IELTS Speaking Test Part 2 Tip.

Today's best IELTS tip is about IELTS Speaking Part 2.

It's always a nice idea to introduce your topic in Part 2 by saying exactly what your talk is.

Here's an example:

Describe a  place you have visited  that you particularly liked.

You should say:

when you visited it

who you visited it with/how you got there

what was most memorable about this place

'Today I've been asked to describe a place I have visited that I particularly liked and I'm going to describe Rome.  For me, Rome is the most beautiful ciy in the world...........................'

For speaking test tips, why not download my free IELTS Speaking report; Speaking Test Tips from an IELTS Tutor.  I'm sure you'll find it useful!

If you're enjoying my best IELTS tips, why not look me up on 'youtube'.  My channel is 'bestieltsonline'.

 

Alanna

IELTS Reading Test Multiple Choice Task Type.

Today's best IELTS tip looks at multiple-choice task types in the IELTS Reading Test.

Make sure you read the options carefully.  In parfticular you should look out for misleading options.  Misleading options :

• say something which may be true but is not in the text

Remember you are only answering questions about the text.  I have seen a number of students lose marks because they fall into this 'trap'.

• use words from the text in an untrue statement.

Again, I have seen many students fall into this 'trap'.  Read the options carefully and make sure you know what each one actually means.  When you choose an option, imagine that I am there asking you 'Why?' and that you must justify why you chose that particular option and why the others are not correct.

 

For speaking test tips, why not download my free IELTS Speaking report; Speaking Test Tips from an IELTS Tutor.  I'm sure you'll find it useful!

If you're enjoying my best IELTS tips, why not look me up on 'youtube'.  My channel is 'bestieltsonline'.

Alanna

Learning new vocabulary for the IELTS test.

Today's best IELTS tips look at the subject of vocabulary. 

You obviously need a wide range of vocabulary to understand IELTS Listening and IELTS Reading.  Your use of vocabulary is one of the crieria used to assess IELTS Speaking and Writing (as can be seen at www.bestieltsonline.com).

I highly recommend you invest in a good English-English dictionary as a good dictionary can give you a lot of useful information.  Below I have included a dictionary definition of the word 'vocabulary' to illustrate my point:

Normal 0 false false false MicrosoftInternetExplorer4

vocabulary (vo¦cabu|lary) /və(ʊ)’kabjʊləri/   noun (plural vocabularies) 

• 1 the body of words used in a particular language
• a part of such a body of words used on a particular occasion or in a particular sphere:the vocabulary of law [mass noun] :you will want to learn vocabulary that is used frequently the term became part of business vocabulary
• the body of words known to an individual person:he had a wide vocabulary
• a list of difficult or unfamiliar words with an explanation of their meanings, accompanying a piece of specialist or foreign-language text
• 2 a range of artistic or stylistic forms , techniques, or movements:dance companies have their own vocabularies of movement

 

This dictionary definition tells us:

• how to pronounce the word (the phonetics and where the main stress is)
• what part of speech it is (in this case a noun)
• how it is spelt in the plural
• examples of the word in context

 

You must also decide on how you're going to organise new vocabulary.  The following show some of the different methods that students of mine have used over the years:

1. (alphabetical)

B

bicycle

beautiful

brandy

 

2. (parts of speech)

Verbs

memorise

justify

collect

 

3.  (according to the date the word is learnt)

Vocabulary diary 26th January 2008

meanwhile

purpose

euphemism

 

4.  (as a 'dictionary definition')

bid (v & n)

offer money to buy something e.g. bid for something on ebay.

 

5.  (as a mind map)

You must think about the advantages and disadvantages of each method and decide which method is best for you.

 

For speaking test tips, why not download my free IELTS Speaking report; Speaking Test Tips from an IELTS Tutor.  I'm sure you'll find it useful!

If you're enjoying my best IELTS tips, why not look me up on 'youtube'.  My channel is 'bestieltsonline'.

 

Alanna

 

Organising Expressions for IELTS Writing .

If you're enjoying my best IELTS tips, why not look me up on 'youtube'.  My channel is 'bestieltsonline'.
Anyway, on to today's best IELTS tip.  In IELTS Writing Task 2, it's important to guide your reader through your arguments.  Below is a short list of some organising expressions you can use to do this:

• To begin with
• In the first place
• First of all
• Secondly
• Furthermore
• In addition
• As well as that
• Moreover
• Finally
• Lastly
• In conclusion
• To sum up

For speaking test tips, why not download my free IELTS Speaking report; Speaking Test Tips from an IELTS Tutor.  I'm sure you'll find it useful!

