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IELTS test in Canada – January 2024 (General Training)

Thanks to our kind subscriber KK today we are sharing the questions from her very recent IELTS exam in Canada:

Listening test

Part 1 questions – fill in the blanks, one word only.
Part 2 questions – multiple choice and map labelling.
Part 3 questions – multiple choice and choose the correct statement.
Part 4 questions – fill in the blanks, one word and /or a number.

Writing test

Writing task 1 (a letter)

You need a website for your business and you would like to ask your friend to build it. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter

– Include a brief description of your business
– Explain what you would like to have on the website
– Provide some ideas on the use of images on the website.

Writing task 2 (an essay)

Some people believe that friends have a bigger impact on young people while others think parents and teachers influence them more. Discuss both views and give your 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 Canada – January 2024 (General Training) first appeared on IELTS-Blog.

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IELTS essay, topic: Reading newspapers and watching TV news is a waste of time (agree/disagree)

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

Some say that reading newspapers and watching TV news is a waste of time, because it has no direct connection with people’s lives. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

In the digital era, there is a growing belief that newspapers and TV news are outdated since these traditional news sources have no direct relevance to people’s personal lives. I, however, disagree with this perspective as it overlooks the broader role of news in shaping an informed society.

It is crucial to understand that all forms of news offer useful insights into events that add to our overall understanding of the world. This awareness helps people to develop a more profound insight into the world beyond their own country. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, individuals need to be aware of global newsworthy situations as actions in one part of the globe can quickly cause ripple effects elsewhere. For example, during the Brexit negotiations, comprehensive news reports helped people worldwide understand the economic and political ramifications, not just for the UK and Europe, but for global trade and travel.

Another important point to consider is that news media act as watchdogs that hold those in power accountable. By reporting on government policies, societal issues, and public opinions, newspapers and TV news ensure that citizens are well-informed, which is essential for making responsible voting decisions. While it is true that the immediacy of social media and the internet might provide more direct engagement with our immediate interests, it would be a mistake to dismiss traditional news sources as outdated and irrelevant. Newspapers and TV news offer a broader, more in-depth perspective on the world, which is invaluable for developing a well-rounded worldview.

In conclusion, while newspapers and TV news might not always have a direct influence our personal daily experiences, their contribution to our understanding of the broader world, democracy, and social issues is significant. Dismissing them as a waste of time, in my view, overlooks the essential role they play in creating and shaping an informed society.

Teacher’s feedback:

Overall, the essay is a great example of Band 8 writing.

Task Response: Band 8
The essay fully addresses the task, presenting a clear opinion and discussing both the general view and the writer’s own perspective. The argument is well-developed with relevant examples, such as the reference to Brexit negotiations, which effectively illustrate the importance of traditional news sources in providing a global perspective.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 8
The essay is well-organised and logically sequenced. Ideas are clearly laid out and easy to follow. Cohesive devices such as “Another important point to consider” and “In conclusion.” are used effectively. The summary provided in the conclusion reinforces the coherence in this essay.

Lexical Resource: Band 8
The essay uses a wide range of vocabulary appropriately and accurately. Terms like “interconnected,” “ripple effects,” and “watchdogs” demonstrate a strong command of language. The vocabulary is used precisely, enhancing the clarity of the argument.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 8
The essay demonstrates a wide range of complex structures with high accuracy. Examples include: “By reporting on government policies, societal issues, and public opinions, newspapers and TV news ensure that citizens are well-informed.” The grammatical accuracy is consistently high, contributing to the clarity and sophistication of the essay.

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 Saudi Arabia – January 2024

Our subscriber MA took his IELTS test in Saudi Arabia very recently and remembered the following Speaking questions.

Test tip: Review these questions and come up with some potential responses and the vocabulary you’d use in them. IELTS is known to retest the same questions in multiple countries. Being prepared for past questions and topic areas increases your chances of success.

After putting together a list of ideas and vocabulary, answer the questions and record yourself. Later, listen to the recording, self-assessing your fluency, intonation, any vocabulary shortcomings, or potential mispronunciations. Rerecord anything you could have done better, and you’ll notice an improvement in the very next attempt!

