IELTS Writing Task 1: Essential Preparation Tips

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Below are the Essential Preparation Tips for IELTS Writing Task 1 (Academic Paper). Although writing task 1 counts for only about 33% of your marks, it is the key to hitting band 7. For many people, it is writing task 1 that sinks their score. Luckily, task 1 has very specific tasks which can learned if you take the time. Click here for GT Writing Task 1 Tips

12 KEY STEPS FOR IELTS WRITING TASK 1 PREPARATION

Go through each of the points below to make sure you are preparing fully for your task 1.

1. Understanding Task 1

  • Task 1 is a report, not an essay.
  • Reports have set structures, set language, set key features – they are more formulaic than an essay. This is important because it means with the right preparation you can nail a high score.
  • Your report will be based on a bar chart, line graph, table, map, diagram or pie chart.
  • Instruction: “write at least 150 words”. This means you must write over 150 words. Usually between 170 and 190 words. Over 210 will lower your score.
  • Write your report in 20 mins (this is only a recommendation, but one I agree with).

 2. Practice Tests – Practice Charts

You can get the IELTS Cambridge Test books from local education bookshops or Amazon, which contain real tests published by IELTS.

I also have a collection of Sample Charts, Diagrams etc for you to practice at home with. Click here: SAMPLE PRACTICE CHARTS FOR WRITING TASK 1

3. Task 1 Band Scores and Marking Criteria

Understand the band scores for each criterion in writing task 1. The IELTS examiner will mark you on:

  • Task Achievement (25%)
  • Coherence and Cohesion (25%)
  • Vocabulary (25%)
  • Grammatical Range and Accuracy (25%)

Task Achievement relates to key features, accurate information and not getting lost in too much detail It includes finishing the task.

Coherence & Cohesion is about the structure of your report. Your paragraphs, your flow of information and also the use of linking words.

Vocabulary needs to be flexible but most importantly, appropriate to the task. For example, line graphs are typically vocabulary rich reports. You must know a variety of specific words relating to line graphs. This is not the case wit bar charts and tables which depend on the topic. Click here: for Vocabulary for Line Graphs 

You also need to know what will cause your score to go up or go down depending on each of the above marking criteria. This way, you’ll know for sure what you must do and what you must avoid. Click here: WRITING TASK 1 BAND SCORES 5-8 EXPLAINED

4. Types of Task 1

Learn the 6 main types of charts that can be given in writing task 1 (maps, diagrams, bar charts, tables, line graphs and pie charts). You should practice writing reports for all types of task 1 by using sample IELTS charts. It is also possible to get a combination of two types, for example a bar chart with a pie chart.

5. Introduction Paragraph

Practice writing the introduction statement. Here are two examples, which one do you think it best?

  1. Here we can see that the graph represented information regarding the number of sales of two companies in two years
  2. The chart illustrates the number of sales of two companies (Marks Ltd and Bumper Store) in 2000 and 2010.
Answers
The second introduction statement is best. The first example contains non-academic language (Here we can see …”) and also does not contain enough information about the companies or which years.

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The introduction is usually very quick to write and quite formulaic (standard) in content. Here’s a link to see how to write an introduction for a bar chart.

6. Overviews for Writing Task 1

Practice identifying key features for all kinds of charts. The key features make up the content of the overview which is the most essential paragraph in your task 1 report. The key features for most charts are the highest and lowest categories as well as the most significant differences between categories. However, for diagrams the key stages can be harder to identify so here a link to a sample introduction and overview for an IELTS diagram. Many students get confused whether to have a conclusion or an overview – make sure you get it right.

7. Vocabulary

Get a list of useful vocabulary for each type of writing task. This is particularly important for line graphs, maps and pie charts. The line graph is the type of writing task 1 which has the biggest range of possible vocabulary that can be used. Here’s a link to vocabulary for line graphs.

To get a good score in writing task 1, it is important to use a range of words which means  you need to paraphrase when possible. However, as mistakes can cause you to lose points, it is important not to take chances with your vocabulary. Spelling is also checked so make sure you don’t make mistakes with your spelling.

8. Grammar

To get a good score, you will also need to work on complex sentence structures. For students aiming for band score 6 and above, this is essential. Luckily sentence structures for task 1 can be learnt and then adapted to fit each individual task  (to some extent). Here’s a link to the 4 main sentence structures for a line graph. Along with grammar is accuracy. The more mistakes you make the lower your score will be so getting rid of common errors is important. Here is a link to spotting grammar mistakes for a pie chart. If you have frequent errors, you may get band score 5 for grammar.

9. Structure for Writing Task 1

You need to make sure you structure your report correctly as the examiner will pay attention to the organisation of information and paragraphing. Here’s a link to the structure for IELTS writing task 1 report. Make sure you follow this as it is easy to get a good score for organisation. Structure and linking devices are part of the criterion of Coherence and Cohesion which makes up 25% of your marks.

