IELTS The Speaking Writing Module Bob Morrison What

IELTS The Speaking & Writing Module Bob Morrison

What is IELTS speaking? Check with a partner – how much do you know already? 1. How long does the test take? 2. How many parts are there? 3. What is each part about? 4. What 4 things to you get graded on?

Speaking 3 parts in 15 minutes Part 1 you / your country Part 2 your experience Part 3 The future, the past, opinions etc

Grades Each interview is given four grades: Fluency Vocabulary Grammar Pronunciation

Grades Fluency influences: Vocabulary Pronunciation Grammar

Grades Fluency strategies ◦ ◦ Start speaking Well, actually, it depends, there a couple of different factors Extend your answers Say why Give examples Extend some words Use pauses to help your message (not to search for words)

Grades Vocabulary Sophisticated accurate Complex accurate Sophisticated inaccurate Complex inaccurate Simple inaccurate Simple and inaccurate Grammar

Grades Pronunciation ◦ Individual sounds ◦ Features of connected speech Joining words appropriately (gonna, wanna, d’yaknowarramean? ) ◦ Rhythm Word stress and weak forms ◦ Intonation

Grades For the best possible score: 1. Be fluent, extend your answers 2. Use complex grammar 3. Use a range of vocabulary 4. Use paraphrasing 5. Don’t think before you start speaking – speak and think at the same time * You do NOT need to answer the question

How to Prepare Know your strengths and weaknesses ◦ Talk to a Learning Advisor Focus your study Build your vocabulary Practice fluency phrases Read widely – and think about the information Practice the test ◦ With friends / study buddy (IELTS Learning Community) ◦ In the practice centre James O, Liz, Lorraine, Carol, Shawn, Tara

IELTS Speaking Any Questions?

What is IELTS writing? Check with a partner – how much do you know already? 1. How long does it take? 2. How many parts/tasks are there? 3. How many words must you write for each part? 4. What is the difference between the 2 parts? 5. What 4 things to you get graded on?

Writing There is 1 hour to write 2 essays. Task 1 ◦ Diagram ◦ 150 words minimum ◦ 20 minutes Task 2 ◦ Discursive question (give your opinion) ◦ 250 words minimum ◦ 40 minutes.

Task 1 Descriptions of a diagram ◦ Data Bar chart Table Graph Pie chart ◦ Map ◦ Process

Task 2 A discursive essay ◦ Give your opinion To what extent do you agree or disagree? Discuss both these views and give your own opinion? Which do you consider to be more important? Should something happen? e. g. should university be free? Should private cars be banned from cities? Should rich countries help poor countries?

Grades Each essay is given four grades: Task completion Coherence and cohesion Vocabulary Grammar

Grades Each essay is given four grades: Task completion ◦ ◦ ◦ Is the essay long enough? Does the writer answer the question? Is the answer accurate? (Task 1) Is there an overview & data to support the overview (Task 1) Does the writer support his/her ideas? (Task 2)

Grades Each essay is given four grades: Coherence and cohesion ◦ ◦ ◦ Is the introductory paragraph adequate? Are there clear paragraphs, with 1 idea in each paragraph and support for this idea? Are there good paragraph transitions? Are the sentences and clauses signposted well? Does the summary / concluding paragraph make sense?

Grades Vocabulary Sophisticated accurate Complex accurate Sophisticated inaccurate Complex inaccurate Simple inaccurate Simple and inaccurate Grammar

Grades For the best possible score: 1. Write enough 2. Answer the question 3. Support your ideas 4. Use complex grammar 5. Use sophisticated vocabulary 6. Use paragraphs and signposting language

How to Prepare Know your strengths and weaknesses ◦ Talk to a Learning Advisor Focus your study Build your vocabulary Practice fluency phrases – look at good examples and write down which phrases you could recycle Read widely – and think about the information Practice the test under timed conditions

IELTS Writing Materials Learning Advisors Exam papers with sample writing Self-study books The Writing Centre Shawn Richard Bob SALC writing materials Study buddies (IELTS Learning Community)

IELTS Any Questions?