March 01, 2020

IELTS Grammar: adjectives after nouns?

As I'm sure you know, we normally place the adjective in front of the noun in English e.g. "the red car" instead of "the car red".

However, English is a crazy language, and rules are there to be broken!

If you read yesterday's lesson (and clicked on this link), you may have seen the following examples of noun + adjective:

• someone important
• somewhere nice
• the best room available
• the only decision possible
• the worst choice imaginable
• the person responsible

Remember: The 'rules' that you find in an intermediate (or even 'advanced') grammar book are probably a simplification. There are deeper levels to be discovered!

February 29, 2020

IELTS Grammar: 'any product imaginable'

There was an interesting discussion in the comments below Wednesday's lesson about the phrase "I can buy any product imaginable".

Here's a summary of the questions in that discussion:

1) Why did I write any product imaginable instead of any imaginable product?
2) Would any imaginable product also be correct?
3) Is there a difference in meaning between the two phrases?

I'll try to answer without going deep into grammar, but if you really like the grammar side of things, have a look at this page (especially the part about 'the only decision possible' and 'the worst choice imaginable').

1. The simple answer is that "any product imaginable" sounds better to me as a native speaker. This phrase isn't my own original creation; I've probably heard or read it many times in similar contexts, so it's the instinctive phrase to use.
   Note: There are 14,300 Google search results for this collocation.
2. While "any imaginable product" is also grammatically correct, it seems just a little less natural to me. The emphasis is slightly different, and the meaning could also be understood in a slightly different way.
   Note: There are only 905 Google search results for this collocation.
3. This is debatable. If I had to give you my view, I would say that an "imaginable product" could include products that don't currently exist (e.g. a flying car), whereas my phrase "any product imaginable" tends to refer to products that currently exist.

In the end, the Google results and my instinct as a native speaker are probably your best guide. In normal English usage, "any product imaginable" is the typical collocation.

February 28, 2020

IELTS Speaking Part 2: 'day out' topic

Let's look at a new speaking topic:

Describe a day out that you enjoyed recently. You should say

- where you went
- whom you went with
- what you did that day
- and why you enjoyed the day out.

Note: When we talk about a "day out", it means that you went somewhere for leisure purposes. I wouldn't talk about anything related to work or studies here.

February 23, 2020

IELTS Advice: "I only improved by 0.5"

I often hear from students who are disappointed because their scores have only improved by half a band. For example: "I've been studying for 3 months but my score has only improved by 0.5".

My reply is always this: You should be happy! An improvement of half a band is great, and it shows that you are on the right track.

Remember: small, gradual improvements are signposts on the path to success!

February 22, 2020

IELTS Grammar: linking with 'this'

All students learn to link ideas using words like "however", "furthermore" etc. Most students don't realise that the word "this" is also a linking word. Look at the following examples:

• Nowadays, people can use the Internet to work from home. In this way, people who do not have access to transport can find employment.
• Most products are built to last only a short time, and this creates a "throw-away" culture.
• A global economy means free trade between countries. This can strengthen political relationships.

The word "this" refers to the sentence or idea that came before. "This" helps you to link ideas and avoid repetition. Native speakers and good writers use "this" a lot, and the IELTS examiner will be impressed if you can use it.

February 21, 2020

IELTS Speaking Part 2: using the prompts

An IELTS teacher asked me the following questions:

Is it compulsory for candidates to address all of the prompts on the cue card? What happens if candidates ignore the prompts but speak well about the topic anyway? And what happens if the candidate misunderstands the question and speaks about a different topic?

Here are the answers that I gave the teacher:

I tell my students to use the prompts because they help you to structure your answer. However, it is still possible to get a very high score even if you don't address all of the points e.g. if you speak well about the topic but miss the last point or two. I don't recommend ignoring the points completely, because there's a danger that you'll go off task if you do that.

If you misunderstand the question and give an unrelated answer, I'm afraid you'll get a very low score. The reason is that candidates could memorise a perfect answer if off-topic answers were allowed.

