Hi guys,

I’ve posted the answers back on the original page for you. Click here: https://ieltsliz.com/reading-practice-procrastination/

All the best

Liz

Below are answers with tips for the practice listening lesson about My University. If you have not done this lesson, please click here: My University Listening,before looking at the answers.

Answers

1. 19
   1. Some of you have difficult hearing the difference between 19 and 90. Try this lesson to improve your listening with these types of numbers: Numbers listening video
2. 1879
   1. The listening recording says “Thomas Holloway founded the college in 1879.” The question was “The college was established in…” The word “established” is a synonym for “founded”.
   2. The preposition “in” in the question means you should listen for a date or a place. As you listen for the synonym keyword, you find it is a date.
3. 8,000
   1. You do not need to use a comma in the number, but it helps the person marking if you do.
   2. The recording actually says “Today, Royal Holloway is a thriving co-educational community of some 8,000 students…”. The word “some” means “about”. You do not need to write it in your answer.
4. SECLUDED
   1. The question is clearly asking for you to write an adjective “… feels like a peaceful, …… place …”.
   2. The audio says “…. like the campus is enjoying a peaceful, secluded existence right in the heart of the British countryside.”
   3. It is always best to write your answers using capital letters.
   4. The spelling must be correct or the answer will be marked wrong.
5. 19 MILES
   1. The question asks for a distance “is located … from X”.
   2. The audio says “it is only 19 miles from the centre of London”.
   3. Always check if the question gives the word “miles”. If the word is given in the question, you do not repeat it in the answer.
   4. In this case, if you wrote only 19 without the word “miles”, your answer would be marked wrong.
6. HISTORY SOCIAL SCIENCES
   1. If you wrote “and” in your answer, it would be marked wrong. The word “and” was written in the question and you do not need to repeat it. This only applies when you are completing sentences as a task because the sentence must be grammatically correct once you have completed it.
   2. You must have “s” with the word “sciences”. If you didn’t write the “s”,  your answer would be marked wrong.
   3. You do not need to write a comma between the words. If you want to write a comma, you can. But it isn’t necessary. Punctuation is not needed in your answers for listening.
   4. Many people struggled with this question because they understand “social sciences”. Examples of social sciences are: anthropology, Geography, Sociology, Psychology, Linguistics, Law etc. Take a look online if you are unsure. This term usually applies to university subjects rather than school subjects.

I hope you enjoyed this listening lesson. I now recommend you go back to the original listening lesson and listen again to the video.

Did you like my university? I, personally, think it is a beautiful building. I actually lived for one year in the main castle building 🙂

All the best

Liz

There is a simple answer to this question. YES!

For IELTS writing task 1 (academic paper), the overview is the most important paragraph. It is the paragraph that contains all the key features to help the reader grasp the main information contained in the diagram.

You need to look at the stages and summarise them into one statement (max two statements). It is important that the examiner finds your overview quickly and easily, so always start with “Overall, …”.

The overview is part of the marking criterion of Task Achievement. See below how it affects your score:

• Band 5 = no clear overview
• Band 6 = an overview is presented
• Band 7 = a clear overview of main trends or stages

You can see how important this overview is. Even when you are given a diagram, you must give details of the main stages in your overview.

To see a model answer for a diagram and other useful tips for writing task 1 academic, click here: http://ieltsliz.com/ielts-writing-task-1-lessons-and-tips/

For anyone taking the IELTS GT test, you will be asked to write a letter. Always follow the order of the prompts given. Each prompt will be one paragraph. Add more detail to each paragraph from your imagination to make the letter realistic. Make sure you understand who the letter is to and what the purpose of the letter is. This will help you decide your tone and style. See this page: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-writing-task-1-lessons-and-tips/

All the best

Liz

Below is a list of IELTS essay questions reported 2019 (Jan & Feb). These essay questions are not prediction. They are essay questions that IELTS candidates reported in their tests. Topics are often repeated with essay questions reworded and with a different focus.

You should use these essay questions to prepare ideas for topics. Your aim is NOT to memorise an essay. You cannot use memorised sentences or paragraphs in your essay.

