IELTS Listening Essential 25 Tips

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The essential IELTS listening tips and information for success in your test. Learn the right listening techniques with over 25 top tips to help you achieve a high score. Learn about the listening exam content, writing the answers correctly, types of questions, scoring, making notes and much more. This is A MUST WATCH video lesson for all IELTS students.

Capital letters in IELTS listening. You can write in capital letters or lower case – your choice.  My recommendation is to use all capital letters as it is easier to read and avoids mistakes when writing by hand in the paper test. For the computer test, this isn’t an issue.

TEST CHANGES:

There have been only very minimal changes to the listening test since I made this video.

  1. The paper test has 10 mins answer transfer time to move your answers from the question paper to the answer sheet after the recording has finished. However, the computer test has only 2 mins checking time. This is not a change to the test, it is just an adaptation of time because in the computer test your answers are already entering into the computer. Note that this is the same listening test regardless of whether you write your answer on paper or into a computer.
  2. There used to be an example recording given before the real answer came in the recording. The example recording gave you time to adjust the volume and get used to the speaker’s voice. However, that example recording has now gone. From the moment the recording starts, the test starts and you must listen directly for answers.

IELTS Video: Listening Tips

Summary List of Tips Given Below Video.

IELTS Listening Test Summary

  1. All students take the same test. Both academic and GT students take the same listening test. It is marked in the same way.
  2. All candidates take the same test whether writing their answer on paper or into a computer. Only the answer transfer/checking time is different. See point number 6 below.
  3. There are 40 questions
  4. There are 4 sections
    1. Section 1 = two speakers. This is often a telephone conversation between two people, for example organising a place on a course, booking a table at a restaurant or renting an apartment. You must listen for specific information, such as names (tips on listening for names), dates, times (tips on listening for time), places and numbers.
    2. Section 2 = one speaker. This is often a talk from a guide. You might hear information about a building, a resort, a company, a charity etc.
    3. Section 3 = three or four speakers. This is an academic discussion. It could either be two students talking with a professor or a student presenting their resource to their colleagues.
    4. Section 4  = one speaker. This is an academic lecture.
  5. The sections get more difficult as the test progresses. This means section 1 is the easiest and section 4 is the most difficult.
  6. The listening test is 40 mins (paper test) and 32 mins (computer test) – a time difference due to transfer/checking time below:
    1. 30 minutes to listen to the recording and write down your answer on the question paper
    2. additional time after recording has stopped:
      • paper test = 10 minutes given after recording has ended to transfer your answers from the question paper to the answer sheet
      • computer test = 2 mins given after recording has ended checking time for the computer test
  7. IELTS is an international test. There will be a range of accents but the main accents will probably be British and Australian.
  8. IELTS accept either British English or American English spelling.

IELTS Listening Tips

Below is a list of IELTS listening tips that have been given in the video above. Read these tips carefully.

