Grammar & vocabulary are tools — not the goal.
School habits (and early IELTS folklore) taught many of us to chase rare words and complex grammar. Yet high scorers consistently point to fluency and natural communication as the real drivers of performance. Grammar‑translation is an outdated method for most learners.
Practical takeaways for teachers
- Prioritise output: get learners speaking and writing. Don’t interrupt mid‑message; give delayed feedback.
- Focus feedback: fix one or two issues per round — not everything.
- Flip the classroom: theory and explainer videos at home; conversations, tasks, and debates in class.
For young learners (and frankly, everyone), invest in life skills that power learning: self‑reliance, creativity, curiosity, and teamwork. Those carry you much further than a few fancy words.