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IELTS Speaking questions from Pakistan – March 2024

These fresh Speaking questions were received recently from Dr. N who took IELTS in Pakistan. Here is what he remembered:

Speaking test

Part 1 (Interview)

– What is your full name?
– Do you work or study?
– What do you like about your job?
– Would you like to continue in your profession or change it?
– Do you try to help other people?
– How do you help others?
– Do you like traveling in your own car or by public transportation?
– What are the benefits associated with travelling by private car compared to public transport?

Part 2 (Cue Card)

Describe a recent time when you went to a party. You should say

– when this happened
– where it happened
– why it was (or wasn’t) enjoyable

and explain whether you will attend such parties in the future.

Part 3 (Discussion)

– What is the importance of communication skills?
– Should communication skills be included as a subject at primary level of education?
– In what way would communication skills help the students?
– Why must teachers be good at communication skills?
– Which communication skills are important for teachers to have?
– Should teachers get training for effective communication skills?

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IELTS Speaking questions from Canada – March 2024

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

Speaking test

Part 1 (Interview)

– What is your full name?
– Do you work or study?
– What will your future profession be?
– Is this profession popular among students in your country?
– Would you describe yourself as more of a saver or a spender?
– What are the benefits of online payments?
– Do you use a credit card?
– Do you think you will use cash in the future?

Part 2 (Cue Card)

Describe a time when people around you were making a lot of noise. You should say

– when this happened
– who was making noise
– what kind of noise it was

and explain how you felt about the situation.

Part 3 (Discussion)

– What are some sources of noise pollution?
– What are some common sources of a lot of noise in our daily life?
– In your opinion, will the level of noise in the world increase in the future?
– Do you think the rising level of noise is harmful to the environment? In what way?
– Why do people use headphones when walking on the street?
– Why do people enjoy meeting up in places with loud music?

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IELTS test in Uzbekistan – February 2024 (General Training)

Thanks to our kind subscribers D and A from Uzbekistan, today we are sharing the questions from their very recent IELTS exam:

Writing test

Writing task 1 (a letter)

You are interested in attending a training course abroad but require financial support to do so. Write a letter to the education department requesting financial assistance. In your letter:

– Introduce yourself
– Describe the training course and how it would benefit your work
– Explain why you need financial assistance.

Writing task 2 (an essay)

Some people believe that local news is more important than international news, while others argue that news from around the world has more significance. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

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

Tips for success in the IELTS Writing Test

To get a high Band Score for your letter, make sure that you

Address each bullet point clearly.Organise your ideas in paragraphs – write 1 paragraph on each bullet point.Use the correct tone and vocabulary – in a letter to a friend use informal language.Manage your time – allocate time for planning, writing and proofreading, and spend no more than 20 minutes in total on Writing Task 1.

To write an essay that will score well in IELTS, make sure that you

Make your position clear throughout the essay.Structure your essay correctly – there should be an introduction, body and conclusion.Use formal vocabulary.Use a mix of sentence types (simple, compound, complex) to show your language proficiency.Leave some time to proofread your essay before turning it in.

The post IELTS test in Uzbekistan – February 2024 (General Training) first appeared on IELTS-Blog.

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IELTS Speaking questions from Uzbekistan- February 2024

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

Speaking test

Part 1 (Interview)

– Do you work or study?
– Do you like your work, and why?
– Do you prefer coffee or tea in the morning?
– How often do you drink coffee or tea?
– Is coffee or tea more popular in your country?
– Have you ever tried any traditional tea or coffee from another country?
– Do you often help others in your daily life?
– What kind of help do you usually provide?
– Have you helped anyone recently?
– Can you tell me about it?

Part 2 (Cue Card)

Describe a person you admire and want to meet in the future. You should say

– who this person is
– what this person does
– why you admire them

and explain why you want to meet this person in the future.

Part 3 (Discussion)

– Can we judge a person by their appearance?
– How important do you think first impressions are?
– Do you believe that a person’s clothing and appearance can affect their professional success?
– Do you think that now personal appearance is more important than in the past?
– How do social media platforms influence our perception of beauty and appearance?
– Should schools and workplaces have dress codes or uniforms? Why or why not?

