Simone Braverman's Blog: IELTS-Blog.com, page 34

IELTS Speaking questions from the USA – May 2024

A kind student from the USA has taken the IELTS test a couple of days ago and shared these Speaking question:

Speaking test

Part 1 (Interview)

– Where are you from?
– Are you working or studying?
– What do you do for work?
– Do you like your work?
– Is your company a good place to work?

Part 2 (Cue Card)

Describe a famous person who you think is a good role model for the young generation. You should say:

– who this person is
– how you know about this person
– what this person has done

and explain why you think this person is a good role model for the young generation.

Part 3 (Discussion)

– Who are the famous celebrities in your country?
– Why are they famous?
– Do you think celebrities are a good influence on the young generation?
– What are some negative aspects of the influence of celebrities on young people?
– Do you think celebrities make more positive contribution to society than negative?
– What is your opinion about the celebrity culture today?

The post IELTS Speaking questions from the USA – May 2024 first appeared on IELTS-Blog.

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Sara’s IELTS Success Story: Juggling Family and Study to Hit A Band 8

Every IELTS success story has something special about it, from personal dedication to smart study strategies. Today I would like you to meet my student Sara and learn about her inspiring journey. Balancing a demanding job and a new baby, Sara didn’t just take on the IELTS – she nailed it, scoring an impressive Overall Band 8.

Getting to Know Sara

Sara was up against it from the start, balancing her career with caring for a 4-month-old. But her strategic approach to studying for the IELTS really paid off.

Here’s How She Did It

Listening 8.5: At work, Sara’s day-to-day involves chatting with people from all over, which really tuned her ear into different accents—a big plus for the IELTS listening test. She also hammered out practice tests from our High Scorer’s Choice Set 1 book. Her motto? “Practice makes progress”, and it certainly rang true, helping her ace the listening section.

Reading 8.0: Sara was all about soaking up as many tips as she could from other test-takers (posted on IELTS-Blog.com) and diving deep into practice with loads of Cambridge test books. She tackled a ton of Academic reading too, even though she was preparing for General Training IELTS. When you prepare for a harder test, you do really well in an easier one!

Writing 7.0: Writing was a tough nut to crack for Sara, but she didn’t shy away from it. Two key things that made a big difference were learning from our teachers’ feedback and using vocab + sentence structures from sample essays. As a result, Sara pulled off a score she once thought was just a dream!

Speaking 8.0: Limited time meant Sara couldn’t practice with cue cards as much as she’d have liked. Yet, she nailed the speaking part by giving solid answers that showed off her conversation skills.

Sara’s Takeaway

Looking back, Sara says, “Writing was my biggest weakness. However, I am so fortunate that I found your website and I opted for your writing correction service. Additionally, I followed your advice and sample essays and scored a Band 7 in writing (my dream score in Writing!). I am so happy that I managed to get the score I wanted in the IELTS, even with a baby on board!”. Her story is a fantastic reminder that with the right help and smart planning, you can overcome the odds.

Wrap-Up

Sara’s story isn’t just about impressive scores; it’s about managing life’s responsibilities while chasing big goals. Her experience proves yet again that determination and the right support will take you all the way to success.

If you’re aiming to mirror Sara’s achievement, remember that a realistic study plan, regular practice, and professional feedback are your best friends. Let Sara’s story inspire you to go after your own IELTS goals!

The post Sara’s IELTS Success Story: Juggling Family and Study to Hit A Band 8 first appeared on IELTS-Blog.

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New IELTS questions from Australia – May 2024 (Academic Module)

Our student AK shared the writing questions from a recent IELTS exam in Australia:

Writing test

Writing task 1 (a report)

The graph below provides information on car ownership by UK households between 1971 and 2001.

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

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

Writing task 2 (an essay)

In many different countries, shops and products are the same. Some people think it is a positive development, while others believe it is a negative development.

Discuss both the views and give your opinion.

The post New IELTS questions from Australia – May 2024 (Academic Module) first appeared on IELTS-Blog.

