IELTS Bar Chart: Tips for a High Score

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Learn how to describe an IELTS bar chart by following the tips and techniques in this video lessons. This lesson is 100% vital for all IELTS candidates doing writing task 1 academic paper.

You must learn:

  • how to write an introduction
  • how to identify key features
  • how to write an overview (this is the key paragraph)
  • if there is a conclusion or overview
  • how to organise the body paragraphs
  • how to write complex sentences
  • tips to avoid getting a low score
  • how to get a high score
  • MODEL ANSWER FOR THIS LESSON: BAR CHART MODEL ANSWER BAND 9

IELTS Bar Chart Tips Video Tutorial

This video lesson shows you how to tackle an IELTS bar chart for writing task 1 (academic paper). To see the full model answer for this video lesson, please click on the link above. Also read the summary of tips below the video.

IELTS Bar Chart Essential Tips

Below are useful tips for an IELTS bar chart.

1. Introduction Paragraph

Keep your introduction paragraph simple. Just paraphrase the information given by IELTS. It is usually just one sentence. It is possible to also comment on the units of measurement in the chart “Units are measured in …”. You might want to add other key information such as country names, category names and dates.

2. The overview

Look at your bar chart and choose the key features. These might be highs, lows, main differences etc. Collect them together and present them in an overview. To learn more about the overview / conclusion debate, please see my IELTS Overview Video Lesson. You must remember that the examiner is looking for the overview and it is an essential part of your Task Achievement mark. That criterion is 25% of your marks.

3. Body Paragraphs

Make sure you have more than one body paragraph. The usual is two body paragraph. Decide how you will divide the information in the bar chart into difference body paragraphs. You must organise your paragraphs into a logical order.

4. Support Sentences with Data

Your body paragraphs must have numbers to support them. If you fail to have numbers with your sentences in the body paragraphs, you might get only band 5 in Task Achievement. To learn useful vocabulary for using data accurately, see my lesson: IELTS Vocabulary: Accurate Data.

5. Complex Sentences

You must write your task 1 using a range of complex sentences. You must learn these sentence structures. The best way is from model answers: IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answers.

6. Linking devices

You should use a range of linking devices. For example, while / whereas / as opposed to / compared to / in comparison with. All these will help you get a higher score in Coherence and Cohesion which is 25% of your marks. Make sure you use them correctly.

7. Assessment Criteria

Learn more about what the examiner wants to see in your writing. You must understand the requirements for the band score you are aiming for. See this page to learn about IELTS Writing Task 1 Band Scores 5 to 8 Explained.

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Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages? IELTS Essay

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“advantages outweigh the disadvantages?” is a common IELTS essay question in writing task 2 which many people struggle with. Below is an sample essay question to practice this type of essay and also some tips to help you.

What is an IELTS Advantages Outweigh Disadvantages Essay?

Take a look at the two essays below:

Essay 1

In recent years, more and more people are choosing to read e-books rather than paper books.

Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?

The essay question asks a direct question to you which is a question of choice. Whenever you are asked for choose something, you know it requires an opinion. This type of advantage disadvantage essay is very different to the normal advantage essay:

Essay 2

The development of tourism contributed to English becoming the most prominent language in the world. Some people think this will lead to English becoming the only language to be spoken globally.

What are the advantages and disadvantages to having one language in the world?

As you see, Essay 2 only asks you to present the advantages and the disadvantages rather than choose between them. This is the most typical type of essay question and you can find tips about it on this page: ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES ESSAY.

So, Essay 1 is the advantages outweigh disadvantages essay type and it is different. Read below to learn tips for tackling it.

Tips for IELTS Outweigh Essay Questions

To answer this type of IELTS essay question you must:

  1. Brainstorm ideas supporting both sides first.
  2. This question is asking for your opinion so you will need to decide your opinion.
    • do you think the advantages or the disadvantages are most important? Which one?
  3. Write your answer to the question in the thesis statement in your introduction stating your opinion clearly.
    • you can use the word “outweigh” in your introduction if you want
    • or you can simply explain if there are more advantages and less disadvantages or vice versa
    • avoid formulaic statements for your thesis statement – this means don’t use a memorised phrase.
    • don’t write “this essay will…” this isn’t how you write your own opinion. You must use words such as “In my opinion” or “I think”.
  4. Body paragraphs should cover both advantages and disadvantages whilst at the same time making it very clear which one is more important. This isn’t an advantages AND disadvantages essay – it is about presenting and arguing your opinion.
  5. Make sure your support points in the body paragraphs are 100% relevant and don’t stray off topic.
  6. Re-state your opinion in the conclusion using different language

Be Careful

  • The “outweigh” essay question is not exactly the same as the Advantages and Disadvantages essay question. Don’t turn it into a discuss without any clear opinion or you will get a low score for Task Response.

MODEL ESSAY FOR IELTS ADVS OUTWEIGH DISADVS 

In recent years, more and more people are choosing to read e-books rather than paper books.

Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?

An increasing number of people are using e-books as a reading tool, such as a kindle, instead of traditional paper books. I believe there are significant benefits to using e-books over paper books with only a few minor drawbacks.

