Simone Braverman's Blog: IELTS-Blog.com, page 27

IELTS Speaking questions from India – October 2024

Our lovely student PK was asked the following Speaking questions in her recent IELTS exam in India:

Speaking test

Part 1 (Interview)

– What is your full name?
– Where are you from?
– Do you work or study?
– What is the most enjoyable thing about your work?
– Would you rather work from home or at the office?
– Do you prefer to work in a team or on your own?
– Is there any other type of work you would enjoy doing?
– Are you a calm person?
– What is your favourite way to relax?
– Does exercise help you feel more relaxed?

Part 2 (Cue Card)

Describe a crowded place you visited recently. You should say

– where it was
– when it was
– who was there with you

and explain how you felt about being in that crowded place.

Part 3 (Discussion)

– What places are usually crowded in your country?
– Do you think most people like being in crowded places?
– Do many people behave differently when they are in a crowded place?
– How do you think people feel while making their way through the crowd?
– Do you think crowded places are caused by poor city design?
– What does good city design involve?
– What are the advantages of a well-designed city?

The post IELTS Speaking questions from India – October 2024 first appeared on IELTS-Blog.

Related posts:IELTS Speaking questions from India – May 2024 Our student took IELTS in India quite recently and remembered...IELTS Speaking questions from India – May 2024 A lovely student shared these Speaking questions after a very...New IELTS Speaking questions from India – June 2024 A very kind test taker K from India shared her...New IELTS Speaking questions from India – July 2024 Many thanks to the lovely K.B. for sharing these recent...IELTS Speaking questions from India – August 2024 Thanks to our kind friend P today we are sharing...

Latest IELTS questions from Taiwan – October 2024 (Academic Module)

Thanks to the generous contribution by our student from Taiwan, here are the writing questions from his recent IELTS exam:

Writing test

Writing task 1 (a report)

The table below shows the water consumption percentages in four countries by different sectors (households, industry and agriculture).

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

* Note: this isn’t the original table given in the test, it was recreated for the purpose of demonstration.

Writing task 2 (an essay)

Some believe that watching the news on TV and reading newspapers is a waste of time because the news has no relevance to people’s lives. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Give reasons for your answer and include relevant examples from your knowledge or experience.

Read a Model Answer here

The post Latest IELTS questions from Taiwan – October 2024 (Academic Module) first appeared on IELTS-Blog.

Related posts:Latest IELTS questions from Taiwan – April 2024 (Academic Module) Our student A has taken IELTS in Taiwan very recently...Latest IELTS Speaking questions from Taiwan – April 2024 Our student A remembered the following questions from her recent...Latest IELTS questions from India – May 2024 (Academic Module) Our student B took IELTS in India and remembered the...Latest IELTS questions from Italy – May 2024 (Academic Module) Our student FN took IELTS in Italy and remembered the...Latest IELTS questions from Sri Lanka – May 2024 (Academic Module) Our student KK shared the writing questions from a recent...

IELTS Speaking questions from Canada – October 2024

Thanks to our kind subscriber GS, here are the latest Speaking questions he was asked in his recent IELTS exam in Canada:

Speaking test

Part 1 (Interview)

– What is your full name?
– Where are you from?
– Do you work or study?
– Are you an intensive or extensive reader?
– Where do you like to read?
– What is a good book to you?
– Do you think a good book needs a plot twist?
– What kind of weather do you like?
– Why do you enjoy this kind of weather?
– Does the weather affect your mood? In what way?

Part 2 (Cue Card)

Describe a person you know who has a medical career (e.g. a doctor or a nurse). You should say

– who he/she is
– what he/she does
– why he/she chose a medical career

and explain how you feel about him/her.

Part 3 (Discussion)

– Who plays a more important role, doctors or nurses?
– Do you think that doctors and nurses are paid well?
– How important are nurses in hospitals?
– What challenges do people in medical careers face in your country?
– What qualities are important to succeed in the medical profession?
– Who experiences more stress in their job, doctors or nurses?

The post IELTS Speaking questions from Canada – October 2024 first appeared on IELTS-Blog.

Related posts:New IELTS Speaking questions from Canada – May 2024 Our student TM took IELTS in Canada quite recently and...IELTS Speaking questions from Canada – May 2024 Thanks to the amazing K.H. here are the questions she...IELTS Speaking questions from Canada – March 2024 Our student took IELTS in Canada quite recently and remembered...IELTS Speaking questions from Canada – March 2024 Our student took IELTS in Canada quite recently and remembered...IELTS Speaking questions from Canada – September 2024 The Speaking questions below were shared by our Indian student...

