tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44236307302654021982024-03-14T02:13:54.266+08:00Tips 4 IELTSTips and guides for your IELTS examUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger42125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4423630730265402198.post-2790550890819616942011-04-11T19:52:00.000+08:002011-04-11T19:52:41.559+08:00IELTS Speaking Task 2<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The second part of the IELTS speaking test is the long turn; it is referred to as the long turn because the examiner will give you a task card containing the topic and instructions, you will then have about one to two minutes to discuss everything contained in the task card. You are basically doing a monologue for about 2 minutes with no help from the examiner.</span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The most common concern I encountered was “What if I know nothing about the topic?” The topic that will be given are general information topic</span></div><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a name='more'></a>, the topics are chosen and standardized to make sure that any person can answer it. </span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Remember that task 2 of the IELTS speaking test focuses on your ability to speak at length on a given topic, using appropriate language and ability to organize your ideas; it is very likely and advisable to try to draw on your experiences to complete this task.</span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Quick guide to the Long Turn:</span></div><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Use the preparation time properly</strong> – you are given one minute to prepare for the task.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Use this time to read the card carefully and noting what the topic is. Think about only what is written on the card. This isn’t the time to daydream or letting your mind wonder.</span></div><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Organize your replay </strong>– the task cards have several follow up questions that you will need to answer, I suggest using this as a guide when trying to organize your thoughts.</span></div><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> <strong> </strong></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Practice, practice, practice</strong> – I really don’t think I need to explain this, but being able to answer everything written on the task card in two minutes isn’t really easy; most people will find that two minutes is too short. Practicing with a watch or timer will help you get used to the time allotted.</span></div><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Don’t stray from the topic</strong> – whether you find the topic very interesting or boring, try not to steer away from the topic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">To find out what to expect from the IELTS Speaking test click </span><a href="http://tips-4-ielts.blogspot.com/2011/02/what-to-expect-from-ielts-speaking.html"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">here</span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">To find out how the speaking test are being scored click </span><a href="http://tips-4-ielts.blogspot.com/2011/02/how-ielts-speaking-is-being-scored.html"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">here</span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">For other speaking tips check the </span><a href="http://tips-4-ielts.blogspot.com/search/label/Speaking"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">Speaking Category</span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4423630730265402198.post-31146411935588083452011-04-06T07:08:00.001+08:002011-04-06T21:12:17.661+08:00Identifying Writer’s View – IELTS Reading Task<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Candidates will be asked whether the following statements agree with the views or claims of the writer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Candidates are then required to answer with a “Yes”, “No” or “Not Given” in their answer sheets.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It’s important to remember that answering this portion with “True” or “False” will garner no points, whether the answers are correct relative to true being the equivalent of yes and no equivalent to false. </span><br />
<a name='more'></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This tasked is designed to assess the candidate’s ability to discern opinions and ideas; to complete this task properly, candidates will often have to be able to discern the writer’s view not only from what has been directly stated, but also from what is implied.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Here are some tips that could help you get through your Identifying writer’s view task in the IELTS reading:</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Scan and Mark – just like all other tips and especially from identifying information, the tip about scanning the passage still holds true, although I would also advice write what the general information of the paragraph is; this marking of the paragraph will give you an easier time to find any specific information you may need to verify.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Read between the lines – if you followed the above tip, verifying the statements or ideas will be easy, just remember that some statements or ideas will not be using the exact same words. </span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">When to answer No – when the question states an idea or statement opposite or contrary to what the writer’s view or opinion is.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">When to answer Not Given – when the information or statement was never explicitly mentioned in the passage. Whether the information or statement may or may not be true is inconsequential.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">When to answer Yes – when the information or statement was explicitly mentioned in the passage, even if the words are different. Only the main idea or opinion needs to be the same</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">NOTE: </span></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">Candidates should understand that any knowledge, idea or opinion they have on the topic outside the passage should not play any part when deciding on their answer.</span></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">To find out what to expect from the IELTS Speaking test click <a href="http://tips-4-ielts.blogspot.com/2011/02/what-to-expect-from-ielts-speaking.html">here</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">To find out how the speaking test are being scored click <a href="http://tips-4-ielts.blogspot.com/2011/02/how-ielts-speaking-is-being-scored.html">here</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">For other speaking tips check the <a href="http://tips-4-ielts.blogspot.com/search/label/Speaking">Speaking Category</a></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4423630730265402198.post-50675986325971751702011-04-04T05:35:00.001+08:002011-04-06T21:12:33.063+08:00Identifying Information – IELTS Reading Task<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This is one of the task candidates will be encountering in the IELTS reading test, this is also one of the task that candidates find confusing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When do we use Not Given is the question we get so often.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This task is used to assess the candidate’s ability to find particular information found in the passage, this does not mean you have to memorize the passage to be able to discern whether an answer is True, False or Not Given; there is always a technique candidates can implore to help them pass any exam. </span><br />
<a name='more'></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Here are some such techniques that could help you navigate through your Identifying information task in the IELTS reading:</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Scan and Mark – the tip about scanning the passage still holds true, although I would also write what the general information of the paragraph is; this marking of the paragraph will give me an easier time to find any specific information I may need to verify.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Match statements or information – if you did the above advice, this particular advice will not take long and can be done whenever any doubt arises. Be careful when trying to match statements or information, the exact same words or phrase may not be used. </span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">When to answer False – when the question states an information or statement opposite or contrary to what is mentioned in the passage.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">When to answer Not Given – when the information or statement was never explicitly mentioned in the passage. Whether the information or statement may or may not be true is inconsequential.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">When to answer True – when the information or statement was explicitly mentioned in the passage</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">NOTE: </span></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">Candidates should understand that any knowledge they have on the topic outside the passage should not play any part when deciding on their answer.</span></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">To find out what to expect from the IELTS Speaking test click <a href="http://tips-4-ielts.blogspot.com/2011/02/what-to-expect-from-ielts-speaking.html">here</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">To find out how the speaking test are being scored click <a href="http://tips-4-ielts.blogspot.com/2011/02/how-ielts-speaking-is-being-scored.html">here</a></span></div><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">For other speaking tips check the <a href="http://tips-4-ielts.blogspot.com/search/label/Speaking">Speaking Category</a></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4423630730265402198.post-34247951784991102692011-04-01T05:35:00.001+08:002011-04-06T21:12:46.334+08:00Sentence Completion – IELTS Reading Test<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">One of the easier task in the IELTS reading test, this is also where your scanning skills will be tested.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This task requires candidates to complete sentences in a given number of words. The instructions will be clear on how many words candidates should use in their answers.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Here are some things to remember when answering a sentence completion task:</span><br />
