Simone Braverman's Blog: IELTS-Blog.com, page 111
May 16, 2021
IELTS test in Kazakhstan – May 2021 (Academic Module)
Thanks to our lovely friend I.K. we know this much about the recent IELTS questions in Kazakhstan:
Reading test
Passage 1. An article about Lichen (a composite organism).
Passage 2. About legal protection and personhood rights of Apes.
Passage 3. An article about history and the culture of storytelling.
Writing test
Writing task 1 (a report)
We were given a table and a line graph describing the different age groups of people who visited cinemas between 1994 and 2002 in Australia.
Writing task 2 (an essay)
Some people think that food is one of the most fundamental economic products and should be mostly produced by each country for its own consumption, with only minimal export of products to other countries. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement? Give your own opinion and relevant examples.
Speaking test
Part 1 (Interview)
– What is your full name?
– Can I see your ID?
– Where are you from?
– Do you work or study?
– What do you study?
– What helps you in your study?
– What techniques do you use in your study?
– Do you like driving a car?
– Do you like long car trips? Why?
– What was your longest trip?
– Did you go by yourself or with friends?
Part 2 (Cue Card)
Describe an event in which you were unsuccessful. Please say
– What was the situation?
– When did it happen?
– Why do you think it happened?
– What did you do about it?
Part 3 (Discussion)
– Will you try to do better next time?
– Why do you think teenagers try to be polite?
– Do you think goals are necessary to achieve success?
– Is it OK to give up? Why?
– Does hard work guarantee success?
– Why do you think so?
[image error]
May 13, 2021
IELTS test in Qatar – April 2021 (General Training)
Our friend B.F. took her IELTS test in Qatar and remembered the following questions:
Writing test
Writing task 1 (a letter)
Write a letter to your neighbour to ask him/her to take care of your house while you are away for a week on holidays. Please say
– Explain where you are going and why.
– What do you need him/her to do?
– What should he/she do in case of emergency?
Writing task 2 (an essay)
The adverse effect of sugar on health is well known to the public now. Some believe that the government should control the amount of sugar people consume. Others think that it is the responsibility of an individual to monitor their sugar intake. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Speaking test
Part 1 (Interview)
– What is your full name?
– Can I see your ID?
– Where are you from?
– Do you work or study
– What do you do?
– Do you live in an apartment or a house?
– Describe the view from your apartment.
– Do you like it? Why?
– Have you ever been to a farmhouse?
– Do you like farmhouses?
– What is so good about them?
Part 2 (Cue Card)
Talk about your favorite toy as a child. Please say
– What toy was it?
– When did you get it?
– Who gave it to you?
– And explain why it was your favorite toy.
Part 3 (Discussion)
– Do you think physical exercises should be excluded from secondary school curriculum?
– Why do you think so?
– What are the main benefits of physical exercises?
– Will you encourage your children to exercise?
May 12, 2021
IELTS test in the UK – April 2021 (Academic Module)
Our friend H.K. shared the questions she remembered from a recent IELTS exam in the UK – thanks H.K!
Reading test
Passage 1. About music and emotions.
Passage 2. The effects of climate on economy.
Passage 3. About green or living roofs covered by vegetation.
Writing test
Writing task 1 (a report)
We were given a table describing the consumption of three basic primary foods in four different countries: Cambodia, Egypt, Mexico and Poland. The consumption figures were given in calories per person per day. The three basic foods were wheat, rice and maize.
Writing task 2 (an essay)
Some people believe that it is important to spend money on family celebrations such as weddings and birthdays, while others think this is a waste of money. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Speaking test
Part 1 (Interview)
– What is your full name?
– Can I see your ID?
– Where are you from?
– Do you work or study?
– What do you study?
– Let’s talk about the place where you live now.
– Where is it?
– Do you like the area?
– Is it a good place for children?
– Let’s talk about concentration.
– Are you good at concentrating on things or tasks?
– What do you do to concentrate?
– Is it easy for you to concentrate when you study?
– Let’s talk about making lists.
– Do you prefer to make a list when you go shopping?
– Do you make paper lists or use your phone for it?
– Why don’t some people like making lists?
Part 2 (Cue Card)
Describe a music event that you have attended but didn’t like the music. Please say
– When and where was it?
– Who were there with you?
– Explain why you didn’t like the music.
Part 3 (Discussion)
– Do you go to such events regularly?
– Do you think music should be taught at school?
– What music do you like?
– Why is music played in shopping malls?
– Does it have an impact on shoppers?
– Does it increase the sales?
– Do you think music can change the mood?
