Many of you wrote to let me know that your tests have been suspended. For others, there is still uncertainty about what will happen next. However, one thing will not change. You can still continue to learn and develop.
I will continue posting lessons each week so that you have a chance to develop your English in preparation for your future, which I’m sure will still be bright, regardless of our current situation.
Here are links to common topics for IELTS. Start preparing for them. Click below to open:
- Speaking Part 1 Topics
- Speaking Part 2 Topics
- Speaking Part 3 Topics
- Free Speaking Tips, Model Answers & Lessons
- 100 Essay Questions
- Free Writing Task 2 Tips, Model Answers & Lessons
If you need ideas and vocabulary for essay topics, get my Ideas E-book. Click here: IELTS Liz Store.
My new Grammar E-book will soon be ready. Hopefully in about 6 weeks. It is a great e-book which will really help you all. It focuses on all the aspects of grammar you need to be able to create complex language with accuracy. If you want to study from home, it will be the perfect e-book for you and comes with a Workbook full of exercises. I’ll let you know when it’s ready.
I’ll post a free practice lesson on Thursday for you all. I really hope that by continuing to post lessons, it will help you all keep positive during this difficult time.
All the best
Liz
Hello Liz,
I hope you respond to my below queries. I need your help and suggestions about IELTS.
I have written IELTS (General training test) pen-paper test twice and both the times my overall score was 7.5 and I need to get band 8/8.5. It is unimaginable for me that the second time I wrote the exam I got lowered scores in Writing and Reading compared to the first attempt.
1st attempt scores: L-7.5, R-7.5, W-7 and S-7.5 and 2nd attempt scores: L:8.5, R-6.5, W- 6.5 and S – 7.5.
Now I am completely confused about the way ahead. Should I need to continue self-study for the 3rd attempt or should I take up coaching classes? Also I wanted to know if I should take up computerized test this time as the results will come within a week’s time?
I hope you will get time to respond to my above queries.
Please let me know what should I do. Thanks in advance, Jay.
It is 100% normal that your scores will vary between 0.5 and even one whole band score from test to test. This is because the topics are different, the questions are different, you use different English and your overall performance will of course vary. However, you should always review your techniques and general understanding of the test before booking a new one. Review all pages on this site – there are hundreds that are free. Consider my Advanced Lessons and E-books https://elizabethferguson.podia.com/
You choose the paper test if you prefer writing by hand. You choose the computer test if you prefer typing on a keyboard. The level of the tests are 100% the same – it’s all IELTS.
Good luck!
Dear Liz,
Thanks for your commendable work and support.
Apart from Ielts lessons, I have learnt more from you that is positive attitude…
Really you are my Role Model..
God bless you.. stay safe
Thank you for your kind and thoughtful message 🙂
Hello Liz,
What you have done here with this platform is incredible. It has clearly been of great help to me and many others across the world. I really appreciate your care and selfless efforts even amidst this worldwide pandemic. God bless you.
Love from NG,
Emmanuel (April 18 test day)
P.S: How are you doing? How’s your health?
I’m glad my lessons will help people during this time. Stay safe!!
Isolation sounds awful but that’s what is required now. If it ever gets too boring, I’m available to exchange emails. Thank you for all you do. Take care!!!
That’s kind. Thanks 🙂
Dear Liz,
Thanks for all your guidance. and creating this wonderful place where we find solution to almost all our problems. Thanks for showing your concerns during this time of crisis. It’s a great support to all of us.
Liz, I need your guidance for Writing Part-2. While attempting essay writing, I feel I am able to generate ideas to write but i am unable to express them clearly. My sentences feel like a forced attempt with superficial meaning. Also I am lacking in good vocabulary, as in i know words but don’t remember them while writing.
Please guide me what should i do to improve these problems in writing. I have around one month for test, if corona threat doesn’t linger further. I want to make most of this time in improving the writing part.
Thanks a lot!
First step is to get the Ideas E-book which contains not only ideas but also vocabulary. Having the vocabulary to express yourself is essential for each topic. In about 6 weeks, I’ll be releasing a Grammar E-book which contains hundreds of model sentences. Those will help you vary your sentence structures and give you ideas of how to phrase things. You’ll find the e-book and Advanced lessons in my online store: https://elizabethferguson.podia.com/
Dear Liz,
Thank you very much for your reply. I will be looking forward to the Grammar E-book.
I was trying to write an essay today but i am not sure if i am able to understand the topic correctly. (I took the topic from your web page which lists the recent essay topics).