<a name='more'></a></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Read the example (if there is an example provided) – the examples provided here will have answers from the actual passage, this doesn’t just provide clues as to what you need to do; the questions in this task are in the same order as the information in the passage, what this means is that the answer to the first question will be found before the answer to the second question.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This also applies to the example and thus eliminating the need to scan the parts before the answer to the example. </span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Skim and scan – skim through the questions to get an idea of what it is you are looking for, it also works as an indicator for when you are scanning for the answer and have missed the answer to the current question.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mark the passage or the answer – by marking the answer on the passage, you can use this as an indicator for where you can start you next scan, if you missing a question and find yourself answering the one after that, you just have to scan the passage in-between the two marks.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Examine the keyword or phrase before you start scanning the passages, having an idea as to what you are looking for is better than mindlessly scanning the passage.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Choose the word or phrase that suits the sentence – consider first the maximum number of words allowed, grammar is still very important when considering the answer even with the limitation of word count.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">To find out what to expect from the IELTS Speaking test click <a href="http://tips-4-ielts.blogspot.com/2011/02/what-to-expect-from-ielts-speaking.html">here</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">To find out how the speaking test are being scored click <a href="http://tips-4-ielts.blogspot.com/2011/02/how-ielts-speaking-is-being-scored.html">here</a></span></div><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">For other speaking tips check the <a href="http://tips-4-ielts.blogspot.com/search/label/Speaking">Speaking Category</a></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4423630730265402198.post-46544264313546329902011-03-31T06:50:00.001+08:002011-04-06T21:13:02.204+08:00IELTS Speaking Task 1 Questions<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">You may have heard that the IELTS speaking interviewer uses a set of pre-determined questions on a topic to ask you for the first task.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Basically the interviewer will ask a series of questions about your background, but he or she is only able to ask you questions within that “frame”. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Yes, the frame or the examiner frame is true. Does this mean you can find out from other candidates who have previously taken the exams what the questions you will get in your exam? No, the use of frame does not mean that the interviewer will be asking the same set of questions to all candidates on the same day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<a name='more'></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Understand that the frame is used to focus the questioning and ensure the accuracy of the assessment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This means that you need not worry about where the questions come from, they all undergo the same standardization as the questions from the other sub-tests.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Although there are some things you can do to help prepare yourself for the possible questions you may encounter, the questions will focus on the following topics and questions about them:</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Home</strong></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Where do you live?</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Do you live with your family?</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">What is it like? (this may mean several things, depending on when the question is asked and how you answered the questions prior to this)</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Where is your home town?</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Family</strong></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Do you have brothers and sisters?</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">What do your parents do?</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">What do your brothers and sisters do?</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Work</strong></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">What do you do for a living or what you did for a living?</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Studies</strong></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">What are you studying?</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">If you aren’t studying nor working at the moment, you can talk about how you came to learn the English language.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Interest</strong></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">What do you do during your spare time?</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">What do you enjoy doing?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">These are not the exact questions you will be getting, but you can use these as a guide when practicing.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">To find out what to expect from the IELTS Speaking test <a href="http://tips-4-ielts.blogspot.com/2011/02/what-to-expect-from-ielts-speaking.html">click here</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">To find out how the speaking test are being scored <a href="http://tips-4-ielts.blogspot.com/2011/02/how-ielts-speaking-is-being-scored.html">click here</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">For other speaking tips check the <a href="http://tips-4-ielts.blogspot.com/search/label/Speaking">Speaking Category</a></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4423630730265402198.post-19495422006685993952011-03-30T05:47:00.001+08:002011-04-06T21:13:23.781+08:00IELTS Speaking Task 1 – Introduction and Interview<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It is a certainty that you will be asked at least a few general questions about your background.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This does not mean you should memorize all possible answers regarding your background.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sounding like the answers had been memorized will get a mark down. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Remember that all the questions you will be getting in this part of the speaking test are general questions about your background; the only hindrance in this part of the exam will be your willingness to talk about yourself, people and things related to you. Show some enthusiasm when answering questions and give even a little bit of detail when answering questions.</span><br />
