IELTS Reading Practice: Ebola

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Develop your skills for matching paragraph information for IELTS reading with this reading exercise. Skim read the passage to get the gist of the article. Then spend time reading the questions before you try and locate the answers. The more time you spend analysing the meaning and vocabulary in the questions, the easier it will be. This is a similar level to the academic reading paper.

Reading Passage: Ebola

About Ebola

A) The Ebola virus is an acute, serious illness that causes severe inflammation and tissue damage throughout the body, and is often fatal if untreated. Ebola virus disease (EVD) first appeared in 1976 in two simultaneous outbreaks, one in Nzara, Sudan, and the other in Yambuku, Democratic Republic of Congo. The latter occurred in a village near the Ebola River, from which the disease takes its name.

B) The current outbreak in west Africa, (first cases notified in March 2014), is the largest and most complex Ebola outbreak since the Ebola virus was first discovered in 1976. There have been more cases and deaths in this outbreak than all others combined. It has also spread between countries starting in Guinea then spreading across land borders to Sierra Leone and Liberia, by air (1 traveller only) to Nigeria, and by land (1 traveller) to Senegal. The most severely affected countries, Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia have very weak health systems, lacking human and infrastructural resources, having only recently emerged from long periods of conflict and instability. On August 8, the WHO Director-General declared this outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

C) It is thought that fruit bats of the Pteropodidae family are natural Ebola virus hosts. Ebola is introduced into the human population through close contact with the blood, secretions, organs or other bodily fluids of infected animals such as chimpanzees, gorillas, fruit bats, monkeys, forest antelope and porcupines found ill or dead or in the rainforest. Ebola then spreads through human-to-human transmission via direct contact (through broken skin or mucous membranes) with the blood, secretions, organs or other bodily fluids of infected people, and with surfaces and materials (e.g. bedding, clothing) contaminated with these fluids. Health-care workers have frequently been infected while treating patients with suspected or confirmed EVD. This has occurred through close contact with patients when infection control precautions are not strictly practised.

D) Supportive care-rehydration with oral or intravenous fluids- and treatment of specific symptoms, improves survival. There is as yet no proven treatment available for EVD. However, a range of potential treatments including blood products, immune therapies and drug therapies are currently being evaluated. No licensed vaccines are available yet, but two potential vaccines are undergoing human safety testing.

E) Health-care workers caring for patients with suspected or confirmed Ebola virus should apply extra infection control measures to prevent contact with the patient’s blood and body fluids and contaminated surfaces or materials such as clothing and bedding. When in close contact (within 1 metre) of patients with EBV, health-care workers should wear face protection (a face shield or a medical mask and goggles), a clean, non-sterile long-sleeved gown, and gloves (sterile gloves for some procedures).

Questions 1-7

Which paragraphs contain the following information? Letters can be used more than once.

  1. Information about possible medicine.
  2. What happens when precautions fail.
  3. How it came to be called Ebola.
  4. Details of precautionary procedures.
  5. How Ebola crossed the species barrier.
  6. Why some places are hit worse than others.
  7. A description of Ebola.

ANSWERS

Click below to reveal answers and vocabulary.

Answers
  1. D
  2. C
  3. A
  4. E
  5. C
  6. B
  7. A

Passage taken from WHO

 Vocabulary
  • acute = critical, serious
  • outbreaks = bursts, epidemics
  • emerged from periods of conflict = come out of a time war or instability
  • fruit bat
  • secretion = discharge, emission
  • contaminated = polluted
  • rehydration = the process of restoring lost water
  • proven = confirmed, sure, certain
  • sterile = germ-free, hygienic, sanitary

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Brain Drain Listening Practice

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This listening lesson has two different types of questions: list selection and sentence completion. This will also test your ability to know when to move from one question to the next. Make sure you use this lesson to also learn useful vocabulary because the brain drain is a common topic in writing task 2.