Speaking test

Part 1 (Interview)

– Can you tell me your full name?
– Where are you from?
– What kind of people are famous in your country?
– Why do famous people have different personalities?
– Would you like to be famous? Why?
– Do you like crowded places?
– When have you last been in a crowded place?
– Where do you like to go on holidays?

Part 2 (Cue Card)

Talk about a time when you helped someone find an item they lost. You should say

– who the person was
– what they lost
– what you did to help

and explain whether that person found the lost item or not.

Part 3 (Discussion)

– How can public spaces, such as public transport or shopping centres make finding a lost item easier?
– Can you think of any strategies to help someone find an item they lost in a public place?
– Do you think modern technology helps people keep track of their belongings better?
– With all the tracking devices available now, do you think people still rely on others to find their lost items?
– Can helping someone find a lost item create a sense of community or friendship?
– Should we teach children to help others when they lose things?
– How might that contribute to their character development?

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

Thanks to the kind efforts of Y, our student from Sri Lanka, we are sharing the writing questions from her IELTS test (only a few days old!)

Writing test

Writing task 1 (a report)

The charts below show the contribution of men and women to housework. The first chart shows the percentages of both genders doing a number of household tasks. The second chart shows the amount of time spent by each gender on housework per day.

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

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

Writing task 2 (an essay)

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.

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

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

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IELTS test in Saudi Arabia – January 2024 (General Training)

Thanks to our kind subscriber MA, here are the Writing topics from a very recent IELTS exam in Saudi Arabia:

Writing test

Writing task 1 (a letter)

You have read a news article in the local newspaper about a city or town you know, and some of the information was incorrect. Write a letter to the news editor. In your letter:

– Say how you know about that city or town
– Explain what information was wrong
– Suggest how the editor could fix this error.

Writing task 2 (an essay)

Some people think students should volunteer to do unpaid work to benefit the community. Do you agree or disagree?

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 Saudi Arabia – January 2024 (General Training) first appeared on IELTS-Blog.

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IELTS Speaking questions from Sri Lanka – January 2024

Our student Y took her IELTS test in Sri Lanka very recently. She remembered the following Speaking questions:

Test tip: Go over these questions and think of some things to say and what vocabulary you would use. IELTS Speaking test questions and topic areas are known to repeat in many countries! Being familiar with the topic and specific questions increases your chances of success.

Once you have some ideas, answer the questions and record yourself. Then listen to your recording and check your fluency, intonation, gaps in vocabulary or words you may have mispronounced. Re-record anything you are not happy with, and you’ll see that your next attempt sounds better already!

Speaking test

Part 1 (Interview)

– Can you tell me your full name?
– Where are you from?
– What do you like about your hometown?
– Is it a good place for young people?
– What kind of clothes do you wear?
– How often do you go shopping for new clothes?
– What do you do with your old clothes?
– Have you ever been to a place where there are lots of fish around you?
– Have you seen any movies with lots of fish?

Part 2 (Cue Card)

Describe a successful person who you studied or worked with. You should say

– who this person is
– when you studied/worked with him/her
– what he/she did to become successful

and explain how you felt about studying or working with him/her.

Part 3 (Discussion)

– Is money the only measure of success in your country?
– How do you define whether one is a successful person?
– Is there a conflict between success and happiness?
– Is it easy to succeed in the national tests in your country?
– What are the factors that influence students’ grades at school?
– How important is it to do well in school, to be successful later in life, in your opinion?

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The 3 Mistakes in IELTS Speaking That Kill Your Score

Different mistakes have a different effect on your IELTS score – some are minor and won’t do much damage, but others can undo all the hard work you’ve done preparing for the test.

These 3 mistakes are something you really need to avoid because they can kill your score in the IELTS Speaking test.

Mistake #1: Mumbling or speaking too quietly

If the examiner has to work extra hard to hear what you’re saying, you score will reflect it. This mistake affects your Fluency and Coherence score, and when it drops, your overall Speaking score goes down with it.

Tip: Speak up and make occasional eye contact with the examiner – but don’t stare at him/her! Staring is considered impolite in the Western culture.

Mistake #2: Answering questions with just a ‘Yes’ or ‘No’

In the IELTS Speaking test the examiner isn’t conducting a survey about your likes and dislikes. The reason they ask you questions is to hear you SPEAK as much as possible. What you are saying (your message) isn’t as important as HOW you’re saying it. A good answer combines an idea that you express in a logical way with suitable vocabulary.

