IELTS Line Graph and Bar Chart Model Answer (Band 9)

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An IELTS line graph and bar chart model answer with examiner comments. Describing two charts together for IELTS writing task 1 academic paper is easy when you know how. Dual charts like the one below are very common in IELTS Writing Task 1 and appear each year.

IELTS Line Graph & Bar Chart

The line graph shows visits to and from the UK from 1979 to 1999. The bar chart shows the most popular countries visited by UK residents in 1999.

ielts-Line-and-bar-graph

Source: IELTS Cambridge English Test Books

Line Graph & Bar Chart Model Answer

The line graph illustrates the number of UK residents going abroad from the UK and overseas residents visiting the UK between 1979 and 1999. The bar chart gives information about how many UK residents travelled to five of the most popular countries in 1999. Units are measured in millions of people.

Overall, there was an increase in the number of visits to and from the UK and there were more visits abroad by UK residents than visits to the UK by overseas residents over the period given. Furthermore, the most popular country to visit by UK residents was France in 1999.

According to the line graph, the number of UK residents visiting overseas  began at just under 15 million in 1979 and rose significantly to reach over 50 million in 1999. Around 10 million overseas residents visited the UK in the first year before climbing steadily to just under 30 million by the final year.

Regarding the bar chart, in 1999, the two most popular countries were France and Spain (visited by 10 million UK residents and approximately 9 million respectively). The USA and Greece had about 4 million and 3 million visitors. The least popular country visited was Turkey, which had only about 2 million UK residents going there.

Examiner Comments

This IELTS writing task 1 report describing both a chart and a graph is organised into logical paragraphs. The introduction introduces both charts and the overview contains the key features of both chart. Detail in the body paragraphs is supported by data. The right language is used for the line graph and there are a range of sentence structures used throughout.

Paraphrasing

  • shows = illustrates / gives information about
  • the number = how many
  • visits abroad by UK residents = UK residents going abroad = UK residents travelling to…
  • from 1979 to 1999 = between 1979 and 1999 = over the period given
  • rose = climbed
  • about = approximately = around

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Linking Words for IELTS Speaking: Word List & Tips

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Here is a list of linking words for your IELTS speaking with tips and models. For speaking you need some simple linking words and natural phrases to help the examiner follow your ideas and stories. These linking words  and signposts are simple and informal on the whole. IELTS writing is different and requires the use of a wide range of linkers.

IELTS Speaking Linking Words – Why are they important?

Why are they important for IELTS Speaking if there is no marking criterion for Coherence and Cohesion, like there is in IELTS writing? Well, the marking criterion of Fluency is actually Fluency & Coherence and that means you are marked on being well understood. While the linking words themselves are not marked, you are marked on being easy to understand by making the direction of your ideas clear – and that requires linking words which signpost the direction of what you are saying. So, these linking words will help your score for Fluency and Coherence, which counts for 25% of your marks.

Types of Linking Words for IELTS Speaking

Adding more information

  • and
  • also
  • as well as
  • another reason is

Time Phrases

You should use signposts to help the listening understand when you are talking about the past or the present. This is crucial in IELTS Speaking where you will be asked questions that are related to the past, to the present and to the future.

  • now
  • at the moment
  • at present
  • right now
  • these days
  • nowadays
  • in the past
  • before
  • then
  • at that time
  • years ago
  • when I was younger
  • in the future
  • in a few decades
  • looking ahead

Expressing ideas

  • I think one important thing is
  • I guess one difference is
  • I suppose the main difference between X and Y is

Causes and Solutions

  • I guess it’s because
  • The main reason is
  • It was caused by
  • Because
  • I suppose the best way to deal with this problem is
  • I reckon the only answer is to
  • The best way to solve this is

Giving Examples

These connective devices are for giving examples in your answers. The most common and natural to use is “like”. Please note that “like” can’t be used as a linking device in IELTS writing.

  • for example
  • for instance
  • such as
  • like

Being Clear

You use these simple, natural expression to explain your point again more clearly or get your answer back on track.

  • What I mean is
  • What I want to say is
  • As I was saying

Contrasting and concessions

Use these connecting words to compare and contrast or give concessions. You will often be asked a comparison question in the IELTS Speaking test. These questions can come in speaking part 1, part 2 or part 3. So, make sure to use these linking words for your statements.

  • but
  • on the other hand
  • while
  • although
  • or
  • in comparison
  • on the other hand
  • by contrast

Free PDF Download: Linking words for IELTS Speaking

Examples of Linking Words in IELTS Speaking

Look at the following questions and answers from the speaking test and see what linking words are contained in the answers. You’ll see that the use of linking words is very common in most answers you will give.

Q. Do you eat much fruit?

A. Yes, I do. I love tropical fruit like mangoes and pineapples. I just can’t get enough of them. I’d eat them with every meal if I could.

Comments: We would not use “for example” in this type of sentence which relates to our everyday life and instead we use “like” which is very informal. We can use “like” as a linking word in the speaking test, but never in the writing test, which is formal.