IELTS Essay Questions Jan & Feb 2019

1. People sleep less than before in many countries. Why do people sleep less? What effect does it have on an individually and  on society?
2. Some people think that government is wasting money on the arts, and that this money could be spent elsewhere. To what extent do you agree with this view?
3. Many people try to look younger than their age. What are the reasons people do this. Do you think this is a good thing or a bad thing?
4. Some countries spend a lot of money to make bicycle usage easier. Why is this? Is this the best solution to traffic congestion?
5. Plastic shopping bags contribute to the pollution of land and sea. Some people think they should be banned. Do you agree or disagree?
6. Some people think that watching sport is a waste of leisure time. Do you agree or disagree?
7. If a product is sold and people buy it, then advertising is not necessary and can be considered a kind of entertainment. Do you agree or disagree with this?
8. Economic growth is the only way to end world poverty. However, some people says it leads to environment damage and should be stopped. To what extent do you agree?
9. Eating too much sugar is harmful for our health. Some people think that it is government responsibility to limit people’s sugar consumption, while others think that it is an individual’s responsibility to limit the amount of sugar they eat. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
10. Nowadays, many people spend less and less time at home.
    What are the causes of this? What are the effects of this on individuals and on society.
11. Some people believe that children should be given lessons on how to manage money in the school. Do you agree or disagree?
12. Some people think that a good diet and exercise are not necessary for a health and long life. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

13. Some people say that schools do not do enough to teach young people about health. Do you agree or disagree?

14. Some people believe that in order for a hobby to be enjoyable, it needs to be difficult in some way. Do you agree or disagree?
15. Some people say that holding sport competitions can cause problems for the host country. Others disagree. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
16. Some people think that public libraries are no longer important, while others disagree. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
17. The government should make people take responsibility for their actions to the environment. To what extent do you agree?
18. Some people think watching movies is a waste of time. Do you agree or disagree?
19. Recently, it is common for people not to know their neighbours. What is the cause of this problem?  What can be done to solve this problem?
20. Some people believe that the museums and historic sites should be open for free for children under 18. Do you agree or disagree?
21. Some parents think that advertisements are misleading for children, while advertisers claim that they provide knowledge. Give your opinion.
22. Films and games can be accessed at any time from mobile devices, like smartphones, tablets and laptop computers. Do the advantages of such developments outweigh the disadvantages?
23. The gap between rich and poor is increasing. What problems does it cause? What solutions can you suggest?
24. Some people prefer to buy local products, while others prefer international products. What is your opinion of this?
25. Many people are choosing to find information online rather than in books. Is this development positive or negative?
26. Some people say that children given pocket money every week will have fewer money problems when they become adults. Do you agree or disagree?
27. Some people say that family is the most powerful influence in a child’s development. Other’s say that other factors such as ( television friends music etc. ) play a greater role today. Discuss both views and give your opinion
28. Most people prefer ready to eat ready meals rather than homemade food these days. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this?
29. For many people, the reason they work hard is to earn money. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
30. Many people believe that advertising can have negative effects on customers. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
31. Some young people are leaving the countryside to live in cities and towns, leaving only old people in countryside? What problems does this cause? What can be done to solve this problem?
32. Some people think high-end technology can prevent and cut down the rate of committing crime. Do you agree or disagree?
33. People should be responsible for the pollution problems caused by transportation, while others think the government should be held accountable. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
34. People doing different jobs enjoy different amount of holiday time. Should people have the same amount of holiday time? Give your opinion.
35. Some people say students of different age groups in school should be put in same class.What is your opinion?
36. Some people feel that teacher training courses can make anyone a teacher, while others feel an excellent teacher cannot be made by pursuing a course. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
37. Money should be spent on creating new public buildings, such as museums and town halls, rather than renovating existing ones. To what extend do you agree or disagree?
38. Some people think the money spent in developing technology for space exploration is not justified. There are more beneficial ways to spend this money. To what extend do yo agree or disagree?
39. Some people think that the best way to learn is from a newspaper. Others think that the best way to learn is through media.
    Discuss each views and your opinion.
40. Some people said that with the help of parenting and child development courses parents can improve the life of children.
    To what extent do you agree or disagree?
41. Today people are living longer so they should have to work longer. Do you agree or disagree?
42. Many people think that we have to focus on the extinction of certain animal species, while others think that we should pay attention to the problem of human beings. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
43. Some people think that a high salary is important when choosing a company to work for, while others think that a good working atmosphere is more important. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
44. Lots of people are throwing away food. What are the reasons for this and how can food wastage be reduced?
45. Sometimes people think that young people should be encouraged to leave their family at certain age, while others think that it’s better for them to remain with their families. What is your view?
46. Employers should focus on personal qualities over qualifications and experience when choosing someone for a job. To what extent do you agree with this?
47. An increasing number of people are buying what they need online. What are the advantages and disadvantages.

Topics Review

Below you will find the list of topics relating to the questions above. You can see that some topics appear more than once in the IELTS writing task 2 test. This means topics can be repeated, but the essay question is phrased differently. 

