Simone Braverman's Blog: IELTS-Blog.com, page 59
June 4, 2023
IELTS Speaking test in Kazakhstan – June 2023
Thanks to the kind AE from Kazakhstan, today we are sharing the Speaking questions from the IELTS exam she took two days ago:
Speaking test
Part 1 (Interview)
– Can you tell me your full name, please?
– Do you work or study?
– Do you go to the library often?
– Would you like to work here? Why or why not?
– What do you usually do at the library?
– Did you go to the library when you were a child?
– Do kids visit the library often in your country?
We previously posted model answers for similar questions here
Part 2 (Cue Card)
Describe a noisy place you have been to. You should say
– where it was
– why you went there
– why it was noisy
and explain how you felt about being there.
Read / Listen to the model answer here
Part 3 (Discussion)
– Do you think people like noisy places?
– Why do some people like to meet in places with loud music?
– How does the noise affect people’s social interactions in such places?
– Should parents tell their kids to be less noisy?
– Is it important for children to learn about appropriate noise levels and when it is necessary to be quiet? Why?
– What is the role of speaking and speech imitation in child development?
– Does speaking and speech imitation help only with language development, or are there more benefits?
June 1, 2023
IELTS essay, topic: Many university students nowadays live away from home and their parents (advantages/disadvantages)
This essay topic was seen in a recent IELTS test in Pakistan.
Many university students nowadays live away from home and their parents because of their university location, while others live with their families. What are the advantages and disadvantages of each situation?
Sample Band 8 Essay
In today’s society, many university students face the decision of whether to live away from home or reside with their families due to the location of their university. While moving out of family home has many advantages such as independence and improved academic performance, it also comes with some serious disadvantages such as the lack of social support, and financial implications.
Living away from home offers several advantages. Most importantly, it provides an opportunity for students to develop a sense of independence and self-reliance. By managing their own accommodation, finances, and daily routines, students can cultivate essential life skills, including budgeting, time management, and problem-solving. Living independently can also foster personal growth and maturity as students navigate the challenges and responsibilities of adulthood. Moreover, living away from home can contribute to academic success. Students are often exposed to a conducive environment for studying, free from distractions and familial obligations.
On the other hand, living with family has its own advantages. It provides a supportive network of familial relationships, which can contribute to emotional well-being and mental health, which is often lacking for students who study away from home. The financial burden of housing, meals, and other expenses doesn’t apply to students who are living with family and relying on parental support. Familiar routines, home-cooked meals, and familiar environments can provide a comforting and nurturing atmosphere, reducing stress and aiding in the adjustment process, allowing for a more seamless transition from high school to university life.
In conclusion, the decision whether to live away from home or with family during university studies carries advantages and disadvantages. Living away from home fosters independence, self-reliance, and academic focus, while living with family provides emotional support, financial stability, and a familiar environment. The choice ultimately depends on the individual’s priorities, personality, and familial circumstances. Nonetheless, it is crucial for students to weigh these factors carefully and consider the potential impact on their personal, academic, and social development.
Click here to see more IELTS essays of Band 8
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New IELTS Speaking test in Pakistan – May 2023
Thanks to the kind IELTS tutor KA from Pakistan, today we are sharing the Speaking questions from his student’s IELTS exam:
Speaking test
Part 1 (Interview)
– What is your full name?
– Where do you live?
– Do you work or study?
– Are you passionate about your job?
– What tools help you in your job?
– How many hours do you work in a week?
– Do you like watching animals? Why or why not?
– Have you ever visited the zoo? Why or why not?
– Do you like to see animals in the zoo?
Part 2 (Cue Card)
Talk about a time when you received some incorrect information. You should say
– what the information was and where you got it
– why you needed it
– how you found out it was incorrect
– and explain what you did after finding out the information was incorrect.
Part 3 (Discussion)
– What kind of jobs require providing information to people?
– What skills or qualities do people need to be able to provide information?
– Do some people have more correct information that others?
– What does ‘transparency’ mean to you?
– How can we find the correct information?
– Do students rely more on facts than correct information?
– What is more important for students, facts or correct information?
