Essential vocabulary for Academic Writing Task 1

A guide on useful vocabulary to describe different types of graphs in the Academic Task 1 question.  There are also example graphs with example sentences so that you can use this new vocabulary accurately.

Coming soon...Watch out for more in this series on how to answer the Task 1.

 

Try not to panic!!!!

Many students have told me how missing an answer in the listening exam causes them to panic, and as a result, they can't concentrate on the following questions.  Because you only get one chance to listen there is a lot of pressure on you. 

The most important thing to realize is that missing one answer in the exam is not the end of the world (unless of course you are aiming to score 9!). 

1. First of all check out how many approximate, correct answers you need  in order to get the IELTS score you require.  
2. Next, you could work out which question types you are good at, and which you aren't.  This helps you to rationalize and focus on your strengths - try to get as many correct answers as possible with those questions you are good at. 
3. Also, you need to realize that the listening exam starts easy and gets harder.  So my advice to students, depending on the IELTS score you are aiming for, is to work out the percentage of correct answers you can achieve in each section.  For example, you should try to get 100% correct answers from section 1 as it is the easiest section.  However, you could aim for approximately 40-50% correct answers in section 4 (if you have answered most of the other sections well and need 6.5).  In order to make these kinds of calculations you need to have practised a few tests and worked out what you can or need to achieve from each section.
4. Finally, if you miss an answer don't panic.  Accept that this answer is lost.  Take a deep breath and try to focus on which question you should be listening for now.  Missing an answer is OK as long as you don't let this situation get out of control and lead to you missing another 3 or 4 answers.

How to answer the IELTS Speaking Part 3 questions

In this part of the exam you have to answer discussion questions that may be related in some way to the topic you have just talked about in part 2.  In order to answer these questions well you of course need to practice.  However, you also need to think about what kind of grammar, vocabulary and linking phrases to use to present your ideas clearly.  And you need to understand the questions!!!  Take a look at the guide below and listen to an IELTS teacher answering some questions.
 

IELTS Speaking Part 2 - the 2 minute topic

How to Prepare for the IELTS exam Speaking Part 2

The BEST LAST MINUTE tips for the IELTS speaking exam

The last in the series of last minute tips...

The BEST Last Minute Tips for the IELTS Speaking exam

The BEST LAST MINUTE tips for the IELTS writing exam

Here are some last minute tips I share with my students just before they take their exam.  There is so much advice you can try and give to people but I find that these tips cover the typical mistakes they have made during the course.  I hope they help you too.

The BEST Last Minute Tips for the IELTS Writing exam

Are you taking the IELTS exam this week?

Check out these last minute tips for the IELTS Reading exam.

The Best Last Minute Tips for Reading

Essay Correction Service

Now available on my website - an IELTS essay correction service. Click here for details

Are you taking your IELTS exam this week?

Here are some great ideas to help you with the Listening exam...

The Best Last Minute Tips for the IELTS Listening exam

A sample IELTS essay with a score of 8

Here's an essay from one of my students. I've corrected it and you can see my comments. Overall I gave him a score of 8.

A sample IELTS essay scoring 8

Essay Planning 4 - writing conclusions

It's the final part in the series on essay writing for IELTS. Instructions on how to write a concluding paragraph with 3 IELTS essays to read.

Essay Planning 4 Conclusions 1

How to prepare for the IELTS exam Speaking Part 2

Finally some advice on how to do the IELTS exam Speaking Part 2.  This is where you have 1 minute to prepare yourself for a topic, and then you speak for 2 minutes without any interruptions from the examiner.  If you want to do well in this section of course you need to practice, practice, practice.  But what does that mean?

Take a look at my new document and also listen to a native speaker doing the task.
How to Prepare for the IELTS exam Speaking Part 2

Congratulations Erkan!!!!

Another very successful IELTS student from my class.  These results are brilliant - especially the reading - I'm speechless! 

Reading     9
Listening   7.5
Writing      7.5
Speaking   7

Overall      8

You worked hard Erkan and fully deserve the results you got - I'm very proud of you. 

Essay Planning 3

Here's the third part in my essay writing series -
How to write Introduction paragraphs for your IELTS essay.
There's a simple formula to follow which works every time.  And take a look at the examples I give with real IELTS questions asked in May and June 2010.

Looking for a speaking partner?

One new student signed up yesterday. He's looking for another student who wants to practice speaking for the IELTS exam. Click on the link below to go to the Discussions page on My IELTS Teacher facebook page. The more people who join the more chances you have to practice.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/my-IELTS-teacher/137878029571114?v=app_2373072738&ref=sgm

Essay Planning 2: From brainstorming to writing paragraphs

So how do use your notes to plan and write main paragraphs in your IELTS essay?  Take a look at how I developed the ideas on an essay on school subjects.

IELTS exam Essay Planning 1: Brainstorming

Before you write an essay you need to think of ideas - this is brainstorming.

When you read the essay question in the IELTS exam you should find the key words and put a circle around them - this helps to keep you focused on the question. If you don't do this you might find you move away from the topic, or you forget to include something in your answer.

Have a look at my brainstorming plans for a recent IELTS exam question:

Essay Planning 1 Brainstorming 1

Congratulations Sezin

One of my IELTS students emailed me this week to tell me her great news - an IELTS result of 7.5!  Well done Sezin.

Her level on entering my class was Advanced.  However, in her first trial reading test she could only achieve a result of 5, and in a practice speaking test she achieved 6.5. 

But all credit to Sezin she worked very hard, listened to my advice and personal feedback, and now she has the following results:
Listening   7.5
Reading    7
Writing     6.5
Speaking  8

This is why I love being a teacher!

FREE DOWNLOAD!

An exciting new addition to my web page.  Now you can download a FREE 28-page document which gives advice on how to improve your level and so help you to achieve the IELTS score you want.

Best of all, none of these tips will cost you any extra because most of what you need is available free on the Internet. 

Take a look now at www.myieltsteacher.com.  All you need to do is provide your name and email address and then the document is yours.  And when you sign up to receive the document you are also automatically added to my ielts teacher newsletter service.  This is a regular email service (free of course) that gives students more advice on how to take the IELTS exam.

More help from my web page

If you want more help with your IELTS exam preparation take a look at my web page. There are also practice tests for all parts of the exam and you can even calculate your approximate IELTS score!

Just click on the title above to go straight to my web page or type in www.myieltsteacher.com