Q. Do you think fast food is bad?

A. Yes, I do. If it is eaten too often, it can cause problems such as heart disease or diabetes. Also, it can lead to weight problems which are really common nowadays.

Comments: You could use “such as” or “for example” in this sentence because the content is more serious. Please note that we don’t use “furthermore” or “in addition” for speaking, instead we use “also” or “and”.

Q. Do children play similar games today that they played in the past?

A. No, I don’t think they do. Before, children used to play simple games like hide and seek or they used to play with simple handmade toys. But, these days, kids tend to prefer computer games and their toys are battery operated. 

Comments: This answer contained time phrases for the past and present “before” and “these days”. It also had an example “like”. “Like” is the main example linking word for speaking and can be repeated again and again. This answer also uses a contrasting linking word “but”. “But” is the main contrasting linking word in speaking and can be repeated many times.

Mistakes with Linking Words in Speaking

The example below will help you understand how not to answer a question with linking words when you answers questions in your IELTS Speaking test.

Q. Do you like going out with friends?

A. Yes, I do. Firstly, it gives me a chance to relax. Secondly, I can catch up on their news. Last but not least, it allows me the opportunity to visit new places.

Comments: The method of linking is too formal for the question. In IELTS Speaking, you will get questions which are relaxed and personal. And you might get questions which are very serious, such as in Speaking Part 3. You are likely to alter your language depending on the question. Part 1 and Part 2 questions are often quite simple and you’ll explain yourself quiet simply and informally, such as with the question above. However, in Part 3, the question might be more serious, such as “Do younger people and older people enjoy doing the same things in their free time?”, you might choose a slightly more formal approach, such as “One significant difference is …. Moreover, another interesting point is ….”. But this is not about formal or informal. It’s just about the topic being serious in nature and you possibly being more serious in your reply. Do you need to use words like “moreover”? Not at all. Even if you use “and”, you can still get band 9. Your aren’t marked on your range of linking words, and it’s natural when speaking to repeat common, simple linking words. To sum up, for the most part, you’ll be speaking mostly informally and sometimes more seriously depending on the question.

See below what the answer should be to the above question:

A. Yes, I do. It’s great being able to chill out and catch up with their news. Also, we often go out to new places which I really enjoy. 

Comments: This answer was more natural and more appropriate to the question so it would be marked higher in IELTS speaking. The linking words are used appropriately (and / also). You are being marked on your natural use of English in an informal speaking test.

Tips for Linking Devices in IELTS Speaking

  • Don’t use formal linking words for simple questions about yourself and your life.
  • Don’t worry about repeating linking words. This is different to IELTS writing and repetition in the speaking test is more usual and not marked down.
  • The most common linking words for speaking are: and, but, because, also, like (for giving examples). This means you will probably use them a lot and repeat them often – that’s fine for the speaking test.
  • “Like” is only used as a linking word to give examples in speaking NOT in writing.
  • You do not get a higher score because you used a range of linking devices.
  • Linking words in speaking are just to help the examiner understand better and that will boost your score. This is about being coherent, rather than structure and formal linking.
  • Linking words are used naturally not formally in IELTS speaking.
  • Some questions are serious in nature and you might use more “formal” style linking words at that time. But it isn’t rquired for a high score. Just be yourself, be natural.
  • Linking words are part of the criterion of “Fluency and Coherence” which is 25% of your marks.

Linking Devices for IELTS Writing

The following link will provide you with a list of Essential Linking Words for Writing Task 2. For IELTS writing, you MUST use a range of formal linking words in your essay to get a high score. This is applicable to both GT and academic students.

IELTS Speaking USEFUL LINKS:

IELTS speaking common questions and topics to practice for your test.

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Common Uncountable Nouns: Word List

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A list containing the most common uncountable nouns with tips and advice. Countable and uncountable nouns are some of the most common mistakes that students make in English. This page will explain everything to you.

Download PDF: Uncountable Nouns List

What is an uncountable noun?

Countable nouns are nouns which can be counted in numbers. For example, one house / two houses. When we use countable nouns, we use the article “a” and the plural “s” (a house, two houses).

Uncountable nouns are nouns which can’t be counted. For example, information. It is not possible to say one information/ two informations. The word “information” can’t be counted using numbers. It can never have a plural “s”. It can never have an article “a” or “an”. And it can never be quantified with any number. However, when using uncountable nouns, you will need to use a singular third person verb tense “information is” and it can never be “information are”.

What types of uncountable nouns are there?

Most uncountable nouns relate to:

  • liquids (milk, water)
  • abstract ideas (advice, chaos, motivation)
  • powder and grain (rice, wheat, sand)
  • mass nouns (furniture, hair, transportation)
  • natural phenomena (sunshine, snow, rain, weather)
  • states of being (sleep, stress, childhood)
  • feelings (anger, happiness, enthusiasm, courage)
  • gas (oxygen, air)

Uncountable Nouns & Grammar

  • How much …? = uncountable nouns / How many …? = countable nouns /
  • These = countable / This = uncountable
  • many = countable / a lot of = uncountable (and countable)
  • not many = countable / not much uncountable (we use “much” with negative uncountable nouns)

To express an amount of an uncountable noun, you must use other words.

