Great news! IELTS has set up a new method of taking the IELTS test in your own home. The test is called IELTS Indicator. It is an IELTS test online which you can take at home on your laptop or desktop. Please read all information on this page carefully to get an idea if this is for you or not.

This online test from your home has been designed by IELTS to help people in countries where the Coronavirus has delayed tests. The IELTS Indicator test is an Official IELTS Test. At the moment, it is only for Academic IELTS, not GT. However, this is early days. All organisations world wide are adapting to this new situation and possibly the GT test might be available at some point.

This page will give you information and answer the following about the new IELTS Indicator test.

1. Which countries and how much?
2. Does this test have four skills?
3. Difference between IELTS and Indicator IELTS tests
4. Can it be used for immigration?
5. What you need at home to take the test – technology & conditions
6. Speaking Test Info
7. How to Book IELTS Indicator test

BE CAREFUL

Read this page very very carefully before you jump at this new test. You need to check that it is suitable for you.

1) Which Countries and How Much?

This new IELTS test is only available in some countries where the Coronavirus has caused tests to be suspended. The countries where this test will be available will be released on April 22nd when booking opens. It is only available for a limited time!! FEES: IELTS will release information about the fees on April 22nd as well.

2) Does this Test have all Four Skills?

Yes, it does. It will be the same as the Computer Based IELTS test and will cover all 4 skills. If you are unfamiliar with the computer based test, read this page: IELTS Computer Test Pros and Cons. You can also find practice questions to get used to using a computer for your test on the IELTS BC website for free.

The results for the IELTS Indicator test will arrive within 7 days.

As with a normal IELTS test, each section of the test will be strictly timed. For example, you will have one hour for reading, not more and not less.

Official IELTS examiners will mark the IELTS Indicator test in the same way and with the same marking criteria as the normal IELTS test.

3) Difference between an IELTS Test and an IELTS Indicator Test?

For the test format and difficulty level, IELTS Indicator is the same as any other IELTS test.

However, there is a difference. The IELTS test is well known and accepted by organisation and educational institutions around the world. The IELTS Indicator Test has been created only for this current period of global difficulties. Not all organisations or institutions will accept it.

This means you must contact the university or organisation that you are applying to before you book the test. You must get confirmation from them (in writing preferably) that they will accept these results.

4) Can I use it for Immigration?

No, you can’t. This new Indicator IELTS test is for those wishing to enter Higher Education, according to IELTS Official. However, as I mentioned above, we need to keep checking this information as things might change later this month or next month.

5) What you Need at Home to Take the Test

You need to have:

• a guaranteed quiet space for the length of the test. Once the LR&W sections begin, you can’t take a break. The test will run and you can’t stop it or pause it. Any unwanted interruption in your home and you will lose time and lose marks.
• Laptop or Desktop (Mac or PC). Not a tablet or phone.
• Strong, reliable internet connection. If your internet connection is not stable, you shouldn’t take this test.
• Good quality headphones to listen to the listening test. Do a volume check before you start your test. Make sure it’s all working properly.
• Download SEB (Safe Exam Browser) on your laptop successfully. You can find out details of install it here: SEB from IELTS
• Computer with a web cam.
• Zoom application should also be downloaded on your laptop.
• Computer with microphone for your speaking test.

6) IELTS Speaking Test Online

The IELTS Indicator test does have all four sections including IELTS Speaking. You will do the IELTS Speaking test with an examiner over your computer using a microphone and with video call. This means it is still face to face, but over the internet using a video call. Make sure it is a good microphone and that you have previously checked that the volume controls. Have your pen and paper ready for when you need to make notes in part 2.

7) How Can I Book IELTS Indicator?

As long as you are sure that this test will be accepted by the university or organisation you are applying to and you are sure you have everything you need for the test at home (see the above list), you can plan to book this test.

Bookings for this new test are now open. Click below:

CLICK HERE TO BOOK: IELTS Indicator Official Test.

You will also find the above information confirmed and more FAQs to help you understand more. Check to see if this test is available in your country.