1. People x 3
2. Art
3. Transport
4. Buildings 
5. Environment x 3
6. Sport x 2
7. Advertising x 2
8. World Issues & Society x 3
9. Food x 3
10. Society x 3
11. Health x 2
12. Money & Business x 3
13. Leisure Time x 2
14. Reading & Books
15. Media x 3
16. Tourism 
17. Technology x 2
18. Work x 5
19. Crime
20. Education x 2
21. Space 
22. Family x 2
23. Animals

All the best

Liz

 

Advantages and Disadvantages of the Computer Based IELTS test (CBT). Comments below come from various IELTS candidates. This known as CD IELTS (computer delivered IELTS) or CBT (computer-based test).

Is the computer based IELTS test different?

No. It is the same test but you put your answers on the computer rather than on to paper.

Is the marking the same?

Yes, it is 100% the same. It is the same test with the same marking. All that i different is that you type your answers on a screen.

Are there any differences between Computer and Paper IELTS?

Just one difference. In the listening of the paper-based recording, you have 10 mins to transfer your answers from the question paper to the answer sheet. In the computer-based test, this is not the case. You will type your answers directly into the computer and at the end of the recording you will be given only 2 mins to check your answers.

For reading, writing, and speaking, the timing is the same. Every other aspect of the test is the same regardless of whether it is on computer or paper.

Why take Computer Delivered IELTS?

The aim of offering CD IELTS is for people who are more accustomed to typing than to writing. If you prefer to type and can type at speed, this is the best way to take IELTS. If you are poor or very slow at typing, you should stick with the paper-based test. It also allows for people to take the test online at home.

Pros & Cons of Computer IELTS

IELTS Computer Listening Pros and Cons:

IELTS Computer Reading Pros and Cons:

IELTS Computer Writing Pros and Cons:

I’ve posted the answers on the original page, click here: https://ieltsliz.com/writing-task-1-paragraphs-review/

All the best

Liz

Lets check your understanding of IELTS writing task 1 paragraphing. This is for academic writing task 1.

Below are a number of options for how to structure your writing task 1. Are all these options good for IELTS writing task 1?

Option A

• Paragraph 1 = introduction & overview
• Paragraph 2 = body 1 detail
• Paragraph 3 = body 2 detail

Option B

• Paragraph 1 = introduction
• Paragraph 2 = overview
• Paragraph 3 = body 1 detail
• Paragraph 4 = body 2 detail

Option C

• Paragraph 1 = introduction
• Paragraph 2 = body 1 detail
• Paragraph 3 = body 2 detail
• Paragraph 4 = overview

Option D

• Paragraph 1 = introduction
• Paragraph 2 = overview
• Paragraph 3 = body 1 detail
• Paragraph 4 = conclusion

Questions for You

1. Which paragraphing options are suitable for writing task 1? 
2. Is there an option above which will get you a higher score?
3. Which structure is not acceptable?

Paragraph Options Explained: Answers

Options A, B, & C are all possible to be used in Writing Task 1 and get a high score. Option D will not give you a good score. Read the details below to learn more:

Option A

When the introduction is very short, such as with diagrams, I sometimes put my overview statement with the introduction. I feel it gives a better balanced of paragraphs. Although the introduction and overview are in the same paragraph, they MUST be separate statements. The introduction presents the information (paraphrases the description) and the overview contains all key features.

Option B

This is my personal favourite. Writing task 1 is not an essay. It is a report. The overview contains all the key features and I prefer to present that before giving all the smaller details. I like the reader to understand the gist of the chart, before seeing small examples of data. 

Furthermore, the overview is THE MOST IMPORTANT PARAGRAPH IN WRITING TASK 1. For this reason also, I like to put it early on in the writing. The overview needs to be both clear and contain information well selected.

Option C

It is also 100% fine to put the overview at the end of the report. However, if you choose this option, make sure you manage your time well – your overview is the most important part and needs to be thought about carefully and written very very well.

Option D

There are two very serious problems with this structure.

1. The body must be divided into a minimum of two paragraphs. You are being marked on how you take the detail and divide it into logical sections. Most writing task 2 will have two paragraphs for the body, but occasionally you might have three. 
2. You cannot have both an overview which contains the key features and a conclusion that summarises the key features. This would mean in a short report, you would have repeated the key features twice. This will lower your score. There is no reason to repeat anything at all. Once you state the key features in the overview, your body paragraphs (plural) will present all main details. You never repeat it all again. This means you do not need a conclusion. 

I hope you have found this useful 🙂 My main writing task 1 page has lots of model answers which show both option A and B. CLICK BELOW:

IELTS Writing Task 1 Tips, Model Answers & More

If you want letter writing tips for GT writing task 1, see this page: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-letter-writing-essential-tips/

All the best

Liz

 

 

Can your IELTS score change after remarking? This is one persons story about remarking and the amazing results that followed. Below is Najada’s story.