<a name='more'></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">For practice, you could list a few questions you might ask someone you just met; try answering those questions in front of a mirror, the purpose of the mirror is for you to see whether you are relaxed, smiling and looking friendly when answering the questions.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">If you are having a hard time trying to think of some questions, try to come up with questions regarding the following topic: <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Location or where you live, work, family, friends, childhood, work and education</i></b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Try to answer each question you come up with, with at least 3 sentences.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Things to remember before the test</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Show confidence with a smile and looking your interviewer in the eye.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">If the examiner offers to shake your hands, return with a firm handshake. Don’t shake your interviewers hand like they had some infectious disease.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Don’t beat around the bush, the interviewer might think you didn’t understand the question.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Answer the questions with some level of detail, try to be descriptive.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Talk freely about yourself; don’t give one word answers or short answers like you were in bad date.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Make use of the proper tenses and pronouns.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">To find out what to expect from the IELTS Speaking test click <a href="http://tips-4-ielts.blogspot.com/2011/02/what-to-expect-from-ielts-speaking.html">here</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">To find out how the speaking test are being scored click <a href="http://tips-4-ielts.blogspot.com/2011/02/how-ielts-speaking-is-being-scored.html">here</a></span></div><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">For other speaking tips check the <a href="http://tips-4-ielts.blogspot.com/search/label/Speaking">Speaking Category</a></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4423630730265402198.post-41681410188122559132011-03-29T05:29:00.001+08:002011-04-06T21:14:00.261+08:00Keep Talking and Be Positive– IELTS Speaking Test<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">First impressions are very important, the speaking test will last a maximum of 15 minutes; you don’t have enough time to change a bad impression.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The first part of the speaking test is where the examiner will be asking personal questions about the candidate; when answering, be as informative, descriptive and positive as you can be.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Do not answer with a simple yes or no to a question and wait for the next one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Try to be as helpful as you can by providing additional information; if your interviewer asks about your house, don’t just give the address and wait for the next question to come; describe the house, the color, the levels, rooms and bathrooms. Keep talking until the interviewer either stops you or ask a follow up question.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">When describing anything or anyone, try to be as positive as you can be. Focus on the positive aspect of whatever it is you are trying to describe, tell your story in a more </span><br />
<a name='more'></a>positive light.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If the interviewer asked about a sibling and it just so happen that you had a fight with your sibling, try not to focus on how irritating your brother or your sister can be and focus on what you like about your sister.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The reason we want to be as helpful and as positive as we can be during the IELTS speaking test is simple. It may affect how the interviewer sees us and thus affect the score we are given; examiners aren’t supposed to base the score on how they feel or think about you, but they are human and they are not exempt from having emotions, let us use it to our advantage. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Look at it this way, if a man was asked to describe a woman he likes, he will notice and remember all the positive things about the woman; but if the man was asked to describe a woman he dislikes, the response will of course be the opposite.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The examiner will hopefully focus on the positive aspect of your speaking, instead of trying to find errors.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">To find out what to expect from the IELTS Speaking test click <a href="http://tips-4-ielts.blogspot.com/2011/02/what-to-expect-from-ielts-speaking.html">here</a></span></div><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">For other speaking tips check the <a href="http://tips-4-ielts.blogspot.com/search/label/Speaking">Speaking Category</a></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4423630730265402198.post-14589013164278674052011-03-28T05:39:00.001+08:002011-04-06T21:14:33.483+08:00IELTS Speaking Fears<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Most people don’t see the IELTS speaking test as the hardest, but most would agree that it is the most terrifying of all the sub-test.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This fear may stem from the fear of the unknown; the most common concern I hear is that the interviewer could be extremely intimidating, even purposefully intimidating.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Intimidate, a verb meaning to frighten into submission, compliance or acquiescence. It also means to fill with fear. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I see no reason for any examiner to deliberately intimidate any candidate; they get no added benefits whether the candidates pass or fail and thus give them no reason to intimidate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If the candidate does feel fear towards the examiner, it means that the candidate is afraid of what has been imagined about the examiner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Since we established that there is no need to fear the examiner, we can proceed to relax and think about the actual IELTS Speaking test.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You should be prepared for the interview; here are some tips to consider when preparing for the IELTS Speaking test:</span><br />
<a name='more'></a></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Be on time – the IELTS speaking sub-test is conducted on a different time or day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Try to be as early as you can be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The reason for being early is to allow you to acclimate to the surroundings. You wouldn’t want to start your interview when you just arrived and barely had enough time to catch your breath.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Prepare your passport or the identification that you used for registration – although you are not being marked for preparedness, any added stress will not help you relax.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You will also not be allowed to take the test if you don’t have the proper identification.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Do not worry about the recording – the interview will be recorded, but the primary purpose of the recording is to make sure the examiner conducts the interview properly; it is only used to assess your score if you ask for a reassessment, which you have to pay for.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">To find out what to expect from the IELTS Speaking test click <a href="http://tips-4-ielts.blogspot.com/2011/02/what-to-expect-from-ielts-speaking.html">here</a></span></div><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">For other speaking tips check the <a href="http://tips-4-ielts.blogspot.com/search/label/Speaking">Speaking Category</a></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4423630730265402198.post-84890019666514019772011-03-26T10:25:00.002+08:002011-04-06T21:14:47.806+08:00Earth Hour 2011<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I know this isn’t about the IELTS, but it is about our planet.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Earth Hour 2011, one hour to make a difference and show we care about our planet and ourselves.</span><br />
At 8:30 PM on Saturday 26th March 2011</div><br />
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<a href="http://www.earthhour.org/" target="_blank"><img alt="Earth Hour - Logo" height="218" src="http://www.earthhour.org/assets/img/tools/logos/EH_60_logo.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/4Mxjbip6y04?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4423630730265402198.post-39669038193098769242011-03-25T05:36:00.001+08:002011-04-06T21:15:02.160+08:00What to Wear for the IELTS Exam<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">There is no dress code for the IELTS exam; therefore you may wear anything you wish to wear to the IELTS exam as long as you are not naked or breaking any local laws.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not having a dress code may let you wear anything you want; it doesn’t mean that you should just wear anything that pops into your head that morning.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">There are a few things that you could consider first when deciding what to wear:</span><br />
