Maps Topic in IELTS Speaking Part 1

by 15 Comments

I recently had someone ask me to post answers and vocabulary for the topic of MAPS in IELTS Speaking Part 1. It’s not a common topic to get but it is being used at the moment.

On this page, you will find:

  1. Questions for the topic of MAPS
  2. Model Answers for the topic of MAPS
  3. Information about the examiner interrupting your answers
  4. Useful link to more model answers.

Map Questions for IELTS Speaking Part 1

Below is a collection of questions about MAPS. The examiner will usually select between 3 or 4 questions to ask you for one topic. Part 1 usually contains about 3 topics.

  1. What kind of maps are available?
  2. Do you often use maps?
  3. Have you ever used a map to find a location?
  4. Do you prefer paper maps or electronic maps?
  5. Which is better, paper maps or e-maps?
  6. Why do some people prefer electronic maps?
  7. Did you ever use a map when you were a child?
  8. Did your school ever teach you how to use maps when you were younger?
  9. Do you ever ask anyone for directions?
  10. Would you ever use a map on holiday?

World Map

Street Map of Central London

Model Answers for MAPS Speaking Part 1

These model answers are actually quite long for speaking part 1, but I wanted to give you a chance to learn useful words and phrases. It is fine to prepare lots of ideas for part 1. The examiner will interrupt your answer when it’s time for the next question so always keep talking until that happens. See below about the examiner interrupting your answer.

What kind of maps are available?

There are quite a few, for example world maps that show all the countries in the world and their location. There are also maps for individual countries, road maps for main motorways in a country and street maps for the streets in a given city centre. Some maps show climates around the world or other particular information. It is possible to choose between paper maps or digital maps, such as Google Earth.

Note: The examiner is not testing your knowledge. Even if you don’t know many kinds of maps it doesn’t matter because you can showcase your English in other answers.

Do you often use maps?

I use them only when I’m going to a new place. Before any holiday, I use an online map beforehand just to see the exact location of the place I’m going to. I also check the street map to see how central my hotel is before I book it. If I’m driving anywhere new, I’ll check the map to find the quickest route and then have the map app on my phone visible throughout the drive so I don’t lose my way.

Why do some people prefer using e-maps?

Well, I guess it’s because they can be easily accessed by phone which means people will be carrying them anyway. Also you can zoom in to enlarged the map to see more detail with just a simple click, rather than rooting around to find a new paper map for the detail. Online maps also allow the user to access extra information about restaurants and hotels which is really useful.

Did schools ever teach you to use maps?

I can’t say that I learned a lot about maps, but we did spend some time looking at a world map and a map of our own country. We spent time labelling the major cities of our country on a blank map and filling in details such as population and shared borders with other countries. But we didn’t really learn how to read maps, such as road maps or street maps which is a shame.

The Examiner Interrupts my Answers

It is 100% normal that the examiner will interrupt your answer in speaking part 1. They are not being rude, it is just part of the testing system. Once they know that you can easily handle the question, they will interrupt you to move on and test you on another question. This way they are hearing a broader range of your English which is the only way to award a higher score.

This all means that you must keep talking until the examiner interrupts your answer. When that happens, don’t be surprised and just listen to the next question.

Useful Link

Below is a link to the main speaking page which contains tips, model answer, topics etc:

IELTS Speaking Tips Plus

If you want to learn about the other parts of the test, click on the RED BAR at the top of the website.

All the best

Liz

 

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: IELTS Speaking

IELTS Line Graph Vocabulary

by 168 Comments

Essential vocabulary to describe an IELTS writing task 1 line graph. To get a good band score you must show the examiner a range of different words to show upward and downward trends as well as key features. IELTS line graphs show change over a period of time and you must vary your language and vocabulary when you write your report.

Important: This page is about line graphs. But it is possible to use some of this language with bar charts that show change over time as well as tables or pie charts that show change over time.

