IELTS Reading Skills: Keywords Practice

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Keywords can help you locate answers in IELTS reading. Try this lesson and see if it helps you.

Can you see the keywords in the question that help you spot the answer in the passage?

Alexander Fleming and Penicillin

Alexander Fleming was born in Ayrshire on 6 August 1881, the son of a farmer. He moved to London at the age of 13 and later trained as a doctor. In 1928, while studying influenza, Fleming noticed that mould had developed accidentally on a set of culture dishes being used to grow the staphylococci germ. The mould had created a bacteria-free circle around itself. Fleming experimented further and decided to call the active substance penicillin. It was two other scientists however, Australian Howard Florey and Ernst Chain, a refugee from Nazi Germany, who developed penicillin further so that it could be produced as a drug. They decided to unravel the science beneath what Fleming called penicillium’s ”antibacterial action.” At first supplies of penicillin were very limited, but by the 1940s it was being mass-produced by the American drugs industry. In the war, penicillin proved its mettle. Throughout history, the major killer in wars had been infection rather than battle injuries. In World War I, the death rate from bacterial pneumonia was 18 percent; in World War II, it fell, to less than 1 percent.

Notice: This passage is from BBC History. You can read the full article on this page: BBC History Alexander Fleming

Questions

You have 2 tasks in this lesson. a) tell me the keywords in the question. b) tell me the answer to the questions (using no more than one word).

  1. Where did Fleming study medicine? (tell me the keywords and answer)
  2. What was Fleming studying when he realised that mould grew on a set of culture dishes? (tell me the keywords and answer)
  3. Who gave penicillin its name? (tell me the keywords and answer)
  4. When did penicillin show it’s true worth?
  5. What was responsible for most deaths in war prior to this discovery?

Quote from Fleming: “When I woke up just after dawn on September 28, 1928, I certainly didn’t plan to revolutionise all medicine by discovering the world’s first antibiotic, or bacteria killer. But I suppose that was exactly what I did.“.  

Answers

Click below to reveal the answers:

Answers
  1. keywords:
    1. where – this shows you are looking for a name of a place. So, you should scan the passage for a place name.
    2. other key words are: study medicine – this is paraphrased as “training to be a doctor”. Always be ready for keywords to be paraphrased.
    3. Answer to question: London
  2. keywords
    1. what – this key words shows the answer must be a noun.
    2. studying – this keyword usually signifies a subject, but in this case it signifies a type of illness.
    3. culture dishes –  VERY useful key words to locate the answer in the passage. These types of words can’t be paraphrased so you can find them easily and quickly.
    4. Answer to question: influenza
  3. keywords
    1. who: this shows you are looking for a name or names.
    2. other key word: name – this is paraphrased as “call” in the passage.
    3. “penicillin” is not a keyword. This is because the passage is about penicillin so this word will be used very often in the passage and might not help you locate the answer.
    4. Answer to question: Fleming
  4. keywords
    1. when: this often means you need to look for a date, but in this case, it is a time period. Always be aware of that with this particular keyword.
    2. it’s worth. This is a high band score test question. The paraphrase is “proved its mettle”.
    3. Answer to question: war
  5. keywords
    1. what: you are looking for a noun.
    2. deaths – this is paraphrased as “killer”. Remember, this is not a direct paraphrase, but the meaning is similar and that is all you are looking for to locate the area of the passage where the answer lies.
    3. responsible – you now need to find a cause of death.
    4. prior – this is not paraphrased as a word. However, you can find the meaning in the grammar tense “had been” which refers to something in a period in the past which is no more.
    5. Answer to question: infection

You can see that keywords are vitally important to find answers. But be careful as some keywords can be paraphrased so be prepared for that.

I hope you found this lesson useful 🙂

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Filed Under: IELTS Reading

Answers to the proof reading lesson

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Hi guys,

Below are the answers to yesterday’s lesson on proof reading for writing.

