IELTS Essay Length: Video Lesson Advice

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Learn about the recommended number of words you should write for your essay in IELTS writing task 2. You must write over 250 words and if your essay is under the word count. you will be penalised. Watch this lesson to find out what is the best length to aim for in task 2.

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Recommended Lessons

IELTS Video: How to write an essay introduction, click here
IELTS Writing Task 2 Video Lesson: Ideas Tips, click here
Model Opinion Essay Band Score 9, click here

Transcript

hello in this lesson I want to look at a
very important question

that many students ask me about IELTS

writing task 2 here’s the question do I
get

a higher band score if I have

a longer essay now this is a very
important question

how long should you essay be there are a
number of points I want to explain to

you

about the length of your essay so

the first point is of course you must
write

over 250 words that

is the task given to you those are your
instructions

and if you write under that

there could be problems and yes the
examiner will check

how many words you’ve written number two
and here is a direct answer

to the question you do not get

more marks for a longer essay now

I know that for many of you at
University

if you write a longer essay you get
better marks

but this does not apply to IELTS

the examiner is not looking for

a long essay the examiner is looking for
relevant

ideas number three the other point

is you only have about 35 minutes to
write

you essay now they recommend

that you have forty minutes but at least

5 minutes should be spent planning your essay

you need to look at the statement given
to you

need to analyze it and you need to plan

relevant ideas for your answer

it’s very important to have

five minutes for planning your ideas and
you answer

are worth 25% if your marks so
that means

you only have about 35 minutes to

actually write your essay so

aiming for longer essay will not give
you more marks

and will be very difficult in

the time you’ve got the next point

is a lot of students when

they try to extend their writing to
write

over 300 words they put

lots of extra information in that essay

and this information is often a little
bit

relevant or it’s off the topic

now in IELTS you will lose

marks if you write irrelevant
information

or if you go off the topic in your essay

so is a very bad idea to try to write

300 words if the information you are

adding will go off topic so

the recommendation I recommend you aim

for between 260 and 280

that is enough words to extend

and develop each main idea

in order to get a higher band score
well

if you found this lesson useful please
share it with your friends

and don’t forget follow me on Facebook
if you want to get

the regular lessons or check my blog and
you can find

all my free IELTS lessons see you next time

Filed Under: IELTS Writing Task 2 Tagged With: ,

IELTS Speaking Part 1 Model Answers: Topic Walking

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The topic of Walking is common in IELTS Speaking Part 1. Below are some questions with model answers. However please note that there is no right or wrong answer for the speaking test. We will each have different answers. But always aim to answer directly and then add a little more. As you can see, some answers are longer than others. This is also typical in part 1. Basic questions often only require simple answers, but always give a little more detail when possible. Keep talking until the examiner interrupts you.

Speaking Questions with Model Answers: Walking

In part 1, you will usually get about 12 questions covering around three different topics. IELTS Speaking Part 1 lasts for 4-5 mins. Always aim to answer naturally. Be chatty.

Q: Do you often walk?
A: Not really, only sometimes. I’m often in a rush so I mostly use my bike to get around. It’s much faster than walking and still costs nothing.

Q: Do you like walking alone or with others?
A: Actually, it depends. When I’m feeling really down, I prefer to be alone and just take a stroll in the park. Being around nature really helps me unwind and feel more grounded. But if I just want to chill out, I much prefer to walk with others so we can chat at the same time.

Q: Did you walk much when you were a child?
A: Yes, I did. I had to walk to school almost every day as a child, which took me almost 20 minutes. It was fine in summer, but in winter it was freezing, I hated it, so I used to walk at a really brisk pace to keep warm.

Q: Do you think people walk more nowadays than they did in the past?
A: No, definitely not. In the past, there were fewer forms of transport to choose from so most people walked everywhere, whereas these days hardly anyone walks anywhere. Most people have their own private car or bike which they use pretty much every day to get where they’re going and even if they don’t, there is plenty of public transport to use instead.

Q: Do you think walking is healthy?

A: Yes, for sure. It’s great for your mental and physical health, which is why more people should do it. Just a 30-minute brisk walk can strength your heart, muscles, increase energy and improve sleep. There are so many benefits to it.

Useful Vocabulary for Walking Topic

  • take a brisk walk
  • walking at a brisk pace can be invigorating
  • to amble, to saunter
  • an evening stroll, a leisurely stroll, a peaceful stroll
  • hiking
  • improve cardiovascular health
  • strengthen bones
  • walking is a weight-bearing exercise, unlike swimming or cycling
  • reduce the risk of chronic diseases
  • boost the immune system
  • reduces stress hormones such as cortisol
  • alleviate anxiety and stress
  • enhance cognitive functioning
  • walking in nature can be grounding and calming
  • the sounds of nature can help anchor you in the present moment

Recommended Lessons

IELTS Speaking Video Lesson: Part 1 What’s my favourite…?
IELTS Speaking Video Lesson: Greeting the examiner
IELTS Listening Video Practice: Names for Section 1

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IELTS Writing Task 2 Video Lesson: Conclusion Linkers

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Learn which are the best linkers to use to start your conclusion paragraphs for your IELTS essay. This lesson will show you which linkers to use and which you must avoid. Any mistakes with linkers will lower your band score so make sure you watch this lesson.