Alanna

Improving your pronunciation for the IELTS Speaking Test - 5.

Here's the fourth video in my best IELTS Speaking Test pronunciation tips series.  In video 1, I talked about the pronunciation of vowel sounds in British English, in video 2 diphthong sounds and in both videos 3 and 4, I talked about the pronunciation of eight consonant sounds.

This video talks about the pronunciation of the final eight consonant sounds.

If you have enjoyed the information in this video, why not download my free IELTS Speaking report; Speaking Test Tips from an IELTS Tutor.  I'm sure you'll find it useful!

 

 

Alanna

 

Improving your pronunciation for the IELTS Speaking Test - 4.

Here's the fourth video in my best IELTS Speaking Test pronunciation tips series.  In video 1, I talked about the pronunciation of vowel sounds in British English, in video 2 diphthong sounds and in video 3, I talke about the pronunciation of eight consonant sounds.

This video talks about the pronunciation of another eight consonant sounds and video 5 covers the final eight.

If you have enjoyed the information in this video, why not download my free IELTS Speaking report; Speaking Test Tips from an IELTS Tutor.  I'm sure you'll find it useful!

 

 

Alanna

 

Improving your pronunciation for the IELTS Speaking Test - 3.

Normal 0 false false false MicrosoftInternetExplorer4

Here's the third video in my best IELTS Speaking Test pronunciation tips series.

 

If you have enjoyed the information in this video, why not download my free IELTS Speaking report; Speaking Test Tips from an IELTS Tutor.  I'm sure you'll find it useful!

 

 

Alanna

 

Tips for a higher IELTS score - Speaking Test Part 3 .

Today's best IELTS tips are about the IELTS Listening Test.

In IELTS Speaking Part 3, the Examiner will ask you about more absract features of a topic.

Make sure that you give and extended reply to every question.  Give reasons and, if possible, add more points connected to te topic to develop the discussion.

Don't panic if the Examiner asks you challenging questions; this part of the test is designed to push you as far as you can go.  It's a positive thing!

 

For speaking tips, why not download my free IELTS Speaking report; Speaking Test Tips from an IELTS Tutor.  I'm sure you'll find it useful!

Alanna

Improve your IELTS Listening Score.

Today's best IELTS tips are about the IELTS Listening Test.

Make sure you make the most of every second in the IELTS Listening Test; read questions carefully in advance.  While you are reading the questions, think about the type of information required; is it a number, a place name, a noun or an adjective?

Remember that the order of the questions usually follows the order of the audio.  You should also study the layout of the questions as this can help you follow the information you are going to hear.

Sometimes you are given a list of items (A-G) and then in the questions that follow, choose one of these answers. I suggest you approach this type of question in the following way:

• Listen out for the key words on the lists
• Be aware that it may not be the key words you hear, but synonyms (so listen out for them too!)
• Make sure you're also listening out for any other words connected with the topic of the question

For speaking tips, why not download my free IELTS Speaking report; Speaking Test Tips from an IELTS Tutor.  I'm sure you'll find it useful!

Alanna

 

IELTS Writing Test tip 2

Today's best IELTS tip is another tip about the IELTS Writing Test.

Remember that there are more marks awarded to IELTS Writing Task 2 than to IELTS Writing Task 1.  Task 2 carries two-thirds of the marks, Task 1 only a third.  I therefore strongly suggest that you  keep to the suggested timing of 20 minutes for task 1 and 40 minutes for task 2.

I have heard of too many situations where candidates have spent far too long on task 1 in the IELTS Writing Test and therefore not finished Task 2.  You must successfully complete both tasks to score well.

Make sure you do some time practice IELTS Writing Tasks before the day of your IELTS test so that you know exactly what 20 / 40 minutes 'feels like'.

For speaking tips, why not download my free IELTS Speaking report; Speaking Test Tips from an IELTS Tutor.  I'm sure you'll find it useful!

Alanna

IELTS Writing Test tip 1.

Today's best IELTS tip is about the IELTS Writing Test.  It is relevant both for IELTS Writing Task 1 and IELTS Writing Task 2, both for General Training and Academic.

