Creating your most effective IELTS preparation strategy
If you want to achieve success on your IELTS test you need to find the right strategy that will make your preparation easier for you. A right strategy is one that takes into consideration your available preparation time, but also prepares you to avoid the most common errors first time IELTS test takers make. Here are some ideas on how to make the most out of the time you have, as well as some tips on how to avoid losing points.
What to do depending on your time.
One week before the exam.
Identify your weakest skills. With so little time, the best thing to do is to find which skills you need working on and then select the most suitable approach for improving those skills, within the given period.
If you need to work on your writing, practice look-cover-wr
In order to successfully pass the IELTS Listening test, you must familiarise yourself with all aspects of the test, how it is structured, how much time do you have and so on, but you must also define a strategy for taking the test. To help you start preparing, here are some answers to the most frequently asked questions about the listening test, as well as some advice on what to do while taking it.
The format of the IELTS listening test
How much time do I have?
The listening test is 30 minutes long. After the test you will be given additional 10 minutes to enter your answers in the answer sheet.
After each section of the test, you have a 30 second break during which you can prepare yourself for the next section
How many parts does the test have?
The test is divided into four sections.
Each section has question which are more difficult than the previous section. Section 1 has the easiest questions, while section 4 the hardest.
What will each part look like?
Section 1 of the test is a recording of a conversation between two people on everyday activities, calling for information, discussing what film to see, and so on.
Section 2 is a recording of a monologue, usually of a person talking about a preparation for some event.
Section 3 is a conversation of at least two people on a more complex topic, usually something to do with education or training.
And finally, Section 4 is a monologue, on a complex subject matter, usually an academic discipline.
Each section uses one of the IELTS question types to test a specific part of your listening. If you are interested in finding out more about the question types and their purpose, you can visit:
http://ift.tt/1ZirIFM
Taking the Test (tips)
The IELTS listening test can be quite challenging for first-time test takers. The strict schedule and question format combined with your own stress and insecurity can result in lower scores if you are not prepared properly. Luckily, with the right strategy, you can easily achieve your desired band-score. Here are some tips to keep in mind when taking the listening test.
What can I do before the test?
It is quite simple really – practice, practice, and practice. Spend as much time as you can listening to audio extracts and exercises so you can improve your listening skills. The internet is full of WebPages offering listening exercises, a number of which even specialise in IELTS practice.
What can I do during the test?
Well, first of all, make sure you are adequately positioned. If you are seated in a place that is uncomfortable or if you can’t quite hear the recording from your seat, inform the testing staff.
Focus. This part of the test is designed to test your focus on specific information, so before you start clear your mind and concentrate on the task at hand.
Before each recording starts, quickly read through the questions to learn what answers are you looking for and focus on finding those answers.
Listen to the introduction. Each section will begin with a introduction like “you will hear a conversation on_____”, which can give you the idea of what the topic of the recording will be. Knowing the topic can help you guess vocabulary and predict answers.
Multitask. Read and answer your question while you are listening to the recording. Never leave your answers for later. You won’t have time and you’ll probably forget.
Write what you hear. All the answers in the IELTS test must be in the original form you heard from the recording. Don’t change the words or use synonyms or you will lose points.
Don’t rely on your answers being repeated. You will only hear the recording once and each answer will not be repeated by the speaker, so pay attention.
Check your answers quickly after each recording. Don’t take too much time to do so because you will have to move on to the next section.
Mind your spelling. If you spell something wrong you will lose points.
Don’t’ leave anything empty. You will not lose points for wrong answers. If you are not sure, try to predict an answer.
Move along with each section. Once one section ends move to the next. You will lose yourself if you fall behind on each recording.
Pay attention to Section 4. The last section has multiple choice questions and the recording is on a more complex topic. Be careful when you do it.
And finally, transfer your answers with caution. Panicking will lead to mistakes. You have 10 minutes, take your time and double-check.
In this podcast, I interviewed Debora who jumped 1.5 bands in writing! Amazing work Debora!
Debra shares how she did it in just 14 days!
In this episode, you will learn:
That the IELTS exam tests not only your use and knowledge of vocabulary but also if you can construct the argument itself
Being sure to focus on what the question in the exam was actually asking
Using the ebook that’s full of practice questions and answers that can help YOU prepare for the writing exam
HERE IS A QUICK STORY:
1 – I’ve already failed the exam…(no idea why?!?!?!)
Hi!
I am studying for my IELS which is the 25th of April. I already did the exam a month ago, I got 7.5 in listening and speaking, 6.5 in reading and only 5.5 in writing (overall was 7). I really have no idea of what are my mistakes in writing and I need 7.
I’ve read that you can correct essays for € 5.
Can I send you one?
Thank you Deb
I CORRECT HER ESSAY, THEN I GET THIS:
2 – I feel frustrated…
Hi Ben,
I really appreciate your feedback. As I told you, I did not get the topic and I look for the concept of international marketing only after I send you the
essay because I tried to emulate the IELTS exam (so, to be honest, I really tried to “say something without saying anything”). Having said that, let’s talk about us
First question: do you think we have the time to work through the preparation for the test which is next month?
