IELTS PREPARATION

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IELTS PREPARATION  

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body: IELTS PREPARATION
Writing (Task 1):
Expressing approximation
We use words to express approximation when the point we are trying to descirbe is between milestones on the graph. Such as:
just under   just over
well under   well over  
roughly      nearly
approximately  around  about

You will be given a graph with two lines. Your task is to describe the information given in the graph by writing a 150 words report. You are not asked to give your opinion.
Guidelines for a good answer:
Dose the report have a suitable structure?
 Does it have an introduction, body and conclusion?
 Dose it include connective words to make the writing cohesive within sentences and paragraphs?
Dose the report use suitable grammar and vocabulary?
 Does it include a variety of sentence structures?
 Does it include a range of appropriate vocabulary?
Does the report meet the requirements of the task?
 Does it meet the word limit requirements?
 Does it describe the whole graph adequately?
 Does it focus on the important trends presented in the graphic information?

Strategies for improving your IELTS score
Selecting information
In completing this task it is important that you describe thewhole graph fully. However, this does not mean that you should note every detail. In most cases there will be too much information for you to mention each figure. You will therefore need to summarise the graph in meaningful segments, as we saw in the section on single line graphs.

Report structure
Like the single line graph, your report should be structured simply with an introduction, body and conclusion. Tenses should be used appropriately.

Use two standard opening sentences to introduce the graph and your report. These opening sentences should make up the first paragraph. Sentence one should define what the graph is about, this is the date, location, what is being described in the graph etc. For example:
The graph compared the rate of smoking between men and women in Someland between the years 1960 and 2000.

Notice that in the single line graph we said that ‘the graph shows…’ but with two lines we can more accurately say ‘the graph compares…’
Notice the tense used. Even though it described information from the past, the graph shows the information in the present time.

Notice that the sample opening sentence does not simply copy the words used on the graphic material. Copied sentences will not be assessed by the examiner and so you waste your time including them.

Sentence two might sum up the overall trend. For example:
It can be clearly seen that the rate of smoking for bith men and women is currently declining and that fewer women had smoked throughtout the period.

The body of the report will describe the graph or graphs in detail. You will need to decide on the most clear and logical order to present the material. Line graphs generally present information in chronological order and so the most logical order for you to write up the information would also, most probably, be from earliest to latest. Bar graphs, pie charts, etc are organised in different ways and so you need to decide on the organisation of each one.

Your report should end with one or two sentences which summarise your report or draw a relevant conclusion

Grammar and vocabulary
You will receive a higher marker if your writing uses a range of structures and vocabulary correctly rather than a limited number.

If the flow chart is simple and linear than you may be able to link the stages together by simply using some of the following transition signals.
To begin with
First of all
Secondly, thirdly, etc
Then
Next
After that
Finally

If the process is more complex, then you may need to also use these words
Alternatively
Otherwise
In addition
At the same time
Concurrently

Writing (Task 2):
Strategies for improving your IELTS score
The style of essay required for Task 2 of the IELTS writing test is standard to academic courses. There are several published textbooks available to assist you to improve your writing skills for this part of the test.

Structure and cohesion should be evident at the essay level, within and between paragraphs and within and between sentences. Structure and cohesion have a very important effect on the readability and clarity of your essay as a whole.

The structure of your essay should be show a clear development from introduction, through your points and on to the conclusion. Your essay needs to have an introduction, body and conculsion.

Structure and cohesion should also be apparent within and between paragraphs. Each paragraph will typically contain a topic sentence which states the main point of your paragraph. The topic sentence is usually the first one. This will be followed by the evidence which supports the point of the paragraph. The final sentence will typically lead into the point of the following paragraph.

A good essay will also have structure and cohesion within and between sentences. It is important that you are confident using linking deviced such as relative clauses, connectives and transition signals.

The style of writing Task 2
IELTS writing task always has three writing style: cause&effect, argument and discussion
Cause&effect:
Look at a sample worksheet, you should think of the questions:
Every large city in the world has to face the problem of increasing traffic jams and the air pollution that they cause. Our health and the environment are in danger from the growing numbers of cars or other provate motor vehicles.
Why is traffic such a problem today? How can this problem be reduced?

1. What is the topic?
2. In your answer, what do you need to write about?
3. How many paragraphs do you think this essay needs?
4. Can you think of some causes and effects of traffice, and think of some solutions?

We should write 5 or 4 paragraphs for this essay:
a. introduction (the topic)  b. causes (2)   c. effects(2)   d. solutions(2)  e. conclusions
OR.  a. Introdution  b. causes and effects   c. solutions   e. conclusions

Discussion:
Look at a sample worksheet, you should think of the questions below:
Many people now have personal computers and the use of electronic services such as the internet is becoming more widespread. Some people, and some parents in particular, are concerned about unlimited access to electronic services and would like this access to be controlled nationally or even internationally.
To what extent do you agree with this idea of controlling access to electronic services?