10. Linking Devices

Linking is also very important. You will need to show the examiner a range of linking devices that connect information together and compare information in a coherent way. Again, linking is very easy to learn so make sure you pay attention to this. Different charts use different linkers so make sure you review each type of task to see the best linking devices to use.

11. Model Answers for IELTS Writing Task 1

Follow safe models. There are a lot of sample answers for you to follow on the internet, but following a safe model which fulfills the requirement set by IELTS is essential. Here’s a link to a complete lesson on how to write a pie chart report paragraph by paragraph.

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IELTS Speaking Practice Test Video

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Below is a full IELTS Speaking Test to give you practice before your real test. The practice test examiner will ask the questions and you must answer them. This is an old video – sorry for the poor quality. I will make a new one at some point. However, even though it is an oldie, it’s still completely relevant today.

IELTS Speaking: Sample Full Test

Read through the instructions before you listen to the test video:

Materials Needed:

  • pen and paper: for making notes for speaking part 2
  • phone or recording device: for recording your answers so you can play it back and check your speaking
  • a timer: for controlling the time in each part and making sure you don’t take more than 14 minutes for the whole test

Method:

  1. Have your materials ready (phone, pen, paper, timer).
  2. Record your test so that you can listen back and start improving your answers.
    • Press record on your phone
    • start your timer
    • press play on the video below (do this at the same time).
    • Keep your recording device and timer going throughout the whole test.
    • The test must take between 11 and 14 minutes – the same as the real test.
  3. Part 1
    1. there will be 12 questions – you must answer each question immediately
    2. after each question, pause the video and record your answer
    3. don’t take less than 4 minutes or more than 5 minutes to answer all part 1 questions
    4. if you finish in under 4 mins, you answers are too short
    5. if you didn’t finish all 12 questions in 5 minutes, your answers are too long or you hesitated too much before answering
  4. Part 2
    1. in part 2, you have 1 min to prepare a talk and your talk must last from 1 to 2 minutes
    2. have your pen and paper ready
    3. the cue card (topic card with prompts) will be shown on the screen
    4. in the video, you will be given one min to make notes – use your pen and paper to prepare your talk
    5. in the video, you will be given two full minutes to talk (a skip button will appear after 1 minute so you can move to part 3 if you finish early but try and speak for the full 2 minutes)
  5. Part 3
    1. there are 5 questions in this part – you must answer each question immediately
    2. you should give long, detailed answers with examples if possible
    3. after each question, pause the video and record your answer into your phone
    4. don’t take less than 4 mins or more than 5 minutes to answer all part 3 questions
  6. After your  test has finished
    1. listen back to your recording and check your answers – see how you could improve your answers
    2. read through the transcript and check you have understood all the questions correctly
    3. listen to the speaking test model answers and see how you can improve your answers

Using the Video as a Test

  • Listen to the question
  • Pause the video and answer the question
  • Listen to the next question
  • Continue through the video, pausing and answering.

Practice IELTS Speaking Test Video

Complete the test video first. After, review the questions and model answers given below. Sorry for the poor quality, I’ll make a new one at some point. Meanwhile, this is still all relevant practice – the test hasn’t changed.

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Speaking Test Questions

Click below to reveal the test questions and make sure you understood it all.

Test Questions

Speaking Part 1

Home

  •  Do you live in a house or a flat?
  • Which is your favourite room?
  • Can you describe it?
  • If you could improve one thing in your house, what would it be?

Films

  •  Do you enjoy watching films?
  • What kinds of films do you like most?
  • Did you watch much TV as a child?
  • Are foreign language films popular in your country?

Greeting People

  •  How would you greet someone who was visiting your house?
  • Would you greet an old friend and a stranger in the same way?
  • How do you meet new people?
  • Do you think first impressions are important?

Speaking Part 2

I’d like to move on how. I’m going to give you a topic to talk about. Here is some paper and a pen. You’ll have one minute to make notes and then you’ll need to speak for 2 minutes. I’d like you to talk about a holiday you recently had. Please start making notes, I’ll let you know when it’s time to begin talking.

 A Holiday you Recently Had

Describe a holiday you recently had

You should say:

  • Where you went
  • Who you went with
  • What you did there
  • And why you enjoyed it

Speaking Part 3

  1. Now I’d like to talk more about holidays and travelling.
  2.  If you had the chance to travel anywhere, where would you go?
  3. Why do you think some people like to travel alone?
  4. Do you think travel has changed much over the last few decades?
  5. How does travel change people?
  6. Do you think there are any disadvantages to modern travel?

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To see model answers and hear recordings of the model answers, click here: MODEL ANSWERS FOR THIS TEST

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Multiple Choice in IELTS Listening

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It is possible to get a multiple choice question in all sections of IELTS listening. The exercise below is based on section 2, which means it’s one speaker talking on a social topic. Make sure you read through each question and check the options possible before you start listening.

Multiple Choice Questions for IELTS Listening

Dashford Study Center

Questions 1-4: Choose the correct letter A, B or C.