What worried me is not only grammar, lexical and coherence and cohesion. It is also task response. I don’t know whether I am able to find strong arguments for the main body, for instance, solutions to hypothetical problems or examples from my main idea or, sometimes, the main idea itself. May happened that I have an opinion on some topic but I am not able to developed it and I feel frustrated.
So, and this is the second question, what do you suggest to do now? Do I purchase the sentence guide (are you talking about the one which costs €92?) and we can start to work hardly since today?
Deb
3 – My response – 10 days is fine to do the course!
Hi Deb,
First question: do you think we have the time to work through the preparation for the test which is the next 25th April?Yes, 10 days is the absolute minimum, if you work quick, next month isn’t a problem. What worried me is not only grammar, lexical and coherence and cohesion. It is also task response. I don’t know whether I am able to find strong arguments for
the main body, for instance, solutions to hypothetical problems or examples form my main idea or, sometimes, the main idea itself. May happened that I have
an opinion on some topic but I am not able to developed it and I feel frustrated.
Totally normal! There is a chapter dedicated to examples and arguments, it isn’t difficult, you’ll be surprised.
So, and this is the second question, what do you suggest to do now? Do I purchase the sentence guide (are you talking about the one which costs €92?)
and we can start to work hardly since today?
Yes I think the SentenceGuide is the best option, and we can start straight away!!
Speak soon,
Ben
4 – Exam went OK …
Hi Ben!
Well the exam has been done. I am not so confident but it’s my nature.
Maybe you are interested in the topics that occurred.
TASK 1 was 4 (damn) pie charts about the amount of hours worked weekly by male/female employees and male/female self-employees in 2007.
TASK 2 was “News media are important in the modern society. Why are they are so important? Do they have positive or negative effects in the society?”
Speak soon
Deb
5 – Results??? You saved my life and my wallet!
Hi Ben,
As we said, I send you the picture of my result. If you want to share it with a message here it is:
Thank you for your help, I improved a lot with your guide. From 5.5 to 7 in only 2 weeks. You’ve saved my life (and my wallet).
In this podcast we cover 7 idioms for describing people – very useful for typical IELTS questions in the speaking, we then go on to cover idioms to describe interests and activities.
Listening to this podcast will help you to understand when and how to use these expressions and most importantly how to pronounce them.
Gabby is exactly the type of teacher I like working with because:
she is bouncing with energy! (seriously this girl never stops)
cares sooooo much for her students
has a results orientated attitude towards improving your English fluency
has transitioned from traditional education to online to help more students
In this episode Gabby will share some great tips for fluency, confidence, and general attitude towards English, you can also learn about the new English Power Pack -and save an absolute tonne of money in the process!
The IELTS speaking test can be quite nerve-racking.
This is because it not only tests our mastery of English grammar rules, but
also tests how fast we can comprehend the questions, recall the relevant knowledge, formulate the answers and deliver the answer in a fluent way with correct pronunciation -and all in very short span of time!
It provides hardly any time to think, to consolidate your thoughts into a logical answer and ensure that the delivery is smooth and in accordance with all the rules of grammar and enunciation.
This is why many believe this to be one of the most challenging parts of the IELTS exam.
Being prepared, however, will help you feel more capable and confident about acing the test.
To prepare it is useful to note the criteria for assessment used in IELTS.
This post covers the criteria used and includes tips to boost your score.
1. Fluency
Fluency consists of speaking in a fluid or flowing manner. It means speaking without any unnecessary stops or pauses caused by hesitation, stuttering or thinking of the next thing to say for a relatively prolonged period.
Here are some tips to help develop fluency. Prolong the last syllable of the last word in your sentence while completing the thought for the next sentence. Also use fillers to help you have more time to think of your next point. And practice talking about different things and giving each a longer and more extensive definition, description or explanation.
2. Pronunciation
Pronunciation deals with the proper way of saying words producing the appropriate sound for each letter and/or syllable of the words used. As well as, putting the stress properly in a word or in phrase or sentence.
To improve pronunciation, study the proper position of the tongue with the palate, gum, teeth, etc. when producing the sounds for each letter for each word that we use as part of our answers. Study, also, where the proper stress on each word, phrase or sentence should be. The dictionary is a good source to find the correct way of saying words. For phrases and sentences, listen to where the stresses and pauses are placed in reliable recordings from the BBC / CNN etc.
3. Coherence
Coherence involves putting ideas together in an organised manner that show ideas are related to each other and it is arranged in a logical way.
A helpful exercise to develop coherence is dissecting a sample paragraph, itemising them and indicating a main point for each, and analyzing why they were positioned in that order in the given paragraph. A useful tool for coherence is the use of conjunctions like “first,” “next,” “in addition,” and more.
4. Grammatical accuracy and range
Grammatical accuracy deals with how much we adhere to the rules of English grammar which include verb tenses, antecedents, parallelism and more. Grammatical range deals with the structures of phrases, sentences and the different parts of speech as applied in the text which can either be simple or complex.
To further develop grammatical accuracy and range, review all the rules of grammar and read many materials with excellent grammatical formats and study their structures. Compose your own written text using different structures making sure all the grammar rules are followed. Then later compose directly as you speak.