My IELTS Remarking Success Story

Hello everyone.

I took my IELTS Academic module on the 8th of December 2018 in Melbourne Australia. I have been living and working in Melbourne for nearly 2 and a half years, which means English has become part of my life everyday communication.

I needed to sit my IELTS in order to apply for a registration to work as a Physiotherapist in Australia. The minimum score required is 7 in each module and overall band score 7. ​I was very lucky to come across IELTS Liz website. I solely studied from Liz’s website. I did most of the lessons, read all the tips, followed all updates and of course purchased the Advanced Writing lessons. ​I strongly recommend to all students to purchase the advanced lessons as they are ABSOLUTELY fantastic. Liz’s explanation and advice are very comprehensive and clear.​I could not afford having a tutor to study so Liz’s website and affordable advanced writing lessons saved my life!!!​​

I received my IELTS score as the following:

• Listening: 7.5
• ​Reading: 8.0​S
• Speaking: 8.5​
• Writing: 6.0

​​I was absolutely disappointed with my writing score as I was pretty sure I did better than 6. In Task 1 I had two line graphs and Task 2 a problem solution essay. I did follow Liz’s advice on how to organise paragraphs and ideas, did my planning before starting writing!!!! VERY IMPORTANT​ I used a variety of complex sentences (Liz’s lessons for complex sentences are fantastic). I was as careful as possible. I felt that something was wrong with the score, so I started checking online about the remark option.​ The majority of the websites mention that there is a possibility to get a change in the score, with a 0.5 increase being the most common and in rare cases a 1.0.​ What they also mention is that if there is a major difference between each component (like my case) they will ask for a second examiner to mark it just to be sure. ​So I thought they might have done that with mine too.

But still my gut feeling said to me that something is wrong. I did better than 6.0. ​So I decided to apply for a remark. The remark fee is quite expensive, 176 AUD to be precise, so if there is not a change you lose your money, but if there is a change you get a full refund.​ I decided to take the risk because as I said before I did study very hard for my writing, which was my weakest part.​​

After 4 weeks I received an email saying that there has been a change to my writing score. And that change was……. 7.5. I COULD NOT believe it. That’s a 1.5 increase. So my final score is overall band score 8 with:

• Listening: 7.5
• ​Reading: 8.0​
• Speaking: 8.5​
• Writing: 7.5

Even the staff at the English Centre  where I took my IELTS were absolutely surprised by this remark change. ​If you have a doubt about your results, while you are confident that you have done better than this, go for the remark. You might receive your desired score.​​

I would also like to say that please do read well all Liz’s pages as they contain crucial information about the test. I literally followed her advice for each part of the test.​

What I would like to add about speaking is…. SPEAK ENGLISH AS MUCH AS YOU CAN. I was very lucky to practice my English everyday. Living and working in Australia have allowed me ​to interact with people. I was asking colleagues and friends to correct any errors I made with my speaking and, believe me, that helped me a lot.​ You can only improve if you are aware of your weak points and you are determined to study hard. Nothing comes easy without hard work.​​Unfortunately for permanent residency I need a minimum of 8 in each component, so I have to sit the IELTS again but i can finally practice my profession. I am continuing to practise my listening, speaking, writing and reading and also my spelling as I am pretty sure some of my listening errors were spelling mistakes.​

Thank you Liz for your absolutely amazing hard work and your kindness, Najada.

From Liz: Well done Najada!! And thanks for sharing your story with everyone else. It will help many people. All the best, Liz

.

Remarking Advice from Liz

Note to consider about remarking:

1. If you are considering a remark, and have a two band score difference between your writing and speaking score (for example, speaking 8 and writing 6), your scores will already have been reviewed by a second examiner who agreed with those marks. This means the chance of your score changing after a remark by a third, senior examiner is less likely to be successful. It doesn’t mean it is impossible to change, it means it is less likely.
2. Your scores for listening and reading are unlikely to change from a remark, because those scores are not based on examiner interpretation or assessment, but on right or wrong answers. This means it is rare the marking is wrong.
3. Before you decide on a remark, make sure you do know and understand the band score requirements for speaking and writing. This will help you make the right choice.
4. “Go with your gut!” Many people decide to try remarking because they feel they did better in speaking or writing (or both). If this is how you feel, make the decision that feels right for you.
5. The remark is always done by a senior examiner. They will listen to your speaking recording and remark from that. For the writing test, they will remark your writing task 1 and task 2 again.

Share Your Remarking Story

Feel free to post your remarking story to help other people make the right choice. 

All the best

Liz