Simone Braverman's Blog: IELTS-Blog.com, page 54
August 10, 2023
IELTS Speaking test in Türkiye (previously Turkey) – August 2023
Our Instagram follower S took his IELTS Speaking test in Istanbul, Türkiye a few days ago and shared the following questions:
Speaking test
Part 1 (Interview)
– Do you work or study?
– What do you like about your major?
– How many hours do you study each week?
– Are there any wild animals in your hometown?
– Where would you need to go, to see wild life?
– Where do you live now?
– What type of weather do you like?
– Does it rain often in your hometown?
– Do you like it when it rains?
– Did you ever have to change your plans because of the rainy weather?
Part 2 (Cue Card)
Describe an occasion when you spent time with a teenager. You should say
– who it was
– where you went
– what you did
and explain whether or not you enjoyed spending time with this teenager and why.
Part 3 (Discussion)
– Who do you think should take care of children, mothers or fathers?
– How and where did children play in the past?
– How is that different from the games children play today?
– Do you agree that parents buy too many toys for their children?
– Should parents teach their children to respect other people?
– What can children learn from their parents?
August 9, 2023
IELTS test in Türkiye (previously Turkey) – August 2023, Academic Module
Our friend S from Türkiye took his IELTS exam a couple of days ago and remembered the following questions. The same questions were also reported by students from Kenya, Africa.
Use them to practice for your upcoming IELTS test and face it in your top shape!
Writing test
Writing task 1 (a report)
The chart below illustrates the percentages of sales of one bookseller in 1970, 1992 and 2012.
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)
Full-time university students need to spend most of their time studying. Some people, however, claim that students needed to be involved in other activities as well. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Related posts:IELTS in Perth, Australia – August 2009 (Academic Module) IELTS in Perth, Australia was described by O, who shared...IELTS test in Saudi Arabia and Turkey – March 2023 (Academic Module) Thanks to our friends from Saudi Arabia and Turkey, today...IELTS test in Turkey – April 2023 (Academic Module) Our kind subscriber MY recently took her IELTS exam in...IELTS test in Türkiye (previously Turkey) – May 2023, Academic Module Thanks to our lovely subscriber MY we are sharing their...IELTS test in Kenya and Bangladesh – May 2023 (Academic Module) Thanks to our kind subscribers MM and HA we are...August 8, 2023
3 Top Problems in IELTS Listening With Solutions
When you are taking the Listening test on a computer, even if you are a reasonably confident English listener, chances are you will experience at least one of these problems.
Today Robert Nicholson, a former IELTS examiner and co-author of the “High Scorer’s Choice” IELTS practice book series, shares a way for you to deal with these problems. Make sure not to miss the Bonus Tip at the end!
Short on time? Here is a quick summary:
Problem 1 – Losing track of the recording and missing several answers in a rowHow to avoid losing track of the recordingKeeping up with the recording is a problem for many people. It’s easy to get lost and miss a few answers in a row. To prevent that, always read not one, but TWO questions ahead and keep thinking of the two things you are listening for.
For example, there is a form to fill in. In question 2 a house number is missing, and in question 3 a year is missing. You should keep thinking: “I need to hear a house number and then a year”. Even if you miss the house number, when you hear a year you will know you are up to question 3. It will stop you losing more than one question’s answer. Be selective about things you are listening for.
How to move between questions in the correct order, to avoid skipping questions by accidentMake your eyes zigzag from left to right when answering multiple choice questions. This is because the first question appears on the left side of the screen, and the next one is on the right side. Then, the following question is on the left again, and the one after it is on the right. Many people automatically look only at the questions on the left, and don’t notice the questions on the right until it’s too late, the recording has moved on, and they missed all the answers to questions on the right side.
Listen until the very end, because the answer might change. Often you hear the speaker mention one answer option, but then they decide on another. For example. Sandra and Roger are talking about the platform where their train stops. Sandra thinks her train stops at platform four, but then Roger says it’s changed to platform seven. If you select the answer too early, you may select four, when the correct answer is seven.
