SPEAKING SAMPLES

: Model Speaking Question & Answer

part 1-Introduction
1.Hello. Could you show me your identification card please?

Hello. Sure, here you are.
2. Could you tell me your full name please?

My full name is XXX. I am also called by my English name, which is XXX.

3. What shall I call you?
You could call me XXX.

4. How are you?
I am well thank you, and yourself?


5. How old are you?
I am 22 years old. In other words, I was born in 1980. On the eight of March 1980, to be exact.

6. Does your name have any special meaning?
( 5 - 6 ) Yes, my name does have some special meaning. My family name means peace, and my first name means strong one. My English name was given to me by one of my high school teachers, and it does not have any special meaning really.

6. Does your name have any special meaning?
( 7 - 8 ) I presume you are referring to my Chinese name. Yes, the English equivalent of my family name would be something like peace, and in the case of my first name it would be strong one. My English name was randomly chosen by one of my high school teachers, and it really doesnt have any special meaning.

7. Is your name important to you?
( 5 - 6 ) No. I dont think it can do anything for me. I believe a person has to work out his own life. I am planning to do this as well as I can

7. Is your name important to you?
( 7 - 8 ) Not really. I am part of the new generation who do not attach too much significance to our names. Names were important to the older generation as they of the opinion that it will determine your destiny to some extent. However, I personally believe that I myself will determine my destiny irrespective of what my name is. I will do this by acquiring good qualifications and by working hard.

part 2-hometown
?
8. How long have you lived in your hometown?
I come from xxx. My parents have been living here for the past thirty years or so. I grew up here and I attended a well-known school called School number 163. We live in a nice area with many shops, restaurants, and other businesses.


8. How long have you lived in your hometown?
I come from xxx. My parents have been living here for the past thirty years or so. I grew up here and I attended a well-known school called School number 163. We live in a respectable area with many shops, restaurants, and a variety of other businesses. The people in our building are generally friendly and quite, which makes it a pleasure to live there.

9. Where do you live?
I live with my parents here in xxx at the moment. To be more exact, we live in an apartment building in one of the northern suburbs of the city. I have my own room and enjoy the privacy that it brings, but I am looking forward to the day that I can have my own apartment. Allow me to explain: they are good parents, and I love them very much, but I would like to be more independent soon.

9. Where do you live?
Well, that is not so easy to answer. Please allow me to explain. During the week I live in a dormitory at the university, but over weekends I live with my parents in a village about one hour by car from xxx. So I really do not know which of the two to call my home at the moment.

10. Can you tell me something about your hometown?
Yes, certainly. xxx is in the northeast part of my country, and the capital of the xxx province. It has about three million inhabitants. It has many heavy industries such as automobile, aircraft, and machine tool manufacturers. In addition, it is rich in history. For example, the xxx invaded the city and committed many atrocities (that is to say many crimes) during the occupation. This is still remembered by many of the elderly folks to this day. Another example that I could mention is the Imperial Palace that belonged to the last dynasty .

11. Can you tell me about some famous landscapes in your hometown?
. Can you tell me about some famous scenic spots in your hometown?What are the main places of interest in your hometown? Why? (. What places should foreigners visit in your hometown? Why?
Sure. Firstly, I could mention the Great River, which you will find around the city. To the northeast of the city there is the famous Mountains and the zoological park and botanical gardens. In summer it is a popular place to visit and see tigers, bears, wolves, other animals and even pandas in their natural environment. In winter we often go skiing there. Secondly, I would like to mention the Park. It consists of a large park, with many gardens and a lake. In addition it also is the site of an emperors tomb from the Dynasty. Lastly, there are many other sites that are worthwhile visiting. For example, Government (City Hall) Square with the Great Theater alongside it, Java Square, and the spectacular TV Tower, which is the highest architectural attraction in my country.

12. What places in your hometown do you like best?
There are many places that I like. If I had to choose one place, I would like to tell you about Government Square. Firstly, it is the largest square . What I mean is that it is a large open space where one can see the sky clearly, and feel free. Secondly, it houses an important government building. I guess you could call it the City Hall.

13. What are the main crops in your region?
In our region many crops are grown. For example one would find all kinds of vegetables in the fields of this region. In addition, many farmers have orchards. Here they grow many kinds of fruit like apples, pears, and peaches.

