IELTS Writing Answer Sheet: Video Tutorial

by 94 Comments

Practise using the official IELTS writing answer sheet before your test. Learn how the examiner uses the paper to record your band score and what extra information is contained on it. This lesson also explains how to fill in the answer sheet and how to use it effectively to estimated your word count. People taking the computer based IELTS test will see the word count on their screens.

Below is a link to download the answer sheet so you can practise writing on it before your test. Any student taking the IELTS test for the first time, should watch this lesson.

Click link to download: official ielts-writing-answersheet

If you are taking the computer based test, remember that the word count is given for you on the screen. This is really useful.

Recommended Lessons

Writing Task 2 Video Lesson: How to write an introduction

MORE FREE IELTS WRITING TASK 2 LESSONS:

Filed Under: IELTS Writing Task 1, IELTS Writing Task 2 Tagged With: ,

IELTS Agree Disagree Essay Sample Answer with Tips

by 291 Comments

For an IELTS agree disagree essay you can either agree with the statement, disagree with the statement or give your opinion which contains a balanced approach to the issues in the statement. However, this does not mean you can discuss both sides impartially – you must give a clear opinion to get a good score in the criterion of Task Response which is 25% of your marks. Another name for an agree disagree essay is an opinion essay or argumentative essay.

The Agree Disagree Essay is also called the Opinion Essay. They are not different essays. On this website, I usually refer to this essay as the Opinion Essay. However, I am using a different name here just for people who are used to calling it “agree/disagree essay”.

IELTS Agree Disagree Question

Remember, this is also called an Opinion Essay.

The growing number of overweight people is putting a strain on the health care system in an effort to deal with the health issues involved. Some people think that the best way to deal with this problem is to introduce more physical education lessons in the school curriculum. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

IELTS Agree Disagree Model Essay

Below is a model answer for the above Opinion Essay = Agree/Disagree Essay.

Owing to the problems which a growing population of overweight people cause for the health care system, it is thought that the key to solving this issue is to have more sport and exercise in schools. I agree that this is one way to tackle the problem, but diet must also be taken into consideration.

Increasing sport or regular exercise in schools is a useful way to tackle weight problems in the long run in the general population. This method will encourage a new generation to develop vital habits which support overall health and also help them maintain a reasonable weight. At the moment, the average child in the West does sport possibly twice a week, which is not enough to counteract their otherwise sedentary lifestyle that comes from many hours each day of sitting at a desk for their lessons. By incorporating more exercise time and possibly extracurricular physical activities, they will undoubtedly become fitter and more active, and continue living that way after leaving schools.

However, targeting physical exercise in school children to reduce the current issue of obesity in the wider population is not effective enough on its own. Firstly, children in schools need to also be educated about what constitutes healthy foods and why in order to ensure a new generation of people who understand clean eating. Secondly, for a more immediate impact, it is important to look at reducing the number of Ultra processed foods (UPFs) on the market which too many people gravitate towards. For example, the government could impose a tax on UPFs to increase the price, and also reduce the cost of healthy foods, such as vegetables, to encourage a better diet.

In conclusion, I believe the best approach to tackling weight issues in the population starts with diet and exercise in schools but must also include encouraging a healthier diet through price changes targeting specific foods on the market.

TIPS FOR AGREE/DISAGREE ESSAY (OPINION ESSAY)

  1. An Agree Disagree Essay is 100% the same as an Opinion Essay – they are two names for the same essay.
  2. Always analyse the essay question carefully and make sure you identify the key issue or issues in the essay question.
  3. Plan your main ideas and supporting points before you start writing.
  4. Essay Structure:
    • Introduction
    • Body Paragraph 1
      • Topic Sentence
      • Supporting points (usually two or three)
    • Body Paragraph 2
      • Topic Sentence
      • Supporting points (usually two or three)
    • (please note that sometimes it is possible to have three body paragraphs, you’ll find examples for model essays here: ALL MODEL ESSAYS FOR WRITING TASK 2
    • Conclusion paragraph
  5. Make sure your introduction is not too long. Just paraphrase the essay question (background statement) and present your opinion (thesis statement).
  6. Make sure your opinion is consistent from introduction to conclusion. You can’t change your opinion during your essay.
  7. Each body paragraph presents a main idea which explains your opinion.
  8. Your body paragraphs should be equally developed for a high score.
  9. Supporting points must be relevant to the topic sentence of the paragraph.
  10. Never miss the conclusion. Keep it short, but make sure you write it! See this video about missing the conclusion: Using the last 5 mins in the writing test
  11. It is possible to have a partial agreement for the essay above where you think sports lessons are a good solution, but there is another more effective solution that must also be taken into consideration.
  12. Aim to write between 270 and 290 words. As you can see, my model essay above is over 300 words. However, that shouldn’t be your aim. More words open you up to more criticism.