  • some information = a piece of information
  • some clothing = one item of clothing / two items of clothing
  • some equipment = a piece of equipment / two pieces of equipment
  • some water = a cup of water / two glasses of water

Uncountable Noun List

I have put the most common words in bold. Some words are both countable and uncoutable – I have put a note next to those words.

A-F Uncountable Nouns

  • accommodation
  • advertising
  • air
  • aid
  • advice
  • anger
  • art
  • assistance
  • bread
  • business
  • butter
  • calm
  • cash
  • chaos
  • cheese (both)
  • childhood (both)
  • clothing 
  • coffee (both)
  • content
  • corruption
  • courage
  • currency (both)
  • damage
  • danger (both)
  • darkness
  • data
  • determination
  • economics
  • education (both)
  • electricity
  • employment
  • energy
  • entertainment (both)
  • enthusiasm
  • equipment
  • evidence
  • failure (both)
  • fame
  • fire
  • flour
  • food (both)
  • freedom
  • friendship (both)
  • fuel
  • furniture
  • fun

G -M Uncountable Nouns

  • genetics
  • gold
  • grammar
  • guilt
  • hair
  • happiness
  • harm
  • health
  • heat
  • help
  • homework
  • honesty
  • hospitality 
  • housework
  • humour
  • imagination (both)
  • importance
  • information
  • innocence
  • intelligence
  • jealousy
  • juice
  • justice
  • kindness
  • knowledge
  • labour
  • lack (both)
  • laughter
  • leisure
  • literature
  • litter
  • logic
  • love (both)
  • luck
  • magic
  • management
  • metal (both)
  • milk
  • money
  • motherhood
  • motivation
  • music

N-S Uncountable Nouns

  • nature
  • news
  • nutrition
  • obesity
  • oil
  • old age
  • oxygen
  • paper (both)
  • patience
  • permission
  • pollution
  • poverty
  • power (both)
  • pride
  • production (both)
  • progress
  • pronunciation
  • publicity
  • punctuation
  • quality (both)
  • quantity (both)
  • racism
  • rain
  • relaxation (both)
  • research
  • respect
  • rice
  • room (space)
  • rubbish
  • safety
  • salt
  • sand
  • seafood
  • shopping
  • silence (both)
  • smoke
  • snow
  • software
  • soup (both)
  • speed
  • spelling
  • stress 
  • sugar
  • sunshine

T – Z Uncountable Nouns

  • tea (both)
  • tennis
  • time (both)
  • tolerance (both)
  • trade (both)
  • traffic
  • transportation
  • travel
  • trust
  • understanding (both)
  • unemployment
  • usage
  • violence
  • vision (both)
  • warmth
  • water
  • wealth
  • weather
  • weight (both)
  • welfare
  • wheat
  • width
  • wildlife
  • wisdom
  • wood (both)
  • work
  • yoga
  • youth (both)

Irregular Uncountable Nouns

Some nouns can be both countable and uncountable.

Room  = has two meanings. One is countable and one is uncountable.

  • If this is about a room in a house, it is countable.
  • If this is relating to space “there isn’t much room in this place”, it is uncountable.

Hair = this can be countable and uncountable depending on how you use it.

  • “There is a hair in my soup”. This refers to only one strand of hair and is countable.
  • “He has a lot of hair”. This refers to the mass of hair and is considered uncountable.

Business = this can be countable and uncountable.

  • “He is going to Paris on business”. This is uncountable.
  • “I will take my business elsewhere”. This is uncountable and means I will take my custom to another shop.
  • “He studies business at school”. This is uncountable.
  • “I am planning to start a new business”.  Countable.

This is a difficult one with a lot of exceptions. Here’s a link with a list of rules for the word business / countable and uncountable.

Other Irregular Uncountable Nouns

light / paper / time / work /

For details of irregular uncountable nouns, follow the link.

Practice with Countable and Uncountable Nouns

Fill in the gaps using one of the following: many / much / a lot of.

  1. …………. wildlife is losing habitation due to deforestation.
  2. I haven’t heard ………. news about the recent events in Europe.
  3. There aren’t ………. sports lessons offered in the school curriculum.
  4. I can’t go out to tonight because I’ve got ………… work.
  5. It is often thought that people who have only traveled in their own country don’t have ……………. tolerance for others compared to people who have been abroad.
  6. ………… literature that students read at school is classical.
  7. ……….. education policies are designed to protect students but ensure a high level of learning.
Answers
  1. A lot of
  2. much
  3. many (“lessons” = countable)
  4. a lot of
  5. much
  6. A lot of
  7. Many (“policies” = countable)

Fill in the gaps with on of the following: is / are.