13. What are the main crops in your region?
In our region many crops are grown. For example one would find all kinds of vegetables in the fields of this region. In addition, many farmers have orchards. Here they grow many kinds of fruit like apples, pears, and peaches. Lastly, it is important to note that it is not known for its agriculture. It is better known as an industrial city. For example, here are many heavy industries manufacturing anything from aircraft and automobiles to machine tools.

14. What is the difference between your hometown and other cities(such as Hong Kong)?
The main difference between my hometown and Hong Kong is the climate. For example, there they have a tropical climate. That is to say that it is very hot and humid. Here in my hometown we have cold winters and hot summers. Secondly, My hometown is an industrial city, whereas Hong Kong is more a financial center. That is to say, here we have many factory workers, or to be more exact, family-orientated workers who are not very wealthy, and in Hong Kong there are many tycoons, millionaires, and wealthy people.

14. What is the difference between your hometown and Hong Kong?
The main difference between my homnetown and Hong Kong is the climate. For example, there they have a tropical climate. That is to say that it is very hot and humid. Here in my hometown we have cold winters and hot summers. Although cities like Toronto,New York, are larger than my hometown , they all are bustling with industrial and cultural activities. Maybe Hong Kong is an exception, as it is better known as one of the most important financial capitals of the world.

15. What are the people like in your hometown? Can you tell me something about the character of the people in your hometown?

Well, they arent any different from the people in any other large city. For example, here we also have good and bad people. Secondly, like everyone else, they are trying to work out a good life for themselves and their children. Forexample, parents are trying all they can to ensure that their children receive a good education.

15. What are the people like in your hometown? Can you tell me something about the character of the people in your hometown?
Well, they arent any different from the inhabitants in any other large city. For example, here we also have many wholesome families as well as our share of criminal elements in the society. In addition, I believe that my hometown has not been westernized to the same extent as a city like Hong Kong. For example, the people have not become materialistic to the same extent as the inhabitants of Hong Kong. In other words, in my hometown you would still find many good old-fashioned (traditional) people who have strong principles and values about many aspects of life. Part 3-present situation (student)

16. Are you a student or do you have a job?
I am a student at the moment. I am studying English on a full-time basis at a Language School here . We have classes in the mornings, afternoons, and evenings. Wednesday afternoons we are off, and are allowed to go swimming at a nearby hotel. We have a number of foreign teachers who assist us in the correct pronunciation and grammar of the language.

16. Are you a student or do you have a job?
I have a job. I am working in a workshop of a large manufacturing plant at the moment. I graduated from high school two years ago, and went to work immediately. I am an assistant to one of the automotive electricians in the workshop. I have to assist my artisan in getting his jobs done. For instance, I have the responsibility to see that are the tools are in good order, and that the workshop is always kept clean and tidy.

17. What do you like most about your studies?
Well, I guess the speaking part. Please allow me to explain. Language is all about communication. So when I am able to communicate with someone in English, I feel that I have achieved something. I particularly like our free talk sessions with the foreign teachers. It gives me the opportunity to question them about their countries and cultures.

18. What is your major?
( 5 - 8 ) As I have been studying on a full-time basis at an English Language School, we have only one subject, namely English for Academic Purposes called EAP. We do reading and writing, practical speaking, and listening by means of cassettes. English is the language of the future, especially in the business world. What I mean to say is that when I am able to communicate well in English I will not only be able to go and study abroad and improve my qualifications, but also have mastered a very necessary tool for my future career.

19. Which is the best university in your country?
( 5 - 8 ) Thats an interesting question. Allow me to explain my personal view by shortly mentioning the following points: I believe that the xxx University is the best University in the country. For example, it has the highest percentage of students passing their courses of all the universities in my country.

20. Describe your study habits?
( 5 - 8 ) I have well established study habits. For example, I always start promptly at eight in the evenings. I study for two hours, have a ten-minute break, and the study for another two hours. I follow this habit from Mondays to Fridays, but over the weekends I put in more hours. For example, I study in the mornings and afternoons, and then take the evenings off to relax with my family or friends.