  1. Research in space explorations can lead to new cutting edge technology.
    1. Answer: There are two problems with this sentence. “space exploration” is uncountable and therefore there is no “s” needed. Also the word “cutting-edge” requires a hyphen when it is used as an adjective but not when it is used as a noun. In our sentence, it is used as an adjective.
    2. Full correct sentence: Research in space exploration can lead to new cutting-edge technology.
  2. Improving handwriting skills is still essential even in todays modern world.
    1. Answer: There is only one mistake in this sentence. The word “todays” should have an apostrophe = today’s.
    2. Extra comment: “Improving handwriting skills” is a noun phrase and is singular. Therefore the verb is singular.
    3. Full correct sentence: Improving handwriting skills is still essential even in today’s modern world.
  3. Increasing number of people are choosing to to travel by car rather than public transports.
    1. Answer: There are two mistakes in this sentence. An article is missing at the start = an increasing number & “transport” is uncountable so no “s”
    2. Full correct sentence: An increasing number of people are choosing to travel by car rather than public transport.
  4. If students are involved in making decisions about how a school is run it might lead to problems.
    1. Answer: There is only one mistake in this sentence. The sentence needs a comma to divide the clauses.
    2. Full correct sentence: If students are involved in making decisions about how a school is run, it might lead to problems.
  5. While some people think that children should be given more homework, others believe that children should be free for enjoy their leisure time.
    1. Answer: there is only one mistake with this sentence. The proposition is wrong: for = to.
    2. Full correct sentence: While some people think that children should be given more homework, others believe that children should be free to enjoy their leisure time.

Summary of common mistakes

Uncountable nouns: This is one of the most common mistakes in IELTS writing. Students do not pay attention to them. See this list of Uncountable Common Nouns

Gerunds and noun phrases are singular. A gerund is a verb+ing which is used as a noun and it is always singular. See the video below to see an example of this.

Articles: “a” and “the”. So many students miss articles. The most common mistake I see is: “Government should …”. The word “government” is a noun which requires an article. “The government should …”. Always review your articles.

Punctuation: Don’t forget your commas between clauses 🙂

Video Lesson

Making a complex sentence: Using a gerund

[su_youtube url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-nkwOxLwyQ8″]

 

Filed Under: IELTS Writing Task 2

Writing Skills: Proof Reading Practice

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How good are you at proof reading and spotting mistakes?

In IELTS writing, the more mistakes you make with grammar, the lower your band score will be in that assessment criterion. Grammar counts for 25% of your marks in writing. Learning to proof read your essays is an essential skill to develop.

The following sentences contain mistakes. Can you spot them?

Each sentence contains one or two mistakes.

  1. Research in space explorations can lead to new cutting edge technology.
  2. Improving handwriting skills is still essential even in todays modern world.
  3. Increasing number of people are choosing to to travel by car rather than public transports.
  4. If students are involved in making decisions about how a school is run it might lead to problems.
  5. While some people think that children should be given more homework, others believe that children should be free for enjoy their leisure time.

Answers

The answers are now available to see. Click the link below:

Answers for this lesson

 

More IELTS Essay Writing Lessons 

If you would like more lessons, tips and see some model essays, please see this page: IELTS Writing Task 2 Main Page

Filed Under: IELTS Writing Task 2

IELTS can be Emotional

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IELTS can be emotional for many people for various reasons. In this post, I want to discuss why emotions can bubble over before and during the IELTS test.

The reason I am writing this test to to reassure students that it is normal for emotions to run high in the test. Below are three common problems with emotions and crying in the IELTS test.

1) IELTS is Important for your Future

For many students, the IELTS test is the key to their future. Without a good score, many students are unable to take the next step towards creating a better life for themselves. For this reason, emotions can run high when it comes to IELTS.

However, you should not tackle IELTS with emotions. This is a specific language test with specific rules and specific requirements. You need to tackle IELTS logically and calmly. You must ensure you are fully prepared before you walk into the exam room.