5. Lexical resource
Lexical resource constitutes our vocabulary. It is involved in the type of words that we use, its level of use (whether it is common or not), its frequency of use and its appropriateness in its use.
The best way to improve on lexical resource is to read a lot, learn new words, their meanings and how they are properly used. Once an unfamiliar word crosses our sight, list it down, find its meaning from a dictionary, study how it is used in context, and use it in your own sentence.
Now that we have some knowledge on what the points or criteria are with which the assessment of the IELTS Speaking Test will be based on, we have a better insight into what points to work on. Begin improving your skills. From the five given principles, work on one principle at a time. Start with what you find most difficult especially when you only have a limited time to prepare before your scheduled IELTS exam. As the saying goes, “Practice makes perfect,” so the more you practice the closer you get to perfecting your skills. There is no such thing as “something being too hard or impossible,” it only really just takes one step at a time, with that step done continuously, consistently, and with commitment.
The audio version contains plenty more tips, download it here:
In this episode I look at a range of inspiring motivating quotes to help you pass IELTS.
Each quote is read and then applied to IELTS to help you, it’s either a tip, a strategy or just good old encouragement.
Here are a few to give you an idea:
Fall seven times and stand up eight.
–Japanese Proverb
In reference to PRACTICE TESTS!!!!
IELTS preparation instant advantage when you apply this…
“Believe you can and you’re halfway there.”
― Theodore Roosevelt
For example, go into the speaking with a strong belief you are going to perform amazingly and the confidence alone from this belief will boost your score.
Perseverance is the hard work you do after you get tired of doing the hard work you already did.
–Newt Gingrich
STICK AT IT. -Get a routine, get organised, and pass IELTS.
Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.
–Robert Collier (1885-1950),
Do you have a routine for your IELTS prep? Making it a habit will help you immensely.
“It always seems impossible until it’s done.”
― Nelson Mandela
It may take a while to get your IELTS result, but stay on course!
“Just because you fail once doesn’t mean you’re gonna fail at everything.”
― Marilyn Monroe
We’ve all failed at something at least once!
“It’s not what we do once in a while that shapes our lives. It’s what we do consistently.”
― Anthony Robbins
A constant routine for your IELTS preparation will get you IELTS success. I promise you.
“The only guarantee for failure is to stop trying”
― John C. Maxwell
Never give up! Practice with practice tests, and don’t spend more cash on real tests!
“Nothing great is ever achieved without much enduring.”
― Catherine of Siena
True, but some students (mine), endure less!
“With ordinary talent and extraordinary perseverance, all things are attainable”
― Thomas Fowell Buxton
Stick at it! Don’t let your latest IELTS exam result stop you. Ever.
The audio version contains tonnes more tips, download it here:
Good day sir. I just bought your sentence guide tonight. I hope that you could really help me improve my writing skills. Thank you
And then after working together she sends me this (unedited):
Sir ben I have good news! I can go to canada now! And its all thanks to you!
I took the ielts exam again this april and got the results I need so i can migrate to Canada. Im so overwhelmed right now because Im so near in reaching my goals! Thank you sir ben for your patience in teaching me! I am very grateful to you thats why Im always recommending your site to all my friends so you can help them too. Thank you once again, sir ben!
She had attended an IELTS “preparation centre” -but still failed.
She was even scoring Band 9 in the listening!!!
So what was the problem with her writing?
Have a listen to find out more. Below is an example of the essay corrections Lorraine was getting:
A sentence has one job above all others -to convey information. It’s job is not to be clever. It’s primary task is to present information.
And in your case, score points.
That’s not to say it can’t, or shouldn’t, sound nice. Or be clever. —But those are a bonus.
It is so important to be understood, because then the examiner can determine whether you have understood the question too.
Subjects separated from verbs
Read the two sentences below then determine which is easier to understand.
England, together with most other Western European countries in the 18th Century undergoing industrialisation, transitioned from a largely agrarian society to a more factory orientated economy.
Englandtransitioned from a largely agrarian society to a more factory orientated economy, much like most other Western European countries in the 18th Century undergoing industrialisation.
Can you see in the first one that you have to wait 13 words to find out what happens to England? You have to hold all this information in your head until you get to the verb “transitioned“. Forcing the reader to hold all this information in their head creates a strain, and in your case the reader is the IELTS examiner!
Sentences can be heard.
Sentences are not just related to the eyes, the ears participate also — basically good writing sounds good when spoken. This is more difficult to implement but you can always try it, perhaps by reading your work to a native speaker.
Variety
Each sentence must be different from the last, this creates interest. Vary your usage. Short – long – short. sentence moves into a long sentence. Sentence openings should not be repeated twice in a row.
Listen how boring this sounds:
There are many countries that have banned smoking in public places and have greatly increased the quality of life of their citizens. There are many other ways to improve a society, a government could reduce taxes then there would be more money for each person…
Some clauses are independent, others are dependent.
The former stands on their own. I’m not going to get into a big lesson here, but sentence construction relies on you knowing that dependent clauses cannot form their own sentences
A dependent clause is a group of words with a subject and a verb. It does not express a complete thought so it is not a sentence and can’t stand alone.
Since the country in question clearly lacks funds…..