Recommended

How to write an introduction
What to do with the last 5 mins?

Transcript

hello in this lesson

we’re going to look at the best linkers
to use

to start your conclusion for your IELTS
writing

task 2 essay now I have a list

of linkers on the board and I have seen

students using these linkers for their
IELTS

academic essay now are they

good to use well I can tell you some

of these linkers are inappropriate

they should not be used for the
conclusion

in your task 2 essay now

let’s have a look we’ll start off with
this one here

finally now I know your conclusion

is the final paragraph but finally

does not indicate a conclusion

we use this linker to show

the final main point so that means

we use this linker in the last

body paragraph so you have

firstly secondly finally

and after that you have your conclusion

so please do not use this

for your conclusion now another one

let’s have a look at in a nutshell now

in a nutshell the meaning of this
is to summarize all the main points

briefly so the meaning is correct

but this expression

in a nutshell this is informal

and we mainly use this with speaking

or with some informal writing so that
means

it is wrong to use this kind of linker
with an

academic essay for IELTS it’s something that the
examiner

usually notices and it will

be a problem for your band score so
please

don’t to use in a nutshell for you IELTS

academic essay another one

in general again it does not

really indicate a conclusion

so that leaves 3

linkers we’ve got in conclusion to
conclude

to sum up now although

to sum up is OK I

still wouldn’t recommend using if
somebody asked me

for the best linkers to start the
conclusion

of course I would choose these

now a linker at the beginning

of the paragraph is there help

the reader to help the reader understand

the order of information and to

indicate what the information is so when
I am reading an academic essay

and I see in conclusion or

to conclude I understand this is the
conclusion

and that is good for an academic

essay so in conclusion

to conclude please choose one of them

to start your conclusion for your task
2

essay well that’s all for this lesson

I’ll see you again in another IELTS lesson

Filed Under: IELTS Writing Task 2 Tagged With: , ,

IELTS Reading Practice: Sentence Completion

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An exercise for IELTS Reading Sentence Completion. Read the passage below and then answer the questions.

The War on Smoking

Make no mistake, the move to introduce plain packaging is just the latest front in the war against smoking. Over the past decade, there has been a ban on smoking in public places and moves to restrict displays in shops. But one of the issues that has been concerning health experts and ministers is the number of people who continue to take up smoking, particularly young people.
More than 200,000 under-16’s start in the UK each year – helping ensure a viable market remains for manufacturers once the number of people quitting and dying is taken into account. In countries like the UK where there is a ban on advertising, the pack remains the last major vehicle for promotion. Hence the detail and care taken in the design of the packets with their laminated and special print effects, foil decorations and slide openings and bevelled edges. It should come as no surprise therefore to learn that they have become known as the “silent salesman” and “mobile billboard” within the industry. They are that important. (Passage from here)

Questions 1-4

Complete the sentences. Choose no more than two words and / or a number from the passage for each answer.

  1. …………………… is the most recent strategy to tackle the problem of smoking.
  2. The large number of new smokers, particularly under 16’s, makes certain that cigarette companies will always have a ……………………………….. .
  3. In some countries, packaging is the only method that cigarette companies have for ………………….
  4. Packets are seen as being the ………………………………….. in the cigarette industry.

Answers

Click below to reveal the answers.

Answers
1. plain packaging
2. (viable) market
3. promotion
4. silent salesman / mobile billboard (you should choose one answer. If you put both, it is an incorrect answer

All reading exercises on ieltsliz.com have been written by myself to help you prepare for your IELTS test.   

Liz

VocabBuilder
  • the latest front = the most recent development
  • to establish = to introduce
  • makes certain = helps ensure
  • only method of = the last vehicle for
  • edge = side
  • are seen as being = have become known as
  • come as no surprise = be expected

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IELTS Frequently Asked Questions

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 IELTS Test Information

What does IELTS mean? Answer

IELTS stands for: International English Language Testing System.

How many skills are tested in the IELTS test? Answer

There are 4 skills tested: listening, reading, writing and speaking.

Does the IELTS test accept American English? Answer

Yes, it does. It is an international test of English. However, most examiners in speaking are English or Australian and may not be familiar with very modern American terms.

Which skills do I take on the same day? Answer

Listening, reading and writing are all taken on the same day. The speaking test can be taken either before, after or on the same day as the other skills.

Is there a break between the reading and writing test? Answer

No, there is no break between the listening, reading and writing test. They are all taken together and take a total of 2 hours and 40 minutes. So, make sure you eat and drink well before you take your test

Can I use a pen in my IELTS Test? Answer

Yes, you can use a pen or pencil for your IELTS writing test. However, for your listening and reading test, you must use a pencil (don’t forget to take an eraser with you).