21. Do you think your present subjects are relevant?
( 5 - 8 ) Yes. Allow me to explain myself by shortly mentioning the following points: Firstly, we often use case studies in class. What I mean is that the professor gives us examples from real life to examine and report on. Secondly, our lecturers and some advisors from the relevant industries have set up our study material. What I mean to say is that the people who we are going to work for one day have had the opportunity to tell the university what they think we should be taught.

22. What kind of job would you prefer after graduation?
( 5 - 8 ) I would like to become a medical doctor. Please allow me to explain. Firstly, I would like to render a service in the community to which I will eventually belong. For example, I would like to assist the elderly that do not have the financial means to afford private hospitals.

23. What are your job prospects?
( 5 - 8 ) I am planning to become a Hotel Manager. Please allow me to explain. Firstly, I believe that the hotel industry will be growing greatly in future. For example, people are becoming more affluent, and spend more and more of their money on holidays. In addition, I believe that after graduating I will be able to find a good job anywhere in the world. What I mean to say is that all hotels and resorts have the same objectives irrespective of where they are situated. Their aim is to ensure that their guests have a good time and return again.

Part 3-

24. Do you have a degree? If so, when and where did you graduate?
( 5 - 8 ) Yes. I have a Bachelors Degree in Electrical Engineering. I graduated in 2001 from xxx University . It is the largest university in my country and has about twenty thousand students.
OR
( 5 - 8 ) No. I have a Diploma in Nursing. I graduated in 2001 from the Medical Training College . It is a well-known College giving excellent training to future nurses and other medical staff. For example, ambulance drivers, hospital staff, and so on are all trained there.

25. What impressed you most when you were at university / college?
( 5 - 8 ) I was most impressed by the knowledge and skills of my lecturers. For example, they had experience in the working environment, and could tell us exactly what we would come across there. Secondly, I was impressed by the facilities. For example, we had a large library, well-equipped laboratories, and sporting facilities at our disposal.

26. Do you still remember your school days?

( 5 - 8 ) Of course! Those were some of the best times in my life. Allow me to explain myself by shortly mentioning the following points: Firstly they were carefree days. What I mean to say is that I had no or very few worries. My parents provided in my day-to-day needs, and all I had to do was get good grades. Secondly, I had many friends in school. For instance, some o my best friends today were people that I met in school.

27. What do you do for a living? . Describe your job in detail.
I am an Engineer. Allow me to explain myself by shortly mentioning the following points: Firstly, I work for a large construction company. To be more precise, we specialize in the building of railway bridges. Secondly, I would like to mention that I am in the designing department. We have to look at the site for a new bridge, and then decide what type of bridge will be suitable. Lastly, we have to make recommendations to the railway company of all the alternatives, and give them some idea of the costs.

28. Is your job important to you?
That is a broad question. Allow me to explain by shortly mentioning the following points: Firstly, my job is important to me because by doing it I can serve my community and my country. For example, when my company builds a new road, many people benefit from our work. Secondly, it makes me feel good about myself. For instance, I am earning enough money to be able to rent my own apartment.

SAMPLE ESSAYS(band 8)

Q.1 As computers are being used more and more in
education, there will be soon no role for teachers
in the classroom.

There have been immense advances in technology in
most aspects of people’s lives, especially in the
field of education. Nowadays, an increasing number
of students rely on computers for research and to
produce a perfect paper for school purposes. Others
have decided to leave the original way of learning
and to get knowledge through online schools. These
changes in the learning process have brought a
special concern regarding the possible decrease of
importance of teachers in the classroom.
Some people believe the role of teachers started to
fade because computers have been helping some
students to progress in their studies quicker than
when compared with an original classroom. For
example, in the same classroom, students have
different intellectual capacities, thus some would
be tied to a slow advance in their studies because
of others’ incapacity of understanding. In this
way, pupils could progress in their acquisition of
knowledge at their own pace using computers instead
of learning from teachers.
However, the presence of a teacher is essential for
students because the human contact influences them
in positive ways. Firstly, students realize that
they are not dealing with a machine but with a
human being who deserves attention and respect.
They also learn the importance of studying in group
and respect other students, which helps them to
improve their social skills.
Moreover, teachers are required in the learning
process because they acknowledge some student’s
deficiencies and help them to solve their problems
by repeating the same explanation, giving extra
exercises or even suggesting a private tutor.
Hence, students can have a bigger chance not to
fail in a subject.
In conclusion, the role for teachers in the
learning process is still very important and it
will continue to be in the future because no
machine can replace the human interaction and its
consequences.