Before the country developed…
Whenever universities are established abroad…
Long Sentences I
Long sentences reduce comprehension for readers. The longer the sentence, the greater chance you will lose the reader’s attention and understanding.
Ideally one idea per sentence.
Within the context of academic writing, being able to write short, crisp sentences is a great virtue. Again and again, in reading over students’ IELTS essays, I observed that longer sentences are more difficult to comprehend. In addition, students tend to make more grammatical errors when writing long sentences.
Long Sentences II
A run-on sentence is a sentence that takes a lot of independent clauses and puts them together without the a punctuation or conjunction. In practice, a run-on sentence is one that goes on and on and on. Feels rambly. Loses cohesion.
They cause readers strain, are difficult to read, you have to hold a lot of information in your mind before reaching the end of the sentence. This strain makes reading difficult. Another example of inflicting strain is when subjects and verbs are separate.
ANYONE attempting to the IELTS reading section without preparation will struggle to reach a Band 7. This part of the exam is not easy and even native speakers have challenges.
In this post we cover:
-the three types of reading
-what is active reading and why it’s useful
-a technique to get you practising everyday
-a range of preparation exercises to get the exam skills you need
THE THREE TYPES OF READING
Elementary – the most basic and deals with “what is being said”. Elementary reading is therefore the style of reading you learn first.
Inspectional – often with a time limit, and covers three points; What the text is about? The structure of the text, and what are the parts of the argument? For this we skim, and pre-read to get a feel for the text. Inspectional reading is the type of reading you will do most in the exam.
Analytical – usually the slowest type of reading, concerned with the details, usually reading every single word in the phrase, mainly for understanding and finding meaning. Analytical is also necessary for the exam but will be used to a lesser extent largely due to the time limit in the exam.
ACTIVE READING
This is another vital skill I would strongly recommend mastering for IELTS success. Active reading means actively getting involved in the text by marking, underlining and drawing on the text. This extra involvement makes it easier to remember because you have now attached something from the physical world to what was previously just in your mind. Active reading helps you focus (and keeps you awake!). It also facilitates understanding because if you can express your understanding in the written form it is more than likely crystal clear in your own mind.
Here are some guidelines to help you when approach some text:
– underline and circle important phrases and words
– vertical lines next to a long important passages
– stars / asterix in the margin for dates, numbers, measurements and times (common questions in reading exams)
– use a series of numbers to signal the development of an argument or process
– write in the margins and create your own subheadings
If you have to read a lot for your studies or work I would strongly recommend this timeless classic “How to read a book“.
HOW TO PRACTICE EVERYDAY
One of the best ways to learn a new skill is through practice and repetition, and habits are the best source of repetition to harness. For example, if you have difficulty practising IELTS everyday then try and incorporate your IELTS preparation into an existing habit. So if most mornings you start with a coffee and reading some online news site like bbc.com, rt.com, or msnbc.com then start turning that routine into a practise reading session. You could choose an article and start ACTIVELY READING IT instead of just reading it the normal way. You could also engage in some of the exercises below, the point being is that soon you will start doing it every morning and you will be much less likely to skip a session. This technique comes from a great book about habits.
6 DRILLS TO IMPROVE READING COMPREHENSION
1. Pre-assessing an essay
Pre-assessing an essay involves creating a notion of what the essay holds by surveying the title, subtitles, framework and other tools used in the essay. One example would be in a page of a magazine, we can read the heading (and subheadings, if any), and take a quick look at the diagrams, charts or pictures, if any, to get a sense of what the essay is about, and so decide whether it is interesting enough for us to read or not. If the title and images provide the notion of the essay being about a particular place in the globe that you have not seen nor heard of before and you are fond of traveling, then this assessment helps in your decision making process to really read the article thoroughly.
Pre-assessment helps the mind to be open to the ideas related to the seen heading and images, which eventually provide ease in understanding the essay or article.
2. Browsing for the main point
This only requires going through the text lightly and fast to get an overall concept. We go about this by focusing only on getting the general point of the text and not really paying attention to the details. We can use this skill when for instance reading about the ingredients and how a particular dish is prepared to know whether it is good for our health or not.
Browsing in search of a main point is an essential skill when we want to obtain a comprehensive perspective or idea without needing to go deeply into the text.
5. Drawing word meaning from context
It is not expected for us to know every word in the dictionary, hence, it is inevitable that we encounter some words, we have never heard of before or we have known for a particular meaning but it was used to deliver a different meaning in the text. This is why it is important to develop the skill of drawing the meaning of a word from the context of how it was used. This calls for the use of our abilities in analyzing, reasoning, and searching for relevant details. In the line, “His family gathered about him after he was knocked out, waiting for him to come around,” the phrase to “come around” is composed of two words with different meanings and when put together may mean “to arrive within a particular location close to the speaker.” But in the given line, the words, “gathered around,” “knocked out,” and “waiting” seem to give clues that the meaning of words, “come around,” was different, in this case it was “to gain back consciousness.”
Drawing the word meaning from the way the word was used in the text is a very helpful skill in enriching our vocabulary and it will be important in understanding the meaning and message of an entire text which is needed in the IELTS exam.
