Simone Braverman's Blog: IELTS-Blog.com, page 47

IELTS essay, topic: In many countries, the number of animals and plants is declining (reasons and solutions)

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

In many countries, the number of animals and plants is declining. Why do you think this is happening? How can this issue be solved?

The alarming decline in biodiversity, particularly in the number of animals and plants, is a matter of global concern. It seems to me that the main culprits are habitat destruction and climate change, which, in turn, suggests that investing in conservation, working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and raising global awareness would likely help arrest this worrying trend.

Firstly, habitat destruction stands as the most substantial factor contributing to the reduction in wildlife populations. Urban expansion, deforestation, and agricultural encroachment have drastically diminished the available natural habitats of many species. This loss of habitat not only reduces the number of species but also disrupts the area’s ecological balance, leading to further decline. Additionally, climate change, fueled by global warming, is restructuring ecosystems at a pace faster than many species can adapt to. The consequences of global warming include an escalating frequency of extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and shifting temperature patterns, all of which have catastrophic effects on both flora and fauna.

However, I firmly believe that it is possible to mitigate these issues. As a primary response, stringent conservation policies must be implemented and enforced. This includes establishing and maintaining protected areas and enforcing laws against illegal wildlife trade. Secondly, addressing climate change is paramount. This would involve global cooperation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, alongside local and individual efforts to expand green spaces and support reforestation. It is also imperative to include public awareness and education as crucial steps in any conservation initiatives.

In conclusion, the decline in animal and plant populations is primarily due to habitat destruction and climate change. To combat this, a combination of conservation efforts, climate action, and public education is essential.

Teacher’s feedback:

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

Task Response: Band 8
The essay effectively addresses the task by discussing the primary causes of the decline in animal and plant populations and proposing solutions. The causes (habitat destruction and climate change) are clearly identified, and the proposed solutions (conservation policies, addressing climate change, public awareness, and education) are well-developed. The essay maintains a clear focus on the topic throughout.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 8
The essay is well-organized, with a clear introduction, body paragraphs that develop ideas logically, and a concise conclusion. There is good use of linking words and phrases to connect ideas and sentences (e.g., Firstly, Additionally, However, In conclusion). The progression of ideas is smooth and easy to follow.

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 demonstrates a good range of grammatical structures. There are a few minor grammatical errors (e.g., “an increasing frequency” could be improved to “an increasingly frequent”). The sentence structures are generally varied, contributing to the overall quality of 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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IELTS Speaking Test, Part 2 question with model answer: Talk about someone you know who has moved to a new accommodation

Here is a Band 9 Speaking Part 2 answer for the cue card “Talk about someone you know who has moved to a new accommodation”. This cue card has been seen recently in an IELTS exam in Malaysia. The answer below shows a good way to respond to this question.

Watch and listen in the video, or read the model answer below:

 
Speaking test

Part 2 (Cue Card)

Talk about someone you know who has moved to a new accommodation. You should say

– who this person is
– when they moved
– where they moved to and why

and explain whether or not the move has had a positive impact on them.

Answer

Let me tell you about my cousin Sarah, she’s awesome! So, around six months ago, she snagged this fantastic job in the city and had to move. The place she found is this cute little apartment right in the middle of all the city buzz. You know, she used to live in our quiet little town, so this move was a big change for her.

She was super pumped about the new job. I mean, who wouldn’t be? The city life was a bit overwhelming for her at first, but now she’s loving it! One of the coolest things she did after moving was joining dance classes. She’s always been into dancing, and now she’s part of this groovy dance group in the city. It’s like a dream come true for her.

And the social scene in the city? It’s on fire! There are art exhibitions, music festivals, and loads of live gigs. Sarah’s practically at every event. Plus, she’s made tons of friends who share her love for dancing. The city’s diverse culture is like a melting pot, and Sarah’s totally soaking it in.

Seeing her thrive in this new environment is amazing. She’s more confident, so full of life. The change has been transformative, to say the least. I guess the city lights just suit her well!

Read more model answers on the VIP Club website

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IELTS Speaking questions from Ghana – November 2023

Our subscriber RS took IELTS in Ghana last week and was asked the following Speaking questions.

Try and answer them no matter what country YOU are taking the test in, because Speaking questions are known to repeat all over the world.

