IELTS Speaking Writing Test Advice Speaking Advice Part

IELTS Speaking / Writing Test Advice

Speaking Advice Part 1 Should I give short or long answers? Longer: reasons, examples, contrasts SAY — because, for example, on the other hand where possible / reasonable The following are ok… examiner stops me I misunderstand answer a different question I ask the examiner to repeat «Can you repeat that please» I still don't understand after repeating Say «I'm not sure what that / ___ means, but I can say that. . . »

Speaking Part 2 What do I do if I don't understand a word? Ask : «What does ___ mean? » If I still don't understand…? «I'm not sure what ___ is, but I can say. . » Can I start speaking before one minute is over? Yes Do I have to speak for 2 minutes? No, just one, but 2 is better What do I do if I finish and the examiner just

Part 3 Can the examiner change the words of the question? Yes for part 3 (part 1 and 2 = no) Is it a problem if I say «I don't know? » No. Jusy say «I don't know because. . . but MAYBE» Is it a problem if I say «I'm not sure? » No. just say «I'm not sure because… but MAYBE. . . » Is it a problem if I start saying one thing but

How can I prepare? - priority points Practise answering different questions Practise giving meaning in pronunciation «it's definitely / it's possibly» «a bit better» «a lot better» «on the other hand» «I think»

Preparing - secondary points When you're happy with fluency / pronunciation Practice using … - linking devices *** «for example, for instance, one example of this is» «because, mostly / partially because» » first of all» «another reason is» - less-common expressions that can be used in different topics***** «considerably better» «at the crack of dawn» - fixed structures (with a teacher) Russia is such a large and diversified country that it is

Writing part 2 Four guidelines to a safe writing Answer the specific question Have clear paragraphs with a central topic Have a topic sentence that addresses an aspect of the exam statement, maybe using one of the words from the statement Don't use bullet points, numbering systems, or headings or refer directly to the exam statement (I agree with the statement)

structure

What is the specific question? Answer the specific question in your conclusion! More and more people are taking IELTS. Is this a good trend? Which conclusion answers the specific question………. . 1) «In conclusion, there advantages and disadvanges to international English exams, but the advantages are more. »

Conclusion=Specific Question 2 What is the specific question? Answer the specific question! More and more people are taking IELTS. What are the advantages and disadvantages? 1) «In conclusion, there advantages and disadvanges to international English exams, but the advantages are more. » 2) «In summary, the main advantages are that governments and companies can save money. The key disadvantage is that it costs a crazy

Specific Question 3 What is the specific question? Answer the specific question! More and more people are taking IELTS. What are the advantages and disadvantages for candidates? «In summary, the main benefits are that governments and companies can save money. The key drawback is that it costs an exhorbitant amount of money. »

Careful. . . Teenagers — small chidlren — adults Internet — computer Individuals — society And / because / that's why

Question types Do you agree? Yes, no To what extent do you agree? I fully agree What do you think? / What's your opinion? I think…. Discuss both sides and give your opinion: What are the advantages and disadvantages? Are the advantages more? Is this a positive process / trend? Two questions (next slide)

Examples of «Two questions» Children are spending more time on computer games. What are the reasons for this and what are the consequences? Chilren are spending more time on the internet. What are the disadvantages of this, and what can parents and teachers do? Teenagers are spending more time on social networks. Is this mainly because of technology? Will this affect their adult life? Teenagers are spending more time on social networks (25%) and less on homework (25%).

Introduction 1) Introduces the general topic: (optional) 2) Introduces the specific topic: 3) States aim / position: Children are spending more time on computer games. What are the reasons for this and what are the consequences? 1 - Children have loved playing computer games ever since they were invented. Now, however, they seem to be spending more time spending an increasing amount of time on such games. The reasons for this and consequences will be discussed in this essay. 2 - Children seem to be spending an increasing

Topic sentences. . .

Topic sentences TIP: It is safer if the topic sentence is connected with an aspect of the question Some people say all zoos should be closed, while others believe they are good and should stay open. Discuss both sides and give your opinion. Zoos have existed in people's lives for a long time. Some think that they are good and should remain open, whereas others are of the opinion that it might be a good idea to shut

Discuss both sides. . . In the first body paragraph discuss one side (the one you disagree with) In the second body paragraph discuss the other side as you discuss, use word choice to «prepare» for your opinion (in the conclusion) People who believe … claim that…. They rightly point to some minor aspects such as. . .