Problem 3 – Lack of time to read all the questions before the recording starts.At the start of every part of the listening test you are given some time to read the questions. This time feels very short. To give yourself more time, here is what you can do. When Part 1 ends, you get some time to check your answers. Instead of checking your answers, skip to Part 2 and start reading the questions there. It doubles your time! Do the same when Part 2 ends. Instead of checking your answers, skip to Part 3 and start reading the questions there. What about checking your answers? At the end of the Listening test, you get 2 minutes to check your answers, and that is when you can do it.
Visit IELTS Online Prep platform to practice for IELTS on ComputerBonus Tip – How to Check Your AnswersAt the end of the Listening test everyone gets two minutes to check their answers, but not many people know how to do that, to maximise their score. Checking whether or not you’ve chosen the correct year, house number, amount of money or person’s name is not easy, because you probably won’t remember them. By the time you get to Part 4, what you heard in Part 1 has evaporated from your memory. But there are other important things to check for in your answers. These things, if not fixed, can cancel a perfectly correct answer. So, when checking your answers, look at 3 things.
1. Word count. Check the instructions to see how many words are allowed, and make sure that your answers do not exceed that limit.
2. Spelling. It is important, because a correct answer that is misspelled will be marked as incorrect.
3. The answers you left blank. You don’t lose points for incorrect answers, so it is better to guess than leave anything blank. If your guess is correct, you’ve gained one mark, and if it’s incorrect, you’ve lost nothing, so it makes sense to do that in the final two minutes of the Listening test.
A very special thank you to Jessica Beck from the IELTS Energy podcast for having Robbie as a guest on the show.
Related posts:6 Easy Ways to Improve Your IELTS Listening Score Achieving a fundamental improvement in Listening takes time, work and...6 Tips to Instantly Lift Your Listening Score The Listening test in IELTS can be tricky, for a...What you need to know about the Answer Sheet Answer Sheet is a very important piece of paper. First...Listening tip # 5 Lately I was thinking a lot of IELTS-Blog and what...IELTS Listening tips that Phuong used to get Band 7 To succeed in the IELTS test, the key is practice....August 7, 2023
IELTS Speaking test in the UK – August 2023
Our kind friend CM took his IELTS Speaking test in the UK a few days ago and remembered the following questions:
Speaking test
Part 1 (Interview)
– What is your name?
– Do you work or study?
– Why did you choose that job?
– What things don’t you like about your job?
– What do you do on your days off?
– When was the last time you had a few days off?
– What do you spend time doing when you are off work?
– Do you ever feel like you waste your free time?
– How often do you get to take time off work?
– Do you wish you had more free time?
Part 2 (Cue Card)
Describe a sport that you enjoyed playing when you were young. You should say
– what sport is was
– who you played with
– where you played
and explain why you enjoyed playing that sport.
Part 3 (Discussion)
– Do you think children should be given prizes for winning in sports competitions?
– What are the advantages of winning prizes?
– Is it better for children to win prizes individually or as a team?
– Do you think competition is important to school children? Why or why not?
– Is competition important to adults just as much?
– Is competition important in business? Why?
– What is the downside of competition in business?
August 6, 2023
IELTS test in England – August 2023 (Academic Module)
CM took his IELTS test in the United Kingdom very recently and remembered the following questions. They make excellent practice for your upcoming IELTS test!
Writing test
Writing task 1 (a report)
The diagram below describes the process of making recycled paper.
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)
New parents should attend parenting classes to learn how to bring up their children well. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Related posts:IELTS test in the UK – April 2022 (Academic Module) Our friends N.Z. and A.T. took their Academic IELTS tests...IELTS test in Iran – April 2022 (Academic Module) We are grateful to A.R. from Iran who remembered the...IELTS test in the UK – February 2023 (Academic Module) Our friend took IELTS in the UK a few days...IELTS test in Sudan and Azerbaijan – March 2012 (Academic Module) The IELTS exam below was shared by our kind friends...IELTS test in Mongolia and Malaysia – April 2015 (Academic Module) Two IELTS test takers from Mongolia and Malaysia (thank you,...August 2, 2023
IELTS Report, topic: Table describing postgraduate course fees in 3 countries
This is a model answer for an Academic Writing Task 1 from the IELTS exam in Australia, shared recently. This response is likely to get Band 8 or 8.5 in IELTS.
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task
The table below shows the postgraduate course fees that international students paid in three countries in 2007. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
Write at least 150 words
* Note: this isn’t the actual table given in the test, it was recreated for the purpose of demonstration.