Q2.Improvements in health, education and trade are
essential for the development of poorer nations.
However, the governments of richer nations should
take more responsibility for helping the poorer
nations in such areas.


Today’s world has been divided into developing and
industrialised countrieswhich the main difference
between them is the amount of money that
governments apply in important sectors such as
education, health and commerce. Most of the poorer
nations are buried in debts as a result of their
unbalanced finances which are reflect in a failed
health care, an unstructured education system and a
weak international trade. This vicious cycle will
continue indefinitely unless wealthier nations show
interest in minimizing the worldwide economic
differences, as well as taking more responsibility
for assisting unfortunate countries.
Most of the African countries live in sub-human
conditions because of the extreme poverty,
upheaval, hunger, disease, unemployment, lack of
education and both inexperienced and corrupt
administrations. The devastating consequences of
the AIDS epidemic in those countries could improve
if the infected populations receive free drugs to
control the disease, have access to health
professionals and get information on how to prevent
its spread. But this can only be achieved through
international help programs in which leaders of the
world’s richest countries donate medicine and also
send doctors and nurses to treat and educate those
in need.
Moreover, most of the poor countries rely on
selling agricultural products and raw material to
rich nations and buying industrialized products
from them resulting in a huge financial deficit.
Consequently,they borrow a significant amount of money from the
World Bank to try to improve their broken
economies, but sometimes the money disappears with
no significant changes and they cannot even pay the
interest to the bank. Regarding this issue, last
year the G8, which is comprised of leaders of the
eight richest nations, decided to forgive billions
of dollars worth of debt owed by the world’s
poorest nations. In addition, they developed
adequate loan programs to financially assist those
countries.
In conclusion, leaders of the industrialised
countries play an indispensable role in assisting
developing nations deal with essential areas such
as health, education and trade. Also, their aid is
the key to breaking the vicious cycle, which
results in poverty and death.

Q3 Popular events like the football World Cup and other international sporting occasions are essential in easing international tensions and releasing patriotic emotions in a safe way.


Every four years, the whole world stops to watch international sporting events such as the Olympics and the Football World Cup in which athletes show their best performance to make their country proud of them. These sporting occasions have proved to be helpful in easing international tensions in difficult times when powerful leaders were trying to control the world’s economy and other governments were fighting over land.

The Olympic Games are one of the best examples which prove how sporting events can bring nations together, at least temporarily. From ancient History, when Greeks and Romans would interrupt battles to participate in the games, to the more recent international disputes, when athletes from Palestine and Israel would forget their differences, compete pacifically and even embrace each other after an event. Moreover, these popular events have called the world’s attention to the terrible consequences of wars; thus some leaders have tried to accept agreements to end their dispute and live peacefully.

Similarly, international sporting events show benefits in some developing countries which live in a daily internal civil war. For example, Brazil has a high rate of unemployment, lack of education, hunger, crime, poverty and corruption which leads to an immense embarrassment of being Brazilian and a low self-esteem. However, when the Football World Cup starts, the Brazilian squad, which is considered the best team in the world, provokes an amazing feeling of pride in their country. Most people seem to forget all their problems and even the criminal activity decreases. They paint roads with the national colors, use wear the Brazilian team shirt and buy national flags. Moreover, the competition brings families and neighbors together and even rival gangs watch the games and celebrate peacefully.

In conclusion, popular sporting events play an important role in decreasing international tensions and liberating patriotic feelings as History has shown.

Q4.As computers are being used more and more in education, there will be soon no role for teachers in the classroom.

There is no doubt that education and the learning process has changed since the introduction of computers. The search for information has become easier and amusing, and connectivity has expedited the data availability. Though expert systems have made computers more intelligent, they have not yet become a substitute of the human interaction in the learning process. In my opinion; what can be expected, is a change of the teachers’ role but not their disappearance from the classroom.

Nobody can argue that the acquisition of knowledge is more fun and easier with computers. The mere activity of touching and exploring this device constitutes an enjoyable task for a kid. This, accompanied with the relaxing attitude and software interactivity, usually conduce to a better grasping of new knowledge. At a higher educational level; the availability of digital books, simulator and other academic materials, provide the student with an ever accessible source of information, that otherwise would not be at hand.