  1. The recording will be played only once. You will not hear it a second time.
    1. You must practice completing a full listening test by listening only once before your test. You should do this a number of times.
    2. When you are developing skills and vocabulary, you might want to practice listening more than once. This is fine when you are in training.
  2. You will need to multitask. This means you must be able to read the questions, listen for the answer and write down words all at the same time. You should practice doing this.
  3. Practice transferring your answers to the answer sheet at home before your test. Here is a link to download the IELTS listening answer sheet.
  4. You should write your answers on the answer sheet using  pencil not a pen. This is the same as the IELTS reading test.
  5. Scores are calculated by the number of points you got correct. Here is a link to learn all about the IELTS band scores: IELTS Band Scores Explained. You don’t lose a mark if your answer is wrong. Your score will not change due to incorrect answers.
  6. If you don’t know an answer, guess. Always write something in the box on your answer sheet. Who knows, maybe you guess right !!
  7. You can write your answer using capital or lower case letters.  However, I recommend using all capital letters.
  8. Check the number of words you can have for your answer. Each time the question type changes, the number of words for the answer might change too. Here is an example of instructions: “No more than two words and/or a number”. To learn exactly what these instructions mean, please watch the video lesson above.
  9. Check the instructions to see if you can have a number (which means only one) or numbers (plural which means more than one number).
  10. How words and numbers are calculated:
    1. A date “1950” is considered one number.
    2. A large number “1,000,500” is considered one word.
    3. A hyphenated word “part-time” is considered one word.
    4. A compound noun which is not hyphenated “tennis shoe” is considered two words.
  11. “at the hospital” or “hospital”. Should you write the article and preposition? Your answer will depend on the type of question you have. If you are completing the sentence, for example:
    1. The best place to meet is ………. = the answer must be grammatically correct so you need “at the hospital”.
    2. If the question is a note or form completion, such each 1) PLACE: …… = the answer can be just one word (with or without the article) “hospital” or “the hospital” (if two words are possible.
  12. SPELLING!!! If your answer is spelled wrong, the answer is marked wrong. You must have the correct spelling to get a point and have the answer marked correct.
    1. Don’t worry about spelling while you are listening because you don’t have time to concentrate on spelling. You need to concentrate on listening to the recording and following the questions.
    2. Check your spelling when you transfer your answers to the answer sheet. That is the time to check and make sure everything is correct.
  13. Writing letters or words. If you get a multiple choice question, it will ask you to write down the letter as your answer. For example:
    1. a) spring
    2. b) summer
    3. c) winter
    4. If the answer is b, you must write “b” on your answer sheet not “summer”. The word “summer” would be marked wrong because the instructions ask you to write a letter not a word.
  14. IELTS Listening Question Types
    1. form completion
    2. note completion
    3. summary completion
    4. sentence completion
    5. multiple choice
    6. diagram labelling
    7. map labelling
    8. table completion
    9. form chart
    10. If you want practice with these types of question, go to my IELTS listening page.
  15. Don’t try to understand everything. IELTS will add lots of extra information but you only need to listen for answers. Keep yourself focused on listening for answers to questions.
  16. Answers may come quickly. You might get three answers in a very short time. Get ready to write your answers down quickly. Answers may come slowly. There may be a gap between answers. Don’t panic. This is common in section 4.
  17. Look out for answers which are plural. IELTS know that students have difficulty hearing the plural “s”. So, these answers will certainly be given to test your listening ability.
  18. Common Problems
    1. Giving the answer and then changing it. Here is an example: “Is it ok to meet at 7pm?” / “Yes, 7pm works fine for me” / “Oh I’ve just remembered I have a late meeting, could we make it half past instead?” The answer was 7pm but then the speaker changed it to 7.30pm. Always keep listening and be ready for the speaker to change the answer.
    2. Similar words might not be the right answer. Watch this video about IELTS listening multiple choice to understand this tip.
  19. If you miss an answer, just move on to the next question. Don’t waste time. Don’t lose your place in the recording.
  20. CONCENTRATE!!! 30 minutes is a long time to actively listen for answers. If you lose focus, you will miss answers. Don’t let that happen to you. Practice full tests at home to build up your ability to concentrate.

For more tips and explanations – please watch the video above.

Do you have a question about IELTS listening or about the IELTS test? This page has over 100 answers to your questions: IELTS Test FAQ

Improve your IELTS listening for free with this practice lessons: IELTS Listening Lessons

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IELTS Writing Task 2: Paraphrasing Practice

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IELTS writing task 2 paraphrasing practice exercise. To get a good mark in IELTS writing task 2 for the criterion of vocabulary, you need to be able to paraphrase. The exercise below is a chance for you to practice your paraphrasing skills.

Paraphrasing a Paragraph

These practice lessons focus on changing words but keeping the same meaning. Paraphrase the paragraphs using the words given. The aim is for you to be accurate with your paraphrasing so only paraphrase if you are sure of the replacement word.

Paraphrasing Practice 1

Paragraph:

Many people, when driving their cars, go over the speed limit in city centers. As a way of solving this, the government should put more speed cameras on major streets to put people off  speeding. If this is done, more people who speed will be caught and this problem will eventually be solved.