– Why is music played in gyms?
– Do you think music tells anything about the culture of a country?
[image error]
[image error]
May 11, 2021
IELTS essay, topic: Some say that new homes should be constructed in existing cities while others argue that new towns should be built (advantages/disadvantages)
Many countries are experiencing population growth and need to build more homes. Some say that new homes should be constructed in existing cities while others argue that new towns should be built to accommodate the growing population. What are the advantages and disadvantages of these points of view?
Sample Band 8 Essay
In the past two decades, there has been an exponential increase in the migration of people to different cities and countries, indirectly resulting in a considerable infrastructure development. However, there has been a long-standing debate on whether to direct these infrastructure projects to current cities or establish new counties. Careful consideration of both alternatives reveals that each has its positives and negatives.
One of the major advantages of focusing on current cities for new construction is that it would benefit the residents of the cities in multiple ways. Tenants living in Vancouver would prefer to buy a newly constructed house in the city where they work rather than in a new town, to reduce their commute time. Moreover, the city has everything they desire such as efficient public transport, thriving job market and affordable healthcare. This would not be possible in new towns because of the time it takes to establish services and generate opportunities for people.
On the other hand, accommodating people in houses built in newly created towns would put them in a pollution-free and clean environment. This is because new towns may take at least 10 years of time to become an attractive spot for people and industries alike. As a result, their exposure to harmful emissions from industrial plants and transportation is reduced, shielding them from the risks of acquiring health complications. A recent report released by the word Health Organization (WHO) suggests that the number of people affected by airborne infections is 20% higher in cities compared to new towns that were formed just a couple of years ago.
In conclusion, while there are both positive and negative aspects to these views, the decision on where to build the new homes to accommodate increasing population will depend on many other factors as well. Therefore, a thorough assessment is required before starting an infrastructure project.
Teacher’s comment: The writer discussed both sides of the argument and presented relevant examples. This essay has good structure, main ideas are organized well and conveyed coherently. The writer has a good range of vocabulary and has demonstrated strong knowledge of grammar. Overall, this is a very good essay and seems worthy of Band 8
Click here to see more IELTS essays of Band 8
Related posts:IELTS Essay, topic: In some countries private cars are now banned from city centres (advantages / disadvantages) This is a model response to a Writing Task 2...IELTS essay, topic: should children grow up in the city or countryside (advantages/disadvantages)? Some people think it is better for children to grown...IELTS essay, topic: Many museums charge for admission while others are free. Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages? Many museums charge for admission while others are free. Do...IELTS essay, topic: Nowadays many people choose ready-made food and refuse to cook at home, why and what are the advantages/disadvantages? Nowadays many people choose ready-made food and refuse to cook...IELTS essay, topic: The advantages and disadvantages of studying in another country Every year an increasing number of students choose to go...
May 10, 2021
IELTS Speaking test in Nepal – April 2021
Our kind friend N took IELTS in Nepal recently and remembered the Speaking questions below:
Speaking test
Part 1 (Interview)
– What is your full name?
– Can I see your ID?
– Where are you from?
– Do you work or study?
– What is your major subject?
– Why did you choose it?
– What do you want to do in the future?
– Let’s talk about concentration.
– How well could you concentrate when you were little?
– How often do you have to concentrate these days?
– What are your difficulties while concentrating? Why?
– What do you do to prevent it?
– When do you feel the need for concentration the most?
– What do you do on weekends?
– What are best places to visit in your city?
– How often do you go to movies?
– Why is that?
Part 2 (Cue Card)
Describe a time when you saw a child behaving badly in public. Please say
– Where were you?
– What was the child doing?
– What did his/her parents do?
– How did you feel about it?
Part 3 (Discussion)
– Why do children behave badly in public places sometimes?
– How do children learn this behaviour?
– What can parents do to prevent such behaviour?
– Is there a shift in parents’ attitude toward their children these days, compared to the past?
– Why do you think it is happening?
– Did laws make parents behave this way?
– Do people behave ethically all the time these days?
– What are the main reasons for it?
May 9, 2021
IELTS test in Nigeria – April 2021 (Academic Module)
A big thank-you goes to N.M. for these questions from a recent IELTS exam in Nigeria:
Writing test
Writing task 1 (a report)
We were given a bar chart showing the percentage of UK population consuming a recommended amount of fruits and vegetables in 2006, 2010 and 2012.
Writing task 2 (an essay)
Nowadays young people mostly learn by reading books or watching movies and TV shows, rather than personal experience. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement? Give reasons for your answer and include relevant examples from your knowledge and experience.