This page contains:

      1. VERBS & NOUNS WITH PRACTICE LESSON
      2. ADVERBS & ADJECTIVES with PRACTICE LESSONS
      3. TIME PHRASES
      4. LINK TO MODEL LINE GRAPH

1. IELTS Line Graph Verbs & Nouns

Below are lists of verbs and nouns that can be used to describe a line graph in IELTS writing task 1. You should alter your sentences to use the noun form of the word and the verb form of the word. 

Upward Trend Words

  • to rise / a rise
  • to increase / an increase
  • to climb / a climb
  • to grow / a growth
  • to go up

Past Tense Verbs:

  • to rise / rose
  • to increase / increased
  • to climb / climbed
  • to grow / grew
  • to go up / went up

Downward Trend Words

  • to decrease / a decrease
  • to drop / a drop
  • to fall / a fall
  • to decline / a decline
  • to go down

Past Tense Verbs:

  • to decrease / decreased
  • to drop / dropped
  • to fall / fell
  • to decline / declined 
  • to go down / went down
  • Question: Can you use the verb “increase” and the noun “an increase” in the same writing or is it considered repetition of words? 
  • Answer: You can definitely use the verb and noun form of the same word. This shows great flexibility that you can change word form. Your task is to show the examiner this flexibility. You will use these verbs and nouns in all line graphs because all line graphs show upward and downward trends.

Other Vocabulary

  • to fluctuate / a fluctuation
  • to dip / a dip
  • to remain steady
  • to remain stable
  • to remain unchanged
  • to level off 
  • to rocket / to soar

Peaks & Lows 

  • to peak at 
  • (reach) a peak of
  • hit a high of
  • hit a low of
  • bottom out
  • plateau

Tips: You will use the above words according to what is shown in the line graph you are given. Fluctuations are when a line goes up and down repeatedly. A dip is when the line goes down but then returns to its previous point. Nearly all line graphs will have a peak, which means the highest point. Each line only has one peak, which is good to highlight in your report. To rocket and soar are both verbs that describe extremely dramatic increases. Never use these two verbs unless the increase truly is dramatic.

Mistakes when using words will affect your band score. This includes spelling.

  • Band 6 = some vocabulary errors.
  • Band 7 = few vocabulary errors.

2. Practice with Nouns and Verbs

Fill in the gaps using the vocabulary above. Look at the graph below and then fill in the gaps in the sentences 1-5 below.

IELTS Line Graph Vocabulary

  • IELTS Line graphs never have one line, except occasionally in a multiple task. So, this isn’t a line graph to practice with for a full model answer. For sample charts, click here: Sample Practice Charts

QUESTIONS: 1-5

Fill in the gaps with the correct nouns and verbs. You should use no more than two words for each gap.

The number of reported cases of influenza began at 40 in 1985 after which the figure (1). …………………… steadily to reach about 55 in 1987. In 1988, there was a (2) …………. in the number to below 50 before (3) ……………. to reach a (4) …………  (5) ……….. approximately 75 in 1991. After that date, the figure dropped to about 55 in the final year.

ANSWERS

Click below to reveal the answers:

Answers
  1. rose / increased / climbed / grew / went up
  2. a fall / a decline / a drop / a dip / a decrease
  3. climbing / increasing / rising / going up / growing
  4. peak
  5. of

NOTICE: to peak at / a peak of (the preposition changes when you use the verb or noun)

.

3. Line Graph Adverbs & Adjectives

Below are useful adverbs and adjectives to describe change.

Adverbs for Line Graphs

  • steadily / gradually / eventually
  • slightly / marginally
  • rapidly / dramatically
  • significantly / considerably
  • relatively

Adjectives for Line Graphs

  • steady / gradual
  • slight / marginal
  • rapid / steep / dramatic
  • considerable / significant

Adjective Definition Exercise: 

What is the real meaning of these adjectives and adverbs? Below you will find a table with adjectives and meanings. Match the adjectives with the correct meaning.