Speaking test

Part 1 (Interview)

– What is your full name?
– Where are you from?
– Can you describe your hometown?
– What do you like about your hometown?
– Are tea and coffee popular in your hometown?
– Which is more popular in your country, tea or coffee?
– Do you prefer tea or coffee?
– When you have people over, what do you serve them, tea or coffee?

Part 2 (Cue Card)

Describe an activity you did that made you feel tired. You should say

– which activity it was
– when you did it
– where you did it

and explain why this activity made you feel tired.

Part 3 (Discussion)

– When do people usually feel tired?
– Do people feel tired these days more than in the past?
– Do people get enough free time after work these days?
– Do people have fewer holidays now compared to the past?
– What is the difference between feeling tired after studying or working and feeling tired after playing sports?
– Do people who are involved in their work get to have fun?
– Do older people get tired more easily than younger people?

The post IELTS Speaking questions from Ghana – November 2023 first appeared on IELTS-Blog.

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New IELTS test questions – November 2023 (Academic Module)

Our wonderful subscriber SM from Iran remembered a lot of information from her IELTS test this weekend. Here are the Writing and Speaking questions she had:

Writing test

Writing task 1 (a report)

The charts below show the average retirement age for men and women in 2004 and 2008 in seven countries.

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)

In many countries, students leave high school without learning how to manage their money. Why is that the case? What could be done to tackle the issue?

Speaking Test

Part 1 (Interview)

– What is your full name?
– Where are you from?
– Did you eat ice cream as a child?
– Are there shops selling ice cream near where you live?
– Have you made your own ice cream before?
– What is your favorite day of the week?
– What is your least favorite day?
– What is the busiest day of the week for you?
– Is there anything that you do every day?
– What do you usually do on weekends?
– Are weekdays and weekends the same for you?

Part 2 (Cue Card)

Describe a traditional celebration (a festival or ceremony) in your country that you enjoy. You should say:

– what it is
– what you do to celebrate it
– who you celebrate it with

and explain why you enjoy it.

Speaking Part 3 (Discussion)

– Is it important for children to learn about traditional festivals at school?
– Do children like to learn about traditional festivals?
– Why do people celebrate traditional festivals?
– Are traditional festivals disappearing?
– Is music important in traditional festivals?
– Do you think good food and drinks are important at celebrations?
– Do people pay attention to traditional costumes?
– Should children learn about traditional costumes at school?

The post New IELTS test questions – November 2023 (Academic Module) first appeared on IELTS-Blog.

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Victor’s Success Story: Scoring Band 7 in IELTS with Strategic Online Preparation

This post is dedicated to the smashing success of our wonderful VIP Club Member, Victor, who soared to an impressive Band 7 in his IELTS exam.

Background

Victor is an aspiring migrant to Australia from Peru and a native Spanish speaker. He embarked on his IELTS preparation journey with a clear goal: to achieve a Band 7 score and get a visa to Australia. His journey led him to our IELTS Online Prep platform, where he found the resources and support he needed to succeed.

Challenge

Victor needed a comprehensive preparation strategy that would not only familiarise him with the IELTS format but also enhance his skills in all four components of the test. With a particular focus on speaking and writing, he looked for resources that offered practical, exam-like experience.

Solution

As soon as he discovered our website, Victor immediately joined as a VIP Club member and got access to our range of mock tests, finding them remarkably similar to the actual IELTS exam. This realistic practice was crucial in building his confidence and test-taking skills.

Victor expressed his appreciation, saying, “Your website has fantastic mock tests to practice, and I engaged immediately after checking it out.”

Key aspects of our platform that Victor found invaluable included:

Model Answers on the VIP Club Website: “I found the model answers on the VIP Club website very useful, with relevant examples for both the writing and speaking sections with great vocabulary,” Victor noted. These resources provided him with high-quality examples, incorporating relevant content and advanced vocabulary.Mock Tests: “The mock tests on the IELTS Online Prep platform were 100% similar to the real IELTS test, and this was the most valuable part for me,” Victor shared. These tests were instrumental in his preparation, helping him understand the test format and time management.IELTS-Blog App: Victor found this tool particularly helpful for speaking practice, describing it as “very friendly and straightforward.”Outcome

Victor’s dedicated preparation culminated in him taking the IELTS test in October. Despite feeling nervous, especially in the speaking section, he achieved an impressive overall band score of 7. His lowest band was 6.5 in speaking, which he attributes to exam-day nerves, because his performance in the mock test was much, much better.

