Eight students in this study achieved an increase in their Overall score from Test 1 to Test 2 of one whole band and a further 14 achieved a half band increase. In other words, just over half of this sample of 40 students were able to achieve a better result in the IELTS Test when taken again after two or three years of higher education in Australia. A total of 12 students achieved the same Overall score in Test 2 as in Test 1, and six students actually regressed, dropping a half band. Of course