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New IELTS Speaking questions from India and Iraq – May 2024

Two of our students got very similar questions in the IELTS exams they have taken in India and Iraq recently. Here is what they collectively remembered:

Speaking test

Part 1 (Interview)

– Where are you from?
– What do you do?
– Is it easy for people to find work in your country? Why or why not?
– Do you usually remember things that are part of your daily routine? Why or why not?
– What strategies do you use to avoid forgetting important tasks?
– How often do you play video games?
– Do you prefer playing video games alone or with others?
– What kinds of video games do you enjoy the most?

Part 2 (Cue Card)

Describe a place where you usually go to relax. You should say:

– where this place is
– how you discovered this place
– what you do there to relax

and explain why this place is special for you.

Part 3 (Discussion)

– What are some popular places where people go to relax in your country?
– Why do people want to be away from others after a hectic day?
– How important is it to have a quiet place to relax?
– Do you think people have enough time to relax these days?
– What makes companies gain value?
– What should the government do to improve the economy?

The post New IELTS Speaking questions from India and Iraq – May 2024 first appeared on IELTS-Blog.

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IELTS essay, topic: Many criminals commit more crimes as soon as they are released from prison (reasons and solutions)

This essay topic was seen in recent IELTS test in Italy.

Many criminals commit more crimes as soon as they are released from prison. What do you think are the causes of this? What possible solutions can you suggest?

The problem of reoffending following the release of criminals from correctional facilities is likely caused by insufficient rehabilitation programmes and the negative perception of ex-offenders in society. Improving jail rehabilitation programmes and lowering stigma through legal changes can be potentially effective solutions.

At the root of recidivism lies the lack of comprehensive rehabilitation in prisons. Many facilities emphasise punishment over rehabilitation, failing to address the primary causes that drive individuals to crime. For example, offenders with poor mental health or substance abuse problems often receive insufficient treatment, which leads to high reoffending rates upon release. Similarly, offenders who committed crimes out of desperation stemming from living in abject poverty are likely to turn to crime again in order to survive. Moreover, the stigma attached to having a criminal record complicates reintegration. It diminishes their chances of obtaining stable employment and social acceptance, thus pushing them back into criminal activities.

Effective reduction of recidivism requires prisons to enhance rehabilitation programmes, incorporating mental health services, substance abuse treatment, and vocational training to improve employability. The duration of most sentences convicts are serving is of sufficient length to allow rectification of the issues that originally led them to crime, provided that prisons have expert-led and sufficiently funded programmes in place. Additionally, societal efforts to reduce the stigma associated with past criminals are crucial. This includes legal reforms to protect the rights of ex-offenders and public awareness campaigns to change societal perceptions. The success of countries like Sweden, with a focus on rehabilitation and low recidivism rates, demonstrates the effectiveness of this approach.

In conclusion, tackling recidivism effectively necessitates a holistic approach that includes better rehabilitation within prisons and proactive societal measures to reduce stigma. This combination can significantly enhance public safety and reduce crime rates by facilitating the successful reintegration of ex-offenders.

Teacher’s feedback:

This essay has all the prerequisites of Band 8 level writing.

Task Response: Band 8
You addressed the task comprehensively, providing a clear explanation of the causes and solutions for recidivism. The essay includes specific examples and a detailed discussion of both components of the prompt. Your conclusion succinctly reinforces your argument, demonstrating a full understanding of the task requirements.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 8
Your vocabulary is varied and contextually appropriate, showing a good range of lexical resource. Terms like “comprehensive rehabilitation,” “societal perceptions,” “public awareness campaigns,” and “rectification of issues” are used accurately and enhance the quality of the discussion. You effectively avoid redundancy and demonstrate the ability to use complex vocabulary to discuss specific ideas clearly and precisely.

Lexical Resource: Band 8
There is a good range of vocabulary used, including terms specific to the topic (habitat destruction, ecological balance, greenhouse gas emissions). The language is generally precise, and the writers uses varied and complex sentence structures.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 8
The essay showcases a wide range of grammatical structures with a high level of accuracy. Sentences are complex but clear, with appropriate use of punctuation and coordination. For example, your use of clauses and commas in sentences like “Many facilities emphasise punishment over rehabilitation, failing to address the primary causes that drive individuals to crime” demonstrates both complexity and control.

Submit your essay for correction and find out how to improve your Writing score.