1) rapid / steep / dramaticA) the change took a long time
2) marginal / minimalB) a change that went from very low to very high
3) steady / gradual C) a change that went from about 50 to 100 out of 1,000
4) considerable / significantD) a big change that happened over a very short period of time

ANSWERS

Click below to reveal answers:

Answers
  1. D
  2. C
  3. A
  4. B

.

4. Time Expressions for Periods of Change

IELTS line graphs show change over  a period of time. Below are some expressions to help you describe the passing of time without too much repetition.

Time phrases:

steady / gradual = these words do not show how much change, but rather that it took a long time for the change

  • over the next three days
  • three days later
  • after three days
  • over the following three days
  • the next three days show
  • from…to… / between … and…
  • the last year / the final year
  • the first year / initially
  • over the period / given period / period given
  • at the beginning of the period
  • at the end of the period
  • over a ten-year period
    • you must have an article (a/the)
    • the word year has no s
    • ten-year has a hyphen

RECOMMENDED FOR YOU:

IELTS LINE GRAPH MODEL ANSWER

Multiple Task: Line Graph & Bar Chart Model

ALL MODEL ANSWERS & TIPS FOR WRITING TASK 1

I hope you found this page useful. All the best, Liz

FREE SUBSCRIBE

Subscribe to get new lessons & tips by email.

.

Filed Under: IELTS Writing Task 1

Answers for Future Libraries Listening Exercise

by 8 Comments

Below you will find questions, transcript and answers for the listening exercise of Future Libraries.

I included the audio on this page so that you can listen and read the transcript at the same time. This is a great way to check your answers and also improve your pronunciation.

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

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

Source: Information was taken from ebookfriendly.com. Their article contained more ideas for this topic so take a look.

Transcript

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

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

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

Answers

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

  1. HUBS
  2. LITERACY
  3. NAVIGATING
  4. (DELIVERY) DRONES
    1. Brackets are used in the answer key of test books to show possible answers. In this case, it is possible to have the answer “drones” or “delivery drones”. You cannot use brackets in your test – you must choose only one answer.
    2. It is not possible to have “flying machines”. The paraphrase of drones is actually “unmanned flying machines” but it contains 3 words which goes over the word count limit.
  5. DIGITAL TOOLS

All the best

Liz

For more IELTS preparation lessons, click on the RED BAR at the top of the website and access hundreds of free lessons, tips, model answers etc.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Andrew’s Tips for IELTS Speaking Band Score 9

by 62 Comments
Andrew was successful in scoring band 9 in IELTS speaking. Below he shares his tips with you on how to prepare and tackle IELTS speaking. Andrew clearly demonstrates his full understanding of IELTS speaking and how prepare properly.
.

Andrew’s IELTS Results

Overall IELTS Band Score 8.5

  • Listening: 8.5
  • Reading: 8.5
  • Writing: 7
  • Speaking: 9
“On one side I was confident of my abilities but as it was my first attempt on such a test,  I had a lot of jitters. Though I was disappointed about my score in writing, I was more than happy about the other modules. All credit goes to you and your amazing blog.” Andrew

Andrew’s Band 9 IELTS Speaking Tips

Regarding tips, I did not follow many for speaking, but I did a few:
.

1 Calming yourself

Right before the speaking test one tends to get tense and nervous, this if unchecked could lead to stammering, loss of words and a general discontinuation of speech. To overcome this I simply took deep breaths, for about five minutes till the examiner called me, to calm my nerves.

2 Timing

This is an integral part of the module where one must practice the speaking test using a timer to time their answers, as one cannot afford to speak too less or too much. Use  timer to time your answers. Timing is everything.

3 Part II

Go through all the possible questions for part II of the speaking test test. This helps a lot as you one will not have enough time to think and speak, so therefore it must be sub-conscious. It pays to prepares answers to such questions before hand(but don’t memorize) to have an idea, even if the questions seem similar to you.

4 Work hard

Though the exam can be taken again, it is quite a morale booster when one achieves in the first go. Practice speaking the answers, attempt mock practice tests till you are confident. Spend some time practising daily. Consistency is the key.