Paraphrasing Words:

You do not need to use all the words. You must decide which words to use and which words not to use.

town         an answer            the law           install         motorway         stop        humans         put away         authorities               exceed               deter  from         directly          riding        ought to            key             by doing this            arrested       vehicles               resolved             citizens            large            caught red handed             speed prevention             increasing       urban

ANSWERS & ADVICE

Click to open:

Answers

Answer:

Many people, when driving their cars, exceed the speed limit in urban centers. As a way of solving this, the authorities ought to install more speed cameras on major streets to deter people from  speeding. By doing this, more people who speed will be caught and this problem will eventually be resolved.

Common Mistakes and Explanations

  1. Collocation: drive a car, not ride a car. We use the verb “ride” with bicycles.
  2. A town is not a city.  You can write “city center” or “urban center”. A town is much smaller and this essay is not about small towns and villages.
  3. The government can usually be paraphrased with the word “authorities”.
  4. The word “should” can be paraphrased as “ought to”. This is a common paraphrase.
  5. If you are writing about setting up or putting up equipment, you can use the word “install”.
  6. “to deter” is used to put people off committing a crime or an offence. It is actually a better word to use than “put off” for formal essay writing.
  7. “By doing this” and “As a way of solving this” both have the same meaning in this context. You can’t write “As an answer for solving this” – it isn’t correct English even though the meaning is the same.
  8. “people” are people. We rare use the word “citizen” in an essay about transport. However, it would be acceptable to use it in the second sentence which refers to the government.
  9. “people” cannot be paraphrased as “humans” except in one context – please watch the video below to learn. Any student making this mistake is not studying effectively. The video below explains this very clearly so you should not be making this mistake.
  10. “caught red handed” must be written as it is shown. You can never write “caught red”. There are three words in this idiom. However, this expression is mainly for theft or other crimes in which a person is caught face to face by the police. It can’t be used for speed offences caught by camera.
  11. “vehicles” is used when we don’t know what type of transport is being written about or when we refer to different types. This essay is about cars only which means you can’t use the word “vehicle”.
  12. This paragraph is about “streets”. This is not the same as a “motorway”. A motorway is a very large road outside a city which contains two or three lines in both directions for heavy traffic.

Results and Advice

  • If you had one mistakes, it is acceptable for band 7 or 8.
  • If you have two or three mistakes, it is around band 6.
  • If you are making more mistakes, it means you are not being careful enough with your language.
    • More Mistakes = Lower Score
    • You need to learn both the use and meaning of a word.
    • Don’t aim for range until you can achieve accuracy.
    • When you learn a noun or verb, learn the full collocation.
    • When you learn a word, learn when you can and cannot use it.
    • When you learn an idiom, learn if the words can be changed or not.

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Paraphrasing Practice 2

Paragraph:

It is sometimes thought that it is beneficial for companies to sponsor sports events through advertising. By doing this, extra funding, which is often lacking, can be raised to support sports events and ensure that they continue to run. Furthermore, companies can also contribute clothing or equipment which supports the event, the teams and the players.

Paraphrasing Options:

You must write the paragraph above again by paraphrasing it using the words below. You do not need to use all the words. You must decide which words to use and which words not to use.

some citizens believe       /        some people believe       /      advantage       /   guarantee       /      advantageous        /       industries          /  businesses          / sporting occasions        /      matches   /     when we do this        /    in this way      /      extra cash     /    a lack of      /      in short supply        /   sports matches   /    And      /     industries    /    businesses    /    give      /    donate        /   attire  /  groups     /      performers    /   coordinate  / kit

ANSWERS

Click below:

Answers

There are two answers below. Answer 1 gives you the paraphrased paragraph using the words given. Answer 2 gives you a free paraphrase using different sentences and words.

Answer 1: Some people believe that it is advantageous for businesses to sponsor sports events through advertisements. In this way, extra funding, which is often in short supply, can be raised to support sports events and guarantee they continue to run. Furthermore, companies can also donate kit which supports the event, the team and the players.