February 15, 2020

IELTS Advice: knowledge vs skill

I studied French at school for seven years, and my teachers helped me to accumulate quite a lot of knowledge about the language.

However, when I visited France I still felt like a beginner. I found it difficult to understand native speakers, and I couldn't speak naturally; I had to construct sentences in my head before I spoke, and I was constantly worried about making mistakes. In short, I had knowledge but not much skill.

Do you feel like this when you speak or write in English? Maybe it's time to stop studying English and start practising it as much as possible!

February 14, 2020

IELTS Speaking Part 3: use adjectives

Look at the following question and my sample answer, in which I've highlighted the adjectives.

What do you think are the characteristics of a good speaker?

I think good speakers are confident and passionate about the subject of their speech. They need to be interesting and engaging. I think a speaker's body language is also really important. A famous example of a great speaker is Barack Obama; he seems to be a naturally inspiring speaker, but I'm sure that practice and preparation are more important than natural talent.

Note:
Can you see how the adjectives bring my answer to life?

February 08, 2020

IELTS Grammar: mixed conditional

Yesterday I asked you to look at the sentence below.

• There would be no computer programmers if the computer hadn't been invented.

This sentence contains a mixed conditional: would + infinitive (2nd conditional) with if + past perfect (3rd conditional).

Notice that I'm imagining the present result of an imagined event in the past.

To learn more about this type of construction, visit this web page.

February 07, 2020

IELTS Speaking / Grammar: a mixed conditional

Somebody asked me about this sentence from last Friday's speaking lesson:

• There would be no computer programmers if the computer hadn't been invented.

The student asked me why I didn't follow the normal third conditional 'rule' and write "there would have been" instead of "there would be"? Did I make a mistake?

The answer is no, I didn't make a mistake. I wrote a mixed conditional sentence on purpose. Can you see why? I'll explain in tomorrow's lesson.

February 02, 2020

IELTS Vocabulary: editing and improving

You won't have time to do this in your test, but it's a good idea to edit and improve the essays that you write at home.

For example, in the music essay that I shared on Wednesday, there's a phrase that we could improve: "the planet's global language".

While this phrase is fine and wouldn't affect the essay's score, you could argue that it contains repetition because 'planet' and 'global' communicate similar meanings. Note: We could simply write "the planet's language" or "the global language", but I wanted to use this structure: noun + adjective + language.

So let's think about some possible alternatives:

1. the planet's shared language
2. the planet's common language
3. humanity's global language
4. our global language

Notice that I changed the adjective 'global' in the first two examples, I used a different noun (humanity) in example 3, and I used a pronoun instead of the noun 'planet' in example 4. Which alternative do you prefer?

February 01, 2020

IELTS Grammar: I was hoping that...

A student asked me about the phrase "I was hoping that you could help me".

Why do we use the past tense (was hoping) if we're asking for help now?

Here's the answer that I gave the student:

I know it seems strange, but this is a common way to ask for something in English. For example:

• I was hoping that you could help me = I hope you can help me.
• I was hoping to get your advice = Can you give me your advice?

Perhaps you could think about it like this: the "hoping" happened in my head before I decided to ask for the help.

Or you could just see this as a fixed phrase, and a typically English way to ask politely and indirectly!

January 31, 2020

IELTS Speaking Part 3: 'technology' topic

1. What technology or equipment is used in most workplaces nowadays?
2. Does technology help workers or make their lives more difficult?
3. What effect does new technology have on employment?

1. Tip: give a list of different technologies, then talk about one in detail:

In most workplaces people use equipment such as computers, phones, printers, fax machines and photocopiers. I think the computer is probably the most essential piece of equipment because we rely on it for almost everything: communicating by email, writing reports, organising data, and finding information on the Internet.

2. Tip: talk about the positives AND the negatives:

Technology definitely helps workers because it makes many tasks so much easier. For example, email is such a useful tool for communication between employees in different offices, or even in different countries. On the other hand, technology can make life more difficult, especially when it goes wrong. It causes a lot of stress when the Internet is down or a computer crashes.