  1. Silence ……… essential in libraries to ensure that people can concentrate on what they are reading.
  2. There ……. a lot of company advertising during major sports events.
  3. Shopping …….. one of the most popular leisure activities for women.
  4. There …….. a lot of information available online about IELTS.
  5. There ………. a lot of traffic in city centers during rush hour.
  6. There ……….. not enough money spent on research for cancer.
  7. Water …….. essential for plants to thrive.
  8. I think that childhood …….. one of the best times of a person’s life.
  9. The management procedures ……… difficult to understand.
  10. Not enough aid …. given to third world countries.
Answers
  1. is
  2. is
  3. is
  4. is
  5. is
  6. is
  7. is
  8. is
  9. are
  10. is

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IELTS Speaking Part 2 Quiz: How much do you know?

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How much do you know about IELTS speaking part 2? Make sure you understand everything about speaking part 2 before you do your test.

Quiz

Are the following tips and advice good or bad?

  1. If you don’t know anything about the topic, ask the examiner to give you another cue card.
  2. You must write answers to each question on the cue card during your 1 minute preparation.
  3. You shouldn’t look at your notes while you are giving your talk.
  4. You will get a low score if your talk is boring.
  5. You should only add information to your talk relating to the prompts on your card.
  6. The examiner will interrupt you if you go off topic.
  7. If you don’t speak for 2 minutes, you won’t get a high score.
  8. The examiner is not interested in your grammar in part 2, only in your fluency.
  9. Use plenty of idioms to get a higher score.
  10. You should expand your talk by adding descriptions, details and stories.
Answers

All the advice given above is bad except for one. Read the comments below to learn more.

  1. You can’t change your topic. Even if you don’t know much about it, you should still try to talk by adding your own ideas and information.
  2. There are no questions on the speaking part 2 cards. There are prompts on the cards which are only guidelines. You should decide how to write notes in a way that is useful for your talk. The notes are only to help you remember your ideas so you decide if you want to make notes on each prompt or not.
  3. This is really bad advice. Of course you can look at your notes. Your notes will help you remember your ideas. However, don’t look down at your notes all the time. Eye contact with the examiner while you are speaking is important. Just glance at your notes from time to time to help remember ideas.
  4. There is no score for having an interesting talk or a boring talk. However, an interesting talk usually contains a better range of language and for that reason adding interesting details can help.
  5. This is also poor advice. The prompts should be used as guidelines. If you decide not to follow them, it is up to you. Personally, I recommend following them because they provide a useful structure for your talk but you need to add more information to each prompt. It is your choice what extra information you add.
  6. The examiner will not interrupt your talk at all. Once you start talking, the examiner will remain silent until you have finished. Also there is no scoring for being on or off topic in IELTS speaking. You shouldn’t change the topic but you might want to add some interesting details which are not mentioned on your card.
  7. Part of fluency is your ability to speak at length but that doesn’t mean you must speak for 2 minutes. If you only speak for 1.5 minutes but during that time you speak without hesitation, you can still get a high score.
  8. There are four marking criteria in IELTS speaking (fluency, vocabulary, grammar and pronunciation). These criteria are scored from your answers to ALL parts of the test. While part 2 is a good chance to show your fluency skills, your grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation will still be assessed.
  9. Using idioms is not a sure way to get a high score. Idioms should be used appropriately and correctly and should definitely not be over used.
  10. This is absolutely correct advice. You need to expand your talk by adding more detail and descriptions. This website (IELTS Advantage) has a great strategy for developing your talk. I’m sure you will all find it useful.

 

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IELTS Listening: Filling in the Missing Word

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Filling in the missing word is a common task for IELTS listening. These questions are called sentence completion and they appear in almost every IELTS Listening test.

For tips, click here: LISTENING SENTENCE COMPLETION TIPS

The practice lessons below . This is mainly known as sentence completion questions in IELTS listening. The lesson below gives you some practice with how to fill in the gaps to complete the sentences.

Practice completing sentences for IELTS listening by filling in the sentences below with a missing word. Read through the sentences carefully before you listen. Predict what type of word you need to listen for and also plan any possible paraphrases for words in the sentences. Your answer must be grammatically correct when it is complete.

IELTS Listening Sentence Completion: Practice 1

Fireworks

Questions 1- 8

Complete the sentences using no more than two words and/or a number.

  1. Specialists in fireworks include ……….. to create special effects.
  2. Fireworks are made by putting all materials in a ………
  3. Fireworks were invented by the ……………
  4. The first firework created a loud ……….
  5. Fireworks appeared in Europe by the ………………
  6. The ………… firework launches high into the air and explodes at a certain height.
  7. The long tube fireworks are called ……………..
  8. …………… is used to create a bright white light.

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TRANSCRIPT & ANSWERS

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Transcript

The original fireworks were made from gunpowder, which is a mixture of ingredients including saltpetre, sulphur and charcoal. Today experts at handling explosives, called pyrotechnicians, add chemicals for special effects. There are many different kinds of fireworks but they are all made in a similar way. The ingredients are placed in a shell, it is then wrapped up and a fuse is added. In factories, where the fireworks are made, safety precautions are used to make sure a single static electric shock does not create an explosion.