6. Discerning the tone of the writer
Here, we bring focus on the sentiments and viewpoints of the writer. There are texts that are better understood when the thoughts and feelings of the writer are analyzed. In the lines, “Is there hope for the youth?”we can feel that the author is concerned about the member of the younger generation and so we can expect that the text is about ways to make things better for them.
There are times when a topic can bring different, even opposing ideas. Examples would be religious or political controversial matters. This is why it is important to get clues about the attitude and perspective of the writer in order to really understand the purpose of the writer for writing the text and the different points that writer aims to draw our attention to.
In this podcast I have a chat with an old friend of mine, a great IELTS tutor, a funny charismatic guy, also ex‐military! His name is Simon ‐ but nooooooooo ‐ he isn’t the other Simon with the IELTS blog, but he is from Manchester and equally as sharp! Listen to this podcast and learn:
‐ The 10 types of reading questions
‐ How to tackle “Features matching” questions.
‐ Why you shouldn’t read every word of the text…
‐ A handful of test busting tips for solid exam preparation.
‐ An important tip to help you avoid sneaky examiner tricks (negative sentences).
Have a listen below, then let me know your thoughts.
IELTS exam is split into different modules that entails all the skills that are required to be tested for you to pass the full exam.
Reading is one of the modules and it’s the second part that takes an hour to complete. That is 60 minutes only. With limited time there are several things you need to check out for you to score a high mark of 7.0 and above in Reading. There are several tips I can share that I am sure will boost your score. To begin with, I need to inform you about different types of questions.
These are types of questions that requires you to pick the correct answer from the given choices which are in capital letters of ABC and .This type of questions tests your ability to understand detailed and specific information.
2) Information identification questions
These are types of questions that requires you to identify whether the given information is either true false or it’s not given. This type of question tests your ability to clearly understand what the text is talking about.
3) Information matching
These types of questions requires you to find a specific information and placing them where they fit to be. You need to have clearly understood the text and be able to understand every paragraph and what information it contains.
4) Head Matching
These questions requires you to pick a heading from the given headings and place each of them to the paragraphs. Mainly, if you have clearly understood the given text, you’ll be able to make a heading out of every paragraph.
5) Sentence completion
In this type of question, you will find an incomplete sentence. You are supposed to complete it with words taken from the text. You therefore need to quickly map the incomplete text to a particular location in the text for you to find the correct answer.
6) Summary completion
A summary part of the text will be given to you. You are required to complete it by picking words from the text with a given maximum number of words to complete it.
7) Features matching
These are types of questions that that requires you to find a specific information about given features and match it. For example you can be given different people who discovered different things at different times. You are now required to match who discovered what at what time. You therefore need to be very keen when matching.
8) Matching sentence endings
This is a very simple question. Part of a sentence is picked from a line in the text. What you need to do here is to just locate where it has been taken from and complete the sentence and there you have your have your correct answer!
9) Short answer questions
You have to be extra careful here! This is a question that expects you to answer the question from the given facts in the text. Moreover you need to check the number of words because you are limited. A maximum number of words is always given.
10) Matching information
You just need not to get this question wrong. All that is required of you here is to find some given information and place them where they fit.
Having highlighted the kind of questions you would expect in an IELTS reading exam,try this few tips and expect exemplary performance!
i) Read many articles
A week or two prior to the exam, ensure that you read as many articles as you can. This will give a certain kind of experience and confidence for that matter. This is the most important tip here. You can’t just wake up someday and go hit a band score of 8.0 in reading module without reading practice.
ii) Skimming
This is a reading technique that allows you to read through a given text very fast and within the shortest time possible while identifying main ideas of the given text. This technique will help you save on time and will also allow you to have an idea of what the text is all about within the first reading.
iii) Scanning
This is a technique where you read through every line very quickly looking for a specific word or phrase.
It comes in handy when you are looking for a one word answer. It’s quite different from scanning because the latter doesn’t require you to find any specific word or phrase.
iv) Use Key words
This is self‐explanatory. Reading a text without identifying the keywords is a suicide mission! Don’t try it.
Ensure that you mark some of the keywords as they will be helpful when time for answering questions come .You wouldn’t need more time to scan through the text again.
v) Title
The title of the text that you are reading will tell you what the text is all about. First read the title. It will give you an idea of the content of the text so you’ll have an ample time comprehending since you already have an idea of what you are reading.
vi) Time management
This is very key! The reading module is 60 minutes long and there are three questions for you to answer.
Do NOT share time equally so that you allocate each question twenty minutes. The IELTS standard works with an increasing difficulty that means the last question difficulty level will be higher than the last two so make sure that you’ll have close to thirty minutes for the last question.
vii) Check grammar
Be extra careful with the grammar at the beginning of the questions. More so the negatives because they totally change the question and if you are not careful enough you may end up answering oppositely with all your gathered confidence. Every beginning of a sentence is very important.
viii) Do not read the whole text.
Yes! You heard me right. Time is of essence here. There will never be enough time to read through all the text. There are parts of that text that you will never find any question rising from so no need to read. Just remember that your job is to look for the right answers not reading everything.
ix) If you can’t find an answer of the current question, leave it pending and proceed.