1. Membership at the study center is 20 pounds

A. for everyone.
B. for everyone except the elderly and students.
C. for everyone each year.

2. Members are able to take out

A. an unlimited amount of books.
B. a maximum of 3 books.
C. 3 books for 3 days.

3. Booking is unnecessary for

A. the yoga, dance and gentle exercise classes.
B. general fitness classes.
C. the walking class.

4. Arts and crafts classes are taught by

A. volunteers.
B. teachers.
C. teachers and volunteers.

Transcript & Answers

Below you can click to reveal the transcript and answers for this lesson.

Transcript

The study center in Dashford was opened to give free educational and recreational services to the community of Dashford. Membership is free for over 65’s as well as for students, as long as they have a student ID. For everyone else it is an annual membership of 20 pounds.

Members are able to enjoy full access to our extensive library. The library comprises of a comprehensive collection of classic literature, resource books, children’s books, history books and popular literature. As members, you are able to borrow up to 3 books at a time for up to 4 days.

Our recreational services extend for both members and non-members. We offer social and leisure activities for all age groups. Our yoga, dance and gentle exercise classes are extremely popular and booking ahead is required to ensure your place on one of these courses. However, our walking group, who meet once a week, offer unlimited places but you do have to have a good level of general fitness. We also have IT classes at beginner, intermediate and advanced levels. But for those of you who are more creative, there are arts and crafts classes which are run by a qualified teacher with volunteer support. Before checking everything why don’t you take a look around and see what you might be interested in.

Answers
1. B
Common trap – IELTS often give the same words in the multiple choice options and the audio in order to trap you. This question is testing if you know the difference between the words ‘everyone’ and ‘everyone else’. You can also see that IELTS has paraphrased ‘over 65’s’ for ‘the elderly’.
2. B
A maximum of 3 = up to 3. This is a direct paraphrase.
3. C
unlimited places = no need to book
The trap in this question is that the word ‘booking’ was used with the information about yoga, dance and exercise – IELTS often give the same word with the wrong answer.
4. B
This is a test of your vocabulary. The classes are run by teachers = the classes are taught by teachers. The volunteers only support, they do not teach.

Recommended

  • More Multiple Choice Practice, click here
  • Picture Multiple Choice, click here
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Common / Popular: Vocabulary

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This video tutorial will help you understand the difference between to words that are frequently used in both speaking and writing. Reduce your errors by learning the exact meaning.

The words “common” and “popular” are sometimes misused. This video will help highlight the difference.

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Types of Films: Vocabulary

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It is common to be asked about films / movies in all parts of the IELTS speaking test and therefore it is necessary that you have plenty of examples of films ready to tell the examiner.

Listening Practice: Film Types

Below is a list of film types and a listening recording.

Film Genres

  • action films
  • comedies
  • romantic films
  • rom-coms
  • adventure films
  • musicals
  • dramas
  • period films or historical dramas (films set in another historical time)
  • real life films
  • war films
  • horror films
  • science fiction (Sci-Fi or SF)

Listen and decide which type of film is being described from the list above.

There are 12 descriptions. Get your paper and pencil ready!!

Answers

Click below to reveal the descriptions and the answers. The descriptions contains very useful vocabulary.

Written Descriptions

  1. These films are serious and plot driven (story line motivated) with realistic characters and lots of character development as well as character interaction.
  2. These films usually have high energy, stunts and quite a few fights.
  3. These films contain both romantic and very amusing elements.
  4. Often set in another world or on another planet, these films are full of imagination.
  5. These films are based on a life event that actually happened with characters that really existed. Portrayal is supposed to be accurate but that isn’t always the case.
  6. The plot of these films is mainly based around a conflict between two countries or two groups and is usually set on land, in the air or at sea.
  7. These films are exciting and often follow a search or an expedition to find something.
  8. Not all people like these films in which words are often sung rather than spoken.
  9. These films confront our hidden fears.
  10. These films have you in stitches with tears rolling down your cheeks.
  11. The story in these films is heartwarming and often preferred by women.
  12. Often set in the past in a well-known time and usually depicts a famous historical character or event.

Answers

Listen to the recording below to hear the answers. This will also help you with your pronunciation of the vocabulary.

  1. dramas
  2. action films
  3. romcom
  4. science fiction
  5. real life films
  6. war films
  7. adventure films
  8. musicals
  9. horror films
  10. comedy (have you in stitches = make you laugh very much)
  11. romantic films
  12. historical films

 

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IELTS Letter Writing Tips: Essential Top 10 Tips

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Essential IELTS Letter Writing Tips for General Training Writing Task 1. Learn the right approach and techniques to get a high score in your IELTS GT letter. This page was last updated in 2023.

On this page, you will find:

  1. Instructions about IELTS Letter Writing with Tips
  2. Types of IELTS Letters
  3. Letter Aims
  4. Opening your Letter
  5. Signing Off
  6. Grammar
  7. Vocabulary
  8. Spelling
  9. Structure & Paragraphs
  10. Planning your Letter
  11. Model Letters

1. Instructions for IELTS Letters

You will be given instructions and three points to include in your letter.Below is an example of the type of instructions you can get:

You recently had a holiday visiting your friends and you stayed in their house.