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IELTS essay, topic: Some people think that dangerous sports should be banned (discuss + opinion)

This essay topic was seen in recent IELTS test in Sri Lanka.

Some people think that dangerous sports should be banned, while others believe that people should be free to do any sports or activities. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Opinions on whether dangerous sports should be banned or not are divided. Some argue these sports should be prohibited due to safety concerns, while others advocate for freedom of choice when it comes to sports and emphasise personal choice and the benefits of risk-taking activities. In my opinion, while the concerns regarding the safety of these activities are valid, the individual freedom of choice should prevail.

Those in favour of banning dangerous sports highlight the obvious risks such as severe injuries or even death. Activities like cliff diving or extreme mountain biking are full of inherent dangers that often lead to severe or even fatal accidents. What is more, many young and impressionable people are not fully aware of the consequences of participating in such activities. For them, banning these sports is a valid way to prevent unnecessary harm and the emotional and financial impact that can follow not only to the participants involved but their loved ones as well.

On the flip side, those that advocate for the freedom to choose extreme sports believe that everyone should be free to choose their activities, regardless of the risk level. They argue that high-risk sports can be incredibly rewarding, and offers personal growth and an adrenaline rush that is difficult to find anywhere else. They also point out that with proper training and safety measures, the dangers can be reduced. For example, with thorough training and strict safety protocols the risk of skydiving becomes more manageable and this demonstrates that these activities can be enjoyed responsibly.

In my view, while safety is crucial, it should not overrule people’s freedom to choose their sports. Outright banning dangerous sports might prevent some accidents, but it also strips away the right to make personal choices about risk-taking. A balanced approach, where high-risk sports are not banned but regulated through strict safety measures and informed consent is a more reasonable solution.

Teacher’s feedback:

Overall, your essay is likely to get a Band 8 in IELTS for the following reasons:

Task Response: Band 8
You address the question directly, presenting a clear opinion that while safety concerns are valid, individual freedom of choice should prevail. Your argument is well-developed, with both sides of the argument presented before concluding with your own reasoned viewpoint.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 8
The essay is well-structured, with clear paragraphs each dedicated to a different aspect of the argument. The use of transition words like “On the flip side” effectively contrasts different viewpoints, and the conclusion succinctly summarizes your position, enhancing the essay’s overall coherence.

Lexical Resource: Band 8
Your essay demonstrates a strong vocabulary with terms such as “inherent dangers,” “impressionable,” “adrenaline rush,” and “informed consent.” This varied vocabulary helps to clearly and effectively convey your arguments.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 8
The essay showcases a variety of complex grammatical structures used accurately. Sentences are well-constructed, with appropriate use of complex clauses and passive forms which add to the clarity and sophistication of the writing.

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 questions from Vietnam – February 2024 (Academic Module)

Our student MN took IELTS in Vietnam and remembered the following questions from his exam:

Writing test

Writing task 1 (a report)

The chart illustrates the distances traveled by passengers on 5 types of transport in the UK in 1990 and 2000. The data is presented in kilometres per person, per week.

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

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

Writing task 2 (an essay)

Some people believe that the typical teaching situation of a teacher and students in the class will not exist by the year 2050. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

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

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IELTS Speaking questions from Vietnam – February 2024

A very kind IELTS test taker from Vietnam who sat the test quite recently remembered the following Speaking questions:

Speaking test

Part 1 (Interview)

– Where is your hometown?
– Is it a good place for people to live?
– Do you like chatting with friends?
– Do you prefer face-to-face conversations or chatting online?
– Would you rather talk with one friend or a group of friends?
– How often do you meet your friends in person?
– What do you usually do together when you meet up?
– Has your way of spending time with friends changed in recent years?

Part 2 (Cue Card)

Describe a part of your country that you particularly enjoy visiting. You should say

– where it is located
– what activities you can do there
– how being there makes you feel

and explain why you enjoy visiting that part of your country.

Part 3 (Discussion)

– In your opinion, how important is it for people to visit different parts of their own country?
– Do different parts of your country have different climates? Can you give examples?
– How does the climate affect people’s lifestyles in various regions of your country?
– Are there cultural differences within your country that you find particularly interesting?
– What impact do you think tourism has on nature in different parts of your country?
– Considering the environment, should there be restrictions on traveling to certain parts of the country?