The trick here is moving from the known to the unknown so just mark it maybe with a big star and move on to answer other question but always remember that you have unanswered question. Once you have finished writing your answers then go back for it.
x) It is very tragic to answer all the questions in the question paper and get caught up by time before transferring it to the answer sheet.
I would strongly recommend that after answering every question, just flip over to your answer sheet and write your answer.
xi) There are those questions that dictate the number of words.
Ensure that you abide by the rules. Count your words one by one and remember that a vowel in a sentence e.g. “a” is also counted as a word.
xii) Spelling mistakes will always count.
Try as much as possible to check on your spelling when you are writing short answers and if you get time after answering all the questions then check once again in case you made any spelling error.
xiii) There are those questions that you are required to complete the sentence.
Make sure that you put all your attention on the meaning of the sentence not just throwing any word to fit in. You need to do well in this exam remember.
xiv) There is something called intelligent guessing.
At times you’ll be given difficult words in the passage that you may have no clue at all. What should help you make a correct guess is the context in which the word has been used. Certainly this difficult word will always be related to the topic of the given text.
xv) At times the unfortunate happens.
I am talking of elapsed time and you haven’t finished up. If you have a multiple choice question left guess! There is always a 25% chance that you’ll get a correct answer in a question of ABC and D multiple choice answer.
In this podcast / video / blog post you will get a treasure chest of IELTS resources, ranging from practice tests, online exercises, and even preparation strategy (at the end of the post).
Professional Online Preparation
Without doubt the best place for IELTS writing preparation and it even comes with a guarantee.
This site is run by a very handsome fellow, who will push you to improve fast.
To get the absolute value from this material you need to APPLY it and practise, practise, practise, and for that you need IELTS MOTIVATION. I would also advise you read the section at the end regarding getting a plan.
Torrents may be a little riskier, but you do get the audio versions which are useful for listening practice. This torrent is almost 30 gigs! Use a download client like uTorrent.
Amazon
Isn’t a bad option if you have the cash, but the problem is if you are in a hurry you will have to wait a few days. Below are two of my favourite books.
IELTS Material to improve your Grammatical Range and Accuracy
Are you fed up and annoyed about ARTICLES???? I think about 99% of all English language students have challenges with articles. This little baby will help you, but first watch the tutorial on how to use it.
An online video for the students going for Band 9?
This video is quite advanced material even for native English speakers, so be careful!
These sites are powerful when used with a plan (see end of article)
Reading Test – Now this is absolute GOLD for the reading test. Why? It uses current news so you can keep up with world affairs. It has different levels so you can push yourself, it’s really quick and easy to use, and finally there are even audio recordings of the text! Hearing the text will increase the chances of you remembering the vocab, and also guide your pronunciation challenges.
The IELTS preparation strategy that never fails!
The usual approach is to download or buy everything, then make crazy goals like “25 hours a day!
No socialising until IELTS is nailed!
No X-Box until I get Band 9!
I totally understand these ideas but from personal experience they hardly ever work.
What does work are smaller, more realistic, easily attainable goals, with the view to making them a habit. For example you could determine to do one hour a day, for 6 days a week.
In the first week write out a sample IELTS essay every morning and do then do a reading quiz.
Basically, consistently executing smaller steps is usually more attainable and more satisfying than going for outrageous unrealistic goals, also with the latter we often feel down when we don’t reach our own expectations.
I would also recommend careful planning, way way in advance of the exam. Then follow this really simple strategy.
Allocate a specific time for focused IELTS preparation, an hour a day.
Do practice tests to identify your weaknesses
Focus on that specific area
Do more practice tests to check for improvements.
IELTS is like a mountain, it cannot be accomplished in 3 hours, it needs to be climbed step by step, consistently over the space of at the very least a month.
Listen to the podcast here:
Well this happened to Kevin, check out this email from him:
Dear Ben:
My name is Kevin. I am currently live in Sydney and struggling for passing IELTS 7777 for a long time. I really need your help on both my speaking and writing obviously. Look forward to hearing from you.
Yours sincerely,
Kevin
Well what did he do?
He got in contact and started following the Sentence Guide a few months later I get this wonderful email:
Dear Ben,
I’m glad to tell you that I have passed the IELTS test today! What a trip after all this entire year (from 20/Jan/2014 to 6/Jan/2015). I got Listening:7.5 Reading:8 Writing:7 Speaking:7 in the IELTS exam which held in 13th/Dec/2014. Actually I have just bought your Sentence guide for 2 or 3 days by that time. I read through the starting 3 chapters and practiced once. Then I decided to try to implement your essay “skeleton” on that test, well, obviously it works! I wish I could have found you earlier so that I probably am able to use your fantastic writing technique to my previous 16 tests. I couldn’t believe it until the moment that I hold the result sheet in my hands. Right now the scene by applying your visualisation technique every day has finally become the truth, my dream come true. I just wanna say thank you x 100,000 times to you for not only your book and help but also the encouragement and inspiration in your podcast which keep me in believe.
Thank you again, and sadly I have to quit the 2015 IELTS scheme…
I wish you all the best in this beautiful year and all the years after.
Yours faithfully,
Kevin
How cool is that? Well I was very happy and wanted to invite him on to the podcast to help inspire other students.
You can download the full podcast or watch the video below.