5 Language

When speaking don’t worry about the correctness of your answers, the examiner is looking at your language and not on your knowledge. Even if you do not know the exact answer for a question, you can beat around the bush to an extent.

6 Notes

For part II the examiner  will give you paper to make notes. Make notes in the order of your speech, in a logical manner. Write hints and not sentences. I guess it is safe to say that the examiner does look into it for their final scoring. Comment from Liz: That’s correct. Your notes are not marked and do not influence your score.

7 Practising with a Recorder

Doing so will give you an idea of the flow of your speech pattern, your speed, pronunciation, pitch of sound and clarity of voice, with which you can improve all parts of you speech. It also aids you to consciously categorize your thoughts before speaking.
 
These were the tips I followed for speaking test. Once again I would like to thank you. Andrew.
.
IELTS Liz Message: I want to congratulate Andrew on his excellent results. Band score 9 in IELTS speaking is something to be very proud of. Andrew, your tips will certainly help many IELTS candidates to not only gain confidence but also tackle this test in the right way. Thank you and well done 🙂
.
For more tips about IELTS speaking, visit this page: IELTS Speaking Tips, Topics & Model Answers
Filed Under: IELTS Speaking Tagged With:

Listening Practice: Future of Libraries

by 242 Comments

A listening lesson about the future of libraries. This is an interesting topic that can appear in IELTS speaking, listening, reading and writing task 2. So, it’s well worth using this lesson to gain ideas and vocabulary. The questions are sentence completion which are common question types in IELTS listening.

Listening Practice

Future Libraries

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

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

Recording:

Source: Information was taken from ebookfriendly.com. Their article contained more ideas for this topic so take a look.

Transcript & Answers

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

Transcript

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

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

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

Answers

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

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

.

More IELTS Listening Materials & Tips

Click here: IELTS Listening Main Page 

……………………

FREE SUBSCRIBE

Subscribe to get new lessons & tips by email.

.

Filed Under: IELTS Listening

Answers: Spelling Vocabulary about Zoos

by 12 Comments

Below are the answers with a pronunciation audio to the lesson about zoos that tested your ability to spot spelling mistakes.

If you have not completed this lesson yet, please do so before looking at the questions. Click here to complete the lesson: Spelling Practice Lesson

There are 14 spelling mistakes in the paragraphs. Check your answers below and listen to the recordings at the same time to improve your pronunciation. The words spelled incorrectly have been highlighted.

Paragraph 1

 

There are a number of reasons why it is wrong to put wild animals in zoos. Firstly, wild animals are not domisticated (domesticated) and should be free to rome (roam) around their natural habitate (habitat). Putting them in confinned (confined) spaces in zoos means that they will never be able to return to the wild again. Secondly, animals have natural instinkts (instincts) which they develop from living in the wild and pass down to their own off spring (offspring). These instincts will gradually fade and never return if they are kept in capivity (captivity).

Paragraph 2

On the other hand, keeping animals in zoos does serve some useful porposes (purposes). Zoos can serve a way to protect indangered (endangered) species. Many species are facing dwinling (dwindling) numbers due to the distruction (destruction) of their habitat or from disease so by keeping them in zoos, they are protected from extinction. Another reason why zoos can be useful is that they can serve as a way to educate the public. Most people will never come into contract (contact) with such a range of species in their lives. So, by having zoos, people are able to experiance (experience) seeing them and also learn about them. Hopefully this will help with the pretection (protection) of animals in the future as people will learn to appreciate animals.

 

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Spelling Practice: Vocabulary for Zoos

by 50 Comments

Spelling is part of the IELTS writing task 2 marking criterion of vocabulary, which is 25% of your final marks. Spelling mistakes will lower your score for writing task 2.

The passage below is based on the Advantages & Disadvantages of Zoos. A common topic in IELTS writing task 2.