NOTE

Please read this page again carefully. Do not make the mistake to pay for this test until you are 100% sure it is for you.

Will this be the Future of IELTS?

Who knows. It is a great way for IELTS to see how well it works. We might see more similar test options in the future. It would certainly make things easier for many candidates if this option would remain open after the Coronavirus situation has been resolved.

All the best

Liz

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IELTS Grammar E-book for Writing Task 2 – AVAILABLE NOW!

It can be purchased in my online store. Click here: Visit Store

Details

Complex Grammar Made Easy! This e-book is aimed to push your English to a higher level with a better range of grammar and less errors. It will help you improve your English language. This e-book also provides great tips and advice to boost your IELTS essay score. It is a great study at home e-book.

It has just over 250 pages explaining essential English grammar and a Workbook which has 65 pages of exercises. It is downloaded as pdf files. For more information and more answers to questions, download the preview: Grammar E-book PREVIEW

I have finished IELTS. Will this e-book help me improve my English? Yes, definitely. The aim is to take your English language to a higher level by improving your English grammar. You will learn complex grammar in simple steps. This e-book will be your teacher helping you achieve Advanced English.

I want a higher band score in IELTS Writing Task 2. Will this e-book help? Yes, the target is grammar band score 7, 8 and 9. You will learn what grammar skills and features to showcase in your essay and help you develop more accurate grammar. The examiner will be testing you on each of the grammar features explained in the chapters of this e-book.

HOW CAN I PURCHASE THIS E-BOOK

This e-book is now available in my online store, click below:

Click here: Visit Store 

All the best

Liz

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Below are the answers with explanation for the reading lesson called “The History of Pasta”. This lesson was based on Matching Headings.

If you have not completed this lesson, please do so before looking at the answers. Click here: History of Pasta Reading Lesson

Tips:

1. Matching Headings questions are not the same as Matching Paragraph Information questions. You are not looking for specific information in the paragraph, you are looking for a title that sums up the aims of the paragraph.
2. Writing answers. In IELTS, the answer you write on your answer sheet should be the number only, for example vi or iii. You can also write them in capitals, for example VI or III. But you can’t write words and you can’t write E = VI. Remember this tip if you want to have your answer marked correct.

Answers to Matching Headings

The answers below are written in a way to take you step by step through logical thought to find the right answers.

1. A = ?
   • You would immediately notice that a few headings might be possible for this paragraph. Heading i) “A Theory Dismissed” seems a possible choice because the paragraph does show that the idea of pasta being Italian is challenged. Heading iii) “Is Pasta Really Italian” seems possible because this is all about whether pasta is Italian as presumed. Heading v) “The real origins of pasta” is not possible because no real origin is given. Heading vii) “The common belief of the origin of pasta” also seems possible. This leaves us with three possible headings. As a result, you should not decide the heading for paragraph A until you decide on the other paragraphs.
   • You need to be logical and strategic. Tick the possible headings and do not make a choice. As you know there is more than one possible heading, you will decide later.
   • If you don’t do this, you might choose the wrong heading for paragraph A which might cause you to choose wrong headings for the other paragraphs as well. This means you would lose more than one mark from this mistakes.
   • So, for the answer to Paragraph A ……. keep reading.
2. B = ??
   • This paragraph is all about the popular theory of the origin of pasta. This popular idea is that Marco Polo brought noodles from China. This is not about any theory, but about the most common theory.  Popular – common. Remember synonyms need to be understood from context.
   • The answer to Paragraph B must be vii
   • The common belief is specific with detail and it is specific about the origin and gives detail about the origin.
   • The heading ii) “Marco Polo in China” is wrong because this isn’t just about him being in China – it isn’t about his travels and experiences in China. It is specific about the common belief that he brought pasta from China and that is the origin.
   • The heading v) “China is the origin” is also wrong. The topic sentence is about a theory and the paragraph explains that the theory is about Marco Polo and the origin of pasta. The writer does not belief the origin is China. The final sentence provides only extra information about Chinese noodles which is actually unnecessary information for the theory being discussed.
   • Remember this is not about matching words or finding information. Matching Headings are about the aims of the paragraphs.
3. C = ??
   • The topic sentence provides the main clue here. This is all about a theory with problems. You should immediately spot heading i) A Theory Dismissed. 
   • Every sentence after the topic sentence provides evidence of why the common belief about the origin (the main theory) is wrong.
   • This means the answer to Paragraph C = i
   • This also means the answer to Paragraph A is not i
   • For Paragraph A, we are now only left with two choices.
4. D = ??
   • The key to this answer is about the aim of the paragraph, not about matching words or finding specific information.
   • Heading vi) “How Arabs cooked pasta” – is this a possible heading? 
   • There is information in the paragraph about the method of cooking. It says Arabs boiled pasta. However, is this the main aim of the paragraph. Has the writer written this paragraph because they are focusing on cooking methods or they are slowly drawing your attention towards cooking methods? The answer is NO. Cooking methods are briefly mentioned to add interest. It is additional information, not an aim, not a focus and can’t be a heading. This is a typical way IELTS will test you. Can you understand the difference between extra information and an aim.
   • The paragraph aim is to present a theory that holds water (this means is valid and seems to be proven) presented by food historians about the origin of pasta. The whole paragraph is aimed at introducing you to the “real origins of pasta” as shown by this theory that the writer is supporting.
   • The answer to Paragraph D = v
   • This means the answer to Paragraph A = iii