Writing IELTS essays of is a challenge to many, especially because of the word limit. But there are some simple techniques you can easily adopt to improve your essay writing skills.
Listed below are 7 simple sentence constructions or enrichment tips you can effectively use to ensure a longer yet grammatically error-free essay.
1.) “This essay will analyse this issue using the examples from…” “to demonstrate points and support arguments.”
You will need to supply the examples in accordance with your particular topic. For instance:
“This essay will analyse this issue using the examples fromwartime countries and conflict zonesto demonstrate points ….”
and
“This essay will analyse this issue using the examples fromCanada, Australia and Rwandatodemonstrate points…”
2.) In injecting an opposing thought, instead of using only “However,” you can use “However, it should not be forgotten (that)…” and add the opposing point.
3.) Cite examples from researches or studies made, using the phrase,
“For example, a recent study by _________ showed…”
For instance:
“For example, a recent study by the IMF (or U.K. government) showed…”
then supply the details of the findings.
4.) Cite another example of a research you are referencing, using another phrase:
“Take for instance a recent study by the _____ that clearly showed…”
For instance:
“Take for instance a recent study by the U.N. (or Canadian government) that clearlyshowed…”
5.) Instead of saying “There is proof that…” you can say, instead:
“There is ample evidence to suggest that…”
For instance:
“There is ample evidence to suggest that scientists will promptly discover…”
and
“There is ample evidence to suggest that local governments will be implementing …”
6.) Give your findings a supportive introduction using the phrase:
“Numerous studies have consistently found that …”
then provide your conclusion, for instance:
Numerous studies have consistently found that children from economically advancedcountries…”
and
“Numerous studies have consistently found that students who learn 3 languages have areduced chance of contracting Alzheimer’s.”
7.) Instead of generalising, enumerate or cite samples. For instance:
Replace “Recent electronic gadgets have…” with “Electronic gadgets such as the smartphone,the laptop, and the 3D printer have drastically increased worker productivity.”
Replace “Serious diseases are a recurring matter…” with “Serious diseases such as Malaria,Ebola and Dengue Fever bring about a considerable amount of expenses.”
These may be little additions of 3-9 words per phrase but many little phrases go a long way toward a 250 word goal.
Now you need to take notes and exercise using the phrases in your own sentences for better retention. Note that these phrases need not necessarily be copied. Merely copying can cause you trouble. It can be detected so you must make sure that the way you use the phrases fits your essay perfectly to maintain coherence in thought and correct grammatical structures.
You must take note of other grammar rules also including subject-verb agreement and correct use of antecedents and others. Additionally, as an added advanced tip, the examples you will provide should follow a parallel structure (This is discussed in another video).
If you have questions, don’t hesitate to send me an email at struggling@ieltspodcast.com.
As I’ve always said, “The important thing is to take action, do something every day, and little by little, you will get there.”
In this quick tutorial video, we’re going to look at some of the tips regarding General IELTS Academic Task 1.
We’re going to talk about at some phrases and look at the structure of your writing. We will also go through some IELTS Writing Task 1 samples. There’s a link for the samples at the end!
The easiest part is the structure.
You’re lucky if you’re doing IELTS Task 1 General because (personally) this is the easiest part of the writing exam – so much easier than the Academic Task! Why? Basically, you’ve got the structure already laid out for you.
Let’s say for example, we’re writing a Letter of Complaint to a company, you just have 3 points to write about:
What happened.
What upset you.
What you expect to be done.
Now write your essay using this structure. Really simple. Just go write 3 or 4 sentences about the first bullet point, do the same for the 2nd and the 3rd. Piece of cake.
It has a unique language.
Using a unique set of phrases and sentences are expected – and you’re going to get points by using these expressions. Plus, if you learn the expressions correctly, you don’t have to worry about the grammar when you use it. It’s just like a case of copy-pasting and adapting them so, it’s really simple.
Now, go grab a pen and write them down! This will help you memorize them and learn them a little bit better. After that, you’ve got your list and you can already start using them in the letters that you’re writing.
Formal Letters
Instructions: Write a letter to Mr. Jones, the managing director of X-company.
Your Answer should include the name:
Dear Mr. Jones, I am writing…
If you don’t have the name, don’t invent! Just say:
Dear Sir/Madam
We should use a very clear opening sentence which explains directly what you want to communicate. We can start with something like:
I’m writing with regards to a recent product I bought.
I’m writing on behalf of my employee.
I’m writing to…
Then, place what’s necessary. If you’re asking for help, you could just say:
“Could you please…”
or, “I would like it if you could…”
The important thing here is to use the modal verbs. Take a look at some of the other expressions we can use:
■ If you’re asking for information:
“I’m writing to inquire about…”
■ If you’re apologizing:
“I am sorry that…”
■ if you’re writing on behalf of the company::
“We deeply regret your experience…”
■ If you’re writing or responding to a job advertisement:
“I’m writing in relation to a job advertised on Johnson&Johnson website, 23rd of May.”
These are just some set phrases that you must use. You’ll pick up points not only for using the appropriate language but it’s also grammatically perfect!