Recent Free Video: Paragraph Length

RECOMMENDED FOR YOU

FREE SUBSCRIBE

Subscribe to get new lessons & tips by email.

Filed Under: IELTS Writing Task 2 Tagged With: , , ,

Rainforest Fires Listening Practice

by 272 Comments

This listening practice is based on the recent wildfires in the Amazon. I thought it would give you a chance to get your vocabulary and listening up to scratch with this topic. Don’t be surprised if you find this topic appearing in writing task 2 or in the speaking test. The environment is a common topic in all sections of the IELTS test.

Rainforest Listening Practice for IELTS

Questions 1- 6: Complete the sentences below using no more than two words.

  1. One in ten ………. on Earth live in the Amazon rainforest.
  2. These fires are actually visible from ………. .
  3. The fires affect thousands of mammal, reptile, ………….. and bird species.
  4. Animals trying to escape the fires by hiding may die from the flames, heat or ……………………..
  5. The consequences of changing ecosystems due to the fires can filter down to impact the …………
  6. The Amazon is known as the ……… of the planet.

Recording

.

Answers

The answers are not available for this lesson. Click here: Answers for Rainforest Listening

More Useful Links

…………………

Subscribe to get my Free Lessons by Email

Filed Under: IELTS Listening Tagged With: ,

Practice with Uncountable Nouns

by 148 Comments

One of the most common mistakes people make with English vocabulary is being able to spot uncountable nouns and using the correct verb form to match. This lesson will test your ability to spot uncountable nouns and form correct sentences.

Questions 1-10: Choose the correct word or words to complete the sentences below. 

  1. Luck/Lucks  play/plays  a part in all exams, including IELTS.
  2. Grandparents often give excellent advice/advices.
  3. During the war soldiers had to display a lot of courage / courages.
  4. Economics/economic  play/plays  an important role in the development of a country.
  5. My grandfather had a lot of wisdom/wisdoms.
  6. It is hardly surprising that people struggle to find employment/employments in some cities where competition is high.
  7. Without state-of-the-art equipment/equipments, a company will not be able to compete in the current market.
  8. News is/are essential to keep abreast of.
  9. A lot of pollution/pollutions in city centres can cause health problems for people living and working there.
  10. My friend is almost completely bald. He has very few hair/hairs left on his head.

By the way, there is one question above that is not so easy. Pay close attention to the sentence and remember that some words can be both countable and uncountable depending on the context and wording in the sentence.

Answers

Answers are available below.

Click here: Answers for Uncountable Practice

………….

Subscribe to Receive my New Posts by Email

Filed Under: Vocabulary

IELTS Writing Task 2: Should I give my opinion? When & How?

by 83 Comments

Should I give my opinion in an IELTS writing task 2 essay? This is a common question that many students ask me. To know whether you should put your opinion in your essay or not, you should read the instructions given by IELTS very carefully for each task. If you fail to give your opinion when it is asked for, it means you failed to complete the task. This will reduce your score significantly for Task Response which is 25% of your task 2 marks.