3. Tip: give the good effects AND the bad effects:

I think technology is often responsible for people losing their jobs. Machines have replaced people in areas like manufacturing and agriculture, and whenever a new technology is introduced, there are redundancies. At the same time, jobs might be created thanks to a new technology; for example, there would be no computer programmers if the computer hadn't been invented.

January 25, 2020

IELTS Grammar: do you make this 'pronoun' mistake?

Look at the sentences below. Can you see the mistake in each one?

1. Children who play chess, they become more creative as adults.
2. A lot of political leaders, they are corrupt.
3. My brother, he is studying at university in Canada.
4. My writing exam, it was very difficult.

I've underlined the problem: each sentence contains an unnecessary pronoun. Many students make this mistake, especially when speaking. If you can avoid it, your English will sound much more natural.

Here are the correct versions:

1. Children who play chess become more creative as adults.
2. A lot of political leaders are corrupt.
3. My brother is studying at university in Canada.
4. My writing exam was very difficult.

January 24, 2020

IELTS Speaking: where to find official videos

Most people don't know that there are videos of IELTS speaking tests on the official website ielts.org. The site also shows you the official score that each candidate was given.

Here's a quick guide to finding the videos:

I've been using three of these videos in the speaking band descriptors lessons on my member site.

We've been analysing the speaking performances of Tina (band 5), Alexandra (band 7) and Khush (band 8). All three candidates could improve their speaking scores if they followed some simple advice!

January 19, 2020

IELTS Advice: long and short sentences

Many students seem to think that the following is true:

long, complex sentences = difficult = high score

But this isn't necessarily correct. First, long sentences are just short sentences (or clauses) that have been linked together, so it's not difficult to write them. Second, you won't get a high score if your long sentences are full of mistakes.

The best writers use a mix of long and short sentences. This is the ideal style to aim for because it makes your writing 'smoother', more varied, and easier to read.

January 18, 2020

IELTS Speaking: a recorded example

Describe an interesting place you have visited.
You should say:

• where it is
• what you can do there
• and why you think it's an interesting place.

Here's an example description of a place I've visited. I've used the vocabulary from yesterday's lesson to describe London.

Listen to the recording while following the vocabulary (see yesterday's lesson). Then you could practise your own description of London using the same vocabulary. Keep practising until you're happy.

click here to listen

January 17, 2020

IELTS Speaking Part 2: describe a place

In part 2 of the speaking test, you might have to describe a place. There are several possible questions about places. For example:

1. Describe a place you have visited.
2. Describe a historic place.
3. Describe a holiday.
4. Describe a place you would like to visit.
5. Describe somewhere you have lived or would like to live.

My advice is to prepare a description of one place that you could use to answer all of these questions. Then search the Internet for some good vocabulary.

For example, here are some ideas I found to describe London:

• Adjectives: it's exciting, busy, hectic, cosmopolitan, multicultural, unique. It's historic but modern at the same time, it's a thriving, prosperous city, it's fashionable, lively, fun...
• Activities: London is famous for its history, culture, art, museums. Tourists go there to see Big Ben, The Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square etc. You can get a fantastic view of the city from the 'London Eye'. It's also famous for its theatres and shows in the West End, its shops, restaurants and nightlife. There are endless things to see and do.
• Negatives: London is expensive, crowded, stressful, polluted. The underground system is dirty, travel is overpriced and unpleasant. The cost of living is high (shopping, house prices etc.), the locals are always in a hurry and can be unfriendly, there are social problems (like you can find in most big cities).