<a name='more'></a></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The weather – consider what the weather is like. If it’s scorching hot, wearing a coat or blazer may look nice but you may not be comfortable during your exam or your interview.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Additional stress from the temperature will not help you concentrate.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The location of the exam – the temperature outside may be hot, that doesn’t mean you should be wearing a tank top; the venue might be in a hotel with more than enough air-conditioning to make you shiver if you were wearing less clothing. </span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Which part of the exam – for the written parts of the IELTS exam (which is done consecutively on the same day), I would recommend focusing on wearing something for comfort. You will be spending almost 3 hours on the written sub-tests of the IELTS, wearing something that makes you uneasy or uncomfortable will just add to your stress or bug you during the exam. It is even better if you bring an extra layer just in case you feel a bit cold in the middle of the exam. For the IELTS Speaking sub-test; since the speaking test is a formal interview, I would recommend smart casual. Something that you would wear to a job interview will usually be good enough for the speaking test.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">For other basic IELTS tips please check the <a href="http://tips-4-ielts.blogspot.com/search/label/Basic%20Tips">Basic Tips Category</a></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4423630730265402198.post-46044003613660339452011-03-24T05:30:00.001+08:002011-04-06T21:15:21.078+08:00Not Finishing the Writing Task in Time – IELTS Writing Test<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This is one of the most common questions I get about the IELTS writing test, after all it is a common concern and it is a good question to ask.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are 3 ways to look at this concern; I just focus on one task (make sure it’s an extremely good piece of work) and not attempt the other task; I attempted both task 1 and 2, then end up not finishing both; I finish one task and not finish the other. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Although I would agree that the second task does have a heavier bearing on the total score, and scoring well on that task will certainly boost your total score; I will not advice devoting the whole hour to try and make sure that you will come up with “the best” task 2 that you can. </span><br />
<a name='more'></a>Even if you do perfect the second task and let’s say that the bearing of the second task is about 2/3 of the total score, you will roughly only get a total of say a band score of 6; of course you could also be wrong in assuming that you got the second task perfected and get an even lower total score.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Attempting to finish both writing task is best, but if you had to choose to leave a task unfinished, I would advise you to finish the second IELTS writing task and attempt to complete as many task as you can on the first IELTS writing task.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The reason behind finishing at least one task is that the word count and a proper conclusion is part of the marking system; not finishing both tasks will incur a big penalty on you total band score.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><h2 style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #4f81bd; font-family: Cambria; font-size: medium;">How do I improve my writing speed to finish both tasks?</span></h2><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Practice with a timer, it is important to note that you may need to practice for a long time before taking the IELTS exam.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Read about current events and practice writing about them. 250 words in 40 minutes include the planning in the 40 minutes, you aren’t given extra time to plan about the topic.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Practice with any graphs, charts and tables that you can find on the net. 150 words in 20 minutes again include the planning in the 20 minutes.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Practice writing a letter; letters to family, telling them about your daily life; letters to your boss, asking for a promotion or a raise; you can pretty much write a letter about anything and you don’t have to send it to them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>20 minutes for every letter with at least 150 words.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">REMINDER: Spelling and Punctuation is very important.</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">To find out what to expect from the IELTS Writing test click <a href="http://tips-4-ielts.blogspot.com/2011/02/what-to-expect-from-ielts-writing.html">here</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">For other Writing Tips check the <a href="http://tips-4-ielts.blogspot.com/search/label/Writing">Writing Category</a></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4423630730265402198.post-866783711201107002011-03-23T06:35:00.001+08:002011-04-06T21:15:43.125+08:00How to Improve Your Writing Skills – IELTS Writing<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Based on my observation and from talking with our previous students, most find the IELTS writing test to be the hardest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>According to the students, the reason why they find the IELTS writing test difficult is because, they don’t write on a daily basis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I did some further digging; majority of our students were nurses, I asked if they had to write reports about their patients and what they did during their shifts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most admitted that they did write daily reports, but did not consider it as a writing practice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I couldn’t blame them for not considering their daily report as practice for their IELTS writing test, as it turns out they could write their report with a mixture of English and our native language (Filipino/Tagalog), </span><br />
<a name='more'></a>this of course meant that some of the rules of grammar will not be followed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I suggested that they write their reports in proper English and use it as practice.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Whether you get to write reports on a daily basis or not, the following tips should help you improve on your writing skills:</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Read – read other peoples work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After all, the reason people write is so that others can read it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When you are reading other peoples work, be conscious about how they write.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How their sentences are formed and how the punctuations are used.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The more you read, the more you’ll understand the structure of English sentences. Dissect their work, find out everything you can find out, it will initially take you longer to read the sentences, but it is well worth the time and effort. </span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Write – there is no substitute for practice, and I don’t mean writing a couple of essays and call it quits. Write dozens of essays, if not hundreds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When you practice your writing, it is good to have an English teacher check your work, if that isn’t possible; you can dissect your work yourself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When you dissect your work, compare it to a known well written work. Use the internet, you can find dozens of free websites offering resources and models answers for IELTS writing. Please remember that this part will take some time to get used to; take your time to practice and don’t rush into the IELTS exam.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">To find out what to expect from the IELTS Writing test <a href="http://tips-4-ielts.blogspot.com/2011/02/what-to-expect-from-ielts-writing.html">click here</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">For other Writing Tips check the <a href="http://tips-4-ielts.blogspot.com/search/label/Writing">Writing Category</a></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4423630730265402198.post-74908706600948732282011-03-22T05:24:00.001+08:002011-04-06T21:16:24.056+08:00Understanding the Question Task – IELTS Writing<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It is important to fully understand what is being asked of you in the IELTS writing test to be able to perform the task properly. If you are still unfamiliar with the <a href="http://tips-4-ielts.blogspot.com/2011/03/golden-rule-of-ielts.html">IELTS Golden Rule</a> please visit my post on it. To understand what is being asked in the IELTS writing test, we need to find out what the topic is and what the topic question/task is.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Please check the IELTS.org test sample <a href="http://ielts.org/test_takers_information/test_sample/academic_writing_sample.aspx">here</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The task 2 writing task states:</span><br />
<a name='more'></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #f1f1f0; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #484747; font-family: "Verdana", "sans-serif"; font-size: 8.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Write about the following topic: <br />
<br />
It is inevitable that as technology develops so traditional cultures must be lost. Technology and tradition are incompatible - you cannot have both together.<br />
<br />
To what extent do you agree or disagree?<br />
<br />
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.<br />
<br />