Feedback and Acknowledgment

Victor extends his gratitude to our team, especially teacher Camden, for providing detailed and constructive feedback on his speaking mock tests. He credits the success of his IELTS journey to the comprehensive resources and support provided by our platform, saying, “I couldn’t have made it without reading and practicing on your website.”

Conclusion

Victor’s story proves yet again how effective your IELTS preparation becomes with the right guidance and resources. His achievement of Band 7 not only marks a significant milestone in his migration journey but also serves as an inspiration to other IELTS test takers. We are proud to have played a part in Victor’s success and wish him all the best in his future endeavours in Australia.

Congratulations on your amazing Band 7, Victor!

The post Victor’s Success Story: Scoring Band 7 in IELTS with Strategic Online Preparation first appeared on IELTS-Blog.

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IELTS Speaking Test, Part 2 question with model answer: Talk about a house you visited that would be perfect for you

Here is a Band 9 Speaking Part 2 answer for the cue card “Talk about a house you visited that would be perfect for you”. This cue card has been seen recently in an IELTS exam in India. The answer below shows a good way to respond to this question.

Watch and listen in the video, or read the model answer below:

 
Speaking test

Part 2 (Cue Card)

Talk about a house you visited that would be perfect for you. You should say

– where it was
– what it looked like
– how you felt when you saw it

and explain why you think this house would be perfect for you.

Answer

Oh, there was this house I visited a while back when I was in Brighton for a weekend getaway. It was tucked away on the edge of town, and honestly, it felt like it was straight out of a dream. The place had this really laid-back vibe, with lots of trees around and a view that could knock your socks off.

The house itself? It was this cool little cottage that looked like it belonged in one of those home magazines, but still super inviting. It had a neat little garden out front, and a charming front porch that just made you feel welcome right away.

Inside, it was just as awesome. The living room had this big, comfy sofa that faced a fireplace, and I could totally see myself chilling there on a rainy day. The kitchen was the best part, though. It was all modern where it counts, but still had this old-school charm to it.

When I walked in, I felt like I could move in tomorrow and not change a thing. It just had this vibe that felt right, you know? It was peaceful, but not too out in the sticks, and it just had this warm, homey feel.

I think this place would be perfect for me because it’s got that escape-from-the-city kind of peace, but it’s not too far out. I could keep up with my hobbies, have friends over, and just enjoy life at a slower pace. Plus, it felt like it had character, and that’s something you don’t find just anywhere.

Read more model answers on the VIP Club website

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Is Speaking Different for the IELTS Online Exam?

IELTS now offers a completely online version of the exam.

This is different from computer-delivered IELTS, because you can do the online exam at home.

You also don’t have to go to a test center for the IELTS Speaking test. (If you take the computer-delivered version, you will still have to speak to an Examiner at a test center.)

Does that mean that IELTS Speaking is more like TOEFL Speaking? Are you now just talking to a computer?

No!

You still get to talk to a real, human Examiner, and the format of the exam is the same. In fact, you will be answering the same types of questions, adhering to the same timing and format, as all IELTS Speaking test candidates.

These days, you’re probably used to having video calls with people, either for work or in your personal life. If you’re not used to talking on video with other people, you will want to practice this before your exam!

Most importantly, though, the way you’re scored on your Speaking exam is also exactly the same. The Examiner is listening for the same things in order to score you in four categories: Fluency and Coherence, Vocabulary, Grammar, and Pronunciation.

On the IELTS Energy English 7+ podcast, we talk about EVERYTHING related to IELTS, for Reading, Listening, Writing, and, of course, Speaking. You can also watch all episodes as videos on our YouTube channel, IELTS Energy TV.

If you’ve never listened to the podcast, you’re missing out! We publish two new episodes every week, and they’re free! The show is hosted by Jessica Beck and Aubrey Carter. Jessica was an IELTS Examiner for 14 years, and has a Masters in Applied Linguistics. Aubrey Carter is 3 Keys IELTS certified, and has a Masters in TESOL. Both hosts have been teaching for 20+ years, and are, honestly, fun to hang out with. You’ll have so much fun that you’ll forget you’re studying!