Word Changes and Tips

  1. It is sometimes thought that = Some people believe that
  2. it is beneficial = it is advantageous
  3. companies = businesses (you should not paraphrase companies as industries)
  4. By doing this = In this way (you should not write “When we”, it is too informal for an IELTS essay)
  5. extra funding should not be paraphrased as extra cash (it is too informal in this context. Although, the word “cash” can be used in other situations, such as talking about using cash or cards)
  6. is often lacking = in short supply (you should not paraphrase it as “a lack of” because it is grammatically incorrect)
  7. sports events – it’s best not to paraphrase this. The words “sports occasion” is incorrect in meaning. Not all words can be paraphrased. But you can give examples of sports events instead. Some words will be repeated in English.
  8. Furthermore can’t be paraphrased as And because and never goes at the start of a sentence in a formal IELTS essay.
  9. clothing should not be paraphrased as attire in this context. Certainly the meaning is similar but the word attire does not relate to sports wear. The word “sports wear” is the best paraphrase to use.
  10. The word kit includes both clothing and equipment used in sport.
  11. players should not be paraphrased as “performers”. The word “performers” is not used in sport in this context.

Free Paraphrasing

Answer 2: Some people think it is advantageous for sports companies to use advertising to sponsor sports events, such as football matches or the Olympics.  The extra funding from businesses is frequently much needed, as government funding can be limited. Sports events benefit from the extra finances as the money allows them to continue running and also, at times, provides teams and players with free sports wear or equipment, which are often too costly for

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Paraphrasing Practice 3

Below is an IELTS essay question. The biggest problem people have is paraphrasing the question for the background statement, which is the first sentence of the introduction paragraph. 

 

Essay Question: Artists need a certain amount of freedom to develop their creativity. Some people think that artists should have total freedom to express any thoughts and ideas. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Do you think the background statements below are good?

Think about the language, meaning and IELTS essay writing techniques.

  1. Art is an important part of our society. Creators are creative thinkers who bring ideas, colours and thoughts into our lives. They should not be shackles to express ideas, according to some.
  2. Since art requires a quantity of emancipation to be creative, some believe that artists ought to be granted all the freedom of expression they like.

ANSWERS

Click below:

Answers
  1. This background statement has too many errors. 
    • The background statement should be focused only one paraphrasing the precise meaning of the question, but adding more unnecessary detail. So, the first sentence “Art is an important part of our society” is irrelevant to our essay topic. This essay is not about the importance of art but about freedom of expression for artists.
    • The next sentence mentions “colour” – this is also off topic.
    • The final sentence has a vocabulary error with the word “shackles”. It is a great word to use, but it is used incorrectly so it will lower the band score.
    • Correct Background statement: 
      1. Artists are creative thinkers who require a level of freedom for their creativity. For this reason, some people believe that artists should not be shackled in anyway and their ideas not be censored. 
  2. This background statement has some issue with vocabulary. 
    • quantity should be replaced by degree.
    • emancipation is not a synonym that is appropriate for this topic and context. A better word would be autonomy. 
    • like should be replaced with require.
    • Otherwise, the background statement is well written with a very good grammar structure.
    • Correct Background Statement:
      • Since art requires a degree of autonomy to be creative, some people believe that artists ought to be granted all the freedom of expression they require.

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Paraphrasing Essential Tips for IELTS Essays  (this includes a free video)

ALL FREE IELTS WRITING TASK 2 LESSONS, TIPS & MODEL ANSWERS

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Dairy Product IELTS Line Graph Practice Exercise

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This lesson is to practice vocabulary for line graphs.

The graph below shows the consumption of four types of dairy products in the USA from 1970 to 2010.

cheese-dairy-consumption-graph

Source: IELTS Liz did not design the above graph.

Questions 1-6

Complete the details using no more than three words for each gap.

The amount of cheese eaten by people from the USA (1)…………….. (2)…………………….. from about 7 pounds in 1970 to reach a (3)…………… of over 20 pounds in 2010. Likewise, the consumption of yoghurt (4)………………. from just over 0 to just under 10 pounds in the final year. There was (5)………………… in the amount of full-fat ice cream eaten of about 2 pounds to reach about 9 pounds in 2010. The consumption of low-fat ice cream(6) …………. at around 4 pounds over the period given.