Fireworks have been around for centuries and are believed to have been first made by the Chinese. A Chinese document, dated about 1040AD, showed how to wrap gunpowder in paper to make a “fire pill”. This small firecracker made a very loud bang which was thought to ward off evil spirits. By the 13th century, fireworks had made their way to Europe where their popularity grew. By the 1500’s, fireworks were used in celebrations and special events. The Italians were the masters of fireworks by the 17th century.

There are a number of different types of fireworks these days and each of them works in a particular way. The rocket firework has a substance which explodes and shoots the firework into the air. When the rocket reaches a particular height, another spark causes it to blow up, releasing fine metal powders into the air. Roman candles are long tubes which shoot balls of chemicals from one end creating a series of flaming stars. Fountains are cone shaped and a small hole allows gases to escape, shooting coloured sparks into the air. Adding magnesium gives off a bright white light. Other ingredients give off different types of light when they become hot which is how colours are created.

Answers
  1. chemicals
  2. shell
  3. Chinese (You do not need a capital letter at the beginning for this to be correct)
  4. bang
  5. 13th century
  6. rocket
  7. Roman candles (If your spelling is wrong, the answer is incorrect. The capital letter is not important.)
  8. Magnesium (if your spelling is wrong, your answer is incorrect – you don’t need a capital letter even if it is at the beginning of the word. See my tips for info about this: IELTS Listening Tips)

Information from cbbc news

  Paraphrases
  • add = include
  • put in = placed in
  • invented by = first made by
  • made = created
  • appeared in = made their way to
  • launches into the air = shoots into the air
  • particular = certain
  • used to create = gives off

You will see that the paraphrases are not difficult. The main difficulty is all the extra information that is given which can be confusing to hear. Keep your mind focused on listening for answers and try not to be distracted by extra information.

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IELTS Listening Practice Lesson 2

Future Libraries

Questions 1-5: No more than two words and/or a number.

  1. Libraries provide creative spaces and learning ………..
  2. Libraries can help to improve technological ……….. in society.
  3. ………… to any given book becomes possible using Library Bookmark.
  4. Patrons would be able to receive books at home using …………….
  5. Fingerlink allows the user to combine …………….. with a printed book.

RECORDING:

TRANSCRIPT & ANSWERS

Click below to reveal the transcript and answers for this lesson.

Transcript

Today, libraries are not only about lending books. They are creative spaces, not only for individuals, but also teams. They are economic incubators and learning hubs. Most of all, the libraries are the entry points to the digital world. They are the way to embrace technology and avoid digital exclusion. Therefore, to improve technological literacy of local communities, libraries should be equipped with relevant technologies.

Here are some suggestions for future improvements of technology in libraries:

  1. Library Bookmark: First of all, the device would be a perfect companion when navigating through the library, by giving turn-by-turn directions to the book the patron wants. The device could also keep track of all borrowed books, as well as remind the user of the return dates.
  2. Delivery Drones: To get the book from a library, you can either go and find it, or you can let it find you. The future belongs to the unmanned flying machines, and just like Amazon drones can deliver the goods to customers, libraries could deliver the books to patrons.
  3. FingerLink: It is a project currently developed by Fujitsu that will let you use digital tools to work with a printed book. It’s a stand you can put on a library desk. It includes two elements: a camera to read the information from the real world, and the projector to display digital information in the real world.
Answers

Spelling must be correct to have the answer marked correct. Using all capital letters is recommended for listening and reading answers.

  1. HUBS
    1. You must have “s”. If you write this answer as “hub” it will be marked wrong. You are being tested on being able to hear the difference between plural and singular.
  2. LITERACY
  3. NAVIGATING
  4. (DELIVERY) DRONES
    1. Brackets are used in the answer key of test books to show possible answers. In this case, it is possible to have the answer “drones” or “delivery drones”. You cannot use brackets in your test – you must choose only one answer.
    2. It is not possible to have “flying machines”. The paraphrase of drones is actually “unmanned flying machines” but it contains 3 words which goes over the word count limit.
  5. DIGITAL TOOLS

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IELTS Listening Essential 25 Tips

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The essential IELTS listening tips and information for success in your test. Learn the right listening techniques with over 25 top tips to help you achieve a high score. Learn about the listening exam content, writing the answers correctly, types of questions, scoring, making notes and much more. This is A MUST WATCH video lesson for all IELTS students.

Capital letters in IELTS listening. You can write in capital letters or lower case – your choice.  My recommendation is to use all capital letters as it is easier to read and avoids mistakes when writing by hand in the paper test. For the computer test, this isn’t an issue.

TEST CHANGES:

There have been only very minimal changes to the listening test since I made this video.

  1. The paper test has 10 mins answer transfer time to move your answers from the question paper to the answer sheet after the recording has finished. However, the computer test has only 2 mins checking time. This is not a change to the test, it is just an adaptation of time because in the computer test your answers are already entering into the computer. Note that this is the same listening test regardless of whether you write your answer on paper or into a computer.
  2. There used to be an example recording given before the real answer came in the recording. The example recording gave you time to adjust the volume and get used to the speaker’s voice. However, that example recording has now gone. From the moment the recording starts, the test starts and you must listen directly for answers.

IELTS Video: Listening Tips

Summary List of Tips Given Below Video.