Here are some steps to prepare for IELTS:

  1. Have a realistic goal. Don’t aim for band 7 if your English contains so many mistakes.
  2. Learn as much as you can about the test. What can take into the test room? How does the examiner mark writing task 1? Learn as much as you can:
    1. IELTS Test Information
    2. IELTS Band Scores Explained
  3. Practice each type of question for L, R, W & Sp.
  4. Review model answers for IELTS speaking and writing .
  5. Prepare common topics for speaking and writing.
    1. IELTS Listening Practise & Tips
    2. IELTS Reading Practise & tips
    3. IELTS Writing Task 1 Practise, Tips & Model Answers
    4. IELTS Writing Task 2 Practise, Tips & Model Answers
    5. IELTS Speaking Practise, Tips & Model Answers
    6.  Recent IELTS Exam Questions
  6. Watch my free video: How to Prepare for IELTS (click to open)
  7. Don’t keep taking the test again and again. Review your techniques, review your English and work on your weaknesses before taking the test again.  Make sure the next time you take the test, you have improved.
    Quote Einstein: “Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.”

2) Crying in the Speaking Test

I have known students cry in their IELTS speaking test. The most common reason is that they start talking about painful memories which upset them.

This is a language test and a chance to showcase your English. You must think in this way when you enter the test room. All students will be nervous in the test and also emotional to some extent. Students feel pressure to perform and feel the pressure to get good results. This can make you emotional.

In part 2, if the question is about a person you admire, don’t choose to talk about someone who recently died and who you loved. It will distract you from thinking about your English and bring up painful emotions. If you cry in the IELTS test, the examiner CANNOT give you more time. So, be wise in your choices and choose to talk about someone else. Avoid talking about sad memories or difficult personal issues.

If you get emotional in the test, take a deep breathe and hear my words “This is your test! Take control of your test! Take control of your future! Say to the examiner “I’m ready to continue” and then focus on the question – you can do it !!!” I want you to hear my voice, relax and ace your test! My best wishes will always be with you.

3) Problems in L, R, & W

The most common problem in the IELTS listening test is losing your place. This is because students try to understand everything rather than listen for answers and follow key words.

In IELTS reading, I have heard of students crying because they didn’t write their answers directly on the answer sheet. You DO NOT get an extra 10 mins to transfer your answers.

In IELTS writing, the most common reason students get upset is because they didn’t mange their time and failed to complete both tasks. There is a clock in the room and you should keep checking the time. The examiner DOES NOT tell you when to move from task 1 to task 2. You must manage your time for both tasks in the hour provided.

Share your Experiences

Feel free to write a comment and share your experiences of the IELTS test with other students.

  Thanks, Liz

Summing Up Emotions

  1. Be realistic about your expectations in IELTS. If your English is only intermediate level, don’t expect to get band score 7 or 8. This is a language test, tips will only take you to your own personal maximum – not above.
  2. Don’t get over tired. Pace yourself, schedule your practise.
  3. Before the speaking test, get plenty of rest.
  4. In the speaking test, don’t talk about emotional issues or sad memories. This is a language test, make the right decisions so that you can showcase your English.
  5. The examiner can’t give you extra time if you cry in the speaking test. Try to calm down and focus on the next question. Say to the examiner “I’m fine to continue” or “Sorry, I can continue now.”
  6. In LR&W, go to the toilet before the test – you will miss answers and lose time if you go to the toilet during the test.
  7. In the listening test, pay attention to key words and be ready to move to the next question so you don’t lose your place. Always check if there are questions on the next page.
  8. In reading, don’t forget you DON’T get extra time to transfer your answers!! Don’t forget this!
  9. In writing, keep your eye on the clock! Don’t spend more than 20 mins in task 1 and don’t spend more than 40 mins on task 2.  Always write an overview for task 1 and a conclusion for task 2.

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IELTS Speaking Topic – Robots

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IELTS Speaking Questions & Answers for the Topic of Robots in Part 1. This topic has appeared in IELTS Speaking almost every year. It is highly likely to be repeated because it is a topic that is current worldwide these days. The more technology develops, the more important this topic becomes.