Answers

  1. rose / climbed / increased / went up
  2. steadily / significantly / considerably
  3. peak
  4. rose / climbed / increased / went up
  5. a decrease / a fall / a decline / a drop  /  a slight  fall / a marginal decrease / a minimal drop
  6. fluctuated

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IELTS Essay Structure & Paragraphs

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IELTS Essay Structure and Paragraphing is essentially the same for all types of IELTS essays. IELTS Writing Task 2 has five types of essays and they are all structured more or less the same. You are advised to use only 40 mins to write your writing task 2 essay so it is a short, highly focused, highly relevant, well-organised essay.

IELTS Paragraphing, Structure & Marking

The examiner will mark how well structured your essay is. This is part of the marking criterion of Coherence and Cohesion, which is 25% of your writing task 2 marks. In this criterion, the examiner will check:

  1. the overall essay structure
  2. how ideas are put into paragraphs to help the reader navigate the essay
  3. how topic sentences are written to help the reader understanding the paragraph
  4. how supporting points are organised within body paragraphs
  5. how linking devices and signposts are used to direct the flow of the essay.
    1. You can find a list of linking devices here: IELTS Writing Task 2 Linking Words

You can learn more about the marking for this criterion and others on this page: IELTS Writing Task 2 Band scores5 to 8 Explained.

Overall IELTS Essay Structure

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How many paragraphs should I have in my IELTS essay? What is the best IELTS essay structure?

All IELTS essays will have the following structure:

An introduction

Body Paragraph 1

Body Paragraph 2

Body Paragraph 3 (optional)

Conclusion

Paragraph Length: Sentences/Words

IELTS essays are designed to be quite short, between 270 and 290 words. This means you will have in total either four or five paragraphs with about a total of 290 words. You will not get a higher score for a longer essay. In fact, a longer essay can open you up to more criticism and a lower score.

 The main bulk of your band score will be in the body paragraphs. The introduction and conclusion are of course vital, but they play more of a functional role to the essay.

Can I have one body paragraph or four body paragraphs?

No, you can’t. Having only one body paragraph means you have failed to organise your main ideas into paragraphs and you will get around band 5 for Coherence and Cohesion if you do this.

If you have too many body paragraphs it means that each individual main idea has not been sufficiently developed and that will also lower your score for Task Response. For example, band 5 Task Response is when the ideas have not been developed and band 7 is when ideas have been extended. Of course, there are other factors involved that impact your score in both CC and TR.

Paragraphs & Content for IELTS Essay

Introduction Paragraph

This always has two statements. One is the background statement and one is the thesis statement. This does not vary no matter what the essay type is. You will always start by paraphrasing the IELTS essay question details – meaning the specific issue given to you. And you will always have a thesis statement which either introduces the reader to your opinion ( your position) or presents main points.

Introduction Paragraph for IELTS Essays Video

An oldie but a goodie and still relevant today.

Note:

Sorry about the handwriting in the video. It was my first ever video.

Body Paragraphs

These paragraphs form the main part of your essay structure. Each body paragraph must have a main theme or main idea. If your ideas are jumbled up and scattered between paragraphs you will get a low score for CC marking criterion. So, each body paragraph must be unique in content and not overlap in content with other body paragraphs.

Within the body paragraph, you will always start with a topic sentence. This is a statement that contains your main idea or theme. It must be clear for the examiner to read. By reading this sentence, the aim of the paragraph is made clear.

All supporting points that follow will explain your main idea or central theme. Each sentence must be 100% critical to the essay and connect both to the main idea and essay question. At no time do you add extra padding or unnecessary description or information. These are highly focused, skills-based essays.

Conclusion

This is the shortest paragraph of only one or two sentences that restates your opinion or main ideas. The biggest problem is having NO CONCLUSION. Running out of time is the biggest problem which causes people to miss out their conclusion. See the video below to learn why this is such a problem. Other issues with the conclusion are: 1) using the right linking word to start your conclusion 2) not going off topic with new ideas.

Why your Conclusion is Essential

What to do with the last 5 mins of your writing task? Is it ok to not have a conclusion paragraph?