Click here to see more IELTS essays of Band 8

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Latest IELTS Speaking questions from Australia – May 2024

Our kind student A shared these Speaking questions right after his IELTS exam in Australia:

Speaking test

Part 1 (Interview)

– Where are you from?
– What do you do?
– Did you have to do any special courses to get this job?
– Did you aim for this job?
– Do you use a computer in your daily work?
– How did you learn to use a computer?
– How often do you use the computer outside of work?
– What kind of tasks do you perform on the computer?

Part 2 (Cue Card)

Describe a situation when people congratulated you. You should say:

– when it was
– what you did
– how they congratulated you

and explain how you felt about it.

Part 3 (Discussion)

– On what occasions do people congratulate someone in your culture?
– How do people offer congratulations in your culture?
– Is success important in your culture?
– How do people achieve success in their lives?
– What factors contribute to a person’s success?
– Do people need motivation to succeed in their work?

The post Latest IELTS Speaking questions from Australia – May 2024 first appeared on IELTS-Blog.

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Latest IELTS questions from Sri Lanka – May 2024 (Academic Module)

Our student KK shared the writing questions from a recent IELTS test in Sri Lanka:

Writing test

Writing task 1 (a report)

The graph below shows the number of overseas visitors who came to the USA for different purposes between 1989 and 2009.

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)

Directors of large organisations receive much higher salaries than ordinary workers. Some think it is necessary while others think it is unfair. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

The post Latest IELTS questions from Sri Lanka – May 2024 (Academic Module) first appeared on IELTS-Blog.

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New IELTS Speaking questions from Australia – May 2024

Our student FM took IELTS in Australia quite recently and remembered the following Speaking questions:

Speaking test

Part 1 (Interview)

– What is your name?
– Where are you from?
– Did you like to draw when you were a child?
– Is important for children to draw and why?
– Who taught you how to use a computer?
– Who helps you when you have problems with your computer?
– What do you mainly use a computer for?
– Do you enjoy playing video games? Why or why not?
– What activities do you typically do online?

Part 2 (Cue Card)

Describe a happy event in your life. You should say

– what the event was
– where it took place
– why this event brought you happiness
and explain why it was a memorable event for you.

Part 3 (Discussion)

– In your opinion, what factors contribute to people’s happiness?
– Do you believe that money can bring happiness? Why or why not?
– Can happiness be measured or quantified?
– What role do you think relationships play in achieving happiness?
– Is the concept of happiness different for different cultures?
– Has the importance of happiness changed over time?

The post New IELTS Speaking questions from Australia – May 2024 first appeared on IELTS-Blog.

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

Our student FN took IELTS in Italy and remembered the following questions from his exam:

Writing test

Writing task 1 (a report)

The line graphs below show the production and demand for steel in million tonnes and the number of workers employed in the steel industry in the UK in 2010.

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

* Note: these aren’t the original graphs given in the test, they were recreated for the purpose of demonstration.

Writing task 2 (an essay)

Many criminals commit more crimes as soon as they are released from prison. What do you think are the causes of this? What possible solutions can you suggest?

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

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New IELTS Speaking questions from Canada – May 2024

Our student TM took IELTS in Canada quite recently and remembered the following Speaking questions:

Speaking test

Part 1 (Interview)

– What is your name?
– Where are you from?
– Can you tell me a bit about your hometown?
– What do you think about the traffic situation in your area?
– Do you often watch the news in the morning?
– How do you stay informed about current events?
– Do you prefer to read, watch or listen to the news?
– What impact does following the news have on your daily life?
– Have you ever considered becoming a journalist?

Part 2 (Cue Card)

Talk about a famous person who has a significant influence on younger people. You should say

– who the person is
– why you think he/she has an influence on younger people
– how he/she influences young people

and explain whether or not this person has a positive effect on young people’s lives.

Part 3 (Discussion)

– Have you ever discussed this famous person with your friends?
– In general, do you believe that celebrities have a significant influence on society?
– What are some positive impacts that celebrities can have on society?
– What are some negative impacts that celebrities can have on society?
– How can celebrities use their influence to bring about social change?
– Should celebrities be held to higher moral and ethical standards than the general public?

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

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