IELTS Listening Test Summary

  1. All students take the same test. Both academic and GT students take the same listening test. It is marked in the same way.
  2. All candidates take the same test whether writing their answer on paper or into a computer. Only the answer transfer/checking time is different. See point number 6 below.
  3. There are 40 questions
  4. There are 4 sections
    1. Section 1 = two speakers. This is often a telephone conversation between two people, for example organising a place on a course, booking a table at a restaurant or renting an apartment. You must listen for specific information, such as names (tips on listening for names), dates, times (tips on listening for time), places and numbers.
    2. Section 2 = one speaker. This is often a talk from a guide. You might hear information about a building, a resort, a company, a charity etc.
    3. Section 3 = three or four speakers. This is an academic discussion. It could either be two students talking with a professor or a student presenting their resource to their colleagues.
    4. Section 4  = one speaker. This is an academic lecture.
  5. The sections get more difficult as the test progresses. This means section 1 is the easiest and section 4 is the most difficult.
  6. The listening test is 40 mins (paper test) and 32 mins (computer test) – a time difference due to transfer/checking time below:
    1. 30 minutes to listen to the recording and write down your answer on the question paper
    2. additional time after recording has stopped:
      • paper test = 10 minutes given after recording has ended to transfer your answers from the question paper to the answer sheet
      • computer test = 2 mins given after recording has ended checking time for the computer test
  7. IELTS is an international test. There will be a range of accents but the main accents will probably be British and Australian.
  8. IELTS accept either British English or American English spelling.

IELTS Listening Tips

Below is a list of IELTS listening tips that have been given in the video above. Read these tips carefully.

  1. The recording will be played only once. You will not hear it a second time.
    1. You must practice completing a full listening test by listening only once before your test. You should do this a number of times.
    2. When you are developing skills and vocabulary, you might want to practice listening more than once. This is fine when you are in training.
  2. You will need to multitask. This means you must be able to read the questions, listen for the answer and write down words all at the same time. You should practice doing this.
  3. Practice transferring your answers to the answer sheet at home before your test. Here is a link to download the IELTS listening answer sheet.
  4. You should write your answers on the answer sheet using  pencil not a pen. This is the same as the IELTS reading test.
  5. Scores are calculated by the number of points you got correct. Here is a link to learn all about the IELTS band scores: IELTS Band Scores Explained. You don’t lose a mark if your answer is wrong. Your score will not change due to incorrect answers.
  6. If you don’t know an answer, guess. Always write something in the box on your answer sheet. Who knows, maybe you guess right !!
  7. You can write your answer using capital or lower case letters.  However, I recommend using all capital letters.
  8. Check the number of words you can have for your answer. Each time the question type changes, the number of words for the answer might change too. Here is an example of instructions: “No more than two words and/or a number”. To learn exactly what these instructions mean, please watch the video lesson above.
  9. Check the instructions to see if you can have a number (which means only one) or numbers (plural which means more than one number).
  10. How words and numbers are calculated:
    1. A date “1950” is considered one number.
    2. A large number “1,000,500” is considered one word.
    3. A hyphenated word “part-time” is considered one word.
    4. A compound noun which is not hyphenated “tennis shoe” is considered two words.
  11. “at the hospital” or “hospital”. Should you write the article and preposition? Your answer will depend on the type of question you have. If you are completing the sentence, for example:
    1. The best place to meet is ………. = the answer must be grammatically correct so you need “at the hospital”.
    2. If the question is a note or form completion, such each 1) PLACE: …… = the answer can be just one word (with or without the article) “hospital” or “the hospital” (if two words are possible.
  12. SPELLING!!! If your answer is spelled wrong, the answer is marked wrong. You must have the correct spelling to get a point and have the answer marked correct.
    1. Don’t worry about spelling while you are listening because you don’t have time to concentrate on spelling. You need to concentrate on listening to the recording and following the questions.
    2. Check your spelling when you transfer your answers to the answer sheet. That is the time to check and make sure everything is correct.
  13. Writing letters or words. If you get a multiple choice question, it will ask you to write down the letter as your answer. For example:
    1. a) spring
    2. b) summer
    3. c) winter
    4. If the answer is b, you must write “b” on your answer sheet not “summer”. The word “summer” would be marked wrong because the instructions ask you to write a letter not a word.
  14. IELTS Listening Question Types
    1. form completion
    2. note completion
    3. summary completion
    4. sentence completion
    5. multiple choice
    6. diagram labelling
    7. map labelling
    8. table completion
    9. form chart
    10. If you want practice with these types of question, go to my IELTS listening page.
  15. Don’t try to understand everything. IELTS will add lots of extra information but you only need to listen for answers. Keep yourself focused on listening for answers to questions.
  16. Answers may come quickly. You might get three answers in a very short time. Get ready to write your answers down quickly. Answers may come slowly. There may be a gap between answers. Don’t panic. This is common in section 4.
  17. Look out for answers which are plural. IELTS know that students have difficulty hearing the plural “s”. So, these answers will certainly be given to test your listening ability.
  18. Common Problems
    1. Giving the answer and then changing it. Here is an example: “Is it ok to meet at 7pm?” / “Yes, 7pm works fine for me” / “Oh I’ve just remembered I have a late meeting, could we make it half past instead?” The answer was 7pm but then the speaker changed it to 7.30pm. Always keep listening and be ready for the speaker to change the answer.
    2. Similar words might not be the right answer. Watch this video about IELTS listening multiple choice to understand this tip.
  19. If you miss an answer, just move on to the next question. Don’t waste time. Don’t lose your place in the recording.
  20. CONCENTRATE!!! 30 minutes is a long time to actively listen for answers. If you lose focus, you will miss answers. Don’t let that happen to you. Practice full tests at home to build up your ability to concentrate.

