Sep 28, 2011

IELTS Writing Tips


GENERAL WRITING:
You should write a letter in 150-200 words in Task 1 and an essay in 250-300 words in Task 2. 

ACADEMIC WRITING:
You should write a description of a given graph in 150-200 words in Task 1 and an essay in 250-300 words in Task 2.

Note for Essay-writing:
  1. Write at least 5 to 6 paragraphs for an essay of similar sizes instead of one or two big paragraphs. 
  2. Write at least 3 to 4 paragraphs for a letter or graph of similar sizes instead of one or two big paragraphs.
  3. Attempt Part 2 first for it takes more time.
  4. Your essay should consists of well presented argument and justification. 
  5. The introduction paragraph should necessarily have a thesis statement which tells what you are up to.
  6. All essays do not need both negative and positive perceptions.
  7. The second half of the question should be well understood before you start writing because that is your task.
Note for Graph-description:
  1. Compare and organise the data where relevant in graphs description.
  2. Describe the stages of process and procedure.
  3. Describe the object or chart or table.
  4. Describe the event of sequence of events.
  5. Explain the process of work in the diagram.
  6. Remember to read the information given in the outline of the diagram.
  7. Generally, graphs do not attract a conclusion.
  8. Summarise the information given.
Notes for Letter-writing:
  1. You are expected to engage in personal correspondence.
  2. Provide general factual information and elicit it.
  3. Express your likes and dislikes, wants and needs.
  4. Supplement your opinion, views and complaints clearly.
  5. Do not forget to include salutation at the beginning of the letter.
  6. Signing of the letter with a thanking note is a must.
  7. Real names and identity of the examinees are not required.
Common Notes:
  1. Mind your handwriting. Cursive writing is not expected, but make sure every word is legible (readable).
  2. Poor spelling can attract less marks.
  3. Answer only to what is expected from you.
  4. Include various types of sentences (simple, compound and complex).
  5. Do not write unfamiliar words that makes no sense.
  6. Sub headings and underlined headings are not welcomed.
  7. No bullet points or notes should be included.
  8. Do not overwrite or try to impress your examiner by writing more.
  9. It is advisable to write your answers with pencil as you can erase on the go if there is a mistake.
  10. Anything well began is half done. Therefore, plan your essay before you write.
  11. Conclusion should definitely include the discussion in brief.
  12. Count the number of words before you submit your answer script.
  13. It is a basic courtesy to read it at least once in order to avoid careless mistakes.

IELTS Listening Tips


There are four sections in this module. Social situations, needs and wants are generally discussed in the first and second sections. Study related topics, mini lectures or speeches is included in the third and fourth sections. The test is designed with increasing difficulty. You will need to answer and listen simultaneously. The test taker is allowed ten minutes extra to check the answers at the end of the test. After every section 30 seconds is allotted  to check the answer. At the beginning of every section 30 seconds is allotted to read and comprehend the questions.

Section 1 and 2:

Discussing direction, opening a bank account, discussing the marks, meeting people, complaining, explaining a situation, describing a process, general enquiries, a tour of a museum, a visit to a public place are some of the monologues and dialogues you generally listen and collect information in these sections.

Section 3:

Generally consists of up to four people talking about an issue, project or happenings. 

Section 4:

You usually listen to a monologue, such as, lectures or general academic topics in this round. 

TIPS:
  • Accents in listening can vary from American, Australian, British, Indian, Chinese, or any common English accents.
  • Attempt all the questions irrespective of your understanding. 
  • Utilize the time given between sections to recollect the conversation.
  • Use pencil to write all answers.
  • Make use of the last ten minutes only to check answers and their spellings.
  • Do not overwrite or scribble unnecessarily in the answer sheet.
  • Do not demand for extra time.
  • Practise at least ten or more listening tests before appearing for the real test.
  • Spellings of Proper Nouns may be excused.
  • Listen carefully to names, values, dates, numbers and time indications.
  • When charts/maps and diagrams are discussed, take note of directions and process respectively.
  • Keep your pace with the listening track.
  • Do not waste time in guessing a left over answer or information while listening.

IELTS Reading Tips


You should read 3 passages and answer 40 questions within 55 minutes and check your answer's relevance and spellings in the last 5 minutes. In general, all 3 passages together would consists of approximately 3000 words. Expect at least 100 unfamiliar vocabulary or new words. Passages are designed with increasing difficulty. A simple glossary is provided wherever there is a technical term is used. Some passages may contain diagrams, graphs or illustrations.

GENERAL READING:

The texts have been written on topics of general interest extracted from notices, advertises, official documents, leaflets, pamphlets, booklets, newspapers, instruction manuals, timetables, magazines, articles. They generally deal with social survival, training survival and a piece of prose with factual content which comprises of complex language and structure.

ACADEMIC READING:

The texts have been written on topics of general interest taken from journals, research articles, books and newspapers. They generally deal with interest to candidates entering academic courses of professional registrations.

Question types:
  1. Multiple Choice (Choose the correct answer A/B/C/D).
  2. Fill in the blanks with not more than three words (short answers).
  3. Fill in the blanks with the given words (Sentence completion or Summary writing).
  4. Match the following (lists/phrases/authors/contents).
  5. Yes/No/Not Given or True/False/Not Given.
  6. Identifying suitable headings for paragraphs.
  7. Identifying the author in relation to the information provided.
TIPS:
  • Read instructions given above each question types carefully.
  • Underline important dates, names, values, units or information in the passages.
  • Skim (a light reading for general understanding).
  • Scan (a detailed reading to find answers).
  • Guess the meaning of unfamiliar vocabulary using the context of its usage.
  • Make a note of main focus of every paragraph.
  • Passages numbered or alphabetized should be read carefully.
  • Practise reading a passage within 3 minutes.
  • Attempt all the questions (wrong answers are not penalised or given negative marks).
  • Find out the purpose of the author or writer in the script.
  • Try and attempt answering the third passage, as it consumes more time.
  • Answer easy questions first instead of wasting time for unknown answers or difficult questions.
  • Guess the answer from your knowledge of reading the passage.
  • No answers can be directly be found (information is hidden often).
  • Guess the alternate word while finding answers for summary writing and fill in the blanks.
  • Do not include any of your personal ideas.
  • Read between lines to understand the connotation (hidden meaning).

IELTS 8 bands

Hi friend, this is not just kidding. I am quite serious about telling you that, getting 8 bands in IELTS in not just a dream.
Note: This is where you get all details, tips and strategies with complimentary materials to practise IELTS free of cost for your desired 8 band score..... 

What is IELTS?






IELTS is an English Proficiency Test which certifies the test taker in four aspects such as LISTENING, READING, WRITING and SPEAKING. On the whole, the ability to comprehend, communicate, justify, argue and present the ideology is put to test. Guided practice and systematic understanding of all modules enables one to get the right score in the test. 

Candidates who get less than 6 bands are generally understood to be new learners of the language. Getting above 6 bands in IELTS demands patience and persistence to learn the language to king size.

One can appear for the exam any number of times irrespective of the domination of the previous scores achieved. Therefore, a failure in acquiring the demanded score does not mean anything. 

Expert advice is mandatory, as the cost of examination is a common man's take home per month.