Write a letter to your friend. In your letter:

  • thank your friend for staying with them
  • tell them what you enjoyed most about the holiday
  • explain you are sending photos of the holiday with the letter

Tips for IELTS letter writing:

  1. Spend 20 mins on this letter. Spend 3 -5 mins planning and then the rest writing. Always leave 2 mins to check your letter for spelling or grammar mistakes. You will need a full 40 mins for task 2, so don’t go over 20 mins for task 1. It is your responsibility to control the time in your writing test. Keep your eye on the clock.
  2. You should write over 150 words (aim for between 160 and 180 to be safe). Writing a letter over 200 words is a waste of time. You don’t get a higher score for length.
  3. Your letter is worth 33% of your final writing score. See this page: How your final writing score is calculated
  4. You do NOT need to write an address on the letter. The first words will probably be “Dear” and then a name or title.
  5. Pay close attention to who you are writing to and the relationship you have with that person. This will decide your style of writing and your tone.
  6. Pay attention to the aim and purpose of the letter. You must fulfil the purpose of the letter.
  7. It is essential that you use the three bullet points to structure your letter and provide the foundation for the information. This doesn’t mean that you write in bullet points, it means that you use the bullet points to create the content for paragraphs, for example the information for the first bullet point will be one paragraph.
  8. All points must be included clearly in your letter. If you fail to include all the points in your letter, your band score will be lower. This relates to Task Achievement which is 25% of your marks.
  9. You must use your imagination to fill in details and decide the names of the people in your letter.
  10. Begin your letter by addressing the person and then an opening line. Always sign off appropriately. The way you address the person and the opening line will change depending on the style of letter, the person you are writing to and the purpose of the letter.

2. Types of IELTS Letter

There are three different types of letters: personal (informal), semi-formal and formal. Each type of letter will use different language. It will have a different beginning and a different way of signing off.  Before you start writing, you should decide which type of letter you must write by identifying the task given. Below are examples of the three different types of letters.

Informal Letter (or Personal Letter)

You would like to invite a foreign friend to visit you for your birthday

Write a letter inviting your friend. In your letter:

  • tell your friend about your birthday
  • explain how much the visit would mean to you
  • suggest that your friend stays at your house for the visit

A personal letter is to someone you have a personal relationship, a friend who you meet or used to meet in your free time to socialise with inside your home. The content is about something social or personal, such as a holiday, party. Both the person and content are informal in nature.

Semi-formal Letter

You give advice to your friend who is seeking work.

Write a letter advising your friend about a job

    • tell your friend which job it is
    • explain why you think it is a suitable job
    • advise your friend about the application process

You would like to ask your boss for time off work.

Write a letter requesting time off work. In your letter:

    • explain why you are requesting time off work
    • give details of dates
    • explain how you will ensure you will keep up with your work

As you can see, I’ve provided two examples of a Semi-Formal letter. Both are semi-formal, but one is slightly more informal and the other is slightly more formal.

  1. Semi-Formal / Informal: This means it is not 100% informal. Your relationship with the person is informal but the letter content is very serious, such as about work or education. Your letter might start with “Dear John” or “Hi John”, this means a more informal style of writing, but with much more serious content.
  2. Semi-Formal / Formal: This means the letter is not 100% formal because you know the person. But you don’t know this person in your private life or home life so this relationship is not informal. This person is someone you know professionally, such as a colleague, boss, teacher, or a neighbour.  The style will be more formal, but your language will not be completely the same as a fully formal letter. The way you address the person might vary: your colleague “Dear Bob”, but your boss or neighbour “Dear Mr Brown”.

Note: You might find teachers vary slightly in how they categorise letters. Some teachers only have two categories of letters (Formal and Informal) and some teachers have three categorise but they might vary from mine. Teachers do not do this to confuse you. Each teacher chooses their categories because they think it is the best way to help you understand the letter style and content. Therefore, choose the categorisation that works best for you to have a clear understanding.

Formal Letter

You are interested in applying for a scholarship program to study at a foreign University.

Write a letter to inquire about the course. In your letter:

  • explain which course you are interested in
  • tell what you know about the University
  • explain why you should receive the scholarship

A formal letter is to someone you have no relationship with about a very formal matter. The person is actually a position in a company, organisation or university. So, you are writing to the position, rather than a person. Examples of formal letters are to a magazine editor, hotel manager, local council, a college or university (not a teacher) or customer services department at a company.  You would address the letter as “Dear Sir/Madam” because you don’t even know the gender of the person you are writing to. To sum up, the person is unknown and content is formal.

3. Letter Aims

Letters can be based on different content which will affect the style of the letter. Below is a list of some of the common contents for letters. Although there are hints about whether the letters are usually formal or not, please note that you will know the style by reading the instructions given to you.