The topic reads as “Some people believe that music should be taught in the school, while others think that is it best to focus in computer and science. What is your opinion?”
Now what i understand is that its asking for my opinion if music should be taught in school or not? So would it be correct if I write two body paragraphs supporting my opinion that music should be taught in school?
Why I am confused is because I would not be mentioning or discussing about focus on computer or science in that case, as I am supporting the music.
Please guide. Thanks a lot!
Please take care of yourself! Best wishes, always.
That writing task 2 question has two issues: a) music b) computers & science. Your opinion must address both issues. Sometimes essay questions have one issue, for example, Should the government ban smoking in public – in this case, you have only one issue to address. But when you have two issues your opinion must cover both.
One sided – music should be taught in schools and computers & science should not be a main focus.
One side – the focus should be on computers and science, not music
Partial – all three should be the focus when children are younger, but as children get old, more focus should be on computers and science. This approach is called a “balanced approach” which basically means presenting a specific opinion.
Don’t be worried about me. I live alone and am self-isolating, so basically I won’t see anyone for quite a long time. Isolation is something I am familiar with and can cope with well. I learned a long time ago to channel my thoughts and energy into positive things in life even when things gets tough.
To everyone – stay safe!
Thank you very much for the detailed reply! Very helpful indeed.
Take care and stay safe!
Thank you Liz! looking forward to seeing e-book,so that to work and use it while at home!
Success in your endeavours because you really endevour to support the learnes.
I’m really excited about this Grammar e-book. I tried to make sure that it was easy to follow with simple illustrations so you can self-learn complex grammar without the help of a teacher. It’ll ready in May at the latest.
thanks for your kind help,these are very useful for me to learn .Thanks again.
That would be helpful Liz. A million thanks to you.
That would be grateful Liz. A million thanks to you.
Thanx for the encouragement …we will continue practising
I need IELTS band 6 GT only ! Can you introduce some your online courses? Thanks
This website contains hundreds of free pages of lessons, tips, topics, model answers etc. Click on the RED MENU BAR at the top of the website or go to hte HOME page.
Thanks a lot, you are such a blessing
That would be great Liz.Many thanks.
My question though is ;
Is there still letter writing in IELTS Writing Task 2.If so, may you kindly refer me to thr link on that.
Thanks once again
Writing task 1 letters are for the General Training Paper, not the Academic paper. For GT task 1, see this page: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-letter-writing-essential-tips/
You are great teacher! Your lessons is very useful for me! I wait for grammar book! Thanks
Dear Liz,
Thank you for your encouraging words and support.
yes as you said we have to look at the bright side .
Im afraid maybe i can’t take my Ielts exam this coming few months because of the virus, everyday i read,practiced ..after my effort it’s postponed all the plans..
Set yourself long term goals rather than short term. Eventually this will all pass. Use this time to develop and learn.
Hello liz I love your teaching style & tone very much.
Thank you so much for your kind words and putting us in mind.
Thank you Liz for your kind support. Yes, We need to stay positive and keep learning. You’re lesson will be a daily gift in this difficult time.
Thank you for your positive motivation liz
Hi Liz,
I am amazed at your lessons and i feel more confident in my study approach.
Currently attempting all the listening lessons, my band was 7.5 but am aiming for at least 8.5. I also need to improve my speaking from 7.5 to 8.5. My major issues are writing and reading with an average band score of 6 and i am really aiming for an 8.5. Please keep the lessons coming. I intend to write in 2 weeks. Thanks a lot. Love from Lagos, Ng
Sounds like you have a determined attitude. Some extra tips for you:
Speaking – listen to the grammar tense in the question and ensure your answer is appropriate. Look out for second conditional questions. Practice using more than one tense in your answers. Prepare all common topics because you can introduce vocab from those topics into your answers.
Listening – make a list of common paraphrases, common keywords and practice each question type as well as full practice tests
Reading – don’t get bogged down in detail. Aim for answers. Pay attention to how long you spend on one answer. Find the location of the answer and then spend some time reading around that area. One answer might be spread in two or three sentences.
Writing Task 2 – it’s explained in my Advanced Lessons.
Writing Task 1 – academic, the overview is the most essential paragraph – make sure you identify all key features. Think about a logical division of information for body paragraphs.
Good luck!!
Thank you Liz. My exam is going through this Saturday as the UK has lenient measures against the pandemic. So I will keep studying and practicing.
Great. Also review this page which is a quick list of last minute tips to read before your test: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-exam-tips-on-the-day/. Good luck!