For more tips and explanations – please watch the video above.

Do you have a question about IELTS listening or about the IELTS test? This page has over 100 answers to your questions: IELTS Test FAQ

Improve your IELTS listening for free with this practice lessons: IELTS Listening Lessons

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IELTS Writing Task 2: Paraphrasing Practice

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IELTS writing task 2 paraphrasing practice exercise. To get a good mark in IELTS writing task 2 for the criterion of vocabulary, you need to be able to paraphrase. The exercise below is a chance for you to practice your paraphrasing skills.

Paraphrasing a Paragraph

These practice lessons focus on changing words but keeping the same meaning. Paraphrase the paragraphs using the words given. The aim is for you to be accurate with your paraphrasing so only paraphrase if you are sure of the replacement word.

Paraphrasing Practice 1

Paragraph:

Many people, when driving their cars, go over the speed limit in city centers. As a way of solving this, the government should put more speed cameras on major streets to put people off  speeding. If this is done, more people who speed will be caught and this problem will eventually be solved.

Paraphrasing Words:

You do not need to use all the words. You must decide which words to use and which words not to use.

town         an answer            the law           install         motorway         stop        humans         put away         authorities               exceed               deter  from         directly          riding        ought to            key             by doing this            arrested       vehicles               resolved             citizens            large            caught red handed             speed prevention             increasing       urban

ANSWERS & ADVICE

Click to open:

Answers

Answer:

Many people, when driving their cars, exceed the speed limit in urban centers. As a way of solving this, the authorities ought to install more speed cameras on major streets to deter people from  speeding. By doing this, more people who speed will be caught and this problem will eventually be resolved.

Common Mistakes and Explanations

  1. Collocation: drive a car, not ride a car. We use the verb “ride” with bicycles.
  2. A town is not a city.  You can write “city center” or “urban center”. A town is much smaller and this essay is not about small towns and villages.
  3. The government can usually be paraphrased with the word “authorities”.
  4. The word “should” can be paraphrased as “ought to”. This is a common paraphrase.
  5. If you are writing about setting up or putting up equipment, you can use the word “install”.
  6. “to deter” is used to put people off committing a crime or an offence. It is actually a better word to use than “put off” for formal essay writing.
  7. “By doing this” and “As a way of solving this” both have the same meaning in this context. You can’t write “As an answer for solving this” – it isn’t correct English even though the meaning is the same.
  8. “people” are people. We rare use the word “citizen” in an essay about transport. However, it would be acceptable to use it in the second sentence which refers to the government.
  9. “people” cannot be paraphrased as “humans” except in one context – please watch the video below to learn. Any student making this mistake is not studying effectively. The video below explains this very clearly so you should not be making this mistake.
  10. “caught red handed” must be written as it is shown. You can never write “caught red”. There are three words in this idiom. However, this expression is mainly for theft or other crimes in which a person is caught face to face by the police. It can’t be used for speed offences caught by camera.
  11. “vehicles” is used when we don’t know what type of transport is being written about or when we refer to different types. This essay is about cars only which means you can’t use the word “vehicle”.
  12. This paragraph is about “streets”. This is not the same as a “motorway”. A motorway is a very large road outside a city which contains two or three lines in both directions for heavy traffic.

Results and Advice

  • If you had one mistakes, it is acceptable for band 7 or 8.
  • If you have two or three mistakes, it is around band 6.
  • If you are making more mistakes, it means you are not being careful enough with your language.
    • More Mistakes = Lower Score
    • You need to learn both the use and meaning of a word.
    • Don’t aim for range until you can achieve accuracy.
    • When you learn a noun or verb, learn the full collocation.
    • When you learn a word, learn when you can and cannot use it.
    • When you learn an idiom, learn if the words can be changed or not.

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Paraphrasing Practice 2

Paragraph:

It is sometimes thought that it is beneficial for companies to sponsor sports events through advertising. By doing this, extra funding, which is often lacking, can be raised to support sports events and ensure that they continue to run. Furthermore, companies can also contribute clothing or equipment which supports the event, the teams and the players.