  • complaints (usually formal)
  • invitations (usually personal or semi-formal)
  • applications or resignations (usually formal)
  • request (any style common)
  • making arrangements (often formal)
  • explanation (sometimes semi-formal or personal)
  • informative / news letter (often personal/ semi-formal but formal can also appear)
  • apology (could be any style)

 4. Letter Openings

Letters usually start with an opening statement which explains the reason for writing the letter. This opening statement varies depending on whether you are writing a formal or informal letter. Below are two examples of an opening statement. Can you spot which one is formal, semi-formal and informal?

A)  I am writing this letter with regards to the scholarship program to study at London University which I read in Sunday Times on December 1st, 2014.

B)  It’s been so long since we last were in touch but I haven’t forgotten all the wonderful times we spent together last year. It’s my birthday coming up and I wanted to invite you over to stay at my place for the celebration.

C) I’m just writing to say thank you for the offer of joining your company.

Answer

A is formal to a college (not a colleague) and you don’t know the person’s name. B is personal (informal) letter to a friend. C is semi-formal / formal letter to someone you have met before and whose name you know, but they are not your friend or colleague.

5. Signing Off

Depending on the style and aim of the letter, you will need to adapt your sign off. Below you can see how the salutations (the way you address the person at the start) matches the sign off.

  • Dear Sir / Madam = Yours faithfully,  (formal letters – to a hotel manager, magazine editor, company complains department)
  • Dear Mr Robson = Yours sincerely, (semi-formal / formal letters – to a boss, teacher, neighbour)
  • Dear John = Best regards (semi-formal / formal – to a colleague at work)
  • Dear John = Best wishes (semi-formal / informal letters – to a friend about work or something serious)
  • Dear Dave = Best wishes (informal- to a friend about something social)

Note:

  1. As you can see, some sign offs use a Sir/Madam, sometimes we use the title with the surname (family name) and sometimes we use the first name (given name) without a title.
  2. You use Sir/Madam when you don’t know the name of the person you are writing to. But please note, not to use such a title in your speaking test.
  3. If you have a semi formal relationship with the person whose name you know, who you have met and who you know, you use “Mr Brown”. This is to a person who you don’t know social with in your private life and who is in a position of authority above you, such as a boss, teacher etc.
  4. You can use “Dear John” with a semi-formal / formal letter to a colleague. Certainly, you don’t socialise with this person outside of work, but they are on the same level as you at work and you have more relaxed working relationship with them.
  5. We use no title and no last name when we write to a friend. We only use their first name (given name).

Below are some examples of final comments before signing off, can you tell which ones are formal and which not?

It’ll be great to catch up again soon. Give my best to everyone in the family. (informal)

I look forward to hearing from you. (formal)

Note: there are other ways of giving a final comment but it depends on the content of the letter you are writing. See my model letters (links below) to see this.

Names 

You should write a name at the end of your letter. You can use your name or you can invent one. Likewise, to address the person you are writing to, you can invent a name.

6. Grammar: Formal and Informal

Formal and informal (friendly) letters contain different language and style of writing. While informal letters can contain contractions (I’m writing …), these contractions are unacceptable in formal writing so you need to write the words in full (I am writing …. …).

In a formal letter, you could write “I am writing with regards to ….”,  whereas for a semi-formal letter you can write “I’m writing about…” or “I’m writing to let you know that ..” or “I just want to tell you that..”. So, it is important to adapt your writing to suit the style of the letter. Also remember to use a range of different sentence structures in order to get a high score.

You’ll also get a score for a range of sentence structure and grammar features as well as tenses. Pay attention to articles(the / a / plural nouns), prepositions, word order etc.

7. Vocabulary: Formal and Informal

For vocabulary, be very careful using academic language in a personal letter. This would be inappropriate and will reduce your band score rather than increase it. Here are some examples of the difference between formal and informal language:

  • You will be collected at the airport = I’ll pick you up at the airport
  • The next available appointment is on Thursday = how about we meet up on Thursday?
  • I would like to invite you to visit my house on…. = Why don’t you pop round to my place on …..
  • I highly recommend that you come in August = it’d be great if you came in August
  • Please respond at the earliest convenience = Get back to me as soon as you can
  • Unfortunately I will not be able to attend  on … = Sorry, but I won’t be able to make it on ….

Details

IELTS will give you bullet points as content. It is your task to expand these bullet points into paragraphs with details. You need to invent those details. And, of course, details require appropriate vocabulary.

8. Spelling and Punctuation

The examiner will check your accuracy in your spelling and your punctuation (this means your use of commas and full stops). If you make frequent errors in spelling or in punctuation it is unlikely to get over band score 6. Spelling is part of the marking criterion of Vocabulary and punctuation is part of the marking criterion of Grammar.