To prepare for the highest IELTS Speaking scores, listen to the episodes listed below.

Fluency and Coherence
IELTS Energy 1319: Examiner Answers Your Burning Speaking Questions
IELTS Energy 1330: 7 Tips to Sound Natural on IELTS Speaking

Vocabulary
IELTS Energy 1325:Is IELTS the Stuff of Nightmares?
IELTS Energy 1328: Don’t Use ‘Get’ on IELTS

Grammar
IELTS Energy 1287: Don’t Make These Noncount Noun Mistakes on IELTS
IELTS Energy 1299:Who, That, or Which? Necessary IELTS Grammar

Pronunciation
IELTS Energy 1294: Fabulous Family Sample Part 3 Answers
IELTS Energy 1327: The Difference Between 7 and 8 for Speaking

Make sure to follow the IELTS Energy podcast so you never miss an episode.

Who is Jessica Beck?

Jessica Beck was an IELTS Examiner for 14 years, in Taipei, Taiwan, and in Portland and Boise in the U.S. She has been a co-host of the IELTS Energy podcast from All Ears English since 2015, and created the online IELTS course, 3 Keys IELTS. Also, she has written over 20 ESL textbooks for young learners and adults. Jessica lives in Portland, Oregon, with her son and two dogs.

The post Is Speaking Different for the IELTS Online Exam? first appeared on IELTS-Blog.

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IELTS Speaking questions from India – November 2023

GK took IELTS in India last week and remembered the following Speaking questions:

Speaking test

Part 1 (Interview)

– What is your full name?
– Where are you from?
– What did you dream about as a child?
– What kind of ambitions do young people in your country have?
– Let’s talk about days off.
– What do you do when you have a day off?
– What did you do as a child when you had a day off from school?
– Who was more important to you in your childhood, parents or friends?

Part 2 (Cue Card)

Describe a sport you like to watch. You should say

– what it is
– when you watch it
– who you watch it with

and explain why you like watching it.

Part 3 (Discussion)

– What sport do people in your country like to watch?
– What is the most popular sport in your country that people play?
– Do you think it is important for children to play sports at school?
– What sport should schools in your country introduce?
– Who do you think benefits more from sports, children or adults?
– What is the main purpose of sports?

The post IELTS Speaking questions from India – November 2023 first appeared on IELTS-Blog.

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IELTS test questions from Pakistan and Sri Lanka – November 2023 (Academic Module)

From the information our subscribers shared, it seems that this week’s IELTS exams in Pakistan and Sri Lanka were the same. Here are the Reading topics and Writing questions test takers remembered:

Reading Test

Passage 1. Coral reefs, a text regarding a study about fish on the Great Barrier Reef.
Passage 2. A study regarding music and brain activity.
Passage 3. A review of a book about city transformation and city life.

Writing test

Writing task 1 (a report)

The chart below shows the number of houses sold in 8 cities in the world for more than 5 Million US dollars in 2009 and 2014.

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)

The tendency of news reports in the media to focus more on problems and emergencies than on positive developments is harmful to individuals and the society as a whole. 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 IELTS test questions from Pakistan and Sri Lanka – November 2023 (Academic Module) first appeared on IELTS-Blog.

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IELTS Speaking questions from Malaysia – November 2023

AB took IELTS in Malaysia very recently and remembered the following Speaking questions:

Speaking test

Part 1 (Interview)

– What is your full name?
– Where are you from?
– Do you work or are you a student?
– Where do you work?
– How many hours do you work per week?
– Are able to concentrate easily at work?
– What helps you concentrate at work?
– When you were in school, did you find it easy to concentrate?

Part 2 (Cue Card)

Talk about someone you know who has moved to a new accommodation. You should say

– who this person is
– when they moved
– where they moved to and why

and explain whether or not the move has had a positive impact on them.

Part 3 (Discussion)

– Do you think that nowadays young people have to become independent at a younger age compared to the past?
– How does moving out of the family home contribute to a young person’s sense of independence?
– What responsibilities do young adults typically face when they move out and live on their own?
– What are the common challenges faced by young people when they first move out of their parents’ home?
– How can financial challenges impact a young person’s ability to live independently?
– Do you think moving out affects the relationship between parents and their children? In what way?

The post IELTS Speaking questions from Malaysia – November 2023 first appeared on IELTS-Blog.

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