Advantages & Disadvantages of Zoo

Spelling Practice: Read the paragraphs below and spot the 14 spelling mistakes. What is the correct spelling? Please note, this is NOT a full essay. 

There are a number of reasons why it is wrong to put wild animals in zoos. Firstly, wild animals are not domisticated and should be free to rome around their natural habitate. Putting them in confinned spaces in zoos means that they will never be able to return to the wild again. Secondly, animals have natural instinkts which they develop from living in the wild and pass down to their own off spring. These instincts will gradually fade and never return if they are kept in capivity.

On the other hand, keeping animals in zoos does serve some useful porposes. Zoos can serve a way to protect indangered species. Many species are facing dwinling numbers due to the distruction of their habitat or from disease so by keeping them in zoos, they are protected from extinction. Another reason why zoos can be useful is that they can serve as a way to educate the public. Most people will never come into contract with such a range of species in their lives. So, by having zoos, people are able to experiance seeing them and also learn about them. Hopefully this will help with the pretection of animals in the future as people will learn to appreciate animals.

Answers 

The answers are now available for this lesson. Click below:

Answers for Spelling Zoo Vocabulary Lesson: Answers

All the best

Liz

This lesson was suggested by a student called Karamdeep. If you have any ideas for lessons, please let me know by posting your ideas in the comments box below.

Get my free lessons by email

Subscribe for free to get my new IELTS lessons sent to your email inbox.

Filed Under: IELTS Writing Task 2

IELTS Model Answer Bar Chart Writing Task 1

by 295 Comments

IELTS bar chart model answer for writing task 1. This IELTS bar chart appeared in two different years in the IELTS writing task 1 test and will likely appear again. The model answer below will help you understand how to organise your ideas and support your statements with data. Also check the 10 useful tips below to help you understand the model answer better.

IELTS Bar Chart Sample Question

IELTS Bar Chart for writing task 1 with sample answer

IELTS Model Answer for Bar Chart

The bar chart illustrates the proportion of women, men and children consuming five servings of fruit and vegetables each day in 8 years from 2001 to 2008 in the UK.

Overall, it can be seen that the highest percentage of all people consuming fruit and vegetables was women, while children consistently accounted for the lowest proportion. Furthermore, a significant increase in the proportion of people eating these food items can be seen over the period given.

The percentage of women who ate fruit and vegetables started at just over 20% in 2001. This figure then rose steadily to reach a peak of almost 35% in 2006, before falling slightly to 30% in the final year.

In terms of men and children eating fruit and vegetables, the rate remained relatively stable in the first three years (about 17% and 12% respectively). From this point, the proportion of men climbed gradually to peak at about 27% in both 2006 and 2007, after which it dropped to about 26%. A similar growth in the figure for children was evident reaching 25% in 2007 and around 24% in the final year.

Tips for Analysing the Model Answer:

  1. Paraphrasing does not need to be complicated. Not all words can be changed all the time. Choose which words you will and won’t change. Trying to paraphrase too often will result in too many errors and a lower score.
  2. Highlight highs, lows and trends in your overview where possible.
  3. Make sure statements in your body paragraph are supported by data.
  4. Make sure paragraphs are easy to see.
  5. Remember this is a report, not an essay
  6. Look at the logical organisation of information in the model answer above. It is easy to read and not confusing. If your report is confusing to read because you jump about with information, it is a bad report. All reports should be logical and clear.
  7. Check the linking words used.
  8. Note the variation in sentence structures.
  9. Don’t overload your report with too many small details – be selective.
  10. Aim for around 170-190 words. This model answer is 184 words in length. You do not need to write your word count on your test paper.

GT Candidates: You will only have to write a letter for your writing task 1 (GT Writing )

RECOMMENDED FOR YOU

Click Below:

ALL MODEL ANSWERS, LESSONS & TIPS FOR WRITING TASK 1

Writing Task 1 Band Scores Explained

FREE SUBSCRIBE

Subscribe to get new lessons & tips by email.

.

Filed Under: IELTS Writing Task 1
error: Content is protected !!