May 30, 2023
IELTS Report, topic: Line graph describing production of 3 different fuels in the UK
This is a model answer for an Academic Writing Task 1 from the IELTS exam in Pakistan, 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 line graph below describes production of different fuels in the UK from 1981 to 2000. 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 graph given in the test, it was recreated for the purpose of demonstration.
Band 8.5 Model Answer
The line graph gives information about the production of coal, gas and petroleum in the UK from 1981 to 2001.
It is clear from the graph that there was a decline in the production of all three types of fuel over the given time period, especially coal.
To begin, coal started out with the highest value of 127 million tonnes produced in 1981, and then plummeted to 51 million tonnes in 1984. Thereafter, the ratio recovered significantly to 106 million tonnes in 1986. From then onwards, the ratio has been consistently declining and eventually reached a low of 35 million tonnes in 2001.
The production of petroleum showed a slight increase from 96 to 100 million tonnes at the very start of the period. From 1983, there was a gradual decrease in production to a low of 79 million tonnes in 1989. Later on, from 1991 to 2001 the numbers remained relatively stable, between 80 to 87 million tonnes.
Natural gas production started at 72 bcm and increased for almost 10 years, reaching the high of 113 bcm in 1990. That point marked a start of gradual decline of around 5 bcm per year, to the low of 67 in 1999. Thereafter, there was a slight recovery to 72 bcm in 2001.
Click here to see more IELTS reports of band 8
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IELTS test in Uzbekistan – May 2023 (Academic Module)
Thanks to our kind subscriber D we are sharing the questions from the IELTS exam she took two days ago in Uzbekistan:
Writing test
Writing task 1 (a report)
The chart below shows the percentage of people in the UK who ate five portions of fruit and vegetables per day between 2001 and 2008.
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)
If people could choose between working and not working, they would choose not to work. 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.
Speaking test
Part 1 (Interview)
– What is your full name?
– What can I call you?
– Do you work or are you a student?
– What do you like about your studies?
– Did you buy a lot of bags when you were young?
– Do you often take a bag with you when you go out?
– What type of bags do people take when they go on holiday?
Part 2 (Cue Card)
Describe a job that you think is interesting. You should say
– what job it is
– how you learnt about it
– what skills are required for this job
– and explain why you think this job is interesting
Part 3 (Discussion)
Unfortunately D didn’t remember the questions in Speaking Part 3.
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Here is what helped Alan get Band 8 in IELTS
You probably remember Alan as one of the IELTS Results competition winners. We celebrated their success earlier this month, and Alan took the first place in the General Training group.
Alan lives in India and speaks Hindi as his first language. He came across IELTS-Blog.com and subscribed to our daily emails in January this year. When he took the test, he scored Band 8.0, and decided to take part in our monthly IELTS results competition. As a winner, Alan was invited to share his experience, and he wanted to give back and help everyone still studying for the test. Here is what Alan told us about his IELTS preparation, and how you can do well in the test:
“My English proficiency before starting the preparation was at a moderate level, I would say.
With the initial practice assessments I took, I was around Band 7-8 in Listening and Reading, Band 5-6 in Writing, and an estimate of Band 6 in Speaking (based on feedback I received). My weaknesses were writing and speaking, so I concentrated my 2 months of prep on those more than the other sections. I dedicated around an hour a day to preparation.
Some general tips that I found helpful:
– Practice consistently: fix a time in the day (I fixed a time after work to study).
– Book the test in advance when you feel like you are moderately ready. This gives a deadline and a reason to study. Dragging out the preparation might reduce your motivation and confidence.
– Go through the free materials provided when registering for the exam.
– Read the IELTS-blog daily emails
– Focus on your weaknesses
– Do not underestimate the difficulty of the exam. One of my friends (who has better English proficiency than me) ignored the writing letter/essay structure and got Band 6 in the test.
– Take mock tests for Reading and Listening online on websites like IELTS-Blog.com to familiarise yourself with the computer-based interface.
– Keep the IELTS assessment criteria in mind while doing tasks
– Track your Listening and Reading practice scores
I hope you found some of my tips useful.”
Thank you very much, Alan, for sharing your advice, and we wish you only the very best!