Always, always, always answer the question; you must keep to the topic set.  If you check out the writing band descriptors, you will see that this is one of the Examiner's marking criteria; Task Achievement for Task 1 and Task Response for Task 2.  Think about it, the Examiner doesn't know you, if he/she reads an answer that doesn't answer the question, he/she may assume you didn't understand the question and that not understanding the question is possibly a reflection of your level of English.

Never, never try to memorise sections of text for the writing test.  You will be penalised for this.

For speaking tips, why not download my free IELTS Speaking report; Speaking Test Tips from an IELTS Tutor.  I'm sure you'll find it useful!

Alanna

IELTS Writing Task 2 - essay tips.

Today's best IELTS tips are about IELTS Writing Task 2 essays.

• Don't forget that in IELTS Writing Task 2, you are usually expected to give your own views.
• Make sure you giver appropriate examples and reasons to develop your arguments.
• Remember that planning is so important.  To plan well, you need to do the following:

1. analyse the question.
2. brainstorm ideas
3. decide what your own opinion is.

The trick to writing a good essay is to bring points 1, 2 and 3 together effectively so that they make a coherent argument.  Setting time aside for planning will help ensure you write a coherent argument.

Why not download my free IELTS Speaking report; Speaking Test Tips from an IELTS Tutor.  I'm sure you'll find it useful!

Alanna

IELTS Speaking Test Part 2 Tip.

Today's best IELTS tip is about IELTS Speaking Test part 2..

Make sure that you make good use of the minute you are allowed for preparation.  Plan what you are going to say and write brief, clear notes.  Don't write a speech; the Examiner doesn't want to know how well you can read aloud - he/she wants to know how well you can speak.

Why not download my free IELTS Speaking report; Speaking Test Tips from an IELTS Tutor.  I'm sure you'll find it useful!

Alanna

IELTS Reading Test Matching Task Tip.

Today's best IELTS tip is about the IELTS Reading Test.

One common task type in the IELTS Reading Test is to match a heading to a paragraph.  What you're basically trying to do here is to summarise the essence of the paragraph and find the most suitable heading from a list.  There are usually more headings than paragraphs. 

What I always suggest students do is to try to summarise (in your head) what each whole paragraph is about and then find a heading that is very similar to your summary.

Why not download my free IELTS Speaking report; Speaking Test Tips from an IELTS Tutor.  I'm sure you'll find it useful!

Alanna

IELTS study / revision plan.

Today's best IELTS tip is about organising your study time.

First of all I always make a list with my students of any useful, easily acquired English language resources.  Some examples are:

• your teacher
• English-speaking friends
• the Internet (huge!)
• English-language books, newspapers and magazines
• English-language TV, films and radio
• English grammar and text books.

The next step is to think about how you best study:

• How do you prefer leaning English?  (Look at the list above)
• Where do you prefer to study? (e.g. in a library, in your own room, in a park, at the beach, in a cafe)
• What time of day do you prefer to study?  (morning, afternoon etc)
• Do you study best alone or with other people?
• How much free time do you have?

Once you've answered these questions, you should draw up a study plan between now and your IELTS test date.  Be realistic about how much you can do and use your answers to the above questions to ensure that your study time is productive.

 

Why not download my free IELTS Speaking report; Speaking Test Tips from an IELTS Tutor.  I'm sure you'll find it useful!

Alanna

Academic IELTS Writing Task 1.

Today's best IELTS tip is about the IELTS Writing Test Task 1.

Your first sentence in Academic IELTS Writing Task 1 should state what the data shows in your own words.  This clarifies your thoughts, shows the Examiner you have understood the data and sets the scene for the reader (in this case the IELTS Examiner).

You must be selective in what information you choose to include in your answer - make sure you only select relevant facts and not minor, irrelevant details.  You will probably need to do lots of practice writing task 1 questions so that your learn to avoid simply lisitng every detail, e.g.  'and then the number of sales went up slightly, and then it went down slightly and then in remained steady for a while...' and so on and so on!

Remember that in Writing task 1, your job is to analyse the data, not give your personal opinions.

Why not download my free IELTS Speaking report; Speaking Test Tips from an IELTS Tutor.  I'm sure you'll find it useful!

Alanna

IELTS Speaking Test Questions.

Today's best IELTS tip is about the IELTS Speaking Test.

Students often ask me, 'What kind of questions can I expect?'.  My answer is always; 'Expect the unexpected!'.  In the IELTS Speaking interview, you should expect questions on a range of everyday topics.