IELTS Writing Task 2 Essay Structure Example

Some people think that constructing bigger roads will help to prevent traffic problems.

To what extent do you agree?

Notice: overall structure, paragraphing, paragraph content and linking words.

It is sometimes thought that in order to address traffic congestion bigger roads ought to be built. In my opinion, while this is one way to tackle traffic problems, there are drawbacks to this solution and therefore other measures may need to be taken.

Constructing wider roads could certainly have a positive impact on the flow of traffic, particularly during rush hours. Roads in most developed cities were not built to handle the sheer volume of traffic that exist these days which is why traffic often grinds to a halt. Consequently, wider roads should be able to accommodate more traffic and theoretically reduce congestion. However, in some cases wider roads have been shown to actually encourage car use which could negate this solution.

With the growing number of private cars on the road, having wider roads may not be enough to tackle future congestion problems. For this reason, improving public transport and encouraging people to use it also needs to be implemented. Most people find that public transport is unreliable and too costly. By making public transport a cost effective, attractive option, it will be possible to reduce car use and ease long-term congestion.

Finally, it must be considered that some major cities have infrastructure that does not allow for expansion in terms of the size of roads. With growing populations and growing demands for housing, space is becoming a rare commodity and road expansion is sometimes not feasible. Therefore, by taking traffic overhead or underground by constructing bridges and tunnels, it is possible to reduce surface level traffic which ultimately solves road traffic congestion.

In conclusion, although I agree that road expansion is a potential solution, improving public transport and looking at alternative traffic flow options must be considered to effectively tackle traffic problems.

(under 300 words)

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IELTS Reading: Using Online Translations for Medical Purposes

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This exercise is based on matching paragraph information for IELTS reading. This reading exercise is not difficult and could be classed as medium in level. It’s a useful practice lesson.

Skim read the article and then look through the statements below. Take time to think about the information in the statements and consider possible paraphrases for vocabulary before you attempt to locate information.

Using Web Based Translations in Medical Communication

A)  A complex medical and treatment discussion with patients whose knowledge of the local language is inadequate remains challenging. After treating a child whose parents did not speak English, we resorted to the use of a web based translation tool. We were unsure as to whether Google Translate was accurately translating our complex medical phrases. We aimed to evaluate the accuracy and usefulness of Google Translate in translating common English medical statements.

B)  Ten commonly used medical statements were chosen by author consensus. These were translated via Google Translate to 26 languages. Translations only were sent to native speakers of each language and translated back into English by them. The returning English phrases were compared with the originals and assessed for meaning. Minor grammatical errors were accepted but not if the meaning was altered.

C)  The results showed that of the ten medical phrases translated by Google translate and then translated back into English, 57.7% were correct and 42.3% were wrong. Out of the 26 languages used, Africa languages scored the lowest, followed by Asian languages. Western European languages were the most accurate. However, there were some serious errors discovered. For instance, “Your child is fitting” translated in Swahili to “Your child is dead”. In Polish “your husband has the opportunity to donate his organs” translated to “your husband can donate his tools”. In Mathi “your husband has had a cardiac arrest” translated to “your husband had an imprisoned heart”.

D)  The conclusion drawn is that in today’s world “just google it” is considered to be the answer to everything, but for health related questions this should be treated with caution. Google Translate should not be used for taking consent for surgery, procedures, or research from patients or relatives unless all other avenues to find human translators have been exhausted and the procedure is clinically urgent.

Questions 1-7

In which paragraph (A-D) is the following information found. Letters may be used more than once.

  1. When calculating the results, slight mistakes in language, possibly related to syntax or structure of language, were admitted.
  2. It is believed that most information and help can be found on google.
  3. The aim was to test whether Google Translate could be used reliably for medical communication.
  4. Significant mistakes were found in the translations which were web based.
  5. The research was conducted after a situation in which a patient’s relatives did not speak English.
  6. The translate function is not admissible to get people’s permission for operations.

Answers

Click below for answers.