Robots: IELTS Speaking Part 1 Questions

  1. Do you like robots?
  2. Did you like to watch cartoons about robots when you were a child?
  3. Would you want a robot to work in your home?
  4. What do you think about a robot driving your car?
  5. Would you ever buy a robot?

Sample Answers for ROBOT Topic

These are possible answers to the questions. In IELTS speaking, there is no right or wrong answer. Below I’ve provided different options for answer so that you can see how to tackle Speaking Part 1.

  1. Do you like robots?
    1. Yes, I do. I think, on the whole, they can be very useful as they’re able to do work we can’t do.
    2. No, not really. I’m not very keen on advanced technology and robots take jobs away from normal people.
    3. Definitely. I’m into all kinds of gadgets and robots are top of my list for sure.
  2. Did you like to watch cartoons about robots when you were a child?
      1. Yes, I did. I was huge Transformers fan when I was little. I collected the figurines and even as an adult I love the films.
      2. No, I can’t say I was very interested in cartoons at all. I was so into sport that I didn’t have much time for TV.
  3. Would you want a robot working in your home?
    1. Well, it isn’t something I’ve considered before. I suppose they would be very useful, able to do a variety of chores without my input. But I’d be worried about them breaking down.
  4. What do you think about a robot driving your car?
    1. There is no way on earth I would want a robot in the driver’s seat of my car. They are never 100% reliable.
    2. I think it would be great. I’d be able to sit back, do nothing and enjoy the ride.
    3. I think I’d be continuously nervous waiting for it to break down. I mean, it could cause a serious traffic accident if that happened.

You can find other sample answers and ideas for the other questions written by students in the comments boxes. Notice: Never memorise answers. Just use the ideas and some vocabulary – always express your ideas in your own way.

Vocabulary for the Topic of Robots:

  • breakdown / short circuit / stop working / malfunction
  • safety procedures / protocols to keep human’s safe
  • never 100% reliable
  • time efficient / able to do work others can’t
  • accurate / more precise than humans
  • less dextrous than humans in some tasks
  • able to calculate quickly
  • inexhaustible
  • driving: quick reaction time / good at steering and manoeuvring vehicles / will not violate road rules / a way to avoid human error /
  • some robots can be easily replaceable / they can be expendable
  • they are obedient and don’t answer back / they follow instructions
  • can be programmed to do different tasks / can be programmes not to hurt people
  • cost – initial pay out, maintenance, extra components

Example Robot Tasks

Both current and future ideas:

  • Space Exploration: Robots are sent into space to explore and gather information or materials. They are able to go deeper into space than humans can.
  • Domestic Chores:  Housework – hoovering, dusting, washing up, washing clothes, answering the door, preparing meals
  • Medical Robots: Able to do precise surgery without getting tired or losing concentration. More precise in their movements.

IELTS Speaking Tips

For more speaking tips, model answers etc, click here: IELTS Speaking Main Page

To build your vocab, click here: IELTS Vocabulary Main Page

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Filed Under: IELTS Speaking

Transferring Answers in IELTS Listening and Reading

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Do you get an extra 10 mins to transfer your answers in IELTS listening and reading? This is extremely important to know.

IELTS Listening: Extra 10 mins

You will listen for 30 mins to a recording and you will answer 40 questions. Your answers will be written on the question paper. You can also make notes and underline on your question paper. At the end of the recording, you will be given 10 mins to transfer your answers from the question paper to the answer sheet.

IELTS Reading: ?

You will be given your reading passages with questions. You will have 1 hour to read the passages and write your answers. Your answer will not be written on the question paper, you MUST write your answers directly onto the answer sheet. You will NOT be given an extra 10 mins to transfer answers. At the end of 1 hour, the invigilator will collect your answer sheet.

Writing Answers: Tips

  • Always pay attention to spelling. If you spell the word wrong, you will lose the point.
  • Pay attention to plurals. If you miss the plural “s”, the answer will be marked wrong.
  • Make sure you put the answer in the right box on the answer sheet. Putting answers in the wrong boxes will affect your score.