One important thing to remember is to always answer the questions you are asked, not similar questions you may have prepared in class or with your speaking partner.  Never, never, never just learn answers by heart and regurgitate them in the test.  It doesn't work!

Why not download my free IELTS Speaking report; Speaking Test Tips from an IELTS Tutor.  I'm sure you'll find it useful!

Alanna

IELTS Speaking Test Part 3 Tip.

Today's best IELTS tip is about the IELTS Speaking Test.

Don't forget that IELTS Speaking Test Part 3 is a two-way discussion  You could do something that very few candidates do; ask the Examiner a question!

Why not download my free IELTS Speaking report; Speaking Test Tips from an IELTS Tutor.  I'm sure you'll find it useful!

Alanna

IELTS Speaking Test Part 1 Tip.

Today's best IELTS tip is about the IELTS Speaking Test.

• Listen carefully for the tense the Examiner uses in the question; this will determine the tense you use in your answer.
• whenever you answer 'yes' or 'no' to the Examiner's questions, always add more details to your answer; maybe explain why or give a reason.  Remember, you want to show off your language to the Examiner.

Why not download my free IELTS Speaking report; Speaking Test Tips from an IELTS Tutor.  I'm sure you'll find it useful!

Alanna

Getting a higher IELTS Band Score - Speaking.

Normal 0 false false false MicrosoftInternetExplorer4

Today's best IELTS tip is about the IELTS Speaking Test.

In the IELTS Speaking Test part 2, don't try to give a prepared speech; the examiner will know!

Also, don't try to talk about a different topic from the one you have been asked to discuss.  It might happen that you don't really understand the question; if this is the case, tell your examiner at the start of the speech, "I'm not really sure what 'blah' means but I think it means '.....', so I'm going to talk about that."

Why not download my free IELTS Speaking report; Speaking Test Tips from an IELTS Tutor.  I'm sure you'll find it useful!

Alanna

IELTS Speaking Test Tips.

Normal 0 false false false MicrosoftInternetExplorer4

Today's best IELTS tip is about the IELTS Speaking Test.

I've made a short video that gives a basic overview of the IELTS Speaking test.

If you enjoy the video and would like more detailed information and tips about the IELTS Speaking Test, why not download my free IELTS Speaking report; Speaking Test Tips from an IELTS Tutor.  I'm sure you'll find it useful!

Alanna

IELTS essay writing tip.

Normal 0 false false false MicrosoftInternetExplorer4

Today's best IELTS tip is about IELTS Writing Task 2.

• Make sure you plan your essay.
• When you plan your essay, make sure you allow yourself plenty of time at the end to review and check your work.
• Organise your ideas so that they 'flow' and are connected to each other.
• Link your sentences using appropriate language and connecting words
• Use as wide a range of language (both vocabulary and grammar) as possible.
• Make sure that you use connecting words appropriately, for example don't use the word 'moreover' continuously if you're not really sure what it means and just read it on a list of 'useful phrases for IELTS'.
• Don't over-use connecting words; you want your language to sound 'natural'.
• Remember what you're using your range of language for; you want to discuss ideas and express opinions.

Alanna

 

IELTS Writing Test - how many words?

Today's best IELTS tip is about how many words to write in IELTS Task 1 and IELTS Task 2.

The IELTS Writing Tasks require you to write at least 150 words for Task 1 and at least 250 words for Task 2.  If you write less than 150 words for Task 1 and less than 250 words for Task 2, you will lose marks.  Although there is no maximum number of words, in my opinion, the ideal length for Task 1 is between 150 and 180 words and between 250 and 300 words for Task 2.

It is importand to write a well-planned, well-organised and relevant answer for both IELTS Writing Task 1 and IELTS Writing Task 2 and not to just assume that the more you write, the better it is.  As far as the number of words are concerned, just make sure you don't write less than 150 words / 250 words.

Improving your pronunciation for the IELTS Speaking Test - 2.

Here's the second video in my best IELTS Speaking Test pronunciation tips series.




Why not download my free IELTS Speaking report; Speaking Test Tips from an IELTS Tutor.  I'm sure you'll find it useful!

Alanna

Improving your pronunciation for the IELTS Speaking Test.

Many visitors to my blog have asked me for my best IELTS Speaking Test pronunciation tips.
I have therefore decided to make a series of videos.  Here's the first one!