May 27, 2023
IELTS Speaking Test, Part 3 questions with model answers (Advertising and Ads)
Here are some high-scoring Part 3 model answers for the Speaking Test that was shared by a student from Azerbaijan. The answers below show a good way to respond to these questions. You can find the answers in the other parts here: Part 1, Part 2.
NEW! In this podcast episode you can LISTEN to all the questions and answers. It’s great to improve your pronunciation, intonation and overall fluency!
Or you can listen on YouTube (turn subtitles on):
Speaking test
Part 3 (Discussion)
We’ve been talking about shopping, and now, in the third part of the test, I would like to ask you a few more questions related to this.
1. Who do you think spends more time shopping, younger or older people, and why?
Well, I believe younger people spend more time shopping than older generations. This is likely due to their need for the latest trends and styles, as well as the appeal of new technology and gadgets. Younger generations are more likely to be swayed by targeted advertisements that promote specific products and services, rather than relying on word-of-mouth recommendations from friends or family members. They may also be more willing to take risks and buy items they haven’t seen before, whereas older generations may prefer tried and trusted products or items that come highly recommended by others.
2. Do you think advertisements have advantages for consumers?
I think that advertising can be a beneficial tool for customers, as it provides them with an opportunity to learn about new products and services, that they might otherwise have been unaware of. This allows them to make informed decisions when choosing what best suits their needs and budget. Advertising can also help people save money by informing them about discounts, sales or coupons available from particular retailers.
3. Do advertisements have advantages for companies?
I am convinced that companies benefit greatly from advertising campaigns because these can help with brand recognition and increase sales amongst their target audience by spreading awareness of their company’s product. Advertising can also help build loyalty among existing customers by reinforcing the positive aspects of the company’s brand identity. This is achieved by repetition of logos, slogans or catchphrases across multiple mediums such as TV ads or radio commercials.
4. What makes an advertisement effective?
It seems to me that a good advertisement should be able to capture its target audience’s attention quickly, yet remain memorable enough for them to recall later on when making purchasing decisions. Things like catchy jingles, engaging visuals or humorous dialogue, help to achieve this effect. In addition to this, effective advertising should provide clear messages regarding how the product works, or how it can help solve problems faced by its target audience.
5. How much do you think advertisements can be trusted?
The trustworthiness of an advertisement depends largely on its source. If we are talking about sponsored content created by reputable companies, then there is usually no reason why we can’t trust what is being shared within the ad. However, if we are discussing unauthorised ads placed across websites or mobile apps, then there is more uncertainty surrounding what information is being presented. These types of ads could contain misleading claims about products or services offered, which could result in consumers being taken advantage of financially.
6. Do you think advertisements should be regulated more strictly?
I would say it makes sense, in order to protect consumers against false claims which could mislead individuals into thinking certain products or services will deliver results which aren’t actually possible in reality. This is particularly important when dealing with health-related goods, where exaggerated promises made concerning weight loss diets and such, could convince vulnerable individuals to invest unnecessarily into something that won’t fulfill its intended purpose.
Read more model answers on the VIP Club website
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IELTS Speaking Test, Part 2 question with model answer (Describe something special that you would like to buy in the future)
Here is a high-scoring Speaking Test Part 2 model answer for the cue card that was shared by a student from Azerbaijan. The answer shows a good way to respond to this question. You can find the answers in the other parts here: Part 1, Part 3.
NEW! In this podcast episode you can LISTEN to the answer. It’s great to improve your pronunciation, intonation and overall fluency!
Start listening to Part 2 from time mark 02:30
Or you can listen on YouTube (turn subtitles on):
Speaking test
Part 2 (Cue Card)
Talk about something special that you would like to buy in the future. You should say
– what it is
– what it looks like
– when you intend to buy it
– and explain why you would like to buy it.
Answer
My dream is to buy a custom-made electric guitar in the future. It’s an expensive purchase and I have been saving up for quite a while. It would have a sleek, curved body made of mahogany wood with a sunburst finish. The hardware of the guitar would be gold-plated, and it would be equipped with two humbucker pickups that offer an incredibly versatile tone range. I plan to buy this guitar within the next year or two, as I feel that having my own customised instrument would help me to take my musical ambitions to the next level.