On this page:

  • Tips
  • Types of Essay Instructions
  • When to Give Your Opinion
  • HOW to give your Opinion

Giving Your Opinion Tips

  1. don’t put your opinion unless you are asked to give it
  2. if the question asks what you think, you MUST give your opinion to get a good score
  3. don’t leave your opinion until the conclusion
  4. don’t sit on the fence – take a clear position
  5. keep the same position throughout your essay

Types of Essay Instructions

Here are examples of instructions that require you to give your opinion:

  • “….do you agree or disagree?” – it means you should give your opinion
  • “…do you think…?” –  it means you should give your opinion
  • “… your opinion…? –  it means you should give your opinion
  • “…what is your view?” – it means you should give your opinion
  • “Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?” – this is asking for your opinion (your answer) not the opinions of other people
  • Are there more benefits or more drawbacks? – this is a paraphrase of the above instructions
  • “Is this positive or negative?” – this is asking for you to choose and explain your opinion
  • “Do you think this is a good thing?” – this is asking you to evaluate if something is good or bad

When to Give your Opinion in an IELTS Essay

Below are some IELTS essay questions. Decide if you think you should give your opinion or not. Then check the answer.

Some people think that rich countries should support poor countries in terms of aid for health care and education. To what extent do you agree?

Answer

Yes, this task requires your opinion.

While some people think that the problem with education in poor countries is the teaching methodology used, others believe it is the lack of resources that is the real issue. Discuss both sides.

Answer

No, this task does not ask for your opinion. You are only required to discuss the two sides impartially.

With the development of modern transportation comes environmental problems. What possible solutions are there to these problems?

Answer

No, this task does not ask for your opinion. You are only required to offer possible solutions.

Some people believe that schools should not assess a student’s ability through exams but instead assess them by their course work and project work over the whole academic year. Do you agree?

Answer

Yes, this task requires you to give your opinion.

Having a year off before starting universities is becoming increasingly common. Do you think this is a positive or negative trend?

Answer

Yes, this task requires your opinion.

Many children no longer read books and instead spend their time using modern technology. While some people think this is a positive trend, others think it is a problem. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.

Answer

Yes, this task requires your opinion. You will need to discuss both sides impartially and also give your opinion. Put your opinion in the introduction – don’t just leave it for the conclusion.

Due to the low cost of flights, many people are choosing to holiday abroad rather than have holidays in their own country. What are the advantages and disadvantages to this?

Answer

No, this task does not ask for your opinion. You only need to state the advantages and the disadvantages.

.

How to Give Your Opinion in an IELTS Essay

If you are asked to give your opinion, it must be yours – your personal opinion. The words “this essay will…” does not show your opinion. Clearly write “In my opinion” or “I think”. See this video. It’s an oldie but a goodie

.

RECOMMENDED FOR YOU

ALL MODEL ESSAYS, TIPS AND WRITING SKILLS FOR IELTS WRITING TASK 2

FREE SUBSCRIBE

Subscribe to get new lessons & tips by email.

.

Filed Under: IELTS Writing Task 2 Tagged With:

Vocabulary: Obese, Fat or Overweight

by 150 Comments

Students often confuse the words: obese, fat and overweight. This lesson will explain the difference between these words so that you learn to use them correctly.

IELTS often has questions in both writing and speaking about the problems of eating fast food or problems with the modern diet. Making mistakes with these words is common and will damage your band score.

  • Obesity (n) / Obese (adj) = a medical condition when excess body fat has accumulated and can have a negative impact on a persons health by contributing to health problems such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes or kidney problems. This term is often used incorrectly and is only used in extreme cases when a person’s weight is a serious health concern and is labelled as a medical condition.
  • Overweight (n) / Overweight (adj) = weighing more than is considered normal or more than is optimally healthy and can cause some health concerns depending on how overweight a person is. This is neither negative or positive in meaning and is just a statement of a person’s size.
  • Fat = being larger than normal. This is used informally to describe people who are considered larger than average. It is not a polite term to use and can be offensive to people.

Practice Vocabulary Questions

Fill in the sentences below with the correct word listed above. Make sure you use the correct form of the word. A word may be used more than once.

  1. Many people who have a sedentary lifestyle are …………………. because they do not participate in regular exercise.
  2. My next door neighbour got quite ………… when she went to live in America for a year. I think she ate fast food most the time.
  3. 14 million children worldwide under the age of 5 were either overweight or ………….. in 2016.
  4. Worldwide ………… has nearly tripled since 1975.
  5. It is easy for people to become ……………….. if they do not eat a healthy diet.