■ If you’re writing a complaint letter, lots of complaint::
“I am not happy about…”
or (more formal), “I am writing to express my dissatisfaction with…”
Then, you can go from there. Easy, right?!
Now, to close the letter – still in the same language:
“If you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact me.”
or, “I am looking forward to your reply.”
or, “I’m looking forward to your comments on the matter.”
So, just a recap: make a list of all these phrases, write them all down and memorize them. Start using them and you’ll see that General Writing Task 1 General is not really difficult!
DOs and DON’Ts
In a formal essay or letter, use “will” instead of “goingto.”
This is important because “going to” is used more in your spoken English whereas “will” is more formal and is mostly used in business.
DO NOT use contractions.
Isn’t, ain’t, won’t couldn’t – these are more for your spoken English as well. So, once you’re done, read through your essay and just make sure that you did not use a contraction.
Use modal verbs if you’re asking for help, information or for advice
They sound more polite. You don’t say “I want information regarding product x,y,z.” A big NO. Instead, write down “I would like some information regarding product x,y,z.”
If you are writing an informal essay or letter, make sure you use familiar words.
So, if you get a task asking you to “Write a letter to your friend asking for information about a course or program being offered at a local university.” This is where you can use lots of familiar words, lots of contractions and use different tenses – including “going to” for example.
So you can just say:
“Hey, Maria! How’s things at your end? Hope all’s good.”
“I’m planning to come up to Avedine next year and I was wondering if you’ve got any information about the university course xxx?”
Basically, you can just write it as though you’re having a conversation with the person in front of you. So, don’t worry about the contractions! Now, when you’re closing the letter we can use:
“Keep in touch! All the best, Ben”
And you can even put the P.S.
“P.S. Say “Hi!” to Barry for me.”
Just show the examiner that you know how to write an informal letter and you are comfortable using the native English expressions.
Now, if you want the samples, you can sign up to ieltspodcast.com and you’ll find a PDF with lots of letter writing samples and lists of useful phrases.
In this tutorial we will look at the steps you need to take when describing the bar chart for Academic IELTS.
First group / identify and choose the information you will include.
Second PLAN where you will mention those information points chosen before.
Know what to write.
Sounds silly but you will see why it’s important.
How do we choose the information?
Assuming an average sentence is between 10 and 15 words, and the Task requires 150 words, we can estimate we need to write 10 12 sentences, lets say 11 sentences.
Now, 2 sentences are already taken care of the introduction and summary.
That leaves roughly 8 sentences.
So, I would choose information to fit in to the 8 sentences, but paying very close attention to the types of sentences. For example I will most likely include the following:
– A sentence with the superlative
– A sentence with a comparison
– A sentence grouping two data points -because they are similar.
– A sentence noting an exception.
– A sentence describing some data in advanced manner
– A sentence describing the data in a normal fashion.
TIP: If you are not confident using these structures you should learn the theory online, the bbc has good resources for this, and then you should get your work corrected, get your work checked, get feedback and improve. So we have 6 sentences we should squeeze into the report. By being aware we are going to use these sentences – we can squeeze the graph data into our sentences – rather than vice versa – which is the normal way.
Lets look at an example now, to see the sentences and data selection in action.
This is a slightly simplified graph just to demonstrate.
Now, I probably won’t organise my report in the same order as the sentences. In this chart I have the 024 group first and it would be logical to start with this group BUT what can happen then is we could fall into the trap of listing ALL the data points.
So lets make a compromise and start with the 024 group DAIRY and MEAT.
The bar chart shows the caloric intake of UK males in three distinct age groups, 024, 2549, and over 50
Dairy for the 024 age group was the highest source of calories, the other categories each represented about 20% each. In the next age group dairy fell to around a quarter, and meat became the main source of calories, reaching half of the total intake, pulses and vegetables reached 10% and 15% respectively. Pulses in the final age group increased six fold to over 60% whereas calories obtained from vegetables was 10%, half that of meat (20%), and slightly less than dairy (15%). The 50+ group shows the most marked preference out of all the groups and also confirms the gradual decline in vegetable consumption as males become older.
Overall it is clear that each age group has a clear favourite which varies depending on age, however vegetables are consistently amongst the least popular regardless of age.
156
– A sentence with the superlative
– A sentence with a comparison
– A sentence grouping two data points -because they are similar.
– A sentence noting an exception / pattern.
– A sentence describing some data in advanced manner
– A sentence describing the data in a normal fashion.
– The famous and useful sentence ‘RESPECTIVELY’.
So can you see how I don’t go into list ‘mode’, I try to find groups that will allow me to use the sentences I want to include. Sentences that when used correctly will get me points!!!!! And what do points mean? PRIZES BABY!!!! hahaha!!!
Also when I was writing this I went back replaced GOT with became to make it sound more academic.
Another tip, when you have finished you need to go through and check for mistakes.
I also tried to follow the standard model of SUBJECT VERB OBJECT which improve clarity, and simplifies the sentence.
The main skill you need to perfect in this task is DATA SELECTION identifying the date you will include, and then organising the data appropriately.
To get good at this skill, PRACTICE and get feedback, in the Sentence Guide course at my site you get lots of essay checks included in the price, that means plenty of opportunities to improve, get feedback and implement the new things you are learning.
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