Write at least 250 words.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The topic here is “Technology and tradition are incompatible”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The topic question here is whether you agree or disagree. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The topic task is to give reasons and relevant examples to support your answer.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Understanding the golden rule of IELTS is important to all parts of the exam, but it weight more heavily in the IELTS Writing test.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we are engaged in a conversation with a friend, you may notice that the topic of conversation may change from what you initially started with, we won’t even notice when and how it shifted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we are writing a long email or writing a blog, the same thing happens, we talk about one thing at the beginning, then end up finishing with a different topic. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is then very important to focus your IELTS writing to answering the topic question and completing the task.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">To find out what to expect from the IELTS Writing test click <a href="http://tips-4-ielts.blogspot.com/2011/02/what-to-expect-from-ielts-writing.html">here</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">For other Writing Tips check the <a href="http://tips-4-ielts.blogspot.com/search/label/Writing">Writing Category</a></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4423630730265402198.post-49980055474303216092011-03-21T05:25:00.001+08:002011-04-06T21:16:57.729+08:00A Guide to IELTS Writing Presentation<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">While it is true that the IELTS writing test is not marked for presentation, there is the psychological aspect you may want to consider.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Imagine attending an IELTS review class where the center has litter everywhere and the place doesn’t look like it has been cleaned for months; you would probably be able to focus more intently on the lectures if the place was cleaner and smelled better to. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">You are not there in person to present your work to the examiner, try to always make your writing look presentable and easy to read as possible; I’m not suggesting that you have to have the penmanship of a scribe to pass the IELTS, all I’m suggesting is that make sure your work is easily read, I’m sure the examiner will appreciate it and hopefully be kinder when marking your work.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Here are some suggestions you may want to consider when practicing your IELTS writing:</span><br />
<a name='more'></a></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">There is no need to rewrite the question task or put a title, rewriting the question task will simply be using up time which you could have spent writing about the topic.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Use margins.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Notice that documents written on the computer have default margins, books and magazines have margins. Margins aren’t there to just waste paper space; it helps make the document look neat.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Block Format vs. Traditional Format – this is a matter of personal preference, any of the two format is acceptable. The difference of the two are the following:</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Traditional Format – there is an indentation at the beginning of every paragraph and there is no need to use a double space after a paragraph.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="143" r6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WSQpdC_rtVo/TYZvvWTH1EI/AAAAAAAAAKA/2Cm_lPBoMuo/s200/traditional+format.jpg" width="200" /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-align: center;"><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Block Format – there is no indentation at the beginning of every paragraph, instead the format uses a double space to indicate where a paragraph ends and a new one begins.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-qNo9hG7YIfE/TYZwDFomHaI/AAAAAAAAAKE/32NupbcvyKc/s1600/block+format.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="143" r6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-qNo9hG7YIfE/TYZwDFomHaI/AAAAAAAAAKE/32NupbcvyKc/s200/block+format.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Brush Script MT"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Adobe Arabic";">Use cursive writing, a writing style where the letters are linked together</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Adobe Arabic";"> </span>–<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Adobe Arabic";"> </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Adobe Arabic";">some books and website suggest this to make your work look more mature; I don’t disagree with the reasoning, but I prefer to think of it as a faster way to writing and most native speakers would writing that way too (this of course is based on speculation and not backed by any scientific study or surveys).</span><span style="font-family: "Brush Script MT"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Adobe Arabic";"></span></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Adobe Arabic";">Write with a consistent number of words per line, the reason behind this is to make your penmanship more consistent and make the word count easier; although it is impossible to have exactly the same number of words per line, having a range will make your word count faster.</span><span style="font-family: "Brush Script MT"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Adobe Arabic";"></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">To find out what to expect from the IELTS Writing test click <a href="http://tips-4-ielts.blogspot.com/2011/02/what-to-expect-from-ielts-writing.html">here</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">For other Writing Tips visit the <a href="http://tips-4-ielts.blogspot.com/search/label/Writing">Writing Category</a></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4423630730265402198.post-45515145843353253022011-03-18T06:27:00.001+08:002011-04-06T21:17:09.398+08:00Matching Task – IELTS Reading Task<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">There are several types of matching task in the IELTS reading test; aside from <span style="color: #548dd4; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themetint: 153;"><a href="http://tips-4-ielts.blogspot.com/2011/03/matching-headings-ielts-reading-task.html">matching headings</a></span> there are matching information, matching features and matching sentence ending.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I separated these from matching heading because I believe that these matching tasks assesses the candidates ability to scan for specific information rather than the general information needed for matching headings.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Here are some methods to help you complete the matching tasks:</span><br />
<a name='more'></a></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Read the instructions carefully, the instructions will provide a lot of information on what type of matching task this is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The instruction will also mention whether “you may use any letter more than once”, this of course means that an answer can be used several times.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Read through all the choices first, this will give you an idea of what to expect and hopefully be able to instantly match the answer after reading the question.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cross off the answer that you have used, unless the instruction mentions that you may use any letter more than once.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">If you find that one or two of the matches a bit difficult, move on and answer the others first then come back when you have eliminated most of the choices. By coming back to the question after eliminating most of the other choices, you’re giving yourself a higher percentage of success if you decide to make a logical guess.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">If you need details on the other matching task, please let me know on the comments or on the “contact me” page found above. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">For a sample of matching task click </span></span><a href="http://ielts.org/PDF/Academic_Reading_sample_task_Matching_features.pdf"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">here</span></span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Here is a link to a related post <a href="http://tips-4-ielts.blogspot.com/2011/03/matching-headings-ielts-reading-task.html">Matching Headings</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">To find out what to expect from the IELTS Reading test and the different question task click </span></span><a href="http://tips-4-ielts.blogspot.com/2011/02/what-to-expect-from-ielts-reading-test.html"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">here</span></span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">For other Reading Tips click </span><a href="http://tips-4-ielts.blogspot.com/search/label/Reading"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">here</span></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4423630730265402198.post-69624873706684951122011-03-17T06:24:00.001+08:002011-04-06T21:17:28.794+08:00Matching Headings – IELTS Reading Task<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This task is pretty straight forward; you are given a set of paragraphs without their headings, you are to select the right paragraph heading from a list.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In most cases you will be given more paragraph heading choices, than the actual paragraph; if you have 5 paragraphs, you can expect to have up to 7 or 8 paragraph headings.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This task is designed to test your ability to read passages quickly and get some general information about the passage or paragraph.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With that said, the best way to practice this task is to read newspaper and magazine articles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Understand that reading everything in detail, will not be the best thing to do in this instance; try to notice when reading a </span><br />