January 12, 2020

IELTS Advice: tangible daily progress

If you want to make tangible progress every day, aim to do one of the following:

1. Analyse one grammar or vocabulary mistake that you made, and understand the correction.
2. Analyse one mistake in a reading or listening test, and understand why you got the answer wrong.
3. Learn one new word, collocation or phrase.
4. Learn how to express one idea in a 'natural' way. Find out how a native speaker would say it.
5. Prepare ideas, opinions and vocabulary for one IELTS topic.
6. Read one sample band 9 essay, and highlight anything useful e.g. vocabulary, cohesive devices, how ideas are developed.
7. Write one paragraph and get it checked by a teacher.
8. Record yourself doing one speaking test. Transcribe the recording and analyse the transcription or get it checked by a teacher.

I could add more points, but I'm sure you get the idea. Just do one thing that feels like real progress every day. Imagine where you'll be after 100 days!

January 11, 2020

IELTS Advice: tangible progress

Here's a nice collocation: tangible progress e.g. I'm making tangible progress every day.

Tangible means real and definite, or something that you can touch.

This is the type of progress that we should be aiming for. So how can we make our IELTS preparation progress more tangible? What can you do each day that gives you a sense of real improvement?

January 10, 2020

IELTS Speaking: three students' questions

Here's part of a recent lesson on my member site. You'll see me answering three questions about the IELTS speaking test.

January 04, 2020

IELTS Advice: try a (slightly) new approach

Preparing for a test can become boring and repetitive. To keep things interesting, I recommend that you try something new from time to time.

I'm not suggesting that you should change your whole approach to the IELTS test. Just find ways to add variety to your study plan.

For example, you could

• work on a different aspect of your writing e.g. coherence
• record yourself speaking and listen to your hesitations
• analyse the correct answers to a reading test, instead of doing the test
• try this writing exercise

How do you intend to add variety to your study plan this year?

January 03, 2020

IELTS Speaking: two types of hesitation

If you look at the 'fluency and coherence' column of the band descriptors, you'll see the following:

• Band 7: may demonstrate language-related hesitation
• Band 8: hesitation is usually content-related

Do you understand the difference between these two types of hesitation? Here's how I would summarise them:

• Language-related hesitation: the candidate pauses because he/she is struggling with vocabulary or grammar.
• Content-related hesitation: the candidate pauses to think about his/her answer to the question.

Tip: Try recording yourself as you answer some IELTS speaking questions. Listen to the recording and pay attention to your hesitations. Ask yourself whether you paused to find language or to consider your response to the question.

December 22, 2019

IELTS Grammar: corrections

Here are my corrections for the sentences in yesterday's lesson.

1. "There are many reasons to believe why" is a clumsy phrase. Instead, write:

- There are many reasons why this is detrimental.
- There are many reasons why I believe that this is detrimental.
- I believe that this is detrimental for several reasons.

2. They have an impact on young adults' health. (plural possessive)

3. We need to use the uncountable (not plural) form of the word exercise. We're talking about 'exercise' in general, not a specific number of exercises.

- The number of people doing physical exercise is falling.

4. "By spending hours on television" is a problematic phrase because "on television" is usually used when we're talking about the people who appear on TV. For example, if you say "I was on television yesterday", it means that you appeared on a TV programme. To avoid confusion, we need to write:

- By spending hours watching television...
- We lead a sedentary life because we spend so many hours watching TV.

December 21, 2019

IELTS Grammar: explain these little mistakes

In Wednesday's video presentation, I showed you a band 8 paragraph that contained four little mistakes. Here they are (in simplified form). Can you explain what is wrong in each case?

1. There are many reasons to believe why this is detrimental.
2. They have an impact on young adult's health.
3. The number of people doing physical exercises is falling.
4. By spending hours on television, we lead a sedentary lifestyle.

December 20, 2019

IELTS Speaking Part 2: describe a festival

A common topic for the short presentation (IELTS Speaking Part 2) is "describe an important festival in your country".

My advice is to look for a description of your festival on Wikipedia. Copy the best parts of the description and make small changes if necessary. As an example, I've copied a short description of Christmas from Wikipedia.

Describe a festival: Christmas

Christmas is an annual holiday that, in Christianity, commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ.