Answers summarised:

1. iii
2. vii
3. i
4. v

I hope you have found it useful to be taken step by step though logical thoughts to arrive at the answers. All the best, Liz

NOTICE: NEW Grammar E-book coming soon

I will post a notice when the Grammar E-book is ready. This is a fantastic Grammar E-book which helps you learn complex grammar in easy steps at home.

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Hi guys,

Study at Home. Use my Free IELTS Reading Practice Lessons to develop your awareness of IELTS techniques and to build essential skills of paraphrasing and spotting keywords.

The IELTS Reading section of this website contains lots of free practice lessons for different types of questions and also a useful free video lesson and tips. Click on the link below.

Please use the time you have at home to practice your reading skills. My lessons cover the main question types found in both Academic and GT Reading. The TFNG page is particularly useful and challenging as well as the matching endings questions.

CLICK HERE: FREE IELTS READING LESSONS

I will continue to post free lessons and exercises each week. I’ll post a new lesson tomorrow.

All the best

Liz

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Below you will find the answers to yesterday’s lesson about the idiom “Lingua Franca”.

Meaning:

Lingua Franca = One common language used for communication by a group of people who have a different native language.

Sentence Correction

What are the mistakes in the sentences below?

a) One day Chinese might be replaced English as the world’s lingua franca.

Answer: might be replaced = might replace  (this should be active voice, not passive) or you could alter the sentence and write “One day English might be replaced by Chinese as the world’s lingua franca.

b) Honesty breed trust. We should all remember this.

Answer: breeds. Honesty is an uncountable noun and is singular.

Note: I think next time I need to make these idiom lessons more challenging for you all 🙂

All the best

Liz

The idiom “Lingua Franca” is a useful idiom to know for both speaking and writing. It is commonly used in relation to the topic of communication and language. It is fine to use this idiom in IELTS Writing Task 2 as well as in your IELTS Speaking Test. It is high band score. Considering most idioms are informal and can’t be used in your IELTS essay, this is a perfect idiom to learn.

Idiom: Lingua Franca

.

Note: This idiom is a countable noun.

Idiom Questions

Let’s look at the meaning and use of this idiom:

Question 1: What is the correct meaning of this idiom?

• a) The French language spoken outside of France.
• b) Being honest, direct and frank when communicating with someone rather than being insincere.
• c) One common language used for communication by a group of people who have a different native language.

Question 2: What are the mistakes in the sentences below?

a) One day Chinese might be replaced English as the world’s lingua franca.

b) Honesty breed trust. We should all remember this.

Answers:

Post your answers in the comments box below.