<a name='more'></a>news article that the most important details or information are usually found at the beginning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">When practicing for this task, try reading the first few sentences of the news article and scan through the rest, see if you were able to grasp the topic or the general information that the writer is trying to convey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After the initial reading and scanning, try reading the news article in more details and see if you got it right.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">To practice for the task in more detail, ask a friend or family member to either snip of several news articles or write it on a sheet of paper, you can then try matching the heading of the articles.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Some tips for this task</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Read through all the paragraph headings first, this will give you an idea of what you can expect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This will also allow you to match the headings without having to read through the whole paragraph.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Underline or mark keyword to be able to match the headings easily.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Don’t worry about words or phrases that you don’t understand; you aren’t here for specific information, rather you are here to get the general information and match the headings.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">If you have read through the whole paragraph and you’re still not sure of the match, write down or mark the possible matches and move on, come back and analyze the possible matches if you still have time after you have completed the other questions. Don’t forget to make a logical guess if you don’t.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Be careful not to match headings simply because they have the same word written several times in the paragraph. The meaning of the heading and the paragraph should match.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">For a sample of matching headings click <a href="http://ielts.org/PDF/Academic_Reading_sample_task_Matching_headings.pdf">here</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">To find out what to expect from the IELTS Reading test and the different question task click <a href="http://tips-4-ielts.blogspot.com/2011/02/what-to-expect-from-ielts-reading-test.html">here</a></span></div><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">For other Reading Tips click <a href="http://tips-4-ielts.blogspot.com/search/label/Reading">here</a></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4423630730265402198.post-78453577746533402442011-03-16T06:06:00.002+08:002011-04-06T21:17:45.665+08:00Scanning the Reading Passage – IELTS Reading Test<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">With 3 passages to read and 40 questions to answer, how are you supposed to manage getting a good score on the reading sub-test?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can try reading and remembering the details of all 3 passages and answer the questions, if you have a very good memory and an above average reading speed.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Scanning is the method you can use when you need to search a page or passage for specific information as quick as possible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A good example of scanning is when you are using the White Pages to search for a specific phone number of someone you know; reading all </span><br />
<a name='more'></a>the entries in the White Pages will be a waste of time and totally impractical.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Scanning through the White pages will be the logical thing to do, although it is a very good example of scanning, I wouldn’t recommend it as a practice tool; the White Pages is arranged in a chronological order and thus making it simple for people to scan through, the reading passages will of course not be arranged in that manner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will recommend other ways to practice at the end of this post.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The question now is how you scan the reading passage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First thing to remember is not read every word, but please don’t rush.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is good practice to use your finger/s or pencil to guide your eyes through the passage, occasionally reading in details parts that seemed important; continue slowly back to scanning for the information needed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Knowing the topic of each paragraph will give you an idea where to find the answer. Especially when verifying a “Not Given” answer; in cases like this it is good to get a keyword from the question and start scanning for the specific keyword in the passage and read around the keywords for details.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">For practice, try watching the prime time news and practice scanning tomorrow’s newspaper for details that stood out. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">To find out what to expect from the IELTS Reading test and the different question task click <a href="http://tips-4-ielts.blogspot.com/2011/02/what-to-expect-from-ielts-reading-test.html">here</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">For other Reading Tips click <a href="http://tips-4-ielts.blogspot.com/search/label/Reading">here</a></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4423630730265402198.post-69188771045518893592011-03-15T06:20:00.001+08:002011-04-06T21:18:12.958+08:00Time Management – IELTS Reading Test<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Most inexperienced IELTS candidate would just start reading the passage right of the bat, and try to answer the questions following the passage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unless they have a photographic memory, chances are they will have to refer back to the passage and look for answers or verify some of the answers that they aren’t so sure of. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This technique is of course very time consuming and inefficient.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The IELTS Reading sub-test is to a certain degree, about time management.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is not a leisure reading session in a café; you are not reading a self help book, trying to absorb all the details the book is offering; you are not reading a novel, where you want to picture in your mind all the details given in the book; nor are you reading a newspaper article to get an idea of what is happening around you; you are reading a passage to be able to answer some general information and some very specific questions.</span><br />
<a name='more'></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In the IELTS, having a reason to read is very important.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Knowing what you’re looking for and where to find it, is managing your time very well and it also gives you a reason to read the passage or parts of the passage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You only have 60 minutes to read 3 passages and answer 40 questions, don’t waste your time trying to remember everything you just read.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Consider the layout of the passages, know where the 3 passages start and end.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Knowing how many questions there are in that part, will give you an idea how long you can spend on that group of questions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lastly consider the type of question tasks; I’ll discuss them in future posts.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">To find out what to expect from the IELTS Reading test and the different question task click <a href="http://tips-4-ielts.blogspot.com/2011/02/what-to-expect-from-ielts-reading-test.html">here</a></span></div><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">For other Reading Tips click <a href="http://tips-4-ielts.blogspot.com/search/label/Reading">here</a></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4423630730265402198.post-81716182626509730462011-03-14T06:22:00.001+08:002011-04-06T21:18:33.836+08:00Short-answer Questions – IELTS Listening Test<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In this listening task type, candidates are required to write short answers using information from what they just heard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A word limit is sometimes given, for example, “NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS and/or NUMBERS”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Candidates will not get a point if they exceed the stated maximum number of words.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Short-answer questions focuses on specific information.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You should always accurately work out what the topic of the question is, in order to give the correct answer. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">An example of this would be if the question was asking “What is the main benefit of joining a fitness club?” The speaker may give several benefits to joining a fitness club, but none of them are the correct answer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The speaker will mention that the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">main</i> benefit is…</span><br />