IELTS Listening Multiple Choice: Long List Selection Practice

As you can see, this multiple choice practice listening does not have the usual three answer options. Instead you are given a long list and must choose a number of options from the list. The first list is for three questions.

The recording covers all questions from 1 to 5, so be ready to move quickly to the next set of questions.

Questions 1-3

Which three reasons are given for the brain drain? Choose the correct letters A-G.

  • A) money
  • B) promotion opportunities
  • C) working with other professionals
  • D) quality of life
  • E) state-of-the-art equipment
  • F) political advancement
  • G) unemployment

Question 4

What problem does the brain drain cause developing countries? Choose one letter.

  • A) resentment
  • B) loss of facilities
  • C) conflict between remaining professionals
  • D) loss of reputation
  • E) loss of money
  • F) loss of materials

Question 5

Complete the sentence using no more than one word and/or a number.

In 2000, …….. million people, who were living outside their country of origin for more than one year, were employed.

RECORDING:

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TRANSCRIPT & ANSWERS

Answers
  1. A
  2. D
  3. E (answers to questions 1-3 can be given in any order)
  4. E
  5. 65
  Transcript
Brain drain is the migration of skilled human resources for trade, education, health care and other sectors. Trained health professionals are needed in every part of the world. However, better standards of living draw many of them to more developed countries. Others decide to make the move because of better remuneration or for access to advanced modern technology.  For some the stable political conditions in the developed countries attract talent from less developed areas. The majority of migration is from developing to developed countries. This is of growing concern worldwide because of its impact on the health care systems in developing countries. These countries have invested in the education and training of young health professionals. This translates into a loss of considerable resources when these people migrate, with the benefit accruing to the recipient states who have not forked out to educate them. The intellectuals of any country are some of the most expensive resources because of their training in terms of material cost and time, and most importantly, because of lost opportunity. In 2000 almost 175 million people, or 2.9% of the world’s population, were living outside their country of birth for more than a year. Of these, about 65 million were economically active. This form of migration has in the past involved many health professionals: nurses and physicians have sought employment abroad for many reasons including high unemployment in their home country. (read more about this)

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Multiple Choice Listening Practice with Essential Tips

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Camping Topic: Vocabulary with Pronunciation

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Camping is a topic which can appear in IELTS speaking part 1. Learn some useful words to be able to talk about this topic. Listen to the recordings to improve your pronunciation.

Camping Vocabulary

Basic camping equipment

camping vocabulary pictures

 

Listen for the missing word

Listen to the recording below. There is one word in the recording which is not in the picture – what is that word? Words will not come in order so write them down as you listen. Answer

The missing word is “map”.

More Camping Vocabulary

  • bug spray = insect repellent
  • compass = equipment for navigation
  • backpack = a bag which you carry on your back
  • air mattress = a bed mattress that is filled with air
  • hat = for protection against weather, particular the sun or rain
  • raincoat = a jacket which is waterproof
  • wildlife = wild animals
  • campground = the place for camping
  • path = a track or way to walk (people follow paths in the forest)
  • firewood = wood used for campfires
  • cramped  = not enough space, too small
  • being close to nature = spending time near wildlife and in natural areas
  • camping gear = a collection of camping equipment

Listen to the recording below to improve your pronunciation.


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How to Prepare for IELTS: Essential Steps

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Learn how to start preparing for your IELTS test by following the 15 most important steps. This video lesson will explain exactly what steps you must take before you enter the exam room and how to prepare successfully for your IELTS test.

IELTS Preparation Steps

Learn about the IELTS Test

Academic or General Training Test?