9. Structure and Paragraphs

You must also organise your letter into paragraphs. This is an essential part of your letter writing and the examiner will be marking you on your ability to use effective paragraphing. In IELTS writing task 1 (GT), the letter structure below is most common as it usually follows the three points which you must include in your letter. However you must adapt it to suit the task given to you by IELTS. So spend time reading the instructions and deciding your paragraphing.

Structure:

  • address to the person (name and possibly title as explained previously on this page)
  • opening statement – reason for writing and in an informal letter to a friend it might also include a personal greeting.
  • body paragraph A (first bullet point expanded into a paragraph with detail)
  • body paragraph B (second bullet point expanded into a paragraph with detail)
  • body paragraph C (third bullet point expanded into a paragraph with detail)
  • closing statement (if needed)
  • signing off
  • name (choose a name or use your own)

10. Planning Your Letter

You should spend at least 3 or 4 minutes planning your letter. Covering all the points in your letter, adding details, using the appropriate style of letter writing and using paragraphs well count for about 50% of your marks. So it’s worth taking time to plan your letter well. Follow the points below for a well planned letter:

  1. read the instructions
  2. identify what style of letter you must write
  3. read through the points you must include in your letter
  4. think about how many paragraphs you will have and where to put each point
  5. plan what information you will add to each point
  6. decide how to open the letter
  7. think about the language you will use (both grammar and vocabulary) – it must suit the style of the letter
  8. decide how to close the letter
  9. plan the content of each body paragraph
  10. start writing

11. Model Letters for IELTS GT

Also Review

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IELTS Reading Question Types: Information & Tips

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A List of 14 Types of IELTS Reading Questions that can appear in your reading test with useful links and tips. In IELTS reading, you will have only one hour to read 3 passages and answer 40 questions. These questions are always divided into different types of questions which you must complete. You must know all the different types of IELTS reading questions so that you can build familiarity and develop techniques.

In order to prepare well for your test, you must make sure that you practice each type of IELTS reading question. Knowing how to tackle each type of question will save you valuable time in your reading test – can time is your worst enemy to conquer.

You’ll find links to some free practice lessons and tips below for each question type. You should also use the IELTS Cambridge test books which contain real past test papers published by IELTS.

IELTS Reading Question Types List & Tips

1. Matching Headings Questions: IELTS Reading

  • Task: Choose a heading from the list which matches a section or paragraph in the passage
  • Skills:
    • understanding the aim of a section
    • identifying the difference between a main idea and supporting points
    • understanding aims of paragraphs and sections
    • understanding general content of paragraphs or sections
  • Tips
    • read the headings before you read the passage
    • there are often more headings than you need
    • analyse the headings before trying to match them to sections or paragraphs
    • answers are often numerals (i, ii, iii, iv etc) – read instructions carefully to check
    • answers do not come in order
  • Matching Heading Practice Lesson
  • All FREE Reading Practice Lessons

2. True False Not Given / Yes No Not Given Questions: IELTS Reading

  • Task: Decide if the information or writer’s opinion in the question statements can be found in the passage
  • Skills:
    • identifying specific information in the passage
    • scanning and understanding information (T/F/NG questions)
    • understanding the opinions of the writer (Y/N/NG questions)
  • Tips
    • Understand the meaning of each answer
      • yes / true = the same information is found in the passage
      • no / false = the opposite information is found in the passage
      • not given = the information is not found in the passage
    • paraphrase the statements before trying to locate the answers
    • answers come in order
  • True, False Not Given Practice
  • Yes, No Not Given Practice
  • All FREE Reading Practice Lessons

3. Matching Paragraph Information Questions: IELTS Reading

  • Task: Matching the information given in the question with information found in one of the paragraphs in the passage.
  • Skills:
    • identifying specific information
    • scanning for information
  •  Tips:
    • paraphrase the information in the question
    • find the information in the passage
    • answers do not come in order
    • the answer is often a letter (A, D, C, D…) – read instructions carefully to check
    • not all paragraphs may be used
  • Matching Paragraph Information Practice Lessons
  • All FREE Reading Practice Lessons

4. Summary Completion Questions: IELTS Reading

  • Task: Completing a summary by filling in the gaps using words from the passage or words given in a box
  • Skills:
    • scanning for specific information in the passage
    • understanding ideas and supporting points
    • selecting appropriate words
  • Tips:
    • identify the type of word needed for each gap (noun/verb/adjective etc)
    • locate the information in the passage in order to choose the right word
    • if you choose words from the passage, check how many words can be used for each answer
    • answers usually come in order
    • the summary must be grammatically correct which can help you in choosing the right word for the gap
  • Summary Completion Practice Lesson
  • All FREE Reading Practice Lessons

5. Sentence Completion Questions: IELTS Reading

  • Task: Completing sentences by filling in the gap with words from the passage
  • Skills:
    • scanning for specific information
    • selecting appropriate words
    • understanding information in the passage
  • Tips:
    • identify the type of word needed for each gap (noun/verb/adjective etc)
    • locate the information in the passage in order to choose the right word
    • the sentences must be grammatically correct which can help you in choosing the right word for the gap
    • check how many words can be used for each answer
    • answers usually come in order
  • Sentence Completion Practice Lesson
  • All FREE Reading Practice Lessons