<a name='more'></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It is natural for the speaker to in a way think aloud.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The speaker will then discuss many connected things before stating directly what he or she thinks is the answer at the end of the reply.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If this happens, you should wait for the speaker to sum up before giving your answer to the question.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You run the risk of writing down the wrong answer or lose focus and not hear the subsequent discussions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">If you encounter questions with a maximum number of words, you may be required to paraphrase what the speaker said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When paraphrasing take note that grammar is still very important, don not just omit words from what the speaker said just to meet the maximum number of words.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">If you can find any conversational videos or news videos on youtube; you could use them for practice and try answering the What, Where, Who, How and Why of the video.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Good luck with your IELTS exam.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">To find out what to expect from the IELTS listening test click <a href="http://tips-4-ielts.blogspot.com/2011/02/what-to-expect-from-ielts-listening.html">here</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">For other Listening Tips click <a href="http://tips-4-ielts.blogspot.com/search/label/Listening">here</a></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4423630730265402198.post-90384690475471471702011-03-11T06:38:00.001+08:002011-04-06T21:18:57.548+08:00Sentence Completion – IELTS Listening Test<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sentence completion is one of many tasks you will run into during your listening test.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some consider this as one of the most difficult task in the listening test.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The reason for this is your grammatical knowledge is as important as your ability to listen, the answers given needs to be grammatically correct within the given sentence.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sentence completion requires you to know general information and specific information about the topic or event.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is generally good practice to listen to the news on television or radio, but it would be even better to listen to a news clip that you can play again, to check if you understood or heard the details.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">A good practice exercise woul</span><br />
<a name='more'></a>d be to visit youtube and listen to any informative video or any how to video, while listening try answering the What, Where, Who, How and Why of the video.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In addition, try not to watch the video, the visuals may give you clues about what to expect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is better to exercise your listening skill.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Listen to the video again after you have answered the 5 questions (What, Where, Who, How and Why).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Check if you got all the 5 questions right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Make sure to consider your grammar when answering the 5 questions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you are not accustomed to listening or watching English videos or news, I would advice to focus more on the listening aspect of this exercise more than the answering.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Move on answering the 5 questions when you feel comfortable listening to English.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">When listening and answering the 5 questions becomes second nature to you, move on to paraphrasing whatever it is your listening to.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Good luck with your IELTS exam.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">To find out what to expect from the IELTS listening test click <a href="http://tips-4-ielts.blogspot.com/2011/02/what-to-expect-from-ielts-listening.html">here</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">For other Listening Tips click <a href="http://tips-4-ielts.blogspot.com/search/label/Listening">here</a></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4423630730265402198.post-915919802652932622011-03-10T06:27:00.001+08:002011-04-06T21:19:13.532+08:00Be Ready…IELTS Listening Tips<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Listening Test is the same for the Academic Module and the General Training Module.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are always 4 separate sections and they will only be played once.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The moment you hear the words “Section #” be ready:</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Be ready to Listen</b> – once the listening test starts, there is no turning back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Follow the instructions of the speaker, you will be given time (usually 10 sec.) to look over the questions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If an example is provided, the speaker will most probably discuss the example as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<a name='more'></a></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Be ready to mark keywords</b> – after reading the questions instructed by the speaker, will need to remember what to expect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The who, what, when, where, why and how questions; knowing these will give you an idea when to pay particular attention to the speaker.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Be ready to spot stressed or repeated phrases</b> – in most listening test, the answers are stressed or repeated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you practiced your listening, try listening to it again after you’ve checked your answers; you’ll notice that the answers were either stressed or repeated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pay attention to those stress and repeats during your next practice.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Be ready to move on to the next question</b> – even if you were unable to answer a question, be ready to move on to the next question.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Getting stuck on a particular question will not be beneficial to you, accept the laps in concentration and move on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Be ready for when the speaker changes his/her mind</b> – sometimes the speaker will change their minds, their final decision will be the correct answer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The speaker may also correct the person they are talking to.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Be ready to write using shorthand</b> – if you are lagging behind, the ability to use short hand will come in handy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Remember that you are allowed to write on the questionnaire and you will be given enough time to transfer the answers are the 4 sections are done.</span></div><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">To find out what to expect from the IELTS listening test click <a href="http://tips-4-ielts.blogspot.com/2011/02/what-to-expect-from-ielts-listening.html">here</a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">For other Listening Tips click <a href="http://tips-4-ielts.blogspot.com/search/label/Listening">here</a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4423630730265402198.post-23575361152533302232011-03-09T06:26:00.001+08:002011-04-06T21:19:27.849+08:005 Basic Tips to remember for the IELTS exam<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">These 5 tips are simple and easy to follow, but some still forget to do them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The most basic tip to remember is to relax, so as not to forget any of the 5 tips in this entry.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Make Logical Guesses</b> – remember that if you don’t answer, you don’t get a mark and you don’t get a deduction for guessing wrong. Try to leave a couple of minutes after the reading test for guessing the questions you couldn’t find the answers to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Try to keep your guess as logical as possible. As for questions that require the True/False/Not Given or Yes/No/Not Given answers, if the question sound logical and true but you don’t remember encountering it in the passage, there’s a high probability that the answer is Not Given.</span><br />