But, besides the increasing complexity and behavior of intelligent software, which is usually embedded in the academic digital material, the need of human interaction in the learning process will always be present, at least in the foreseeable future. There is the necessity for a human being to be able to determine what the specific needs of each individual are. The expertise of a teacher in how to explain and adapt complex concepts to different individuals can hardly be mimicked by a computer, no matter how sophisticated its software is.

As computers are becoming a common tool for teaching, teachers should be more aware of their role as guides in the acquisition of knowledge rather than transmitters of facts. They have to be open minded to the changes that are taking place, keep updated and serve as a problem solvers in the learning process, thus allowing students to discover the facts for themselves.
To summarize, in my personal view, teachers play and will play an important role in the classroom, especially at the primary level. No matter how complex computers become, there will be no replacement for the human interaction, but in the way how this interaction takes place.

FORMALITIES BEFORE IELTS

The IELTS test formalities

When it becomes clear to you that you need to take IELTS, you’ll have to go through some formalities - which are:

1. Call your local IELTS test centre and find out the dates when you can take IELTS and how much it costs. Note: the dates could be different for Academic and General IELTS.

2. Download and print the application form, fill it, enclose your photos, copy of identification and, of course, the money and send it to your local IELTS centre.

3. Make sure they received it and scheduled you to take the test on the date you have chosen.

SPEAKING

IELTS Speaking

The Speaking Module of the IELTS rates your ability to communicate clearly, correctly and meaningfully in English in a variety of situations. You are interviewed alone by an examiner and the conversation is recorded.

The Speaking Module always follows the same three-part structure, though the topics vary from one candidate to the next. You can achieve a higher score by:

A)understanding the structure so there are few if any surprises
B)familiarizing yourself with the common topics
C)practicing extensively with a teacher /tutor so you can get feedback
D)rehearsing till you can speak comfortably and confidently
E)receiving tips, advice and guidance provided online and in IELTS guidebooks

IELTS SPEAKING - STRUCTURE

PART 1
4-5 minutes
Introduction & Interview on Familiar Topics

PART2
3-4 minutes
Individual Long Turn or Extended Speaking or Monologue

PART 3
4-5 minutes
Two way discussion on the topic given in part 2


In the first part of the speaking section you will usually be asked to give:
your full name

your identification

answers to basic questions about yourself, for example your hometown – what kind of place it is, what is interesting there, what kind of jobs people do, whether it's a good place to live
what you do –
if workingwhat your job is, why you chose that kind of work, how long you've been doing it, what you like / dislike about your job.

if studyingwhat subjects, why you chose them, if you enjoy them and why
Usually, two other topics, which might include the following topics: your family, learning English, your hobbies, your food preferences, your daily routine, national festivals, what tourists do in your country, etc.

IELTS SPEAKING MODULE - PART 2

In this part, you will be handed a card with a topic. You will be given one minute to think about it and make notes if you like. Then you need to speak about it for about one or two minutes.

Examples include:

Describe someone who has influenced you in your life. Say how long you have known the person, why he / she is special and how he / she influenced you.

Describe a book, story or movie which had a major impact on you. Tell the story, and why you think it impacted you so greatly.

Describe a person you would like to meet explain why you chose this person and what effect such a meeting would have on you.

Describe a difficult time in your life the problem, your solution, and what you learned.

Describe a place that had a major impact in you, how it affected you and why.

IELTS SPEAKING MODULE - PART 3

In this section, you will participate in a two-way discussion with your examiner. The topic will be an extension of a subject you spoke about in Part 2. However, in Part 2, the question related more to your personal experience, and in Part 3, you will be asked more general, extended or in-depth questions to test your ability to expand on a topic and express your opinions.
This is shown below:

Describe a teacher
Education in your country, learning styles, etc.

Describe a person
Role of the family in modern life, parents’ responsibilities, etc.