Test Results Information

How long does it take for my test results to arrive? Answer

Your results will be posted to you 13 days after you have taken your test. It is possible to get your results by sms or online at some test centers. Contact them to find out.

How long are my IELTS results valid? Answer

Your IELTS results are valid for 2 years.

How can I find my score for listening and reading? Answer

Here is a list of band scores for both listening and academic reading (they may vary so click here for the official scoring)

  • band score 6 = 23 correct answers out of 40
  • band score 7 = 30 correct answers out of 40
  • band score 8 = 35 correct answers out of 40

Can I get my IELTS test remarked? Answers

Yes, you can. In 2014, it costs around 100 usd to get your test remarked. It is the same price for all 4 skills or just one. You should contact your local IELTS test center to get the form for remarking.If your results change and your band score goes up, you will get your money refunded.

You have 6 weeks after taking your test to get your test remarked. Your test will be remarked by a different examiner. It takes about 6 to 8 weeks for the results of your remark to arrive. Alternatively, you could take your test again.

Ask me a question: click here.

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Academic vocabulary

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Improve your academic vocabulary. Which of the following words are safe to use for your IELTS writing task 2 essay? The meaning for each word is given in brackets

  • Dissonance (discord / difference of opinion)
  • Gist (general idea / essence)
  • Latent (concealed / hidden)
  • Quack (fake / swindler)
  • Falter (hesitate)
  • Partially (not completely / to a degree)
  • Prattle (chatter)
  • Orate (make a speech)
Answers
There is only one word which cannot be used in an academic piece of writing and that is the word “quack”. This is slang and is inappropriate to use in formal writing. However, although the other words are acceptable to use, the word “prattle” is unlikely to be used but of course it does depend on the topic of the essay . Furthermore, the word “gist” can be used in formal writing, for example ” the gist of the argument was …” but be careful of other ways of using this word.
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IELTS Discussion Essay Video Lesson: Useful Language

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Learn expressions to use in your discussion essay for IELTS writing task 2 with this video lesson. It is important to use a variety of language to express both sides in your essay. Being able to have flexible language for giving other people’s opinions is a good way to increase your vocabulary band score.

Transcript

Hello in this lesson I’m going to look at some expressions that you can use for a discussion essay for IELTS writing task 2. Now when you have a discussion essay you have to support two different sides and this is not about your opinion this is about what other people think, other people’s opinion and you have to support what they think. so here are some very useful expressions to help you show other people’s thoughts and opinions.

Now there’s quite a lot of expressions you can use. I will run through each one but I will tell you now there are two expressions here that you shouldn’t use. can you see which ones? well I’ll tell you at the end of the lesson let’s have a look the first one. “Many people believe that ” this is a very common expression to use for IELTS It is not high band score but its clear and its academic so don’t worry, please use it. The next one “it is commonly believed that” this is a very nice expression because you can see here “is believed” that is the passive and it’s very good to give the examiner some passive tense in your essay. It will improve your band score and you can see this word here “commonly” that means many people so it has the same meaning as this sentence and this word we can change, we could say “it is frequently believed that” or we could say “it is often believed that”. So we could put a different adverb of frequency here. The next one “some people think that”  again it’s very simple but it is academic and its clear. “It is often thought that” here we’ve got another passive, so very nice to use. But “on the side of” or “the other side of the coin is” this is the other opinion, the other side. “It is considered by many that” this is a very nice expression is very academic. It’s very good to use for IELTS and again you have a passive here and you can change this word if you want and you could say “it is considered by some that”. The next one here “many argue that” is very nice very clear. You don’t need to say “many people”, you could say “many argue that “. Another one, “it is argued by some that”, again here we’ve got the passive and you can change this word, “it is argued by many that”. “On the one hand” and”On the other hand”, so that’s the one side of the argument, on the other hand that’s the other side of the argument. The last one “some people support the opinion that” again this is very nice, very academic.

So can you see the 2 expressions that you shouldn’t use? Well, it is these 2 here this one is not very academic, we use it more for speaking, and this one many students love to use this because it is an idiom however it is very informal and we don’t usually use that for an academic essay for IELTS so please don’t use that one in your discussion essay. But all the others are great and when you’re writing your discussion essay it’s very important that you give the simple tense and then sometimes a passive as well and you can keep changing that through your essay to show flexibility. Well that’s all for this lesson I’ll see you again in another IELTS lesson

Discussion Essay Model Answer

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Answers for Summary Reading

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Answer for yesterday’s IELTS reading lesson for the summary “The Importance of Sleep”. Before you check the answers, here is some useful vocabulary to help you:

  • adolescents = teens(not academic) = teenagers
  • promotes = helps support
  • chronic = long term – continual – unending
  • lack of sleep = sleep deficiency
  • have an impact on = can affect
  • important aspects of our lives = think, react, work, learn & get along with others

Answers

Click below to reveal the answers.

Answers
1. quality
2. growth (any order)
3. development (any order)
4. (some) chronic

All reading exercises on ieltsliz.com have been written by myself to help you prepare for your IELTS test for free.   

Liz

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