Answers

  1. B
    1. “The returning English phrases were compared with the originals and assessed for meaning.” This is about analysing results.
    2. “Minor grammatical errors were accepted but not if the meaning was altered.”. This means that errors, such as syntax and structure of language would be fine because they weren’t related to meaning.
    3. Remember, you aren’t aiming to find the sentence word for word in the passage. Your aim is to understand the content of the sentence and locate similar information with the same intent in a paragraph. The difficulty with this question is the word “syntax”, which is similar to word order.
  2. D
    1. “The conclusion drawn is that in today’s world “just google it” is considered to be the answer to everything”
  3. A
    1. “We aimed to evaluate the accuracy and usefulness of Google Translate in translating common English medical statements.”
  4. C
  5. A
  6. D

Adapted and edited from BMJ article by Patil and Davies, December 2014 publication

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

Liz

Vocab Builder

  • inadequate = lacking / deficient / not enough
  • resort to = turn to  / make use of
  • evaluate = assess / appraise
  • consensus = agreement
  • minor = small / insignificant
  • donate = give
  • cardiac arrest = when the heart stops / ceases to function
  • the conclusion drawn = the conclusion derived
  • other avenues = other possibilities
  • exhausted = finished 

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Can you use quotes or idioms in your IELTS essay?

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Idioms, quotes and proverbs are often used inappropriately in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. Read below to learn whether you should or should be using them in your IELTS writing task 2 essay.

Will I get a higher score using idioms in my IELTS essay?

The answer is clear – no. Idioms are mostly informal because they are descriptive. Idioms such as “it cost an arm and a leg” are too informal to use in a formal IELTS writing task 2 essay for both Academic IELTS and General Training IELTS.. However, there are some idioms which are suitable but they are not always suitable for the topic you might be given so don’t necessarily aim as a strategy to use them. Such suitable idioms are: in the long run / the key to this issue / give rise to / bridge the gap / shed light on / pave the way etc. If your essay topic and aims allow you to use these idioms, that’s great. But such idioms are still not actually required for a high score in Vocabulary because there are other options.

The marking criteria for Vocabulary which relates to idiomatic language is not just about idioms. Idioms are just one type of idiomatic language and as I explained above, not necessarily the best type. Phrasal verbs, on the other hand, are often great to use in your essays, such as to look up / to look after /  to look down on /  to bring about / bring up / bring forward / bring up etc. All these phrasal verbs are examples of idiomatic language that can be used in your IELTS essays to boost your score.

Using Quotes in IELTS Essays

Regarding quotes, the examiner will give you a score based on your own level of English language, not the words you remember from another person. While quotes are suitable for academic essays at university, they will not help your band score for IELTS. Instead, use the idea from the quote and write it in your own words. Your essay should be written using your own language, not memorised phrases or sentences from other people.

What about proverbs in IELTS writing?

I would also recommend avoiding proverbs as well. Most proverbs are not appropriate for academic writing. Here’s an example of an inappropriate proverb in writing “all that glitters is not gold”. While the meaning might be perfect for your essay, it would be better to write “people should not be deceived by appearances because they can be deceptive” The latter sentence has a much better variety of appropriate vocabulary for a high score and each word has clearly been chosen by you to demonstrate your own level of English.

Can I use quotes, idioms or proverbs in my IELTS speaking test?

Proverbs and quotes are not usually academic and for that reason are better suited to speaking. However, don’t lose your fluency score because you are trying to remember an idiom. You get a high score when you use appropriate, natural language in the right context. So, don’t try to fill your answers with idioms or proverbs. Using quotes is not really suitable for IELTS because they are not your own words.

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Maths: IELTS Speaking Topic

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Maths is a topic that can appear in IELTS Speaking Part 1. This topic can also be called Calculations or Numbers. This topic has been reported regularly in the speaking test.

Below are some questions with useful vocabulary so that you can prepare this topic.

IELTS Speaking Part 1 Questions: Maths

When you prepare at home, don’t write your answers down. Instead, speak your answer out loud and record them on your phone. This way you are practicing more naturally and you can listen back to check your pronunciation and other aspects of language.

  • Are you good at maths?
  • Did you like mathematics when you were at school?
  • What was your teacher like?
  • What kinds of things did you learn in maths?
  • Did you use a calculator when learned maths?
  • Do you find it difficult to do calculations?
  • How do you calculate difficult sums?
  • Do you think maths is an important subject for children to learn?
  • Why do you think children should learn maths?