Describe a problem
Modern life, is it easier or harder than before?Other examples

Part 2 Part 3

Describe a parent What is the role of parents in today’s society
Describe a friend Is friendship the same in every country?
Describe a place Should we spend money on national parks?
Describe a book Are writers respected in your country?
Describe a movie Is censorship of movies a good idea?
Describe a problem Is modern life becoming easier or more complicated
Describe a happy event How can we increase the role of the family





before the test

This is not a time for intensive study. It is a time to review skills and your test technique. It is important to exercise, eat, rest and sleep well during the week in which you will take the test.
Leave nothing to chance. If you do not know how to get to the test centre, try going there at a similar time one or two weeks before the real test.
The night before the test

You must have a good dinner and go to bed at your normal time not too early and not too late, as you do not want to disrupt your sleep pattern if possible.

Have everything ready that you need to take with you to the test so you can simply pick it up in the morning, for example, the test registration form, passport, test number, pens, pencils, erasers, etc.
A pen that runs dry or a pencil that breaks can take several minutes to replace. Check before the exam exactly what articles you need. Set your alarm clock the night before or arrange a wake-up call.

On the morning of the test

Eat a good breakfast. You will have several hours of concentration ahead of you and you will need food and drink in the morning. You may even want to bring more food or a snack with you, especially if your speaking test is at a later time that day. You cannot, however, take food or drink into the exam room.
If possible, wear a watch in case you cannot see the clock in the exam room. It is essential that you keep track of time.

Give yourself plenty of time to get to the test centre. You will be required to complete a registration form and to show your passport before you enter the examination room so you must arrive at the time specified by your test centre. If you are early, you could go for a walk. If you are late, you will not be allowed to enter. Avoid the added tension of having to rush.


During the test

Most students at the test will feel nervous. This is quite normal. In fact, it can actually be quite helpful in terms of motivation. It may make you alert and help you to focus. The aim is for you to try to perform at your optimum level.

In contrast, high levels of anxiety can affect a student's performance. However, much of this anxiety can be overcome by good preparation, familiarity with test details and a positive attitude.

The examination room should be suitable for testing, that is, the lighting, ventilation and temperature should be appropriate. If you are uncomfortable because of any of these factors or if there is some other problem, such as not being able to hear the recording of the Listening Module, make sure you ask the person in charge to do something about it. For example, you may ask to change seats.

Examination technique

By using good examination technique you could help to improve your overall score for the IELTS test.

Remember that every section is marked independently. Do not jeopardise your performance in one section just because you believe that you have done badly in another. Do not underestimate or try to predict your outcome. You may, in fact, have done better than you imagined.

Focus on what you know rather than on what you don't know while you are doing the test.
Ensure that you adhere to the times suggested as they usually correspond to the number of marks given for a particular question.

In the Listening and Reading Modules, it is a good idea to write down an answer, even if you are not sure of it, before moving on to the next question. Many students intend to return to the answers they have omitted at the end of the test but do not have enough time to do so.

Furthermore, by writing your best answer at the actual time of reading the question, you save the time you need to spend again on re-reading the question and re-acquainting yourself with the subject matter. If you are not confident about your answer, mark it in some way and return to it at the end.

Do not leave any answers blank.You are not penalised for incorrect answers, so guess wisely.



ALL THE VERY BEST!!!!!!

I WELCOME ALL YOUR COMMENTS AND QUERIES.

IELTS WRITING

An Overview of IELTS Academic Writing

Module format

IELTS Academic Writing lasts a total of 60 minutes. It consists of 2 tasks (Writing Task 1 and Writing Task 2) and candidates must answer BOTH tasks.

Answer format

Candidates write their answers in pen or pencil on Answer Sheets provided.
TimingStudents are advised to spend 20 minutes on Task 1 and 40 minutes on Task 2. They must complete both tasks in one hour.

Task 1

For Writing Task 1 candidates are given some visual information which may be presented in the form of one or more related diagrams, charts, graphs or tables. Candidates are asked to describe the information or data. They must write at least 150 words on this task.