Popular customs of the holiday include gift-giving, music, an exchange of greeting cards, church celebrations, a special meal, and the display of various decorations; including Christmas trees, lights, nativity scenes, and holly. In addition, Father Christmas (known as Santa Claus in some areas) is a popular figure in many countries, associated with the bringing of gifts for children.

Over the Christmas period, people decorate their homes and exchange gifts. In some countries, children perform plays re-telling the events of the Nativity, or sing carols that reference the event. Christmas, along with Easter, is the period of highest annual church attendance.

A special Christmas family meal is an important part of the celebration for many, and what is served varies greatly from country to country. In England and countries influenced by its traditions, a standard Christmas meal includes turkey, potatoes, vegetables, sausages and gravy, followed by Christmas pudding, mince pies and fruit cake.

December 15, 2019

IELTS Advice: you can study alone (and pass)

Here's a screenshot of an email that I received from a student called Pegah this week. I think it's interesting that Pegah says she studied alone, without a face-to-face teacher.

I recently rewrote my 'welcome' page to include my IELTS teaching 'mission', and creating materials for self-study was one of my key aims. If you're organised and motivated, you can study alone and get the IELTS scores you need!

December 13, 2019

IELTS Speaking Part 1: simplify

Your priority in part 1 of the speaking test should be to demonstrate fluency, not difficult grammar or vocabulary. You'll speak more fluently if you keep your part 1 answers simple.

Here are some examples of how I would simplify students' answers.
Note: the students' answers contain some mistakes.

Student's answer:
Logically people from different generation will have taste variation. Depending upon the maturity, music stars of their own age, impact of globalisation as well as technological development in music industry will divide younger and older generation.

My simplified answer:
Of course, people from different generations have different tastes in music. Popular music changes all the time, and most of us are influenced by whatever style of music is popular when we are growing up.

Student's answer:
Yes, I am fond of music. It is simply the medicine for my mind. When I am stressed, music remove stress. When I am happy, music inspires me to be more. It always in the centre of all my parties with friends. When I am sad, music takes me out glue and move forward.

My simplified answer:
Yes, I love music, mainly because it helps to put me in a better mood. When I'm stressed or sad, music picks me up and puts me in a positive frame of mind.

December 08, 2019

IELTS Advice: examples bring your answers to life!

Examples are important because they bring your answers to life*. They make your message clearer and your answers more real.

Look at the examples that I used in my 'difficult jobs' answers in Friday's speaking lesson. Without these examples, my answers would be boring and abstract.

• concert pianist
• surgeon
• police officer
• firefighter
• soldier
• paramedic

*Look up the phrase "bring something to life". What does it mean?

December 07, 2019

IELTS Vocabulary: 'less common' phrases

Here's a list of the 'less common' phrases that I used in yesterday's speaking answers. Notice that I'm highlighting phrases and collocations, not individual 'big' words.

• are difficult in the sense that
• they require a high level of skill
• that must be developed through many years of study and practice
• might not require such high skill levels
• they are known to be extremely stressful and sometimes traumatic
• do something meaningful
• achieving a great ambition
• for altruistic reasons
• it's their duty to contribute to society
• in the grand scheme of things
• a tight deadline
• minor inconveniences
• the horrors of war that soldiers face
• life-and-death situations

December 06, 2019

IELTS Speaking Part 3: 'difficult jobs' answers

Here are my sample answers to the questions in last Friday's lesson. Can you find any useful vocabulary in my responses?

What are the most difficult jobs that people do?

I think jobs can be hard for various different reasons. Some professions, such as concert pianist or surgeon, are difficult in the sense that they require a high level of skill that must be developed through many years of study and practice. On the other hand, jobs like police officer, firefighter or soldier might not require such high skill levels, but they are known to be extremely stressful and sometimes traumatic.

Why do you think some people choose to do difficult jobs?

I suppose we all want to do something meaningful. For some people, this means achieving a great ambition that takes years of hard work. People who choose dangerous jobs might do so for altruistic reasons or because they feel it's their duty to contribute to society.

Do you agree or disagree that all jobs are difficult sometimes?