Having Realistic Goals

  • decide which band score you want
  • get your English level assessed
  • check that your level of English is enough for the band score you want
  • if your level is too low, you must work to improve it
  • develop your IELTS skills
  • make sure you have enough time to get the right level of English and strong exam skills

Know the Requirements of Your Band Score

Questions and Topics for IELTS

Practice and Develop

Practice Tests

  • Buy the Cambridge IELTS books 1-9 (use the most recent books 7-9)
  • Practice tests under exam conditions as well as to develop skills

Assessment

  • Get your speaking and writing assessed by an experienced IELTS teacher
  • Get feedback on technique and language problems

Get Professional Training

  • Either get training online or in an IELTS school
  • All students need to be trained in IELTS to fulfill the requirements of the test

When to Take your Test

  • Take your test when your English level matches your required band score
  • Take your test when you fully understand the IELTS test
  • Take your test when you are frequently scoring your required band score

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IELTS Speaking Part 3: Environment

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Below are some questions for the topic of the environment for IELTS speaking part 3.

IELTS Speaking Part 3 Questions: Environment Topic

  • Are there many environmental problems in your country?
  • Are people concerned about environmental problems in your country?
  • Do you think enough is being done to deal with them?
  • What can  individuals do to help?
  • Do you think older people have as much awareness of environmental problems as the younger generation?
  • Do you believe that climate change is a serious problem?
  • What causes climate change?
  • Do you think recycling is important?

Model Answers for Speaking Part 3: Environment Questions

Use these model answers to learn from. Do not memorise them. Just use them to learn ideas, useful words and technique. I’ve provided recordings so you can listen to the answer as well. This is a good way to hear now naturally the speaker gives the answers. You can use these recordings to improve your pronunciation.

  • Question) Are people concerned about environmental problems in your country?
  • Answer) Well, it’s hard to say for sure. I think some people are concerned but probably not enough of them. There are people who take environmental problems seriously enough to actually recycle their rubbish appropriately but I don’t think there are enough people who concern themselves with resource depletion which I consider to be a pressing issue. So many people are using energy and buying products without any thought to the impact of their actions. We all know that the world’s resources are being used at an alarming rate but no one seems to actually feel it’s their responsibility to change the way they live. So, I guess, although there are some people who are concerned, it’s not enough and more people in my country need to change the way they live.

Recording: Model Answer

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  • Question) Do you believe climate change is a serious problem?
  • Answer) Yes, I do. The issue of climate change has been growing over the past few decades and we are now witnessing serious changes in global weather patterns. While some countries are suffering heat waves, other countries are suffering from terrible snow storms. But that isn’t the worst of the problem. The changes in the climate are also causing extreme weather such as typhoons, earthquakes and tsunamis, which are devastating many countries. On top of that, there are also concerns about rising sea levels, which although not a problem now, will be a serious concern to any low lying country in the future. So, I feel that climate change is something which needs to be taken very seriously.

Recording: Model Answer

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How many words for IELTS writing? Rules & Advice

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How long should your IELTS writing task 1 &  task 2 be? Learn how the examiner counts your words and the recommended length of your IELTS essay. This page contains information about:

  • IELTS Writing Word Count Rules
  • Recommended Essay Length
  • Word Count Warning
  • Will you get a higher score for a longer essay?

IELTS Writing: Word Count Rules

  1. IELTS have set a task of writing OVER 150 words for IELTS writing task 1 and OVER 250 for writing task 2.
  2. However, there is no upper word limit. But that doesn’t mean a long essay is a good idea.
  3. While the under word count penalty has been removed, writing an essay that is too short will lower your score. Click here: penalty removal and short essays

Recommended Length of an IELTS Essay

  1. The instructions given by IELTS state write at least 150 words (task 1) / at least 250 words (task 2).
  2. The words “at least” mean you should not go below 150 words for task 1 and not write under 250 words for task 2.
  3. Always write over the least recommended word count.
  4. For writing task 1, aim for between 170 words and 190 words. Try not to go over 200 words (max 210 for complicated charts).
  5. For writing task 2, aim for between 270 words and 290 words. Try not to go over 300 words. IELTS essays are designed to be written in 40 mins and to be highly focused with each sentence crucial to the essay.
  6. Writing under 150 words for task 1 and under 250 words for task 2 will not allow you to develop your points enough for a high score.
  7. Aim for quality rather than quantity. This means focus on writing excellent English and organising your information rather than writing a long essay in task 2. The also applies to your report in task 1 academic or your letter in task 1 GT.