Band 8.5 Model Answer
The table provides information about the fees paid by foreign postgraduate students in three countries for different subjects, as well as meals and accommodation.
It is clear from the table that Country A had the lowest fees for all fields of study and meals and accommodation, while Country B and Country C had noticeably similar, higher fees. Of all the countries, Country B had the highest fees overall.
To begin, the Arts and Commerce courses not only had the exact same fees, but they were also the lowest in the table, with $8,000 for Country A, $18,000 for Country B and $19,000 for Country C. The course fees for Computing and Science were close in all the countries. In Country A they were identical at $11,000, whereas in Country B the Computing course was $27,000 and Science cost $2,000 more. The figures for Country C were slightly lower at $24,000 for Computing and $25,000 for Science.
The fees for meals and accommodation varied significantly across the 3 countries. The most affordable cost of $8,000 belonged to Country A, followed by $11,000 in country C and the most expensive meals and housing costs ($17,000) were recorded in Country B.
Submit your report for correction and find out how to improve your Writing score.
Click here to see more IELTS reports of band 8
Related posts:IELTS report, topic: Bar chart and pie chart describing residential water consumption (from IELTS High Scorer’s Choice series, Academic Set 1) This report was written by a student on a topic...IELTS report, topic: Shopping centre map comparison You should spend about 20 minutes on this task The...IELTS Report, topic: Describing two maps of a city, in 1960 and now This is a model answer for a Writing Task 1...IELTS Report, topic: Two bar graphs showing how often people exercised in Europe in 2016 This is a model answer for an Academic Writing Task...IELTS Report, topic: Line graph describing production of 3 different fuels in the UK This is a model answer for an Academic Writing Task...August 1, 2023
IELTS Speaking questions with model answers: Job, Dream Home, House Types, Wild Animals and the Zoo
In today’s post we are covering IELTS Speaking questions and answers on the topics of Job, Dream Home, House Types, Wild Animals and the Zoo. The questions were shared by a student who took IELTS in India. The answers below show a good way to respond to these questions.
NEW! In this podcast episode you can watch the video and LISTEN to all the questions and answers. It’s great to improve your pronunciation, intonation and overall fluency!
Watch and listen in the video, or read the model answers below:
Speaking test
Part 1 (Interview) Questions & Answers
1. Do you work or study?
Right now, I work full time at a well-known tech company as a software developer.
2. Where do you work?
I work at a software company called TechSpark, in San Francisco. The company specialises in developing digital solutions for businesses.
3. What do you like about your work?
I’ve always loved solving complex problems and puzzles, and basically as a software developer that’s what I get to do all day. My job requires creativity and out-of-the-box thinking. Also, my company’s work environment encourages collaboration and continuous learning.
4. What would make your work more interesting?
I’d like to be involved in more research and development opportunities. An opportunity to be on the cutting edge of new and innovative solutions in the tech world excites and motivates me a lot.
5. What do you dislike about your job?
The tight and sometimes unrealistic deadlines set by project managers are something that I really don’t enjoy, and this often causes a lot of unnecessary pressure and stress.
6. What change would you like to make at work?
I think it would be great if we switched to a more flexible working model that included more work from home days. I feel like this hybrid model would greatly improve our productivity.
7. How many hours do you work each week?
I generally work the standard 40 hours a week, but this can also stretch to around 50 to 60 hours, when we are on a tight deadline.
Part 2 (Cue Card) Question & Answer
Describe your idea of a perfect house. You should say:
– where it should be
– what features it should have
– who you would live there with
and explain why this would be the perfect house for you.
Answer
I’ve always admired the large, open-plan homes of the upmarket suburbs. These homes are located in peaceful and scenic areas that are also close enough to the city.
Ideally, my suburban home would still be reasonably close to the city so that I can easily access urban facilities and services. It is also important for it to have a good view of nature, something like a lake or a wooded area.
In terms of look, I would want my home to have a traditional look while being equipped with modern amenities. It should have an open plan living space with large windows and sky lights, to take advantage of as much natural light as possible.
The main focus of the home should be the kitchen, since I love to cook for my family. I would love a spacious kitchen with an island, beautiful marble bench top and modern appliances.
I also have a large book collection, and I have always envisioned having a cosy library to store all of my favourite books. I guess this would also function as a work from home office as well.