Writing Task 1 assessment is based on the following criteria:

1) Task Achievement
2) Coherence and Cohesion
3) Lexical Resource
4) Grammatical Range and Accuracy

Task 2

For Writing Task 2, candidates are presented with an opinion, problem or issue which they must discuss. They may be asked to present the solution to a problem, present and justify an opinion, compare and contrast evidence or opinions, or evaluate and challenge an argument or idea. Candidates must write at least 250 words and are advised to spend 40 minutes on this task.
Writing Task 2 assessment is based on the following criteria:

1) Task Response
2) Coherence and Cohesion
3) Lexical Resource
4) Grammatical Range and Accuracy

Each of the tasks is assessed separately by a trained and qualified examiner and given a score. Writing Task 2 is worth more marks than Writing Task 1 so candidates should be sure to leave plenty of time to complete Writing Task 2. Academic Writing band scores are reported in whole bands or half bands.

IELTS READING

The Test Format

The IELTS Academic Reading Test has 3 sections.

You have 60 minutes to complete the test.

There is NO extra time at the end of the test to transfer your answers to the answer paper (you get 10 extra minutes in the listening test only);

your answers must be on the answer paper at the end of the 60 minutes.

The test has 40 questions based on a series of 3 texts. The total length of all the texts put together will be between 2000 and 2750 words.

In each section of the Academic Reading Test there will be 1 text with 13 or maybe 14 questions to answer in 2 or 3 sets of differing formats. We will look at the types of question that you will meet later.

The texts will come from magazines, books and journals and are written for general interest or for an academic though non-specialist reader. At least one text will contain a logical argument.

One text may contain non-verbal materials such as a diagram, graph or illustration. If there are any words or terms of a specialist technical nature which candidates would not be expected to know, then a short glossary will be provided.

IELTS Academic Reading Test Question Types


Below is a list of the types of question that you could meet in the IELTS Academic Reading Test. It's useful to read the list of course, but the only way to really be familiar with the types of question is through practice.

Multiple choice questions
Short answer questions
Completion questions: Completing sentences
Completing notes
Completing a summary (no word bank)
Completing a summary (with word bank)
Completing a diagram
Completing a flow chart
Completing a table
Matching a bank of headings to identify paragraphs or parts of text
Matching a bank of writers' views/claims/information with the writer
Identification of information in the text: yes/no/not given questions
true/false/not given questions
Matching lists/phrases
Classification questions



Some Tips for the IELTS Academic Reading Test

Don't spend too long on a single question as that will lose you time for answering questions that could be easier for you. Sometimes leaving a question and coming back later can help you answer it too. Leave any questions that you have spent too long on, and come back at the end of the test if you have time. Sometimes, if the question has a yes/no/not given answer, the answer you are looking for does not exist as it could be a not given. Be aware so you don't waste time looking for something that isn't there.

Read the questions and instructions so you don't make a silly mistake. For example, people often will mix the yes/no answers with the true/false answers and write yes as an answer instead of true or vice versa. Strictly speaking you are wrong although you have understood the question and answer.

If the question asks for one answer then give one answer. Giving two is wrong as it asks for one and you will be marked wrong. The type of question where this could happen would be: Give one example of... Writing two examples, to show you really understand, is wrong.
If the question asks for no more than 3 words, use no more than 3 words. Writing 4 words or more is wrong. You won't be asked to do it in 3 words or less unless it is possible so don't worry; it can always be done.

One area that students don't like is that, in the reading test, good grammar and spelling are important. The grammar part is not as important as you can't make many grammar errors in 3 words (the maximum you use in the reading test) but, if you spell something wrong, it will be marked as wrong. People think, quite rightly in my opinion, that the reading should test whether you understand what you read and not how you spell something but these are the rules. So, be careful about your spelling!

One constant discussion I have had with students is whether to read the questions first and then read the passage or read the passage first and then the questions. From my experience with many students my conclusion is that there is no correct answer for this. It depends on a number of variables. It can depend on the types of question and how difficult the questions are. It can depend on how good and fast a reader you are. It can depend on the length of the text and how much time you have. Let's look at these variables.

If the question type is difficult and asking something which is hard to answer then reading the text first can help. Just a quick read through using a technique called skimming an analysis of the text that will help you find the answer more easily.

If you are a good, fast reader, then you can read the text quickly, getting good knowledge of the contents without using up too much precious time. This can help you answer the questions better.If the texts are short then it doesn't take long to quickly read through them. On the other hand, if the texts are short it is easier to find the answers so you may not have to waste time reading the texts to find the answers quickly, especially if time is short.