<a name='more'></a></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Give one answer only</b> – unless you were specifically asked to give more than one answer, give only one answer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even if one of your answers is correct, you will not get a mark. It’s important to note that some questions may have multiple possible answers; it doesn’t mean you can put all the possible answers on the answer sheet.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Check the grammar</b> – Plural or singular forms, verb forms and all other grammatical forms, it is good to always consider grammar when answering the Reading and Listening test.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Check the spelling</b> – avoid spelling words in slang; avoid using SMS or tweeter style spelling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You are not sending a message or tweet to a friend, you are engaged in an English proficiency exam and spelling is included in evaluating your proficiency in English.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Make sure your answers can be easily read </b>– it doesn’t matter if you wrote the correct answer, if the person marking can’t understand your penmanship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If in doubt, answer in block letters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A B C D E F, a b c d e f.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Be careful when writing the following letters, E and F, I J and L, M and N, U and V.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Practice and have someone else check if they can understand your penmanship.</span></div><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">For other tips visit the other categories: <a href="http://tips-4-ielts.blogspot.com/search/label/Basic%20Tips">Basic Tips</a>, <a href="http://tips-4-ielts.blogspot.com/search/label/Listening">Listening</a>, <a href="http://tips-4-ielts.blogspot.com/search/label/Reading">Reading</a>, <a href="http://tips-4-ielts.blogspot.com/search/label/Writing">Writing</a> and <a href="http://tips-4-ielts.blogspot.com/search/label/Speaking">Speaking</a>.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4423630730265402198.post-43773796823052067842011-03-08T06:24:00.001+08:002011-04-06T21:19:40.041+08:00Read the Instructions in the IELTS test carefully<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I can’t stress this enough, please make sure you read all the instructions and examples on your IELTS exam carefully.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even if you think you know what you need to do, read them.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The instructions will tell you what kind of answer to give and in the listening test, when to answer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It may also give you some clue as to what to expect from the reading passage or from the listening test.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is even more important to read the instructions quickly and accurately.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You might not have enough time to finish the test if you are too slow.</span><br />
<a name='more'></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Whenever examples are presented to you, read them to get an idea of how you are suppose to answer the questions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If the example presented answered with a True or False, you are then also suppose to answer with a True or False and not a Yes or No; if the example presented answers with a number, chances are high that your answers will be in the form of numbers as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">For other tips visit the other categories: <a href="http://tips-4-ielts.blogspot.com/search/label/Basic%20Tips">Basic Tips</a>, <a href="http://tips-4-ielts.blogspot.com/search/label/Listening">Listening</a>, <a href="http://tips-4-ielts.blogspot.com/search/label/Reading">Reading</a>, <a href="http://tips-4-ielts.blogspot.com/search/label/Writing">Writing</a> and <a href="http://tips-4-ielts.blogspot.com/search/label/Speaking">Speaking</a>.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4423630730265402198.post-73784261986444489062011-03-07T06:22:00.001+08:002011-04-06T21:19:54.269+08:00The Golden Rule of IELTS<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I came across this rule back in 2008, while reading <a href="http://www.aapress.com.au/ielts/english/hint(AC).html">101 Helpful Hints for IELTS Academic Module</a> written by Garry Adams and Terry Peck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This book is highly recommended if you are looking for IELTS resource, it has dozens of pages containing hints, tips and Practice test and games for all sub-tests. I will post a link to Amazon for this book at the end of the entry.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The rule is “Always give the monkey exactly what he wants”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If the monkey asks for a banana, you must give him a banana and not an apple.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is a great rule to follow, it’s simple and direct. Yet failure to follow this rule is one of the main reasons why candidates do not score as well as they thought they should. </span><br />
<a name='more'></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The book even gives advice on how to know the type of information the test is asking you to give.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Knowing this will give you a better chance of giving the correct answer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">You must also know what you have to do with the answer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you need to complete a sentence, make sure to take grammar into consideration.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If there is a limit to the number of words you may use, your answer must not contain more than that maximum number of words and grammar should again be considered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you are to name two items that you must hear on the tape or find in the reading passage, answer with only two items even if the there are more than 2 possible answers.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Follow the golden rule and improve your scores.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">For other tips visit the other categories: <a href="http://tips-4-ielts.blogspot.com/search/label/Basic%20Tips">Basic Tips</a>, <a href="http://tips-4-ielts.blogspot.com/search/label/Listening">Listening</a>, <a href="http://tips-4-ielts.blogspot.com/search/label/Reading">Reading</a>, <a href="http://tips-4-ielts.blogspot.com/search/label/Writing">Writing</a> and <a href="http://tips-4-ielts.blogspot.com/search/label/Speaking">Speaking</a>.</span></div><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=widgetsamazon-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0957898061&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4423630730265402198.post-17806036445394309532011-03-04T06:28:00.001+08:002011-04-06T21:20:06.756+08:00Develop a memory for English and improve your personal speed<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">For non-native English speakers, it is only natural to think in their native tongue and use local idioms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When doing any of the IELTS sub-tests, the thinking process takes longer than a native English speaker. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The thinking process for a native English speaker would normally be, think in English and say it in English. Non-native English speaker, would have 2 additional steps; think in the native tongue, translate to English, check grammar and say it in English. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The solution would then be to “think in English”; this of course will take quite a bit of time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would advice to start with something simple, your daily thoughts about the things around you could be done in English, an example would be commenting on the weather “it’s cold outside”; if you day dream, try day dreaming in English as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Keeping a journal would be very beneficial, keep in mind to think and write the journal in English. </span><br />
<a name='more'></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Take every opportunity to listen to English. Watch TV programs and films, have as many conversations with native English speakers and convince your non-native English speaking friends to practice with you.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Try to familiarize yourself with English text every day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Try reading a few pages of an English book of your favorite genre to avoid getting bored.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Read newspaper and magazine articles to get accustomed to what you might see in the IELTS reading test.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Read some newspaper and magazine article for details and some for speed, practice skimming and scanning these materials as well.</span></div><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">For other tips please visit the following categories: <a href="http://tips-4-ielts.blogspot.com/search/label/Basic%20Tips">Basic Tips</a>, <a href="http://tips-4-ielts.blogspot.com/search/label/Listening">Listening</a>, <a href="http://tips-4-ielts.blogspot.com/search/label/Reading">Reading</a>, <a href="http://tips-4-ielts.blogspot.com/search/label/Writing">Writing</a> and <a href="http://tips-4-ielts.blogspot.com/search/label/Speaking">Speaking</a>.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0