Introduction: Do you agree? Some people believe that the government should provide free healthcare for everyone. Do you agree? (What is your opinion? ) 1 - One of the most important aspects in anyone's life is healthcare. Some people adhere to the belief that the government ought to give free healthcare for all, whereas others are of the opinion that some people should pay for healthcare. Both sides will be discussed in this essay before a conclusion is drawn. 2 - One of the most important aspects in anyone's life is healthcare. While some people say that

Topic sentence: Do you agree? 1 - There are some cases in which, I believe, healthcare should be without charge for everyone. The first is when. . . …. . 2 - The main advantage of providing free healthcare is that people can spend money on other things. This is a great benefit because. . .

Two questions There is more and more rubbish in some cities. What are the reasons for this and what can individuals do? Introduction Body paragraph one = first question (here = reasons) Body paragraph 2 = second question (here = what can. . do? Conclusion = summary

Do you agree/ What's your opinion? Parents need to spend more time with children. To what extent do you agree? Introduction (state your position) Body paragraph one = first reason (or two) Body paragraph two = second reason (or 3, 4) Conclusion = summary of position

Advantages and Disadvantages ………………. . .

Writing 1 — graph / chart Read statement and GUESS info Look at graph and see similarities / contrasts What are key features? Introduction = introduce graph Overview = summarize key features Body paragraphs = key features Don't use bullet points or headings!!!

What are the key features?

Choose «biggest ones» 1)the three apart from rail, which ended up the same, increased 2)rail and road had reasonably similar patterns 3)pipeline had the largest percentage growth 4)there were more fluctuations among road and rail 5)rail almost dropped down to pipieline at some stage.

Structure

Introduction = introduce graph THE EXAMINER «HASN'T SEEN» THE GRAPH NOT BAD = The line graph shows the quantities transported in England by four different modes of transport, namely road, water, rail and pipeline.

Introduction 2 BETTER = The line graph demonstrates the quantities of goods which were transported in the United Kingdom from 1974 to 2002 by four different modes of transport, namely road, water, rail and pipeline. Don't forget the time period Don't forget the specific “things” Paraphrase, but “carefully”

Overview paragraph Can come at the end Not bad…. Overall, the three modes apart from rail showed an increase, while rail itself ended up with the same amount. Roads maintained first position, whereas pipelines were constantly fourth.

Better… Overall, the three modes apart from rail showed an increase in total volume carried, while rail itself ended up with the same amount. Roads maintained first position throughout the period, whereas pipelines were constantly fourth, Note – no statistics in the overview Don't forget time periods!!

Body paragraph «topic sentence» Not bad…. Road transportation of goods maintained its first position among the four throughout the period. = “re-affirm” key feature

Better …. As mentioned, it is clear from the graph that both road and pipe transportation of goods maintained there position among the four throught the period. = “grouping” in the topic sentence versus mechanically going through points separately

Full body paragraph Good but TWO MAJOR PROBLEMS + one minor problem…. As mentioned, it is clear from the graph that both road and pipe transportation of goods maintained there position among the four throughout the period. Roads started and ended the period as the most popular form. From an initial point of approximately 70 tonnes in 1974, the number rose in a fluctuating manner to almost 100 in 2002. Pipelines, conversely, began and finished as the least popular. They climbed from about 5 in 1974 to

Remember the two main ones. . Major = MILLION tonnes = lose one band mark Major = This was probably because of petrol increased. = REASON / SPECULATION = NOOO!!! In part 1, do not give reasons or speculate. JUST report key features and details. Minor = «The pipelines rose. . » Pipelines cannot rise — The pipelines figure rose

2 nd body «language» The middle two modes, water and rail, began at roughly the same point, around 40, but finished up in noticeably different positions. The former ended at about 62, representing a 50% increase, while the former finished at more or less the same point after dipping down to a minimum of about 30 in around 1995. This made it the only mode not to show a noticeable increase over the period. !!!! - the number rocketed from 13 to 14 over the fifty year period

Map / Diagram Main ideas are the same… 1)key features 2)group key features into paragraphs with a topic sentence (if possible!!!) 3)have clear paragraphs 4) Make sure you have a clear overview 5)no need for a conclusion

My contact / site / blog polk_j_a@hotmail. com - name, part of exam, question http: //aitonenglish. com http: //lclanguages. com

IELTS LIZ / Simon IELTS http: //ieltsliz. com/ielts-writing-task-1 -lessonsand-tips/ http: //ielts-simon. com/ielts-help-andenglish-pr/ielts-writing-task-1/