A large backyard is also a must, since family barbecues are something we often host. It would also serve as a place for kids to play in and have fun, as well as a place to relax in the evenings.
I imagine that I would live in my dream home with my family and our pets. I believe that this would be the perfect house for me because it offers the right balance of access to the benefits of urban life while being surrounded by nature.
Part 3 (Discussion) Questions & Answers
1. Are there many types of houses in your country? What are they?
Yes, there are many types of houses that cater for different demographics and people with different preferences. These include, high rise apartments in cities, large suburban homes, as well as sprawling farmhouses in rural areas.
2. Are there any traditional houses that are still popular in your country? Can you describe them?
Yes, many people still find traditional farmhouses to be very appealing. These houses are famous for their intricate woodwork and built in furniture as well as their wide front porches. Traditional houses are popular with large families because they have lots of space.
3. What is the difference between living in an old house compared to a new house?
Old houses have a unique charm about them, and they come with a lot of history and character. Unfortunately, they also require more maintenance and they sometimes lack modern amenities. On the other hand, newer homes are almost always more energy efficient and equipped with up to date technology, but they lack the individuality of older homes.
4. How have the types of houses in your country changed over the years?
In the past, families could afford to live in large spacious homes. However, with the changing times and the rapid growth of city populations, more and more people choose to live in smaller high rise apartments or flats. Also, as I mentioned before, the homes of today are more energy efficient.
5. Have you ever been to the zoo?
Yes, I visited the zoo a couple of times on school excursions. However, it was not an experience that I enjoyed at all. I do not believe that it is ethical to house majestic and wild creatures in tiny cages and enclosures. It seemed as if the poor animals’ souls were literally sucked out of them. It was just heartbreaking to watch.
6. What wild animals are commonly found in your country?
There is a diverse range of animals that live here, including tigers, wild boars, a number of exotic birds, and even wild goats that live on mountain tops. Actually, the type of animal you find depends heavily on which part of the country you are in. For example, tigers and wild boars are usually found in the central part of the country which is basically forest land.
7. What wild animal from another country would you like to see in the future?
I have always wanted to see an elephant in the wild. It would be amazing to actually see it in its natural habitat. I have heard many stories about their great emotional intelligence and complex social structures. Hopefully one day I will be able to go on a safari tour and see them in person.
Read more model answers on the VIP Club website
Related posts:IELTS Speaking test in the UK – June 2023 One of our subscribers took the IELTS test in the...IELTS Speaking questions with model answers: Work, Weekends, Restaurants and Tourism In today’s post we are covering IELTS Speaking questions and...IELTS Speaking test in India – August 2021 Thanks to the kind contribution by A.S. we can share...IELTS Speaking test in India – August 2021 Thanks to our kind friend B.P. we can share these...IELTS Speaking test in India – August 2021 Thanks to our kind friend M.B. we can share these...July 31, 2023
IELTS essay, topic: Some people think it is better to make more money rather than have free time (discuss + opinion)
This essay topic was seen in a recent IELTS test in Nigeria
Some people think it is better to make more money rather than have free time, while others prefer to have more free time rather than making money. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Sample Band 8 Essay
In modern-day society, time and money are two essential commodities that people strive for. Oftentimes, we find ourselves caught in a dilemma between working hard to make more money and spending time doing the things we love. Some individuals argue that making more money is better than having free time, whereas others value free time more than money. Personally, at this stage in life achieving financially sound position is more important to me than leisure.
People who believe that making more money is better than having free time argue that money brings freedom, security, and opportunities. In today’s world, everything from basic necessities to luxuries requires cash. Those who don’t have enough money cannot purchase the things they need. Financial stability also brings a sense of security, which can be liberating. Moreover, having more money opens up new opportunities for higher education, career advancements, and travel experiences.
On the other hand, people who prioritise free time over money argue that wealth doesn’t equal happiness. Numerous studies have shown that individuals who have more free time tend to enjoy better mental and emotional well-being. Free time provides an opportunity to engage in recreational activities, hobbies, and enjoy the company of our loved ones. Just as importantly, free time allows individuals to engage in self-care activities like meditation or exercise, which can lead to an uplift in mental and physical health.