Latest IELTS questions from India – September 2024 (Academic Module)

The writing questions below were shared by a recent test taker from India (thanks, MK!):

Writing test

Writing task 1 (a report)

The graph below shows the average time it takes four car manufacturers to produce vehicles at their US factories.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

* Note: this isn’t the original graph given in the test, it was recreated for the purpose of demonstration.

Writing task 2 (an essay)

Many young people do not enjoy competitive sports because they are afraid of losing. For that reason, youth sports competitions should be banned. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Give reasons for your answer and include relevant examples from your knowledge or experience.

The post Latest IELTS questions from India – September 2024 (Academic Module) first appeared on IELTS-Blog.

Related posts:Latest IELTS questions from India – January 2024 (Academic Module) Our subscriber MS told us about her IELTS exam in...Latest IELTS questions from India – July 2024 (Academic Module) A student who took IELTS in India has kindly shared...Latest IELTS questions from India – August 2024 (Academic Module) Thanks to the contribution by our Indian student, here are...Latest IELTS questions from the UK – September 2024 (Academic Module) Our generous student from the UK shared these recent writing...Latest IELTS questions from Canada – September 2024 (Academic Module) Thanks to our kind student from Canada, here are the...

IELTS Speaking questions from India – September 2024

Thanks to the kind contribution by MK, here are the latest Speaking questions he was asked in his recent IELTS exam in India:

Speaking test

Part 1 (Interview)

– What is your full name?
– Where are you from?
– What do you do for a living?
– How did you choose your current job or profession?
– What do you enjoy most about your work?
– Are there any challenges you face in your job?
– Do you think you will continue working in this field in the future?
– How do you balance your work and personal life?
– If you could change one thing about your job, what would it be?

Part 2 (Cue Card)

Describe a new law you would like to introduce in your country. You should say

– what the law would be
– why you think this law is necessary
– whether or not it would be popular

and explain what the benefits of this new law would be.

Part 3 (Discussion)

– Do you think it’s important to teach children about rules and laws? Why or why not?
– At what age do you think children should start learning about laws and rules, and why?
– Should it be compulsory for children to know the laws?
– How do you think children feel when they see someone breaking a rule or law?
– Should children be taught what to do if they see someone breaking the law?
– Should it be mandatory for schools to teach students about rules and laws? Why or why not?

The post IELTS Speaking questions from India – September 2024 first appeared on IELTS-Blog.

Related posts:IELTS Speaking questions from India – September 2024 The Speaking questions below were shared by our Indian student...IELTS Speaking questions from the UK – September 2024 Our generous student from the UK remembered the following Speaking...IELTS Speaking questions from Nigeria – September 2024 A kind test taker from Nigeria remembered the following Speaking...IELTS Speaking questions from Canada – September 2024 The Speaking questions below were shared by our Indian student...Latest IELTS questions in India – September 2024 (General Training) Our student took IELTS in India and remembered the following...

5 serious mistakes in IELTS essay that come between you and Band 7+

These 5 mistakes stop people from reaching a Band 7. Can you see any of these in your writing?

1. Not paraphrasing the task statement

Rephrase the task question in your own words to demonstrate that you’ve understood it. Using synonyms and changing the sentence structure helps. For example, if the task says, “Some people believe that too much money is spent on protecting animals and their habitats. To what extent do you agree?” you could paraphrase it as “Many argue that wildlife protection is too costly”.

2. Not answering all parts of the question

The task often has multiple parts—make sure you address each one clearly. If you miss a part, you’ll lose marks for Task Response. For example, if the question asks about both the advantages and disadvantages of a topic, make sure you discuss both. Ignoring one part could cost you points.

3. Not starting every paragraph with a topic sentence

A topic sentence sets the tone for the paragraph and keeps it focused. Without it, your writing may lack direction. For example, if your paragraph is about the benefits of exercise, your topic sentence could be: “One major advantage of regular exercise is its positive impact on physical health.” This makes it clear what the paragraph will focus on.

4. Listing too many ideas, but not developing them

Instead of throwing out a bunch of ideas without much detail, practice in writing about two key points per paragraph, and back them up with explanations and examples. This adds depth to your argument.