Tip: answer the question and then add a sentence explaining why, when or where or what.

Mistake #3: Talking about a something else instead of what you’ve been asked.

Sometimes test takers hear the question but forget it or get distracted and start talking about something that is perhaps related – but not quite what the examiner asked.

Example: If the examiner asks you what you like drinking, tea or coffee, don’t start talking about vegetarian dishes being your favorite or some types of food you like.

Why? You will lose marks for Fluency and Coherence and then even if you get a 7 in all the other criteria, your total Speaking score will still be just 6.5.

This is why I recommend bookmarking this post about the 3 mistakes and reminding yourself not to make them every time you practice in speaking, and especially on your test day.

How many of these mistakes are you making? Let me know in the comments!

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

Our subscriber MS told us about her IELTS exam in India, where she took the test very recently. Here is what she remembered:

Writing test

Writing task 1 (a report)

The diagram below shows a fire exit plan in a college accommodation.

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

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

Writing task 2 (an essay)

In the future it may be necessary for us to live on other planets. For this reason, some people believe that we should spend money now to research other planets, such as Mars. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

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

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

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

Our subscriber MZ told us about his IELTS exam in the UK, he took the test very recently. Today we are sharing everything he remembered:

Writing test

Writing task 1 (a report)

The table below gives information about the population of New Zealand between 2011 and 2012.

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

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

Writing task 2 (an essay)

Some say that reading newspapers and watching TV news is a waste of time, because it has no direct connection with people’s lives. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

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

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

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IELTS essay, topic: Transportation of products and people is the main source of pollution (discuss + opinion)

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

Research has shown that the transportation of products and people is the main source of pollution. Some people believe the government should be in charge of this, while others believe it is the fault of individuals. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

The increasing problem of pollution, primarily from the transportation of goods and individuals, raises the question of whether the government or the public should be responsible for addressing this issue. In my opinion, both the government and individuals play crucial roles in tackling this issue.

Supporters of government intervention argue that pollution, being a large-scale issue, requires comprehensive and wide-ranging solutions that are beyond the scope of individual capabilities. Governments have the power to enforce laws like stringent emission standards for vehicles, which can significantly influence both corporate and personal behaviors. Furthermore, state investment in sustainable public transportation systems can promote a shift towards environmentally friendly travel. For example, similar government policies in Sweden have successfully reduced transportation pollution, proving how impactful government action can be.

On the other hand, many believe individual actions are the key to solving the issue of pollution. Our personal transport choices greatly affect pollution levels, and if more people chose the eco-friendly options like carpooling, cycling, or public transport over their private vehicles, there would be a significant reduction in pollution levels. It is also equally important for the public to show support for policies and technologies aimed at reducing transport emissions. Advocating for and adopting cleaner technologies, such as electric vehicles, and supporting government policies that encourage sustainable practices, can also lead to substantial reductions in pollution.

While both perspectives are valid, I believe that an integrated approach is essential. Governments can create policies and infrastructure for major change, but individual choices are just as important in supporting these efforts. Both entities must work together for effective pollution control.

Teacher’s feedback:

Overall, this essay would likely achieve a Band 8.

Task Response: Band 8
The essay addresses the task fully, presenting a clear opinion and discussing both views comprehensively. Each viewpoint is supported by relevant examples, such as the reference to Sweden’s policies. The conclusion effectively summarises the essay by reiterating the need for an integrated approach.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 8
The essay is well-organised and logically structured. Ideas are clearly laid out and easy to follow. Cohesive devices are used effectively, such as “On the other hand” and “Furthermore.” The conclusion ties back to the introduction, enhancing the overall coherence.

Lexical Resource: Band 8
The essay uses a wide range of vocabulary appropriately and accurately. Terms like “comprehensive,” “sustainable public transportation systems,” and “integrated approach” demonstrate a strong command of language. The vocabulary is used precisely, enhancing the clarity of the argument.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 8
The essay demonstrates a wide range of complex structures with high accuracy. Examples include: “Governments have the power to enforce laws like stringent emission standards for vehicles, which can significantly influence both corporate and personal behaviors.” The grammatical accuracy is consistently high, contributing to the clarity and sophistication of the essay.

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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