If time is short then it doesn't matter how complex or long the texts are. You need to get some answers on the answer sheet as quickly as possible. So, you can see that there is not one answer to the problem of whether to read the texts or questions first. What I tell students is to experiment in your practice and see what suits you for the different types of question in different situations. As usual practising your techniques is the key.

Time management is an important thing to be aware of. You have a number of texts to read and 40 questions to answer in 1 hour. If you spend to long on one part, you may find that you have not enough time to finish all the questions and some of those questions could be ones that you could answer quite easily. As I said above, don't spend too long on a difficult answer but also keep an eye on the clock. It's a good idea to have your watch or a small clock on your desk so you know exactly how long you have left in the test at any given time. In addition to this, keep control on how long you spend on each section. Remember the test gets more difficult as it goes on so you will probably need more time for the questions at the end than for those at the start.

LISTENING CONTINUED

Practice for The IELTS Academic Listening Test


There are different types of practice that you can do to improve your listening skills for the IELTS exam.
The best, as I've said before, is to practice on specific IELTS practice material. After that though there are other things.
Listening to the radio is excellent as it is the same skill as the IELTS listening test - listening to a voice without the speaker(s) being present. Listening to the TV is good too but you can see the speaker. You could try turning your back to the TV as this will make it more realistic.
Listening to the news on TV and radio is probably the best practice you could do with these two media.
You can also see English speaking films at the cinema or at home on TV or video. All these things will develop your listening skills.

IELTS Academic Listening Test Strategies

There isn't much you can do but there some things. First of all, you get time to read the questions at the start of each section and mid-way in each section. Use this time (usually 20 seconds) wisely. You should know in advance all the questions before you hear the tape. At the end of the sections you also get some time to check your answers. Use this time to check through and then turn ahead to read the next questions in advance.

When you read the questions you can usually predict some of the types of answer that will come. For example, in section 1, if you can see that the test is asking for a 'telephone' number, then you know you'll be listening out for 'numbers' and the word . In the later sections this becomes more complicated but the same technique can be used. Think about this when you are practising so you can develop this skill.


Tips and Ideas about the IELTS Academic Listening Test




As in all IELTS tests, the questions get harder as it goes on. You will see from your practice that the types of listening and questions that you encounter in Section 1 are more difficult in Section 2 and so on. This does not mean that by Section 4 they are impossible but they are more demanding linguistically.



Beware of some questions which require a number (i.e.: a telephone number) or some letters (i.e.: a postcode) as sometimes what you think is the answer will be read out only for the speaker to correct him or her self and then say the correct answer.


An important tip is to answer all the questions as you hear them; don't wait until later. Sometimes people in these tests hear the correct answer but decide to remember the answer and write it down later so they can wait for the next answer. This I feel is a mistake. Firstly, people will very often forget this answer and secondly, if you follow this method, you will have to remember up to 5 or 6 answers in a row before you can write them down. Then you'll forget even more.


As I said above, at the end of the test you have 10 minutes extra to transfer your answers from the question paper to the answer paper. Some people put their answers directly onto the answer paper. I feel it's better to write the answers on the question paper and use the 10 minutes given at the end for the transfer. Writing the answers on the question paper allows you to keep your concentration on the questions and, if you make a mistake, it's not so difficult to correct.


One area that students don't like is that, in the listening test, good grammar and spelling are important. The grammar part is not so important as you can't make many grammar errors in 3 words (the maximum you use in the listening test) but, if you spell something wrong, it will be marked as wrong. People think, quite rightly in my opinion, that the listening should test whether you understand what you heard and not how you spell something but these are the rules. So, be careful about your spelling!


If the question asks for no more than 3 words, use no more than 3 words. Writing 4 words is wrong. You won't be asked to do it in 3 words or less unless it is possible so don't worry; it can always be done.


Don't panic if you miss an answer. If it has really gone, then it is history. Worrying and panicking is only going to make you miss another one. One miss is probably not going to destroy your mark so calm down and listen for the next one. Sometimes you think you have missed it but you are mistaken. If you are calm and keep listening, maybe the answer will come or even be repeated.


Never leave a question unanswered; especially if it is only an A,B,C,D question or something similar. Guess if you really don't know. There are no marks taken away for wrong answers or even stupid answers. So, have a go! Logic, general knowledge or just luck might give you the right answer!