Answers

The answers are available on the link below.

CLICK HERE: ANSWERS TO OBESE VOCAB LESSON

Get my free lessons by email

Subscribe for free to get my new IELTS lessons sent to your email inbox.

Filed Under: Vocabulary Tagged With: ,

IELTS Multiple Choice Listening Practice Lesson

by 302 Comments

A multiple choice listening practice lesson for IELTS about a volunteer conservation program. Conservation and wildlife topics are typical in not only IELTS listening but also reading, writing and speaking. Read the multiple choice tips before tackling the listening questions.

Tips for MC Questions

  1. The key to multiple choice questions is to spot the difference between the options given.
  2. You will probably hear words from all options.
  3. Don’t try to match words – aim for meaning.
  4. Your task is to locate the keyword(s) that will help you find the right answer.
  5. Keep listening after you choose your answer in case the speaker adds more information that changes the answer.
  6. Be ready to move to the next question – do this by keeping an eye on the keywords for the next question.

Read the questions first and then play the recording. In the real IELTS test, you can listen only once. The recording audio is given below the questions.

Multiple Choice Questions for IELTS Listening

Turtle Conservation

Questions: 1-5: Complete the statements below by choosing the correct letter.

Question 1: The volunteer program relates to….

  • a) all kinds of turtles.
  • b) only Olive Ridley turtles.
  • c) various kinds of turtles.

Question 2: Volunteers can join the program for ….

  • a) as long as they want.
  • b) no more than 12 weeks.
  • c) one week.

Question 3: Accommodation is ….

  • a) luxury with a local family.
  • b) with a local family in the best house.
  • c) basic with a local family.

Question 4: Volunteers must be …

  • a) individuals of 18 years old.
  • b) individuals or groups with experience.
  • c) over the age of 18 but do not need experience.

Question 5: Volunteers will …

  • a) clear the beach of rubbish.
  • b) relocate baby turtles.
  • c) help adult turtles move along the beach.

Recording:

Notice: The information from this listening exercise is actually based on a real conservation program that helps turtles in Costa Rica. It sounds fantastic! Take a look: Costa Rica Turtle Conservation Program for Volunteers. Always check details with their site because the details above have been adapted for my listening lesson. For me personally, I just love turtles and had to make this lesson 🙂

.

Answers

Click below. Check the transcript first. You can use the transcript for your development to check keywords in the recording and also improve your pronunciation by listening and repeating. Once you have done some development, check the answers.

TRANSCRIPT

Transcript: The volunteer program is aimed at helping to conserve and protect the population of Olive Ridley turtles in Costa Rica, although other species of turtles are also involved. The program is run at Ostional beach which has been an active conservation area for the last 40 years. Volunteers can sign up for any length of time from 2 to 12 weeks. All volunteers will be housed with local families near the beach – do not expect luxury, this is basic at best . Have your dictionary ready because English is not usual in local families. It is possible to sign up as a group or just as an individual without prior experience but we do have an age requirement of over 18. A health check and police check will also be required. The main involvement in this program is with recording data, helping with tagging, removing debris from the beach to ensure clear passage for adult and baby turtles and also to assist in egg relocation. This is a unique experience for anyone interested in turtles and conservation.