E-books have enormous advantages over the paper book mainly because of the vast number of books that an e-book device, namely a kindle, can contain. Kindles are able to contain thousands of books which you can categorise and organise on a device that is lighter than a tablet. For people who are travelling or those who want easy access to multiple books, these devices are perfect. Furthermore, e-books can be purchased with the click of a button giving instant access to the book without having to wait for delivery. 

On the other hand, there is a downside to choosing an e-book over a paper book. The main issue is that it can be hard to find books on specialist subjects in electronic form. Many specialist and old books are only available as a paper book and can only be found in libraries. Another point to consider is that e-books are yet another device which people are glued to and that does have an impact on eye sight and health in general. It has long been known that people spend too much time on their devices and therefore reading a paper book might actually be preferable from time to time.

In conclusion, I think e-books have brought numerous gains to people’s lives through accessibility and convenience that truly benefit people’s lives, but there are disadvantages that should not be ignored.

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Tourism and The Local Community

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Below are some ideas for the advantages and disadvantages which tourism brings to a community. These ideas can be used both for speaking part 3 and also writing task 2 in IELTS.

Essay Question

Over the last few decades, there has been an increase in international tourism. Some people think that tourism is beneficial for local communities and should be encouraged.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Speaking Part 3 Questions

  1. Do you think tourism is a good thing?
  2. Why do you think some people  believe tourism to be bad for local communities?
  3. Do you think local communities change as an effect of tourism?
  4. Do you think there are more advantages than disadvantages of tourism for local communities?

Don’t forget we are looking at the effects of tourism as an industry rather than a tourist as a person. Don’t confuse the two.

Advantages of Tourism

  1. Tourism brings money and boosts the economy.
  2. It offers employment to local people.
  3. It offers fresh perspectives on life and culture.
  4. Locals usually need to learn English to talk to tourists which can have beneficial long term effects.
  5. To boost tourism, local communities often invest money on improving the infrastructure which has lasting positive effects.

Disadvantages of Tourism

  1. Tourism can create a economic dependency which can be detrimental to the community if it is not sustainable.
  2. Tourism can have a negative impact on the local environment in terms of pollution.
    1. noise pollution from tourist entertainment
    2. air pollution from increased transportation
  3. Tourism can cause friction between locals and tourists, if local culture is not respected.
  4. The bulk of the money brought in by tourism rarely finds its way into local hands and instead lines the pockets of the middle man (the tour operator).

 

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Listening Practice: Big Numbers

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Improve your listening skills with this listening practice with big numbers. It is common in all section of the IELTS listening test to be asked to listen and write down large numbers.

Listen to the recording below and write down the numbers you hear. There are 10 numbers to listening for.

Recording:

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Answers

Click below for answers:

Answers

  1. 451
  2. 730
  3. 1,600
  4. 2,460
  5. 6,768
  6. 10,550
  7. 20,200
  8. 35,050
  9. 102,700
  10. 1,400,002

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Solving Traffic and Pollution Problems: Essay Ideas

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Below are some ideas for the following IELTS writing task 2 essay question.

Increasing the price of petrol is the best way to solve growing traffic and pollution problems.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?
What other measures do you think might be effective?

There are two questions to answer:

  1. Do you think increasing the price of petrol is the best way to solve growing traffic and pollution problems?
  2. What other measures do you think might be effective to solve traffic and pollution problems?

Increasing the price of petrol:

  • if the price is increased, less people will be able to afford it
  • if less people can afford petrol, less people will drive cars
  • if less people drive cars, there will be less congestion on the roads
  • if less people drive, there will be less air pollution

Other ways to solve traffic and pollution problems:

  • traffic problems can be solved by improving public transport to encourage more people to use it rather than to use their own cars
  • public transport can be improved by having more public transport available, making it more punctual and reducing the price of tickets to make it more affordable to the average person
  • another measure is to have no traffic zones in city centers which will  reduce both congestion and pollution in urban centers.

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Common Girl’s Names: Pronunciation

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Below is a list of common girl’s name in England with an audio as well so you can hear the pronunciation of the name. It is important to learn common names in English for your IELTS listening test. IELTS frequently ask you to listen for personal information such as a name in section 1. You can also listen to boys’ names or watch a video to practice listening for names.

Mistake: Please notice that there is a mistake with the pronunciation of Scarlett in the audio. The audio actually says “Charlotte”. Sorry about that.

Girls Names

 

 

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Advertising Vocabulary & Pronunciation

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Essential vocabulary for the topic of advertising / advertisements. I have included recordings of words and meanings so that you can improve your pronunciation of this vocabulary. At the bottom of the page, is some practice exercises to learn how to use vocabulary for advertising correctly. Advertising is a common topic in both IELTS speaking and writing task 2, so you must learn all the basic vocabulary to be able to talk and write on this topic.

This lesson contains a lot of vocabulary. Take your time to learn the words and practice your pronunciation. There is an audio under each table for pronunciation practice.

Vocabulary for Advertising Topic

Forms of the word: Advertisement

  • ad (n)
  • advert (n)
  • advertise (vb)
  • advertising (v+ing)
  • advertisement (n) (there are two different pronunciation – UK and USA)

Main Types of Advertisements:

This is a list of typical commercial adverts that you are likely to come across in your everyday life.