5. Writing paragraphs that are too long or too short

Some students write huge paragraphs because they try to cram in too much information without breaking it up. Others just randomly divide their essay into very short ones because they don’t understand the purpose of paragraphing. Find a balance – each paragraph should focus on one main point with enough detail to explain it clearly.

Check your next essay for these 5 mistakes and rewrite it, if necessary – this is the fastest way to raise your score. It will put you on the right track to score a Band 7 or above!

Which of these mistakes can you find in your own essay? Let me know in the comments!

The post 5 serious mistakes in IELTS essay that come between you and Band 7+ first appeared on IELTS-Blog.

Related posts:5 Mistakes in IELTS writing that keep you from scoring a Band 7 You probably don’t want to hear this, but… It’s not...The 3 Mistakes in IELTS Speaking That Kill Your Score Different mistakes have a different effect on your IELTS score...Stuck on Your IELTS Essay? How to Get Unstuck If you are getting stuck trying to write your IELTS...Avoid This Common IELTS Essay Mistake! You sit down to practice and write an “Agree /...STOP Doing This if You Want a Band 7 in IELTS Reading Achieving a Band 7 or higher in the IELTS Reading...

Latest IELTS questions from Italy – September 2024 (Academic Module)

Thanks to the generous contribution by our student from Italy, here are the writing questions from his recent IELTS exam:

Writing test

Writing task 1 (a report)

The diagram below describes the process of recycling aluminium cans.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

* Note: this isn’t the original diagram given in the test, it was recreated for the purpose of demonstration.

Writing task 2 (an essay)

Some argue that poor living conditions drive people to commit crimes, while others believe that it is the result of individuals’ bad intentions. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Give reasons for your answer and include relevant examples from your knowledge or experience.

The post Latest IELTS questions from Italy – September 2024 (Academic Module) first appeared on IELTS-Blog.

Related posts:Latest IELTS questions from Italy – May 2024 (Academic Module) Our student FN took IELTS in Italy and remembered the...Latest IELTS questions from the UK – September 2024 (Academic Module) Our generous student from the UK shared these recent writing...Latest IELTS questions from Canada – September 2024 (Academic Module) Thanks to our kind student from Canada, here are the...Latest IELTS questions from India – May 2024 (Academic Module) Our student B took IELTS in India and remembered the...Latest IELTS questions from Nigeria – May 2024 (Academic Module) Our student B took IELTS in Nigeria and remembered the...

IELTS Speaking questions from the UK – September 2024

Our generous student from the UK remembered the following Speaking questions from her recent IELTS exam:

Speaking test

Part 1 (Interview)

– What is your name?
– Where are you from?
– Do you work or study?
– Do you like your work? Why?
– How do you balance work and leisure in your life now?
– What kind of things did you enjoy doing as a child?
– Did you have a happy childhood? Why?
– Did you have any childhood dreams about your future career?
– Did you help your parents with any kind of work when you were a child?
– Are there any skills you developed in your childhood that are useful to you today?

Part 2 (Cue Card)

Describe a place (library, museum, or theatre) you would like to visit. You should say

– what place it is
– why you would like to visit it
– what you know about this place

and explain why this place is interesting to you.

Part 3 (Discussion)

– What are some traditional customs in your country?
– How important is it for people to maintain their cultural traditions?
– In what ways do you think traditions and culture have changed over time?
– How can traditional culture be preserved in modern society?
– Do you think young people are interested in traditional customs? Why or why not?
– How do festivals and celebrations reflect the culture of a country?

The post IELTS Speaking questions from the UK – September 2024 first appeared on IELTS-Blog.

Related posts:IELTS Speaking questions from Nigeria – September 2024 A kind test taker from Nigeria remembered the following Speaking...IELTS Speaking questions from India – September 2024 The Speaking questions below were shared by our Indian student...IELTS Speaking questions from Canada – September 2024 The Speaking questions below were shared by our Indian student...IELTS Speaking questions from Nigeria – May 2024 Our student took IELTS in Nigeria quite recently and remembered...IELTS Speaking questions from Nigeria – May 2024 Our kind student A.B. remembered the questions he was asked...

Krisztina’s Success Story: From Failing IELTS Twice to Achieving Her Dream Score

Meet Krisztina, a determined professional who turned her dreams into reality with the support of IELTS-Blog VIP Club. Her journey from a struggling newcomer to the UK to achieving her desired IELTS score proves it yet again that perseverance and having the right resources are so, so powerful! Here’s her inspiring story.