How Long Should Your Essay Be? 

Note: This video was made years ago but is still 100% relevant today. Scroll down below the video to keep reading about word count in IELTS writing.

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Will you get a higher score for a longer essay in IELTS?

The answer is very simple = no. IELTS is look for a highly relevant, focused essay. If you try to add information that is not 100% relevant to your task, you will get a lower score.

IELTS writing task 2 essays are designed to be written within 40 mins and to be highly focused. This means each sentence is 100% relevant and critical to the essay. There is no sentence which contains padding (extra, unnecessary information). For writing task 1, if your report gets too long, you will be marked down for getting lost in detail and not focusing on key features.

You do not get a higher score for a longer essay.

Warning for IELTS Writing Word Count

  1. If you copy the information given by IELTS for your introduction, the examiner will not count those words. This means you might be under the word count. So, always paraphrase your introductions. This lesson shows you how to write an introduction for IELTS writing task 2 by paraphrasing.
  2. How to check how many words you have written – you don’t have time to count each word you have written, so you should count the lines instead. Knowing the length of your handwriting on the official writing answer sheet will help. Watch this video lesson to learn about practicing with the official writing answer sheet.
  3. All words are counted. This means each individual word, just the same as word count in a Word Document. For example, “The most important part of a test is understanding the marking system and the requirements” = 15 words.

More IELTS Writing Tips & Lessons

10 Sentences to Avoid in IELTS Writing Task 2

How many Paragraphs for an IELTS Essay

How to use the Official Answer Sheet for IELTS Writing

All IELTS Writing Task 2 Lessons, Model Answers, Tips & Free Videos

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IELTS Essay Ideas: Female Staff in Senior Positions

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Here is an IELTS writing task 2 essay about management positions and gender with ideas given below.

Most high level positions in companies are filled by men even though the workforce in many developed countries is more than 50 per cent female. Companies should be required to allocate a certain percentage of these positions to women.
To what extent do you agree?

Why companies should give a percentage of senior positions to women

  • equal rights and opportunities for men and women
  • it avoids discrimination
  • it creates a pleasant work environment to have a better balance of the genders in management and senior levels
  • it creates a supportive work environment for other female employees to know that a certain percentage of management is also female
  • women have valuable skills of communication and diplomacy for high level positions

Why companies should not give a percentage of senior positions to women

  • it is unrealistic to stipulate a certain percentage of one gender
  • companies cannot be sure that they will receive suitable female applicants to fill a certain percentage of senior positions
  • this forces companies to fulfill percentages even though it may be to their detriment
  • senior positions should be allocated based on experience, skills and qualifications not gender

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Collection of Essay Ideas

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Listening Practice for Numbers

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This lesson focuses on listening for numbers. There are three sections of listening and each section has 10 questions. Make sure you have a pencil and paper ready.

Write down the numbers you hear. Each listening has 10 or 9 numbers.

Numbers 1 to 100

Listen to the recording and write down the numbers you hear between 1 and 100.

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For answers, click below:

Answers
  1. 8
  2. 13
  3. 50
  4. 24
  5. 47
  6. 86
  7. 19
  8. 97
  9. 17
  10. 29

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Numbers from 100 to 1,000

Listen to the recording and write down the numbers you hear between 100 and 1,000.

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For answers, click below:

Answers
  1. 116
  2. 196
  3. 332
  4. 480
  5. 390
  6. 830
  7. 901
  8. 642
  9. 589
  10. 772

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Numbers from 1,000 to 1,000,000

Listen to the recording and write down the numbers you hear between 1,000 and 1,000,000.

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For answers, click below: 

Answers
  1. 2,350
  2. 6,719
  3. 10,300
  4. 80,500 (this one is missing from the audio)
  5. 65,000
  6. 12,450
  7. 15,000
  8. 28,560
  9. 990,999

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