1. What is the topic?
2. “To what extent…” questions can usually be changed to an easier “Yes/No” type questions. Write an easier question.
3. What kind of answer do you need to write?
4. Brainstrom some ideas.
We should write 4 paragraphs for this essay:
a. Introduction (the topic)  b. advantages(2)   c. disadvantages(2)  d. conclusion

In IELTS test, there are not such difference between argument and discussion essay, just follow the strategies above. To show your own opinion at the end of the argument essay.

NOTICE:
Each paragraph you should have TS (topic sentence), SS (supporting sentence) and DS (developing sentence) to make up your essay. Look at the following example paragraph:
There are two advantages in living in Sydney comapred to other cities in Australia(TS). The first advantage is its position(SS1). Sydney is located on the Harbour as well as the Pacific Ocean (DS1.1). When people visit the Opera House or the Botanic Gardens or go for a walk along part of the Sydney Harbour National Park, they can enjoy the beautiful view of the Harbour (DS1.2). Similarly, people can enjoy some scenic walks along the Pacific coast, or just swim and relax on the beaches (DS1.3). The second advantage is the climate (SS2). On the whole, Sydney is neither too cold in winter, nor too hot in summer (DS2.1). This lack of extremes makes life in this city reasonably comfortable (DS2.2). For example, on a sunny day in winter, it is sometimes difficult to find a free table at one of the many cafes with outdoor seating, because many people are out enjoying the weather (DS2.3).  

The possible topic of Task 2:
Education globalisation  environment  un/employment  health-stress
Drug abuse  population  transportation  urbanisation  the media

IELTS PREPARATION
Speaking (Part 1)
Introduction and interview:
Examiner introduces him/herself and confirms candidates’ identity. Examiner interviews candidates using verbal questions selected from familiar topic frames. ( 4-5 minutes) Pay attention to answer questions fully.
Suggested questions for part 1
1. Name
a. Could you show me your identification card please?
b. Could you tell me your full name please?
c. What shall I call you?
d. Does your name have any special meaning?
e. Why do so many people change their names?
f. Is your name important to you?
2. Hometown
a. Where do you come from?
b. Where do you live?
c. Can you tell me something about your hometown?
d. Can you tell me some famous landscapes or scenic spots in your hometown?
e. Can you tell me some history of your hometown?
3. Personal background
a. Are you a student or do you have a job?
b. What do you like most about your study?
c. What kind of job do you prefer after graduation?
d. What is your major?
e. What do you do for living?
f. Could you tell me a typical day of yours?
g. How do you get your job?
h. Are you satisfied with your job?
i. What kind of job do you your prefer in the future?
4. Hobby
a. what do you usually do in your spare time?
b. Do you prefer to stay alone or with your friends?
c. What do you usually do on weekends and weekdays?
d. What do you usually do when you go out?
e. What do you usually do with your friends?
f. Do you like reading?
g. What kind of books do you like best?
h. Do you like English? Why or why not?
i. What do you think of the importance of English?
j. What are good hobbies and bad hobbies? Why?
5. Future plan
a. Why do you take the IELTS test?
b. What are you planning to do in the next five years?
c. What is the first thing you will do when you arrive at the new place?
6. Travelling
a. Do you like travelling?
b. Do you like travel alone or with your friends?
c. Have you travelled to other places? Where are they?
d. What do you usually do when you first arrive in a new place?
e. What are the benefits of travelling?
f. Why do so many people like travelling nowadays?
7. Friends
a. Do you have many friends? Are they casual acquaintances or friends?
b. Do you prepfer to stay with your family or with your friends?
c. Do you prefer one or two close friends or many friends?
d. Can you talk about your best friends?
e. How to make friends?
f. What do you usually do with your friends?
g. Is the time you spend with your friends as much as that you spend with your family?
8. Music
a. Do you like music?
b. What are the benefits of listening to music?
c. What kind of music do you like best?
d. Why do you like this kind of music?
9. Transportation
a. Can you say something about the transportation in your hometown?
b. What is the common means od transport in your country?
c. Do traffic jams often occur in your hometown or in the city where you live?
d. How to solve the problem?
e. What changes in transportation have taken place in the past several years in your country?
10. Building
a. can you tell me an interesting building in you hometown?

Speaking (Part 2)
The aim of Part 2 is to show the interviewer that you can describe something, tell a story, give information ot directions or express your opinion without relying on the interviewer to help you through the task.

The idea is for you to talk and give as much information as you can. Do not simply answer ‘yes’ or ‘no’. Remember, the interview should be like a conversation. Do not memorise responses. If you appear to be reciting from memory, the examiner will interrupt and ask a different question.

