Candidates need some specific skills with which they can score more than band 8 in general as well as academic IELTS. For example, it is mandatory to have skimming skills for reading, else the candidate will be reading every word in the passage and will not be able to complete in given time and therefore might end up losing marks. With those skimming skills, they will be able to read the question first rather than ending up straight away at the passage, and identify keywords in the question which will be needed for skimming and then they glance through the passages. With this method, they can find and sort out the answers quickly and also save time, so if they fail to do skimming, it will be time consuming for them to search for answers.
Considering the listening, the candidate should be able to develop the ability to understand slang, the accent and even the phonetic pronunciation of every word pronounced when the transcription is being played. Considering writing module, legible handwriting has to be given priority as the examiners has to understand the words written by the candidate in the answer sheet; in addition to that, knowledge of vocabulary is also needed for adding it to the right context and with respective to the content. At Prestige institute, the tutors analyze the students and provide them a framework of skills needed for them to have a higher band score. Furthermore, there are many skills needed for those modules which are taught during the time of the course.
References
http://www.macmillaneducationapps.com/ieltsskills/
https://www.ielts.org/what-is-ielts/ielts-for-migration/united-kingdom/…