I would have to disagree with that. I think we all feel that our jobs are difficult or stressful at times, but in the grand scheme of things we have nothing to complain about. A tight deadline or a lost computer file are really just minor inconveniences when compared with the horrors of war that soldiers face, or the life-and-death situations that paramedics see every day.

December 01, 2019

IELTS Vocabulary: personal examples, stories

Yesterday we looked at two simple methods that can help you to generate ideas for IELTS topics.

Here's a third tip: Think about personal examples or stories.

So, do you have a personal example or story about how the arts have affected your life? I'm sure you remember a special experience, such as seeing a famous painting, attending a wonderful concert, or reading a great work of fiction. Practise telling your story!

November 30, 2019

IELTS Vocabulary: topic idea preparation

On my member site I asked students to prepare vocabulary ideas for the following topic:

What do the arts contribute to our lives?

I gave two tips that can help you to think of vocabulary ideas.

1) Start by thinking of examples to make the topic (the arts) more real.

- Paintings e.g. in the National Gallery in London
- Music e.g. live concerts and performances
- Theatre e.g. a Shakespeare play

2) Then think about the topic from different perspectives.

- Personal: enjoyment, inspiration, enrich our lives, capture our imagination
- Cultural: heritage, national identity, connection to the past
- Economic: employment, boost the economy, attract visitors, tourism

Some of the students shared many more ideas, and they seemed to find the 'perspectives' idea useful. Try it yourself.

November 29, 2019

IELTS Speaking Part 3: 'difficult jobs' discussion

How would you answer these questions (from Cambridge 14, test 3)?

1. What are the most difficult jobs that people do?
2. Why do you think some people choose to do difficult jobs?
3. Do you agree or disagree that all jobs are difficult sometimes?

Tip: Try to think about giving answers that contain three sentences: answer, explain, example.

November 24, 2019

IELTS Advice: don't use these phrases

Do not use the following phrases instead of "Firstly" when you are organising ideas in an essay:

• At first
• Initially
• In the beginning
• At the beginning
• In the first place

These phrases do exist in English, but they are not the same as "Firstly".

In the same way, do not use these phrases instead of "Finally":

• At last
• At the end
• In the end
• In the last place

You don't need to learn different ways to say "Firstly" or "Finally". The examiner is not looking for 'difficult' organisational phrases. Spend your time learning topic vocabulary instead.

November 23, 2019

IELTS Advice: task 1 overview / purpose

In the latest lesson on my member site I explain the importance of the overview (academic) and purpose statement (general) in writing task 1.

In the following short excerpt from the lesson, I highlight the differences between bands 5, 6 and 7 in terms of task achievement. I also mention bands 8 and 9.

Join me on the member site to see the full lesson!

November 22, 2019

IELTS Speaking Part 2: describing how you felt

Faye asked a good question below last Friday's lesson:

Can you give some suggestions on how to answer the question "how you felt about something" in speaking part 2?

My suggestion is to start with a simple adjective (e.g. happy) and prepare a theme around this word. There's an example of theme preparation here, and I used this technique in several of the speaking lessons on my video course website.

Task: Let's prepare a 'happy' theme together. To be more precise, imagine that you have to describe how you felt when you passed an important test. List some ideas, and share them in the comments below.

November 15, 2019

IELTS Grammar: clause lists

A student asked me about the following type of sentence:

It was a lovely day, the children were playing happily, and everyone was enjoying the party.

Can we put three independent clauses together in a 'list' like this? The answer is yes. This is a normal sentence structure in English. Maybe you could try writing an IELTS-style sentence in the same way.

November 14, 2019

IELTS Speaking Part 2: start with vocabulary ideas

The model answer that I shared last Friday was at band 9 level, mainly because of the range of words and phrases that it contained.

But I didn't spontaneously invent those words and phrases; they came from my research into the topic. I searched for good ideas, made a list of topic vocabulary, and then built my description around the phrases on that list.