The possible question of Part 2:
1. Describe a festival which you find important
Who takes part in the festival
What it celebrates
How you came to first know about this festival
And explain why this festival is important
2. Describe a building which you find interesting
What the buliding is used for
Where it is
What makes you find it interesting
3. Describe an activity which you enjoy in your leisure time
What it is
How you came to do this activity
What makes you enjoy it
And explain why other people enjoy it too
4. Descirbe a traditional ceremony which you know well
Where the ceremony is held
What the purpose of the ceremony is
What you feel about it
And explain why this ceremony is important to you
5. Descirbe a feature of the education system in your country
What it is
Why you find it interesting
What makes it important and note-worthy
And say how this feature might be used elsewhere
6. Describe something which you enjoy doing
What it is
Why you enjoy doing it
What equipment you need
And explain why you would suggest this activity to others
7. Describe someone who has influenced your life in a positive way
Who they are
How you meet her/him
What makes you admire her/him
And explain why this person is important to you
8. Describe an enjoyable trip you have had
Where you went
Why you particularly liked the trip
What made it worth remembering
And say what features of this trip you would repeat
9. Describe an example of serious pollution
Where it is
What made you notice it
What makes you think it is serious
10. Describe something which you find very annoying
What it is
Why it irritates you
How other people feel about this
And makes suggestion to prevent this problem
11. Describe the best present/gift you have received
Who send it
When did you receive it
Detail information about the present

Speaking (Part 3)
In this part, you should pay attention to which part of talk is most important. You should try to make the most important part of what you are saying stand out. You can give prominence to a particular part of your talk by
 Putting it first and using the rest of your talk to support it
 Referring back to your main point or points during the speech
 Using phrases like This is the main thing … I’d like to emphasise … This is very important.
There are several possible topics which might be questioned in part 3:
1. The three things I hope to achieve in my life
2. The things people will value most in the year 2000.
3. The most important medical discovery of all time.
4. My reasons for choosing my particular course of study.
5. Success in the job market is impossible without a university degree. Ambition alone will not allow you to achieve what you want.
6. The changes you would most like to see in the circumstances of foreign students.
7. In sport as in business, winning is the only result that matters.
8. The importance of family life as the basic unit of society.
9. The impotance of development for countries in your region.
10. The contribution sporting contests make to relations between countries.
11. The benefits of morden technology to developing countries and developed countries.
12. The difference between families in the past and today.
13. The difference between adult and children making friends.
14. The way you make friends with others.
15. Your opinions on fast food.
16. Compare the use of modren and traditional medicine in your country
17. Consider the heath issues associated with cell phone use.
18. Explain the need for an international language.
19. Identify the negative effects of Westernisation
20. Evaluate the need for censorship of magazines
21. Describe attitudes to scientific experiments on animals
22. Speculate on the future effects of climate change
23. Assess the advantages and disadvantages of genetic engineering.
24. Discuss the importance of the Arts for society.
25. Suggest ways in which Olympic athletes could be sponsored.
26. Exemplify some of the negative aspects of modern bulidings.

IELTS PREPARATION
Listening:
Summary of listening strategies
General Strategies
Read the instructions carefully
Listening to the taped instructions carefully
Note where and in what form your answer should be written
Read through the questions in the 30 seconds before each section is played
Look over your answers in each section in the 30 seconds given
Predict the topic/situation of each section: Who? Where? Why?
Keep looking ahead to the next question
Do not leave any blanks – guess the answer
Most importantly, CONCENTRATE.

Multiple choice picture questions/ Multiple choice word question
Identify key words in the question to help focus on specific information
Be familiar with the different ways of saying time
Predict the vocabulary you might hear by putting pictures into words
Identify similarities and differences in the multiple choice answers
Wait till you hear all the information before you give your answer

Finding a place/ labelling a diagram
Identify the key places/words on a map/diagram
Predict some of the words/ideas that relate to the map/diagram

Table/chart completion
Identify the key words in the table/chart
Use the key words to form a question to help you listen for specific information
Look at the other information in the table to know what form the answer must take.

Gap-fill questions/Sentence Completion/Short answer questions
Identify key words in the question
Anticipate possible answers by looking at the words before and after the gaps
Use the context and grammar to help you predict

IELTS PREPARATION
Reading:
Summary of reading strategies
General Strategies
Read the instructions carefully
Transfer answers to the reading answer sheet carefully

Matching paragraphs with headings/Matching statement beginnings with statement endings
Identify key words in the questions and answers
Think about grammar and meaning – can any beginnings and endings be matched
Try to predict before reading the text
Highlight topic sentences/ideas – synonyms, opposites, paraphrases in the text
Check the completed sentence is grammatically correct

Table completion
Identify the key words in the table
Use the key words to form a question
Scan the reading passage for the answer
Hint: Answers to this type of question are usually contained in one paragraph
Look for the topic sentences to find the relevent paragraph

True, False, Not Given type questions
Identify key words in the questions/statement
Look for synonyms, opposites or words with similar meanings in the reading passage
Match the key words and decide whether true, false or not given

Multiple choice type questions
Identify key words in the question/statement
Use global/general knowledge to predict possible answers
Scan the reading passage for specific answers
Eliminate inappropriate answers in the multiple choice questions