ANSWERS

  1. C
    • “is aimed at helping to conserve and protect the population of Olive Ridley turtles in Costa Rica, although other species of turtles are also involved”
    • The above part of the sentence shows that it was not exclusively Olive Ridley turtles because other types of turtles were in involved. This means if you continued to listen, you find that answer B is not possible.
    • Also this part of the sentence does not state that ALL turtles (100% of all turtle species) were involved. This means the answer cannot be A.
  2. B
    • “Volunteers can sign up for any length of time from 2 to 12 weeks.”
    • This means that option A is not possible because there is definitely a time limit. And option C is not possible because the minimum time is 2 weeks, not 1 week.
  3. C
    • “All volunteers will be housed with local families near the beach – do not expect luxury, this is basic at best”
    • This means that it is not luxury (A). Also it is not B. Option is there to make sure you are not trying to match words ie the word “best”.
  4. C
    • “It is possible to sign up as a group or just as an individual without prior experience but we do have an age requirement of over 18.”
    • The keyword in the question is “MUST” . This means you are listening for a requirement of the programme.
    • A is not the answer because it is not a requirement to be an individual – groups are also possible.
    • B is not the answer because experience is not a requirement.
  5. A
    • “The main involvement in this program is with recording data, helping with tagging, removing debris from the beach to ensure clear passage for adult and baby turtles and also to assist in egg relocation.”
    • The answer A can only be recognised if you are good with paraphrasing. The word “rubbish” is a synonym of “debris”. Also “to clear the beach” is a paraphrase for “removing debris to ensure a clear passage”.
    • B is not the answer because the recording shows that eggs are relocated (not baby turtles). This option is checking to make sure you are not trying to match words “relocation”.
    • C is not possible because at no time are turtles assisted in being able to move.

.

MORE LISTENING FOR IELTS

Multiple Choice Listening Techniques and more Practice

IELTS Listening for Maps

ALL PRACTICE LESSONS & TIPS FOR IELTS LISTENING

FREE SUBSCRIBE

Subscribe to get new lessons & tips by email.

.

Filed Under: IELTS Listening

IELTS Table & Pie Charts Model Answer

by 144 Comments

The IELTS table and pie chart below have been reported twice in the IELTS writing task 1 test and this task is likely to appear again.. The topic is the imports of fish to the US from various countries and the value of these imports.

Note: The writing task 1 below is a reproduction of the original IELTS task 1 by an IELTS candidate. This means details will vary from the original. Even so, it gives a great chance to practise multiple tasks.

IELTS Writing Task 1: Table & Pie Charts 

IELTS writing task 1 (academic) test. This task is slightly different to the one featured in my video (Introduction Paragraph in Writing Task 1). Note that is it about value and not cost.

********

Model Answer Exercise: IELTS Table & 3 Pie Charts

.

********

FULL MODEL ANSWER – IELTS TABLE & 3 PIE CHARTS

Click below to reveal the full model answer with some examiner comments.

MODEL ANSWER

IELTS Model Answer: Table & 3 Pie Charts

The table shows the value of fish (in billions of dollars) that was imported to the US in 1988, 1992 and 2000, while the three pie charts illustrate the proportion of fish that the US brought in from China, Canada and other countries in the same three years.

Overall, the value of imports rose by just under double over the period given. At the start of the period, the US imported fish predominantly from Canada but, by 1992 other countries became the main source.

Regarding the table, the value of imports started at $6.57 billion in the first year, increasing to $8.52 in 1992 and reaching $10.72 in the last year.

In terms of the source of fish importation, Canada supplied the overwhelming majority in 1988 (60%) compared to China and other countries which provided only 13% and 27% respectively. The imports from Canada then proceeded to fall to 28% in the final year. Conversely, by 1992, other countries had replaced Canada as the main supplier and made up 46% of all imports in 1992 and 42% by 2000. Likewise, imports from China rose over the period to reach 30% in 2000.

Examiner Comment: Vocabulary is accurate and flexible. Paraphrase for the topic vocabulary =fish importation, provided, supplied, suppliers. Please note that the topic vocabulary provided by IELTS was also used and this is fine. Sentences are complex and accurate. The writer offers a good range of sentence structures and linking words (while, overall, regarding, in terms of, compared to, likewise, on the other hand). The overview statement is easy to find and contains the key features for both table and charts. Details are well organised into logical body paragraphs. It is fine that body paragraphs are not of equal length in report writing. This is estimated at band 9.

.

RECOMMENDED FOR YOU

For more model answers and multiple tasks for IELTS Writing Task 1:

Note: GT candidates are not given such tasks. GT writing task 1 is a letter only. Click here: Essential Tips for IELTS GT Letter

FREE SUBSCRIBE

Subscribe to get new lessons & tips by email.

Filed Under: IELTS Writing Task 1 Tagged With: , ,
error: Content is protected !!