IELTS Listening & Reading Lessons

You can find more tips and practice lessons on the main pages. Click to open …

IELTS Listening: Tips & Practice Lessons

IELTS Reading: tips & Practice Lessons

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Opening Line for IELTS GT Letter WT1

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The opening line in IELTS General Training Writing Task 1 Letter. You need to change the opening line for your letter depending on whether you are writing formally, to a company or another organisation, or if you are writing informally, for example to a friend.

Below are some sample opening lines for an IELTS GT writing task 1 letter: both formal and informal. You can also read how the opening statement sets the tone of your IELTS letter.

Formal Letter Opening Statement

In a formal letter, the opening sentence should indicate the aim of your letter. The first line of a formal letter will show if you are writing a complaint letter, requesting information, answering an invitation, applying for a position, making a formal apology or making arrangements. You will also see that the letter might start “Dear Sir” or Dear Mr …”. IELTS will give you instructions on your test paper about how to start your letter.

Below is are examples of how to begin your letter:

Dear Sir / Madam,

I am writing to complain about … / to request information about … / to apply for … / to enquiry after ….  / to inform you … /  to thank you …

Full Opening Statement: I am writing to apply for the position of manager in your company which you recently advertised in the Times newspaper on June 4th.

Dear Mr Brown,

I am writing to you regarding my recent stay at your hotel … / regarding an article you wrote …. / 

Full Opening Statement: I am writing to you regarding the road works that are being carried out in Church Street, where I currently reside.

Dear Mrs Jones,

I am writing in reply to … 

Full Opening Statement: I am writing in reply to your invitation to the seminar which you will be holding on “Historical Artefacts in the Ancient World” on Saturday, June 26th.

Comments: You can see, above, that the first line of your IELTS formal letter is very structured. There is little variety. This is normal. Formal letters are not creative or descriptive, they are informative and without personal reference.

Informal Letter Opening Line

In an IELTS informal letter, your first line will often start with a friendly remark or comment. The beginning of the letter doesn’t always show the aim, it shows your relationship with the person. This means there is a variety you can choose from.

See some examples below for the beginning of an informal IELTS letter:

Hi Dave,

How are you and your family? It feels like forever since we last got together for a catch up … / How are things going? It’s been ages since we were last in touch.

Hi Sophie,

How are you? It was great seeing you again this summer.

Hi Frank,

It was so good seeing you last weekend. I just wanted to drop you a line and thank you for such a great time.

Comments: You can see that most of the opening lines are offering greetings or just small talk. It’s a chance to for you reestablish your friendship before getting into the aims of the letter.

Signing Off IELTS Letters

To learn about signing off, for example Your faithfully or Your sincerely, please see my essential tips page: IELTS Letter Essential Tips. You can also learn about types of IELTS letters and much more useful information.

More IELTS General Training Lessons

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Filed Under: IELTS Writing Task 1

IELTS Spelling: US or UK?

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Does IELTS accept UK or US spelling? Can you write “colour” or “color” in your IELTS test? Will you lose marks if you use US vocabulary?

What is IELTS?

IELTS means “International English Language Testing System”. This means that it is not a UK English test, it is an International English Language test.

US or UK Spelling in IELTS?

As IELTS is international, it means that you can choose either UK or US spelling. So, if you write “specialized” or “specialised”, both are accepted.

Can I use UK and US spelling in my writing?

No, you can’t mix your spell. You must choose all US spelling or all UK spelling. You can’t write some words with American spelling and other words with British spelling. Choose your language and stick to it.

US / UK Vocabulary List

See this list of vocabulary with both spelling: US UK Vocabulary Spelling List (this is from a different website).

More IELTS Test Information

If you want to learn more about the IELTS test – get rules and tips, see my IELTS Information Page

If you want model answers, tips and free video lessons, see the main pages below:

Main IELTS Pages

Develop your IELTS skills with tips, lessons, free videos and more.

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