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IELTS essay, topic: Use of computers and mobile phones to communicate has a negative impact on reading and writing skills (agree/disagree)

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

Young people’s use of computers and mobile phones to communicate has a negative impact on their reading and writing skills. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

The increasing use of computers and mobile phones among young people for communication has raised concerns regarding its impact on their reading and writing skills. While some people believe that this trend negatively affects literacy skills, I side with those who argue that it offers new avenues for language development.

One concern is that digital communication has introduced a simplified form of language that includes abbreviations, slang, and emojis, which may diverge from traditional language skills. As a result, young people often rely on this informal style of language even in formal settings. Additionally, the quick, bite-sized nature of digital content might negatively affect the attention span required for in-depth reading and understanding. This could potentially weaken this generation’s formal writing skills, which are crucial for academic and professional success.

However, these drawbacks are balanced by significant benefits. The digital era has led to an increase in the quantity and diversity of reading and writing. Young individuals come across various forms of text online, which exposes them to different language styles and vocabulary. The interactive nature of digital platforms also encourages active engagement with text, fostering improved language skills. Moreover, digital communication equips young people with a different set of language skills, such as being able to effectively and concisely convey information. They are also better able to read between the lines to decipher the deeper meanings of a text conversation.

In conclusion, while the informal nature of digital communication poses challenges to traditional reading and writing skills, it also offers opportunities for developing a broader set of literacy skills. I believe that the negative influence of digital devices on young users’ language skills is insignificant compared to the benefits they bring.

Teacher’s feedback:

Overall, this essay would get an IELTS Band 8 for the reasons outlined below.

Task Response: Band 8
The essay presents a nuanced argument that acknowledges both the potential negative and positive impacts of digital communication on literacy skills. For example, the writer states, “While some people believe that this trend negatively affects literacy skills, I side with those who argue that it offers new avenues for language development,” demonstrating a clear understanding of the complexity of the issue. The conclusion reinforces the writer’s position.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 8
The essay is well-organized, with a clear structure that logically progresses from introducing the issue to discussing its drawbacks and benefits, and finally concluding with a balanced view. The use of cohesive devices such as “However,” “Additionally,” and “In conclusion” smoothly guides the reader through the essay. For instance, transitioning from negative to positive impacts with “However, these drawbacks are balanced by significant benefits” maintains the essay’s logical flow and coherence.

Lexical Resource: Band 8
The essay showcases a strong command of vocabulary, including precise terms and phrases like “simplified form of language,” “bite-sized nature,” “exposes,” and “fostering.” This range of vocabulary allows the writer to discuss the topic in depth and with clarity.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 8
The essay demonstrates a wide range of grammatical structures used accurately, including complex sentences as can be seen here, “Due to this, people find themselves working longer hours, to satisfy the requirements of their superiors and get ahead in their careers,” which shows the writer’s ability to convey complex ideas clearly and accurately.

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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IELTS Speaking questions from Australia – February 2024

Our student 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?
– What do you do, work or study?
– Why do you like about your studies?
– What type of music do you enjoy listening to?
– When do you usually listen to music?
– Was music a part of your education during your school days?
– Have you ever learned to play a musical instrument?
– Do many people in your country enjoy music?

Part 2 (Cue Card)

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

– where this place is located
– why you go there to relax
– when you usually go there

and explain how you feel when you are there.

Part 3 (Discussion)

– Are there many places for relaxation in your country that are well-known?
– What places for relaxation are popular with people in your country?
– Why do people like to relax in different places?
– Do you think relaxation is important?
– In your opinion, should employers pay for the relaxation of their employees?
– How can relaxation impact someone’s work performance?

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

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Latest IELTS questions from Pakistan – February 2024 (Academic Module)

Our student MN took IELTS in Pakistan and remembered the following questions from his exam:

Writing test

Writing task 1 (a report)

The table below shows oil production figures in four Africans countries from 2000 to 2004, in barrels per day.

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

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

Writing task 2 (an essay)

Some people see sports only as a leisure activity, while others believe sports play a more important role.

Discuss both views and give your option.

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

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