Why not download my free IELTS Speaking report; Speaking Test Tips from an IELTS Tutor.  I'm sure you'll find it useful!

Alanna

IELTS Reading Test Tips.

Today I'd like to share with you some more best IELTS Reading Test tips:

Make sure you read the insructions to the Reading Test carefully.  I have seen so many students get a lower Band Score than they should in IELTS practice tests because although they knew the answer, they didn't read the instructions properly.  In particular, you should note the following:

• do you have to use words from the text in your answer?  or
• do you have ot use your own words?
• is there a word limit for the answer e.g.  USE NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS. ?

In the final point, you have to be very disciplined and not use unnecessary words in your answer.

Alanna

IELTS General Training Reading Tip.

The best IELTS tip I'd like to share today is about the IELTS General Training Reading Test:

In the IELTS General Training Reading Test, I think the best strategy is to first quickly read the passage.  While you're doing this, to get the 'gist' of the passage, you should look out for and identify the following features:-

• what is the topic?
• what style is the passage written in?
• where do you think the passage came from?  (e.g. a travel brochure)
• what is the writer trying to do?  What is his/her purpose? (e.g. to inform, to persuage etc)
• who is the writer writing for?  Who is his/her intended reader?  (e.g  a tourist)

Identifying these features will put you in the best position to answer the questions in the General Training Reading Test.

Alanna

 

Best IELTS tip of the day.

My best IELTS tip I'd like to share with you today is about the IELTS Reading Test.  Sometimes reading tasks have example answers.  Make sure you use this information thoroughly.  Study the example answer and make sure you understand why it is correct.  This is also what you should be doing when you do practice IELTS Reading Tests.

Alanna

IELTS Writing Test tip 2

Today's best IELTS tip is another tip about the IELTS Writing Test.

Remember that there are more marks awarded to IELTS Writing Task 2 than to IELTS Writing Task 1.  Task 2 carries two-thirds of the marks.  I therefore strongly suggest that you  keep to the suggested timing of 20 minutes for task 1 and 40 minutes for task 2.

I have heard of too many situations where candidates have spent far too long on task 1 in the IELTS Writing Test and therefore not finished Task 2.  You must successfully complete both tasks to score well.

Alanna

IELTS Writing Test tip 1.

Today's best IELTS tip is about the IELTS Writing Test.

Always, always, always answer the question.  You must keep to the topic set.  If you check out the writing test band descriptors, you will see that this is one of the examiner's marking criteria.

Never, never try to memorise sections of text for the writing test.  You will be peanlised for this.

Alanna 

IELTS General Training Reading Tip.

The best IELTS tip I'd like to share today is about the IELTS General Training Reading Test:

In the IELTS General Training Reading Test, I think the best strategy is to first quickly read the passage.  While you're doing this, to get the 'gist' of the passage, you should look out for and identify the following features:-

• what is the topic?
• what style is the passage written in?
• where do you think the passage came from?  (e.g. a travel brochure)
• what is the writer trying to do?  What is his/her purpose? (e.g. to inform, to persuage etc)
• who is the writer writing for?  Who is his/her intended reader?  (e.g  a tourist)

Identifying these features will put you in the best position to answer the questions in the General Training Reading Test.

Alanna

 

IELTS Reading Test Tips.

Today I'd like to share with you some more best IELTS Reading Test tips:

Make sure you read the insructions to the Reading Test carefully.  I have seen so many students get a lower Band Score than they should in IELTS practice tests because although they knew the answer, they didn't read the instructions properly.  In particular, you should note the following:

• do you have to use words from the text in your answer?  or
• do you have ot use your own words?
• is there a word limit for the answer e.g.  USE NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS. ?

In the final point, you have to be very disciplined and not use unnecessary words in your answer.

Alanna

Best IELTS tip of the day.

My best IELTS tip I'd like to share with you today is about the IELTS Reading Test.  Sometimes reading tasks have example answers.  Make sure you use this information thoroughly.  Study the example answer and make sure you understand why it is correct.  This is also what you should be doing when you do practice IELTS Reading Tests.

Alanna

IELTS General Training / Academic Reading Test Tip.

Today's best IELTS tip is for both the General Training and Academic IELTS Reading Test:

As you're reading, don't worry if you can't understand every word.  It isn't necessay to understand every word to understand the passage (this is already the case in your own language).  If you click on this best IELTS link, you will be taken to Best IELTS Online, where you can find strategies for working out unknown vocabulary.

Alanna