I will post the answers tomorrow.

Liz

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An IELTS candidate shares her IELTS tips for band score 8.5 overall. I hope this success story and her advice will help you all in your preparation for IELTS. At the bottom of the page, you will also find useful links to more free IELTS lessons and tips.

For the purpose of anonymity, I have called her Sarah. Below are her results and her tips for you all. She took Academic IELTS.

Sarah’s IELTS Results: Overall 8.5

• Listening 8.5
• Reading 8.5
• Writing 7.5
• Speaking 8.5

Sarah’s IELTS Tips for 8.5: in her own words

Shocked by the $365 exam fee, I was adamant to only sit through the IELTS test once and get a C2 in my first try. Which, thankfully, I did – and here are my two cents!

IELTS Success Tip 1:

Use the English Language every day.

Being born and raised in a country, where English is our first language, with a tough education regimen, English exams in school having pretty much the same format as the IELTS test; I must admit that all those factors combined gave me an upper hand. However, that also means that to ace or score well in the IELTS test is simply about familiarizing yourself with the English language.
With that said, read, speak, write, and listen to English every single day be it if it’s from books, online news articles, shows from Netflix, YouTube videos, or ordering a cup of coffee. The IELTS test is all about how fluent and comfortable you are in the English language – so really acclimatize yourself to the language.

IELTS Success Tip 2:

It’s more important to study smart rather than to study hard. I cannot stress this enough.

Don’t waste your time and effort in memorizing all the words in the Cambridge dictionary, instead, study and fully understand the marking scheme and criteria of each component of the IELTS test. (Yes, having a rich and diverse vocab is part of what makes a fluent speaker, but so is using and pronouncing those fancy words accurately. I met a British Council teacher who told us that many students attempted in using idioms and fancy words in their Speaking or Writing test but, unfortunately, they used them incorrectly, which caused deductions in their marks. So you really don’t want to risk that!)

For example, in Writing Task 1, you can’t just use primary school language like ‘goes up/down’ if you want to score a high band score. Instead, familiarise yourself with alternatives such as ‘peaked at’, ‘remained relatively quiescent’, ‘the figure soared/spiked/plummeted/plunged’. Notice how these words aren’t super fancy? Yet, they could either make or break a high band.

Another example of working smart instead of working hard is in Writing Task 2 – don’t trouble yourself by writing/typing a lengthy essay. There is no such thing as right or wrong ideas in Writing Task 2. To illustrate, if the question asks for the best method in weight loss and you write/type that eating strawberries is the most efficient way, you won’t be penalized even though that is realistically-speaking not entirely correct. You will still stand a chance in earning a fairly high band score as long as you are able to support your argument by further describing the ‘why’ factor and give relevant examples. Structurally speaking, your essay in Task 2 should have at most 5 paragraphs – 1 Introduction, 1 Conclusion, and 2-3 body paragraphs. These body paragraphs should have about 4-5 sentences consisting of a Topic Sentence, elaborations, and examples.

IELTS Success Tip 3:

Prepare for all possible question types in Writing Task 1.

No student will be able to know what sort of question they will get on the exam day. Therefore, the best way to prepare yourself is to practice all kinds of question types in Writing Task namely graphs (line, bar, pie), maps, processes (the production of _____). 

IELTS Success Tip 4:

Learn to move on at the right time.

One of the many things I struggled with when preparing for the IELTS test is the concept of moving on from a question during the listening test. Initially, whenever I miss an answer from the audio, I tend to re-read the question and think of possible answers that would fit. That, of course, ended up in me missing even more answers afterwards.You will have some time at the end of the audio to look through your answers again, so use that time to go back to the questions where you missed. While the audio is still running, remain calm and answer the subsequent questions while you still have the chance.

IELTS Success Tip 5:

Study from credible sources (especially if you’re paying them!)

There is an overwhelming number of materials online for students to prepare for the IELTS test. Always verify that the teacher/company is credible and reliable and is truly familiar with IELTS. Also, read model answers from Band 7 onwards. (IELTS Liz is, of course, a legitimate source and one that I primarily depended on during my preparation.)