Advertisement Vocabulary: The Main types of Ads with Meaning: TV commercials, newspaper ads, glossy magazine ads, billboards.

RECORDING: Pronunciation

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Other Types Advertisement Vocabulary:

These types of advertisements are also common in the world today, particularly now that we have the internet and online adverts are common place.

More Vocabulary for Advertisements: direct main, radio adverts, advertising by text message sms, internet pop ups, email advertising and flyers.

RECORDING: Pronunciation Review

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More Types of Advertising:

This list of vocabulary contains examples of advertisements that are not so well known but are effective forms of more subtle advertising.

More Examples of Advert Vocabulary: celebrity endorsement, sponsorships, covert ads

RECORDING: Vocabulary Pronunciation

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Practice Exercises with Advertising Vocabulary

Use the vocabulary relating to advertising given on the page above to complete the sentences. Words may be used more than once.

  1. I think I prefer …………….. because they are really good fun to watch and often have a catchy tune or song to go with them.
  2. Last night, I was just sitting down to my favourite series on TV when the phone rang. It was another …………. I find them really annoying.
  3. Personally, I think that …………………… in movies is the most effective because you aren’t even aware that you are being targeted by a company while you’re watching.
  4. I think ………………… are a great way to advertise because they are so entertaining but I guess they must be very costly to put on, particularly at peak viewing time.
  5. There’s nothing more annoying than trying to work online and getting bothered by ………………
  6. I hardly ever pay attention to adverts in the ………………….. because they aren’t usually very attractive but whenever I flick through a ……………., I’m constantly drawn towards their beautiful, glossy ads.
  7. I find telesales quite ……………….. because they call your home to sell you something. I think it’s an invasion of privacy.

Vocabulary Review & Answers

There are some interesting words used in the exercises above, such as “catchy tune” and “persuasive”. Click below to learn the meaning of some of these words and to find the answers.

Vocabulary

  • eye-catching = appealing, attractive
  • subtle = not obvious
  • flick through a magazine = look at the pages quickly
  • to target an audience = to aim for a group of people
  • catchy tune = an appealing melody
  • peak viewing time = a time when the majority of people are watching
  • glossy = shiny
  • specific market  = particular group of people
  • specific interest group = particular group of people with the same interests
  • persuasive = it convinces us to do something or think something
  • memorable = it stays in our minds for a long time
  • intrusive = causing annoyance, uninvited
  • invasion of privacy = when your privacy has been invaded (entered) without permission
  • up-to-date = current
  • customer database = list or record of customers

Listen to Recording for Pronunciation:

 Answers

  1. TV commercials
  2. cold call
  3. covert advertising
  4. TV commercials
  5. pop-ups
  6. newspaper / magazine
  7. intrusive

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IELTS Speaking Part 2: Will I get a low score if I speak for less than 2 mins?

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Are you marked down in IELTS Speaking part 2 for speaking less than 2 minutes? In speaking part 2, you will be given a topic, 1 min to prepare and then you will need to speak for between 1-2 mins. The examiner will not move on to part 3 until 1 minute has passed of your talk and the examiner will stop you at exactly 2 minutes to prevent you speaking further. So, this means you have between 1 and 2 minutes available to you for your talk.

Do you need to speak for 2 mins in IELTS Speaking Part 2?

Speaking part 2 is the only part of the test where you can show the examiner that you can speak at length. Speaking at length is important for people aiming for band score 7 and above. So, part 2 is a great chance to show this skill and impress the examiner with fluency. Speaking at length is actually part of the Fluency marking criterion. Aiming for 2 minutes should be your aim.

However, your talk should also avoid hesitations and pauses. Both of these things can impact your score.

Length of Talk for IELTS Speaking Part 2: Useful Tips

Here are some more points to consider:

  1. It is better to give a strong, fluent talk for 1.5 minutes than a weak, hesitant talk for 2 mins.
    • If you can speak for 1.5 mins without hesitations and pauses, this will be better than speaking for 2 mins with lots of hesitations and pauses.
  2. You can still get a high score if you only speak for 1.5 minutes but only if the quality of your talk is very good. This means natural, fluent speaking with great use of language.
  3. The marking criterion of Fluency accounts for 25% of your marks and is taken from your overall performance in all parts not only in part 2.
    • This means if your talk doesn’t go well, you can still showcase your fluency in part 3.
  4. If you wish to lengthen your talk,  then add more information. The prompts (the points on the topic card) are only guidelines – you can and should expand on each one.
  5. Aiming for 2 minutes is ideal.
  6. You must practice before your test what 2 minutes feels like so that you know how much to add. But don’t worry the examiner will stop you at 2 mins.
    • The examiner controls the time in the speaking test. Don’t worry about timing. The examiner will interrupt you when it’s time for the next part or the next question.
  7. Speaking for 1 minute is not ideal because it doesn’t show the examiner your fluency skills.
  8. Don’t expect the examiner to be smiling and positive. Sometimes the examiners are tired so be ready for different body language and don’t let it affect your performance in your test.

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