While both sides have valid points, it is essential to note that a balance between work and leisure is crucial. Working excessively to accumulate wealth can have adverse effects on both physical and mental health. Therefore, the debate between having more money or free time is a subjective matter that varies from person to person. It is crucial for individuals to evaluate their priorities, ambitions, and limitations and come up with a personalised balance that fits their lifestyle.
Teacher’s comment:
This is a great example of an IELTS Band 8 essay.
Task Response: The essay effectively addresses the task prompt by discussing both views on whether it is better to make more money or have more free time. The writer presents relevant arguments for each perspective and gives a personal opinion at the end. The response remains focused on the topic, and the writer provides a clear position.
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay maintains a clear structure with an introduction, two body paragraphs discussing each view, and a conclusion that gives a personal opinion. The ideas are logically presented within paragraphs, and appropriate linking words are used to connect sentences and concepts. There is a smooth flow of ideas throughout the essay.
Lexical Resource: The essay demonstrates a good range of vocabulary and uses some advanced vocabulary effectively. The essay uses phrases such as “financially sound position,” “sense of security,” “mental and emotional well-being,” “recreational activities,” and “self-care activities.” These phrases are used appropriately and demonstrate a good level of lexical resource.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay displays generally sound grammatical control, with a variety of sentence structures used effectively. While there are some minor punctuation issues, they do not impede communication or comprehension.
Submit your essay for correction and find out how to improve your Writing score.
Click here to see more IELTS essays of Band 8
Related posts:IELTS essay, topic: Who should discipline the children, parents or the government? (discuss + opinion) This essay topic was seen in a recent IELTS test...IELTS essay, topic: Despite the benefits of walking, very few people walk nowadays (reasons and solutions) This essay topic was seen in a recent IELTS test...IELTS essay, topic: Many people try to achieve a work-life balance but fail (reasons and solutions) This essay topic was seen in a recent IELTS test...IELTS essay, topic: Many people today are drinking sugar-based drinks (reasons and solutions) This essay topic was seen in a recent IELTS tests...IELTS essay, topic: Some argue that governments should create nutrition and food choice laws to improve public health (discuss + opinion) This essay topic was seen in a recent IELTS test...July 30, 2023
New IELTS test in India – July 2023 (Academic Module)
KB took her IELTS test in India a couple of days ago and remembered the following questions. They make excellent practice for your upcoming IELTS test!
Writing test
Writing task 1 (a report)
The chart below shows the amount of energy generated from wind in four countries from 1985 to 2000.
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 countries should produce all the food necessary to feed their populations and import as little food as possible. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Related posts:IELTS test in India – November 2022 (Academic Module) The questions below were shared by the kind-hearted J.E. who...IELTS test in India and Nepal – December 2022 (Academic Module) Thanks to our friends from Nepal and India today we...New IELTS test in India – March 2023 (Academic Module) Thanks to the lovely J.S. from India, today we are...IELTS test in India – April 2023 (Academic Module) Thanks to our kind subscriber J.S., today we are sharing...IELTS test in India – July 2023 (Academic Module) Our brilliant friend PJ from India remembered these questions from...July 29, 2023
IELTS Speaking test in Chandigarh, India – July 2023
Thanks to the great memory of KB, here are the Speaking questions she was asked in her IELTS exam this weekend:
Speaking test
Part 1 (Interview)
– What is your full name?
– Where are you from?
– How long have you been living there?
– Do you feel safe in your neighbourhood?
– Is your neighbourhood more popular with younger or older people?
– Were you taught about the outer space and stars in school?
– What do you think of science fiction movies?
– Would you like to learn more about the outer space?
– Would you consider traveling into the outer space in the future?
Part 2 (Cue Card)
Talk about a time when you complained about an issue and it was successfully resolved. You should say
– when it was
– where it was
– what you complained about
and explain why you were satisfied with the outcome of your complaint.
Follow-up question: When do people usually complain?
Part 3 (Discussion)
– What types of things do people usually complain about?
– Do you think it is better to complain verbally or in writing?
– What kind of people usually complain?
– Who is more likely to complain, young people or old people?
– Is it important for a company to have an easy process for customers to make complaints?
– What are some good ways for companies to resolve customer complaints?
– In what ways can companies use customer complaints to improve?
IELTS-Blog.com
- Simone Braverman's profile
- 52 followers
