13-Year-Old Hanoi Student Scores 8.5 in IELTS on First Attempt

In a remarkable academic feat, Le Tuan Minh, a 13-year-old 8th grader from True North International School in Hanoi, has scored an overall band of 8.5 on the IELTS exam—his very first attempt. The test, held on March 31, revealed his proficiency with 8.5 in Listening, Reading, and Speaking, and 7.5 in Writing.

A Young Achiever with a Passion for Learning

Minh’s outstanding result is especially noteworthy considering his age. According to official IELTS statistics, most Vietnamese test-takers fall between 16 and 22 years of age, with only 1% scoring 8.5 or higher during the 2023–2024 testing period.

“I was really surprised, especially with my Writing score,” Minh shared. “During practice tests, I usually scored between 6 and 7.”

He initially took the IELTS as a personal challenge and to boost his academic profile for future study opportunities.

Minh's IELTS Score Breakdown

Keys to Minh’s Success

Early Exposure to English

Minh’s journey with English began early, and he attributes his fluency to:

• Reading English materials related to programming and robotics
• Watching English-language videos
• Participating in English-speaking environments

Structured Preparation

Minh began focused IELTS preparation one year prior to the test:

• Prep Course: Attended a twice-weekly IELTS prep course

• Online Practice Account: Practiced 1–3 tests per skill per day

• Night Study Routine: Studied after finishing school homework

Practice Habits

Minh maintained a consistent routine:

• Practice Materials: Official IELTS practice questions and online resources
• Skill Focus:
  • Listening & Reading: Timed mock tests
  • Speaking: Self-recording and mock interviews
  • Writing: Essay reviews and prompt analysis

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Overcoming Writing Worries

Despite his strong performance in most areas, Minh initially feared the Writing section—especially Task 1, which often involves analyzing data or diagrams.

Task 1: Describing a Process

In the actual test, Minh’s Task 1 prompt was about:

• Describing how a solar-powered water pump purifies drinking water

Thanks to his background in science and technology, this topic felt familiar and manageable.

Task 2: Tackling a Societal Issue

For Writing Task 2, Minh was asked to:

• Discuss challenges faced by middle-aged workers competing with younger employees
• Suggest possible solutions

Minh’s Response:

• Identified problem: Limited job opportunities for both age groups
• Proposed solution:
  • Encourage AI and tech-based roles
  • Design jobs that appeal more to younger generations
  • Promote upskilling programs for older employees

Minh’s Advice to Fellow Students

For other students aiming for a high IELTS score, Minh offers this advice:

Top Tips from Minh

• Start early: Build English skills long before test prep
• Set a goal: Minh aimed for an overall band 8.0 by year-end
• Be consistent: Daily practice matters more than cramming
• Focus on weaknesses: Identify and improve your weakest skill
• Use English daily: Especially through hobbies like reading tech content

Minh’s success story is a testament to the power of passion, consistency, and early preparation. Despite being only 13 years old, his maturity in handling complex topics, both in English and in general knowledge, sets an example for young learners worldwide.

With aspirations in robotics and programming, Minh’s excellent command of English is likely to open doors to global educational opportunities in the near future.

Minh’s IELTS Journey