Useful Language for Maths Topic

  • calculate numbers / data / figures
  • adding up / addition (2 + 4 = 6)
  • subtraction / taking away (6 – 2 = 4)
  • multiplication  / multiplying numbers (multiplying = 2 x 3 = 6)
  • the multiplication table
  • division / dividing (dividing = 6 / 3 = 2)
  • long division (12,000 / 1,500 = 8)
  • estimating powers and roots for positive numbers
  • learning about decimals and fractions (decimal = 0.333 & fraction =  1/3)
  • algebra = learning about using letters and symbols in formulas
  • geometry = calculating angles in triangles or relationships between points on graphs or maps
  • proportions and rates of change
  • maths teaches people how to solve problems
  • maths teaches people how to interpret and understand data
  • maths teaches people how to do simple and complex calculations needed for everyday life

Model Answers

  • Question: Did you like maths when you were at school?
  • Answer: Yes, I did. I enjoyed it at the beginning when we were doing just simple sums but I went off it as we progressed on to complex calculations, like complex algebra and things like that.
  • Question: Did you use a calculator at school for studying maths?
  • We weren’t allowed a calculator for doing sums or long division and things like that. But we were allowed to use one for geometry and other complex calculations.

Speaking part 1 answers are not long. They are quite short, but you should still aim for at least two complex sentences for your answer. Your answer is likely to be shorter for a simple question and longer for a more complex question. In part 3, all your answers will be longer because the questions are more complex.

You can also see that language is very relaxed and natural. This is perfect for IELTS Speaking which is an informal test of your natural spoken English.

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Lack: vocabulary and sample sentences

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This lesson looks at the word “lack” and gives the meaning with sample sentences. Many IELTS students make mistakes using this word. Although many students understanding the meaning, they make mistakes with how to use it accurately. The more mistakes you make, the lower your score will be. So, make sure you read this lesson carefully.

Word Form and Meaning

  • lack (n) = being without / not having enough
  • lack (vb) = being without / being deficient
  • synonyms = shortage, scarcity, loss, shortfall
  • antonyms = sufficiency, enough, abundance, plenty

Please remember that a synonym has a similar meaning but may not always be used in the exactly the same way. You must learn both meaning and how to use words to avoid mistakes in IELTS.

About the word “lack”

  • Students mainly confuse verb and noun as well as how to use prepositions: “a lack of” (n) or “it is lacking in” (vb).
  • This word can be used for both IELTS speaking and writing task 2.

Sample Sentences with “lack”

  1. Due to the lack of employment opportunities in the countryside, a large number of workers are moving to cities to find work.
  2. Under developed countries are often lacking the adequate infrastructure needed for the development of the economy.
  3. Many children are struggling with weight problems due to the lack of physical exercise and a diet rich in fat and sugar.
  4. Many modern films have a lot of special effects but are lacking in quality dialogue and character development.
  5. One of the benefits of living in the countryside is the lack of noise.
  6. Lack of sleep can really affect my mood. It sometimes makes me impatient and irritable.

Error Correction

Find the mistakes in the sentences below for the word “lack”. This exercise will help you develop the accuracy needed to use this word correctly.

  1. Some people lacking the imagination needed to become a good writer of children’s books.
  2. Many major cities have lacking of public transport which can result in more people using their own private vehicles.
  3. Young leaders are often lack of the experience needed to make the right decisions for successful companies.

Answers

Here are some possible options for how to write the above sentences correctly.

  1. Some people lack the imagination needed to become a good writer of children’s books. / Some people are lacking the imagination needed to become a good writer of children’s books.
  2. Many major cities lack public transport which can result in more people using their own private vehicles. / Many major cities have a lack of public transport which can result in more people using their own private vehicles.
  3. Young leaders often lack the experience needed to make the right decisions for successful companies. / Young leaders are often lacking in the experience needed to make the right decisions for successful companies.

 

Never memorise sentences to use in your IELTS test. 

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