6. Multiple Choice Questions: IELTS Reading

  • Task: Choose the correct answer to a question or the correct ending to a sentence from usually 3 or 4 possible options.
  • Skills:
    • scanning for specific Information
    • understanding information in the passage
  • Tips:
    • paraphrase the information in the question and options
    • locate the precise information in the passage
    • answers come in order
    • answers are usually letters (A,B,C or D) – read the instructions carefully to check
  • Multiple Choice Practice Lesson
  • All FREE Reading Practice Lessons

7. List Selection: IELTS Reading

  • Task: Choose the correct option from a list of words, information or names. This differs from multiple choice because the questions all relate to only one long list of possible answers.
  • Skills:
    • scanning for information
    • understanding information in the passage
    • identifying ideas relating to others
  • Tips:
    • read through the list and prepare paraphrases
    • read through the questions and identify key words
    • locate the information in the passage
    • answers come in order
    • answers are usually letters (A-G) – read the instructions carefully to check

8. Choosing a Title: IELTS Reading

  • Task: Choosing the most appropriate title from a list for the whole passage
  • Skills:
    • identifying aims of a passage
    • distinguishing between detail and main aims
  • Tips
    • look at the differences between the possible titles
    • pay attention to the opening paragraphs and closing paragraphs of the passage
    • don’t spend too much time on this question – it is only worth one point
  • Choosing a Title Practice
  • All FREE Reading Practice Lessons

9. Classification / Categorisation Questions in IELTS Reading

  • Task: Decide which category the information in a statement belongs to from a list. IELTS call this question: Matching Features.
  • Skills:
    • locating information in the passage
    • categorising information
  • Tips:

10. Matching Sentence Endings: IELTS Reading

  • Task: Incomplete sentences with a list of possible endings. You must choose which ending is correct from the given in a list.
  • Skills:
    • locating information in the passage
    • understanding information
  • Tips:
    • read through the sentences and then read through the possible endings
    • prepare paraphrases
    • find information in the passage
    • choose the best ending to match the information in the passage
    • the completed sentence must be grammatically correct
    • sentence beginnings follow the order of information the passage
    • answers are usually letters (A-G) – read instructions carefully to check
    • there are usually more endings given than you need
  • Matching Sentence Endings Practice Lesson
  • All FREE Reading Practice Lessons

11. Table Completion: IELTS Reading

  • Task: Completing the table using the correct word from the passage.
  • Skills:
    • locating specific information in the passage
    • choosing appropriate words
    • understanding details
  • Tips:
    • read the column headings in the table
    • identify the type of word needed for each part of the table
    • scan the passage for information
    • answers are often located in a specific part of the passage
    • check how many words you can use for the answer
  • Passage Coming Soon

12. Flow Chart Completion Questions: IELTS Reading

  • Task: Completing the flow chart using the correct words from the passage.
  • Skills:
    • locating specific information in the passage
    • choosing appropriate words
    • understanding details and order of information
  • Tips:
    • identify the type of word needed for each part of the flow chart
    • scan the passage for information
    • answers do not always come in order
    • use the direction of the arrows and boxes to follow the order of information in the chart
    • select the appropriate words from the passage
    • check the number of words that can be used for each answer
  • Passage Coming Soon

13. Diagram Completion Questions: IELTS Reading

  • Task: Labelling a diagram
  • Skills:
    • locating information in the passage
    • relating the information to the diagram
    • choosing appropriate words
  • Tips
    • identify the type of word needed for the answer (noun / verb etc)
    • find the information in the passage
    • the information is usually located in one specific paragraph or two in the passage
    • check how many words you can use for the answer
    • answer do not always come in order

14. Short Answer Questions: IELTS Reading

  • Task: Answering questions regarding details in the passage.
  • Skills:
    • locating information in the passage
    • understanding detail and specific information
  • Tips:
    • identify the type of words you need for each answer (noun,verb etc)
    • paraphrase vocabulary in the questions
    • scan the passage to locate information
    • check how many words you can use for the answers
    • answers come in order
  • Short Answer Questions Practice Lesson
  • All FREE Reading Practice Lessons

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IELTS Listening Practice: Sentence Completion

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Sentence Completion questions for IELTS Listening: Practice & Essential Tips

IELTS listening sentence completion questions are basically gap fill questions that require you to fill a gap in the sentence with either words or numbers or a combination of words and numbers. Use the tips below to learn the right techniques for this type of listening question. Then challenge yourself with the practice lessons below. 

IELTS Listening Sentence Completion Tips

Below is an example set of sentence completion questions as you would see them in the IELTS Listening Test. Read the tips below to learn how you should approach them with the right right techniques and understanding.

