IELTS Tips and Sample Tests

Task 2 is usually an open-ended question that will ask you to compare or contrast, state advantages and disadvantages, or state whether you agree or disagree with a point of view. You are required to write 250 words. Tips: Make sure you understand the question and answer it completely. This task can be completed in 4-5 paragraphs: Paragraph 1: Paraphrase the question and state what you are going to write about, your opinion. Paragraph 2-4: State your points and give reasons to back your opinions. Paragraph 5-Summarize your point and write a brief conclusion. Make sure you write 250 words and…

Below are two sample essays, with scores and critiques from an actual IELTS examiner. Question:  In some countries, young people are encouraged to work or travel for a year between finishing high school and starting university.  Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of taking a gap year before starting university. (Word requirement:  250 words) Essay 1 About education, every countries have their own customs.  In some countries, parents often encourage their children go traveling after finishing high school; however, some prefer their children keep studying.  Let’s see what’s the advantages and disadvantages for youngers to do. If people choose to work

Below are two sample essays, with scores and critiques from an actual IELTS examiner. Question:  Universities should accept equal numbers of male and female students in every subject.  To what extent do you agree or disagree? (Word Requirement:  250 words) Essay 1 Looking back on the last two generations, our parents receive the education system that is regulated to include both sexes.  The pre-organized mechanism allows both male and female students to understand each other better as well as to create a better environment for the students to come up with a variety of solutions when facing difficulties.  Therefore, I

Task 1 is usually a bar chart, graph, or flow chart and you are asked to describe the chart and point out the most prominent details. You are required to write a minimum of 150 words. Tips: This task only requires 150 words; therefore, try to only spend 20 minutes writing because it does not carry as much weight as Task 2. You should be able to complete this task in about 3-4 paragraphs: Paragraph 1: Describe the graph or chart. Paragraph 2/3: Give a general description of the details, and point out those that are most significant. Last Paragraph:

In the first section of the IELTS speaking test, the examiner will ask 3-4 questions about 1 topic.  You will normally be asked about 3 different topics. Download lesson as pdf Tip:  Never give one-word answers.  Always give a reason for your answer; do not make the examiner ask you, “Why?” Example:  Do you spend a lot of time outdoors? Answer:  Yes, I do go outside a lot because I enjoy taking walks and breathing fresh air. Vocabulary Building-Warm-Up Look at the following categories.  Choose a letter and try to think of as many words as possible that are related

In the first section of the IELTS speaking test the examiner will ask 3-4 questions about 1 topic.  You will normally be asked about 3 different topics. Download lesson as pdf Tip:  Never give memorized answers.  Try to speak naturally without sounding like you have memorized a speech. Example:  Do you enjoy your studies? Answer:  Yes, I do because this is a field that has continually inspired me since my childhood. Vocabulary Building-Warm-Up Look at the following categories.  Choose a letter and try to think of as many words as possible that are related to each category. Example: Letter:  T

During the IELTS speaking test, the examiner is listening to your ability to make complex sentences.  You can make a complex sentence using keywords to combine a dependent clause and an independent clause. This unit will focus on the function of time when answering questions in part 1 of the speaking test. Download lesson as pdf Tip:  When answering questions, always tell the truth, don’t make up a story.  If the examiner asks you a question about a topic that you are not familiar with, explain that you have never experienced this topic and talk about something related to it.