IELTS Updates

NOTE:   " These idioms should be used in speaking module only but could not be used in Writing module"

Using Collocation To Boost Your IELTS Score cling to                            hold shake                               share strengthen                   stand up for My boss ___________ strong political beliefs and expresses them on every possible occasion! Although I don’t ___________ your beliefs, I do respect them. I think this is important in a democratic society. We should all have the courage to ___________ our beliefs. He was only fined £100 for killing somebody in a road accident! This case has ___________ my belief in our justice system. My mother’s long battle against stomach cancer has only ___________ her belief in God. A week after her husband disappeared in a boating accident, she’s still ___________ the belief that he’s alive. She refuses to accept that he might have drowned. Use these adjectives to complete the sentences: firm                     genuine growing           mistaken popular           unshakeable For years at school, I w

7 words to avoid in IELTS writing We write so many words and phrases in our daily life that they become a part of our writing. Since IELTS writing (specifically, essay writing) is academic, we need to be more careful about our word choice. So try avoiding these common informal words in your writing. However, in informal letter writing (not informal letters)  you are allowed to use some colloquial.     Kids: The word 'kid/kids' is used extensively in informal writing but should be avoided in a formal essay. Instead of using kids, use:  children, youth, youngsters,  or  teenagers . To mean someone really young, use ' infants '. More and more: 'More and more' might sound okay when we talk, this is not an academic expression.   Simply replace it with the word ‘ more ’. So-so: Another word that we use in our daily conversations, but should be avoided in a formal writing. Instead use:  average, ordinary, mediocre  or  uninspiring  to mean the same. Crazy: We are

Useful Phrase 2 – best for body paragraphs (opinions) When injecting an opposing thought, instead of using only “However,” you can use: However, it should not be forgotten (that)…” and add the opposing point.   Useful Phrase 3 – best for body paragraphs (examples) Cite examples from research or studies made, using the phrase, “For example, a recent study by _________ showed…” “There are also studies being performed on a global level to discover the source of these important problems. One solution proposed by the _ (insert global organisation) ___ is to_________.” For instance: For example, a recent study by the  WTO  (or  U.K. government ) showed…  (then supply the details of the findings).

NOTE:   " These idioms should be used in speaking module only but could not be used in Writing module"

Useful Phrase 1 – best for introductions This essay will analyse this issue using the examples from… …to demonstrate points and support arguments. You will need to supply the examples in accordance with your particular topic. For instance: This essay will analyse this issue using the examples from wartime countries and conflict zones to demonstrate points and support arguments. and This essay will analyse this issue using the examples from Canada, Australia and Rwanda to demonstrate points and support arguments. It is undeniable that ___(insert problem from the question)___ is one of the most challenging issues in the western world.

NOTE:   " These idioms should be used in speaking module only but could not be used in Writing module"

Listening Tip

Speaking Tip 

Speaking Tip 

Cue-Card Follow Up Questions Speaking cue card Describe your favorite sport. You should say: What it is How often you play/ watch it How to play it and explain why it is your favorite sport. - Show / Hide Hint - Follow-Up Questions What types of sports are popular in your country? What are the benefits of playing a sport? Do you think the types of sport that are popular will change in the future? How can sports bring people from different countries closer together? How can we encourage children to participate in different types of sporting activities? What are the advantages of hosting different international sporting events in a country?     

Speaking Tip 

NOTE:   " These idioms should be used in speaking module only but could not be used in Writing module"

Cue-Card Follow Up Questions Speaking cue card Describe a home based job which you think is perfect for you.      What job this is      Why did you select this job      What skills are required to do this job Explain why you think this job is perfect for you. - Show Hint - Follow ups: What is your job? Do you have to work with other people? Do you think you will change jobs in the future? How do you manage your time? Do you enjoy your job? What was your first day at work like? Would you like to change your job in the future? What is your typical day like at work? What would you change about your job?

Cue-Card Follow Up Questions Speaking cue card Describe a wedding you attended.You should say: When it was Who got married What happened at the wedding Explain whether it was a typical wedding ceremony. - Show Hint - Follow-Up Questions Do you think money spent on a wedding is wasted? What presents are suitable for a wedding in your country? How long a couple should wait before getting married? What is the secret of a successful wedding? Should unhappy couples get divorced?     

NOTE:   " These idioms should be used in speaking module only but could not be used in Writing module"

NOTE:   " These idioms should be used in speaking module only but could not be used in Writing module"

NOTE:   " These idioms should be used in speaking module only but could not be used in Writing module"

Speaking cue card Describe a pet you have/had. You should say What kind of animal it is/was How it looks What type of care it need Why you like this animal Explain some advantages of your pet. Hint Follow-Up Questions Do you think cities are suitable places for keeping a pet? Do children like animals? What kind of animals do you think children like? Did you have any pets when you were a child? What do you think are the benefits of a child having a pet? If you have children in the future, will you allow them to raise a pet?