Paraphrasing Options:

You must write the paragraph above again by paraphrasing it using the words below. You do not need to use all the words. You must decide which words to use and which words not to use.

some citizens believe       /        some people believe       /      advantage       /   guarantee       /      advantageous        /       industries          /  businesses          / sporting occasions        /      matches   /     when we do this        /    in this way      /      extra cash     /    a lack of      /      in short supply        /   sports matches   /    And      /     industries    /    businesses    /    give      /    donate        /   attire  /  groups     /      performers    /   coordinate  / kit

ANSWERS

Click below:

Answers

There are two answers below. Answer 1 gives you the paraphrased paragraph using the words given. Answer 2 gives you a free paraphrase using different sentences and words.

Answer 1: Some people believe that it is advantageous for businesses to sponsor sports events through advertisements. In this way, extra funding, which is often in short supply, can be raised to support sports events and guarantee they continue to run. Furthermore, companies can also donate kit which supports the event, the team and the players.

Word Changes and Tips

  1. It is sometimes thought that = Some people believe that
  2. it is beneficial = it is advantageous
  3. companies = businesses (you should not paraphrase companies as industries)
  4. By doing this = In this way (you should not write “When we”, it is too informal for an IELTS essay)
  5. extra funding should not be paraphrased as extra cash (it is too informal in this context. Although, the word “cash” can be used in other situations, such as talking about using cash or cards)
  6. is often lacking = in short supply (you should not paraphrase it as “a lack of” because it is grammatically incorrect)
  7. sports events – it’s best not to paraphrase this. The words “sports occasion” is incorrect in meaning. Not all words can be paraphrased. But you can give examples of sports events instead. Some words will be repeated in English.
  8. Furthermore can’t be paraphrased as And because and never goes at the start of a sentence in a formal IELTS essay.
  9. clothing should not be paraphrased as attire in this context. Certainly the meaning is similar but the word attire does not relate to sports wear. The word “sports wear” is the best paraphrase to use.
  10. The word kit includes both clothing and equipment used in sport.
  11. players should not be paraphrased as “performers”. The word “performers” is not used in sport in this context.

Free Paraphrasing

Answer 2: Some people think it is advantageous for sports companies to use advertising to sponsor sports events, such as football matches or the Olympics.  The extra funding from businesses is frequently much needed, as government funding can be limited. Sports events benefit from the extra finances as the money allows them to continue running and also, at times, provides teams and players with free sports wear or equipment, which are often too costly for

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Paraphrasing Practice 3

Below is an IELTS essay question. The biggest problem people have is paraphrasing the question for the background statement, which is the first sentence of the introduction paragraph. 

 

Essay Question: Artists need a certain amount of freedom to develop their creativity. Some people think that artists should have total freedom to express any thoughts and ideas. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Do you think the background statements below are good?

Think about the language, meaning and IELTS essay writing techniques.

  1. Art is an important part of our society. Creators are creative thinkers who bring ideas, colours and thoughts into our lives. They should not be shackles to express ideas, according to some.
  2. Since art requires a quantity of emancipation to be creative, some believe that artists ought to be granted all the freedom of expression they like.

ANSWERS

Click below:

Answers
  1. This background statement has too many errors. 
    • The background statement should be focused only one paraphrasing the precise meaning of the question, but adding more unnecessary detail. So, the first sentence “Art is an important part of our society” is irrelevant to our essay topic. This essay is not about the importance of art but about freedom of expression for artists.
    • The next sentence mentions “colour” – this is also off topic.
    • The final sentence has a vocabulary error with the word “shackles”. It is a great word to use, but it is used incorrectly so it will lower the band score.
    • Correct Background statement: 
      1. Artists are creative thinkers who require a level of freedom for their creativity. For this reason, some people believe that artists should not be shackled in anyway and their ideas not be censored. 
  2. This background statement has some issue with vocabulary. 
    • quantity should be replaced by degree.
    • emancipation is not a synonym that is appropriate for this topic and context. A better word would be autonomy. 
    • like should be replaced with require.
    • Otherwise, the background statement is well written with a very good grammar structure.
    • Correct Background Statement:
      • Since art requires a degree of autonomy to be creative, some people believe that artists ought to be granted all the freedom of expression they require.

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Dairy Product IELTS Line Graph Practice Exercise

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This lesson is to practice vocabulary for line graphs.

The graph below shows the consumption of four types of dairy products in the USA from 1970 to 2010.

cheese-dairy-consumption-graph

Source: IELTS Liz did not design the above graph.

Questions 1-6

Complete the details using no more than three words for each gap.

The amount of cheese eaten by people from the USA (1)…………….. (2)…………………….. from about 7 pounds in 1970 to reach a (3)…………… of over 20 pounds in 2010. Likewise, the consumption of yoghurt (4)………………. from just over 0 to just under 10 pounds in the final year. There was (5)………………… in the amount of full-fat ice cream eaten of about 2 pounds to reach about 9 pounds in 2010. The consumption of low-fat ice cream(6) …………. at around 4 pounds over the period given.

Answers

  1. rose / climbed / increased / went up
  2. steadily / significantly / considerably
  3. peak
  4. rose / climbed / increased / went up
  5. a decrease / a fall / a decline / a drop  /  a slight  fall / a marginal decrease / a minimal drop
  6. fluctuated

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