Krisztina’s Background

Five years ago, Krisztina moved from Hungary to the UK with a dream of continuing her career as a dentist. However, her journey was not an easy one. Arriving without knowing English, she spent a year and a half studying the language at a school while working part-time jobs unrelated to her profession. Despite her efforts, Krisztina faced significant challenges when she first attempted the IELTS exam.

“I tried to pass this exam twice three years ago but failed,” Krisztina recalls. “My speaking and writing were simply not at the level required. After these negative experiences, I felt depressed and thought that I would never be able to pass this exam.”

Feeling disheartened, Krisztina took a step back and began working as a dental nurse, convincing herself that mastering English and reclaiming her career as a dentist might never happen. But the desire to return to her profession never left her.

Discovering VIP Club

Despite her busy schedule working full-time, Krisztina decided it was time to take control of her future. She needed a flexible and effective way to prepare for the IELTS exam, and that’s when she discovered VIP Club.

“I subscribed to your website over a year ago and started reading the essays and speaking samples. In the beginning, I was anxious and nervous because I couldn’t use such complex vocabulary. But I pushed myself,” Krisztina shares.

VIP Club’s resources, designed for busy professionals like Krisztina, provided her with the tools she needed to prepare efficiently during her limited free time. She found herself immersed in sample essays and speaking practices, steadily building her confidence.

The Transformation

Motivated and determined, Krisztina began a rigorous study plan.

“Two months ago, I decided to gather all my knowledge and try to take the exam again. Every day I spent 3-4 hours studying after work, practicing listening one day, reading the next, and so on. I studied almost all day at the weekend. The last 8 weeks were very intense and exhausting for me.”

During this period, Krisztina found a quote online that became her mantra: “Don’t call it a dream, call it a plan.” She printed it and placed it on her wall where she could see it daily, keeping her focused and motivated.

Finally, her hard work paid off. Krisztina passed her IELTS exam with the score she needed to register as a dentist in the UK.

“I am delighted to inform you that I passed my IELTS exam two weeks ago in the UK. I have got the desired score of 7! I am very thankful to you—even there are no words to express my gratitude for your help and for your useful website.”

Start Your Success Story with VIP Club Today

Krisztina’s journey is just one of the many success stories from VIP Club. Start yours today and see how far you can go!

The post Krisztina’s Success Story: From Failing IELTS Twice to Achieving Her Dream Score first appeared on IELTS-Blog.

Related posts:Featured Success Story: From Nearly Giving Up to IELTS Band 7 Ask anyone who has tried to raise their IELTS Listening...Featured Success Story: Step by Step to IELTS Band 7 Remember my student Baina? She made an incredible leap in...Rim’s Inspiring IELTS Success Story Getting ready for IELTS can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re...Featured Success Story: From Band 6 in Writing to Band 7, in just 4 Weeks Ask anyone who tried to raise their IELTS score from...Makhsud’s Success Story: from Band 7 to 9 in IELTS Listening A great IELTS result depends on more than just your...

Latest IELTS questions from the UK – September 2024 (Academic Module)

Our generous student from the UK shared these recent writing questions from her IELTS exam:

Writing test

Writing task 1 (a report)

The chart below shows the percentages of Australian men and women of different ages who exercised regularly in 2010.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

* Note: this isn’t the original diagram given in the test, it was recreated for the purpose of demonstration.

Writing task 2 (an essay)

Some people believe that money spent on air travel is a waste of resources and should be better used to help the poor. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Give reasons for your answer and include relevant examples from your knowledge or experience.

The post Latest IELTS questions from the UK – September 2024 (Academic Module) first appeared on IELTS-Blog.

Related posts:Latest IELTS questions from Canada – September 2024 (Academic Module) Thanks to our kind student from Canada, here are the...Latest IELTS questions from the UK – January 2024 (Academic Module) Our subscriber MZ told us about his IELTS exam in...Latest IELTS questions from the UAE – April 2024 (Academic Module) Our student ZA has taken IELTS in the UAE very...Latest IELTS questions from Nigeria – May 2024 (Academic Module) Our student B took IELTS in Nigeria and remembered the...Latest IELTS questions from Italy – May 2024 (Academic Module) Our student FN took IELTS in Italy and remembered the...