IELTS Success Tip 6:

Prepare ideas and vocabs for the Speaking test.

IELTS invigilators are rigorously trained in spotting memorized answers, so don’t memorize and risk getting penalized. There is a fine line between drafting ideas and memorizing them. For instance, Keith from IELTS Speaking Success on Youtube does a great job in touching possible Speaking topics for January through April. He prepares you by giving you ideas and interesting vocab for each question. By having these ideas and vocabs in your head, it allows you to become more flexible and versatile in answering questions asked by the examiners, whereas memorized modeled answers are usually always for a specific type of question. 

IELTS Success Tip 7:

Listen attentively to how the examiners ask the questions during the Speaking test.

Be wary of the tenses used and reply the invigilators in the correct tenses. For example, if asked ‘Where are you staying/living?’. That is present tense, so answer them where you are currently staying at – not where you used to stay or where you would want to stay in the future. These questions are deliberately structured in this manner to test how truly fluent you are. 

IELTS Success Tip 8:

Read the questions before the passages in the Reading section.

To better manage your time, read through the questions in the Reading section first so that you more or less know what you need to be looking out for when you’re reading the passage. Then, at any point when you reach the part of the passage containing the answer, quickly go back to the question and jot the answer down. From my experience, this benefited and helped me tremendously where I previously wasn’t able to complete the Reading section in an hour during my practices at home. 

IELTS Success Tip 9:

Wisely choose between the Computer-based or Paper-based test.

This is another deciding factor that could either make your IELTS paper smooth-sailing to extremely exhausting. Each has its pros and cons but whichever you choose, it has to be something that you perform the best and are the most comfortable in. If you are dexterous and IT-savvy, it’s better to opt for the computer-based test whereas if you write more frequently than you type, it’s wiser to go for the paper-based test.

IELTS Success Tip 10:

Prepare yourself mentally.

The IELTS test is an almost 3 hours paper in ONE sitting. That is excruciatingly draining even for hardcore Asians. Unlucky for me, I even had my Speaking test on the same day with my 3 other papers. Hence, challenge yourself at home in the same way by doing all 3-4 sections at one go. It may be tiring at first, but once you get the hang of it, the actual day won’t be as tiring anymore and your efforts will prove to be worth it.
Different strokes for different folks – these are some suggestions I have which personally helped me, but may not necessarily benefit you in the same manner. Nonetheless, I hope that at least some of these tips helped shine some light on your preparation for the IELTS test. 

Best of luck to every single one of you! I’m sure we can all achieve our goals. (: From Sarah.

Comment from Liz: Very well done, Sarah!! Your score shows the depth of understanding you have in both English and IELTS. Thanks for sharing your value tips. I know many people will be grateful for them.

Useful IELTS Links for FREE Self-Study

Click below to open free IELTS materials and advice:

Useful Resources for IELTS & English

IELTS Writing Task 1 Band Scores & Tips

IELTS Writing Task 2 Band Scores & Tips

100 IELTS Essay Questions

Practice Charts for Academic Task 1

Practice Letters for GT Task 1

IELTS Writing Task 2: Free Model Essays, Tips, Videos etc

Coronavirus Vocabulary & Pronunciation Audios

More Tips from Successful IELTS Candidates

Click below to open page:

How I got Overall Band 9

Overall Band 8.5 Tips

How I scored band 9 in Speaking

How I scored Band 9 in Reading

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Hi guys,

I’ve linked below three useful lessons to help you learn how to write an introduction paragraph for IELTS Writing Task 1 (Academic Paper).

Just click below to open the lessons:

Introduction Paragraph Practice

Introduction Paragraph Common Errors

Introduction & Overview for Bar Chart

All Free Lessons & Tips for WT1 (including GT essential tips).

Other Useful Links:

IELTS Band Score Information

Useful Links and Resources for IELTS

Coronavirus Vocabulary: Word Lists with Pronunciation Audios

Hope you find the lessons useful 🙂

Liz

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