Music and playing an instrument is something that runs in my family. Some of my earliest memories are of my dad playing his acoustic guitar while we all sang as a family. And while I do enjoy strumming on a simple acoustic guitar, the moment I first picked up an electric guitar and heard its distinct sound, I knew I wanted to explore its unique sound further. Since then, I have been dedicated to improving my skills and expanding my knowledge of different genres and techniques.
Having my own custom-made electric guitar would provide me with an opportunity to really express myself creatively on the instrument, as well as refine my technical abilities by testing out new sounds and improvisational ideas. I know that this guitar would become a keepsake for me even long after my musical journey has ended. It would be a reminder of the drive and passion that pushed me towards achieving something special, and I would love to pass it on to my children one day.
Read more model answers on the VIP Club website
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IELTS Speaking test in Pakistan – May 2023
Our kind subscriber SS took his IELTS Speaking test in Pakistan and remembered the following questions:
Speaking test
Part 1 (Interview)
– Can you tell me your full name please?
– Where are you from?
– Do you work or study?
– Do you want to travel to the outer space?
– Would you do it, if you had the opportunity?
– Have you ever learnt about stars and the outer space?
– Is it necessary to study stars? Why?
– Do you like wearing jewellery?
– Do you buy jewellery?
– Why do people wear jewellery?
– Have you even given someone jewellery as a gift?
Part 2 (Cue Card)
Describe your first day at school. You should say
– where it was
– who you met
– what happened
– and explain how you felt on that day.
Part 3 (Discussion)
– Do you think students should be taken to school by their parents or go by themselves?
– Should children rely on their parents or try to be more independent?
– In your opinion, how important is it for schoolchildren to develop independence?
– How can schools promote independence among their students?
– Should parents be more or less involved in their children’s school life? Why?
– What can be the effects of parents interfering with their children’s choices?
– How can parents strike a balance between supporting their children and encouraging independence?
May 24, 2023
IELTS Speaking Test, Part 1 questions with model answers (Studies + Swimming)
Here are some high-scoring Part 1 model answers for the Speaking Test that was shared by a student from Azerbaijan. The answers below show a good way to respond to these questions. You can find the answers in the other parts here: Part 2, Part 3.
NEW! In this podcast episode you can LISTEN to all the questions and answers. It’s great to improve your pronunciation, intonation and overall fluency!
Or you can listen on YouTube (turn subtitles on):
Speaking test
Part 1 (Interview)
1. Do you study or work?
I currently study at the University of California, in Los Angeles.
2. What is your major?
I am majoring in Political Science and minoring in Public Health. I chose this degree because of my interest in politics and public policy, and also because I’d love to make a positive contribution to public health initiatives.
3. What are you planning to do after your studies?
After I finish my studies, I plan to pursue a career in international development, or global health policy implementation. I want to use my knowledge and experience to promote human rights, improve access to healthcare services, and create sustainable solutions for vulnerable communities around the world.
4. Now I would like to talk about swimming. Is swimming popular in your country?
Yes, swimming is quite a popular activity in my country. There are numerous public pools in cities and towns that offer swimming lessons for children and adults, as well as competitive swim teams in high schools and universities across the nation.
5. Do you prefer to swim in the pool or the sea?
Well, personally, I prefer to swim in a pool. While there’s something special about taking a dip in the sea in summer, I find it more enjoyable to swim laps back-and-forth in a controlled environment like a pool, where I can do it in any weather.
6. Do many people in your country know how to swim?
Oh yea. Most people know how to swim, especially those living near coastal regions, where saltwater beaches are more common than freshwater lakes or rivers. Even though not everyone has the time or money to take regular swimming lessons, most adults will have had learnt how to swim growing up, either at school or from family members.
7. Do you think swimming is a useful skill?
Oh, absolutely! Swimming is an incredibly useful skill that everyone should learn! Not only does it help keep us physically fit by providing both cardio and muscle strengthening workouts, but it also regulates our emotions and reduces stress levels.
Read more model answers on the VIP Club website
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