Speaking test
Part 1 (Interview)
– What is your full name?
– Can I see your ID?
– Where are you from?
– Do you work or study?
– What do you do for work?
– Do you like your job?
– Do you think your profession will change in the future?
– Why do you think so?
Part 2 (Cue Card)
Talk about a time when you received some good news. Please say
– What was the news?
– When and where did it happen?
– Who was there with you?
– How did you feel about it later?
Part 3 (Discussion)
– Let’s talk about ways news is spread.
– How do people share good news?
– Do you think good news should be shared face to face?
– Why do you think so?
– How did people share good or bad news in the past?
– How can the Internet help to spread the news?
– How can the Internet influence a company to be better in business?
May 6, 2021
Talk about a time you had to learn the words of something (model answers for Speaking Part 2 & 3)
In today’s IELTS Speaking lesson Adam is going to help you do really well, if you get this topic in your Speaking test. Adam spent 10 years examining IELTS candidates for the British Council and he is the best person to tell you how to answer Speaking Part 2 and Part 3 questions related to this topic.
You will learn:
– What you can talk about (it doesn’t have to be a poem or a song!)
– What expressions and grammar would work well for this question
– What a good Speaking Part 2 answer should look like (a full 2-minute demonstration from Adam!)
– What Part 3 questions the examiner might ask you if you’re a weak Band 6 or a solid Band 7+. That’s right, people on different levels get different groups of questions!
So, grab a pen and paper and give Adam your undivided attention for the next 15 minutes. It will be REALLY good for your IELTS score!
Watch the video on YouTube here
Go here to get Adam to assess your Speaking, estimate you the score you’re likely to get now and tell you how to score higher.
The Part 2 topic Adam talks about in this lesson is,
Describe a time you had to learn the words of something (e.g. a poem or a song) and then say or sing it from memory. You should say:
– Where you were
– Who was listening to you
– What you had to say or sing,
– And explain how you felt about saying or singing something you had learnt.
As you know, Speaking Part 2 and Part 3 questions are related, so Adam continues to give you the Part 3 questions that the examiner might ask. He also gives you model answers for all the questions.
The Part 3 questions Adam talks about are below. For every question Adam suggests an answer, including some great expressions and impressive vocabulary.
Speaking Part 3 questions
Band 6 or lower questions – if you get these, your examiner thinks you’re a Band 6.
– Why do you think it’s true that most young children enjoy learning songs and poems?
– Do you think it’s easier to remember the words to something as a child and more difficult when we become adults?
– Do you think learning songs and poems is a waste of time?
Band 7 or higher questions – if you get these, your examiner thinks you’re a Band 7+ candidate.
– How practical is it for younger students to learn facts about the world (e.g. dates in history)?
– Are there any techniques that schoolchildren can use to remember new information more easily?
– How important do you think it is to teach young students to find and check information for themselves?
– Let’s talk about the value of knowledge.
– Do you think it’s a good idea to use public money for funding museums?
– Do you think it is true that each generation must depend on the knowledge passed on from previous generations?
– Which would benefit a society more, more people with a broad general knowledge or more people with specialized knowledge?
Enjoy the lesson, give it a thumbs up and leave a comment to tell me what you think!
Related posts:Talk about a person who openly expresses their feelings (model answers for Speaking Part 2 & 3) In today’s IELTS Speaking lesson Adam, our Speaking examiner who...IELTS essay on Advertising to Children – ideas, vocabulary, grammar and model answer (video) Have you ever heard of the writer’s block? It is...How to get Band 7+ in IELTS Speaking (video lesson #1) This video lesson will make life so much easier for...Free online course to improve your score – what you will learn Some of you may already know that we have been...IELTS grammar: how to remember the difference between Simple Present and Present Continuous Today’s lesson will teach you two things – the difference...
May 5, 2021
IELTS test in Canada – April 2021 (General Training)
Thanks to our lovely Instagram follower R. K. from Canada, we are sharing the most recent IELTS questions he sent:
Listening test
Part 1. A conversion about renting a car for a trip.
Part 2. About benefits of walking and proper ways to do it.
Part 3. A conversation between a student and a professor about a survey on job absences conducted by the student.
Part 4. The process of wood carving.
Reading test
Passage 1. About the process of hiring people for a job.
Passage 2. Don’t remember.
Passage 3. About the Great Fire of London in 1966.
Writing test
Writing task 1 (a letter)
You have recently attended a two-day course, and now the course organiser is asking for your review and comments. Write a letter to the course organiser, in your letter
– Describe the course
– Explain whether or not you liked the course, and why
– Provide some suggestions for improvement.