IELTS Listening Sentence Completion Questions Examples

Useful Tips:

  1. Prepare Sentences: You will have time to read through the sentences before the recording starts.
  2. Predict Answers: You can predict what type of word the answer will be, such as a verb or noun. For example:
    • Question 1 above shows that you will probably be listening for a verb because it has the preposition to before the gap. Of course, the preposition to can also be in front of other kinds of words as well, but when we say “useful to …..” it usually requires a verb to follow.
    • Question 2 shows that you will need to listen for a noun because before the gap are the words a cultural. 
    • So, grammar will help you to predict answers.
  3. Grammar Will Help: The sentence must be grammatically correct when you put the missing word into the sentence. This means you need to think about articles a/the . They might or might not be needed.
  4. Answers in Order: The answers to the questions will come in order in the recording. This means the answer to question 1 will come first and then the answer to question 2 will follow. This will help you keep track of which question you are on and where you are in the recording.
  5. Answer Word Count: The instructions will always tell you how many words or numbers you can have for the answer. If it says No More Than Two Words – it means you can have two words, one word, but you can’t have three words (you can’t have more but you can have fewer).
  6. Keywords: The question will have useful keywords in it to help you locate the answer. For example, in question 1 above the keywords are traditions and countries.
  7. Paraphrasing: Many keywords will be paraphrased so you might not hear the keywords precisely as they are shown in the question. For example, traditions could be paraphrased as heritage. However, some words might not be paraphrased and you will hear them in the recording. For example, “neuro-typical”, it is unlikely this kind of word will be altered, in which case you can listen carefully to hear it.
  8. Speed:  You do not have a lot of time to prepare question by reading them, spotting keywords and also paraphrasing. But with practice you can build these skills so that you can do them faster and faster. This should be part of your IELTS preparation.
  9. Before or After Keywords: One mistake people make is that they think the answer will come after you hear the keywords (or their equivalent paraphrase). This is wrong. You might hear the answer before or after you hear the keyword. This is why you must pay close attention to the recording.
  10. Guess: If you don’t know the answer, just guess. Never leave an answer empty.
  11. Spelling counts. If your answer is spelled incorrectly, it will be marked wrong. Every word and every letter must be precise.
  12. Listen Only Once: remember, you will hear the recording only once and you won’t be able to pause it. You won’t be given the transcript. But in books and on my website, transcripts are provided with the answers so that you can analyse your answers and also learn useful paraphrasing and review techniques.

Now it’s time for some practice listening lessons for sentence completion questions.

IELTS Listening Sentence Completion Practice

Below you will find two useful listening practice lessons.

Listening Practice Lesson 1

Read through the questions below to prepare. Then listen to the recording below. 

Sentence Completion for IELTS Listening Practice 1 Questions 1-5

RECORDING:

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TRANSCRIPT AND ANSWERS

Click below to show the transcript and answers. Review the transcript first to review paraphrasing, language and your techniques. 

TRANSCRIPT

There are 700,000 autistic people in the UK. Autism is a lifelong disability which affects how a person communicates and responds to people and how they experience the world around them. Although most of the public have heard of autism, few actually understand what it is like to live with it and how to support someone with autism. Autism Hour is when businesses agree to dim their lights and reduce background noise, such as music, to create an environment that is more suitable for autistic people. Autistic people have difficulty processing sensory information leading to sensory overload which can cause great stress and even physical pain. In a world geared towards neuro-typical people, this problem can leave autistic people restricted in where they can go and what they can enjoy. Autism Hour not only opens doors to autistic shoppers and their families, it also provides an opportunity for staff members to learn more about autism which is essential if autistic people are to get the support and respect they need from society. Autism Hour is also important in bringing to light the general affect that sensory information can have on people who are not neuro-typical or who have an illness affecting their ability to cope with light or noise or any other type of sensory information.

ANSWERS
  1. COMMUNICATES
    • Communication is not possible. 
    • Your answer must have “s” at the end – communicates
  2. DIM
  3. OVERLOAD
    • This is one word.
  4. GEARED
  5. SENSORY

Tip: Always remember that the listening test is testing your understanding of English grammar and English vocabulary.

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Listening Practice 2

Here is another listening practice lesson for filling in the gaps in a sentence. 

IELTS Listening Sentence Completion Practice 2 Questions 1-4

RECORDING:

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TRANSCRIPT & ANSWERS

Click below to reveal the transcript and answers:

Transcript

A festival is an event which is celebrated collectively. Festivals are mostly celebrated to propagate the cultural heritage of nations. Most festivals have their origins in a cultural belief which has been passed down through the generations. Festivals help to promote solidarity and the patriotic spirit in society by bring people closer together in harmony as they celebrate the festival. During this time, differences are forgotten and the national cultural identity predominates. By celebrating international festivals, it helps to promote tolerance, reduce racial conflict and encourages the acceptance of cultural diversity in a country. While there are marked differences in the way festivals are celebrated all over the world, there is a similarity in the purpose that the festival serves.

Answers
  1. propagate
  2. belief
  3. differences (the answer must be plural)
  4. purpose

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