice sessions more focused and goal-oriented. Instead of guessing what needed improvement, I had immediate guidance that helped refine my writing technique.

What I Experienced on the Actual Test Day

When exam day arrived, I felt a mix of confidence and curiosity. Despite my teaching background, I reminded myself that success in the IELTS Writing test depends on clarity, structure, and precision—not on how advanced my English is. The moment I opened the writing booklet, the importance of planning became even more evident.

For Task 1, I began by identifying the main features of the visual data and writing a clear overview. Doing this first helped me stay organized and prevented me from including unnecessary details. I focused on major trends, comparisons, and significant changes rather than describing every number.

Task 2 was more challenging. I knew that maintaining coherence was critical, so I used a structured approach: introduction, two body paragraphs, and conclusion. I made sure each paragraph contained one clear idea supported by explanations or examples. While writing, I stayed mindful of lexical variety to avoid repeating key words and expressions.

One surprising realization I had during the exam was how easily candidates can drift away from the main topic if they become stressed. Even teachers, who are used to academic writing, must stay disciplined. The experience helped me empathize more deeply with the challenges my students face.

Reflecting on the exam afterwards, I felt grateful for the practice I had done and the consistent feedback provided by the IELTS Writing AI Essay Checker. Without those practice sessions, I might have overlooked weaknesses that only become visible under exam conditions.

Today, I strongly encourage my students to combine regular writing practice with smart tools that offer objective evaluation. Doing so builds confidence, improves accuracy, and shortens the time needed to achieve a target band score. Experiencing IELTS firsthand has made me a better teacher, a more understanding mentor, and a more effective guide on the path to IELTS success.