Writing task 2 (an essay)
Nowadays many mothers take care of the family and don’t go out to work. Some people believe they should be given salaries by the government. Do you agree or disagree?
Related posts:IELTS test in Canada – March 2021 (General Training) These questions were shared by A.K. who took the computer-delivered...IELTS test in Canada – March 2021 (General Training) Thanks to our wonderful friend A.K. we are sharing the...IELTS test in India – April 2021 (General Training) Our kind friend G.M. recently took IELTS in India and...IELTS test in Canada – April 2018 (General Training) When M took the IELTS exam in Canada the following...IELTS test in Canada – April 2021 (Academic Module) Our lovely friend K.K. shared the questions from a recent...
May 4, 2021
IELTS essay, topic: Households should have a government-imposed limit on the amount of rubbish they produce (agree/disagree)
This is a model response to a Writing Task 2 topic from High Scorer’s Choice IELTS Practice Tests book series (reprinted with permission). This answer is close to IELTS Band 9.
Set 4 General Training book, Practice Test 17
Writing Task 2
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Every household should have a government-imposed limit on the amount of rubbish it can throw away. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your knowledge or experience.
You should write at least 250 words.
Sample Band 9 Essay
The amount of waste people produce can be quite shocking, with every person generating kilograms of rubbish in a single day, and all this can be difficult to manage. This has given some people the idea that there should be a limitation on the amount of rubbish produced per household; however, opinions are divided as to whether this would be the the most effective option.
Having a limitation on the amount of waste produced sounds like a fine solution to a significant problem, with over two hundred and fifty million tons being generated in 2016 by the U.S. alone. Taxing households that break limits would push people to produce less waste and make them more mindful of what can be recycled or composted. However, forcing people to produce less waste might not be attainable.
Households produce as much waste as they need to live their lifestyles. The waste people generate is only a result of the products they purchase, and will most likely wish to continue to purchase. Taxing people may be a cause of resentment, with many of them already struggling to pay their usual bills. In addition, if people produce more than they are allowed, this will encourage littering and dumping, so that they are not caught with more waste than entitled, and this in turn will damage the environment.
Though controlling the amount of waste produced is important, there could be other ways of encouraging lesser output. In my opinion, governments should encourage composting and recycling, which will also reduce wasted material. People should also be more aware of what waste they produce and how it can be reduced. An education drive on these issues would perhaps be more likely to succeed in reducing rubbish than imposing limitations.
Go here for more IELTS Band 9 Essays
Related posts:IELTS essay, topic: Some people think that public health in a country can be improved by government making laws regarding nutritious food (agree/disagree). Some people think that public health within a country can...IELTS Band 9 essay, topic: Schools should teach their students how to survive financially in the world today (agree/disagree) This is a model response to a Writing Task 2...IELTS essay, topic: Athletes and entertainers’ enormous salaries reflect our dependence on entertainment (agree/disagree) This is a model response to a Writing Task 2...IELTS Band 9 essay, topic: Some people believe that everyone has a right to access to the Internet and governments should provide it free (agree/disagree) This is a model response to a Writing Task 2...IELTS Essay, topic: Some people believe that the problem of illegal drugs can be solved by legalising all drugs (agree/disagree) This is a model response to a Writing Task 2...
May 3, 2021
IELTS Speaking test in India – April 2021
A big thank-you goes to D.P. who remembered the Speaking questions from a recent IELTS exam in India:
Speaking test
Part 1 (Interview)
– What is your full name?
– Can I see your ID?
– Where are you from?
– Do you work or study?
– What do you study?
– Why did you choose this field?
– Do you like sport?
– What sport do you like the most?
– Do you like watching sports games?
– Let’s talk about culture.
– What are the main cultural standards in your country?
– What are the differences in young and old people’s attitude toward life?
– Do older people see life differently?
– Why is it so?
Part 2 (Cue Card)
Talk about a concert or an event that you disliked, but had to stay until the end. Please say
– What and where was it?
– Why did you have to stay?
– How did you feel about it later?
Part 3 (Discussion)
– What is the difference between a speaker and a listener?
– How can a speaker attract his/her listeners?
– What does usually happen when someone doesn’t listen carefully?
– Why is hearing important in a person’s life?
– Who does better as a speaker, men or women?
– How can a speaker gauge their listeners’ reaction?
– How can a speaker make sure the listeners are paying attention?
IELTS-Blog.com
- Simone Braverman's profile
- 52 followers