I'm not suggesting that you can do this in your test, but it's the best way to prepare topics at home.

November 09, 2019

IELTS Vocabulary: good essay phrases

Let's review the good vocabulary from the essay that I shared on Wednesday. It was full of 'less common' collocations and phrases.

• with broad implications for
• may have its dangers
• the negative implications
• the cloning of humans
• genetically modified crops
• damage whole ecosystems
• foods become resistant to
• natural predators
• humans could be modified or cloned
• provide body part replacements
• would be unprecedented
• a more optimistic prediction
• mitigate the risks
• genetic technologies
• famine in developing countries
• can be grown in harsh conditions
• from a medical perspective
• produce vaccines
• cure diseases
• to correct a genetic defect
• if properly regulated
• the cloning of individual organs
• for transplant purposes
• have a positive impact on our lives
• people's fears will be unwarranted

November 07, 2019

IELTS Speaking Part 2: 'describe a book' answer

Describe a book that you enjoyed reading because you had to think a lot.
You should say:

- what this book was
- why you decided to read it
- what reading this book made you think about
- and explain why you enjoyed reading this book.

Here's my band 9 answer, using vocabulary from last week's lesson:

• I’m going to talk about a book that really made me think, and that has had a positive effect on my life. The name of the book is ‘Atomic Habits’, and it’s about the compounding effect that small decisions and minuscule changes can have on people’s lives.
• I decided to read Atomic Habits after seeing an interview with the book’s author, James Clear, who is a world-renowned expert in the field of habit formation. In the interview, he told inspiring stories and revealed some simple life hacks that can make people more productive, motivated and happy. I found the whole idea of the ‘science of tiny habits’ fascinating, and so I bought the book straight away.
• While reading the book, I was forced to confront my own habits and behaviours. I realised that I’m nowhere near as productive as I could be, but that some small tweaks to my routine could make a significant and long-lasting difference. The book also gave me a framework to understand how good habits are formed and how bad habits can be broken. It has encouraged me to analyse my own habits accordingly.
• I thoroughly enjoyed reading Atomic Habits because I thought it was well researched, well reasoned and well written. The author’s ideas and advice aren’t simply his opinions; they are taken from cutting-edge research and real success stories. I enjoy reading books that change my way of thinking in some way or give me practical, life-altering ideas, and this was definitely one of those books.

November 02, 2019

IELTS Advice: try worring about just two things

In Thursday's lesson I wrote about word choice, and I want to stress how important this idea is.

As I write this blog post, I'm not thinking about grammar, and I don't have any pre-prepared words or phrases that I'm hoping to use. My only aim is to communicate a message, and my only task, in terms of language, is to choose the right words in order to deliver my message clearly.

Try this yourself when you're speaking or writing in English. Push all of your worries out of your mind e.g. grammar, impressing the examiner, your score, what you've studied etc.

Instead, just focus on two things:

1. The message that you want to communicate.
2. Choosing your words carefully to deliver that message.

November 01, 2019

IELTS Vocabulary: where do you get your language from?

Where are you getting your English language from? Look at the lists below.

List A

• I use a dictionary to find new words.
• I often translate vocabulary from my own language.
• I learn lists of words from a vocabulary textbook.

List B

• I learn by reading ‘real’ native-speaker texts (e.g. newspaper articles, books, essays by Simon and other reliable teachers).
• I watch lots of ‘real’ English videos online, and I record useful vocabulary in a notebook.
• I chat to native English speakers and try to copy the expressions that they use.
• My English teacher gives me authentic English texts, video and audio, and we get our vocabulary from those sources.

Which list describes you best?

October 31, 2019

IELTS Speaking Part 2: less common vocabulary

Here's a list of 'less common' vocabulary from the descriptions in last Friday's lesson. If I can use these phrases in my description (next Friday), I'll be able to give myself a band 9 for vocabulary!

• atomic habits
• a world-renowned expert
• the compound effect of hundreds of small decisions
• a ground-breaking book
• minuscule changes
• life-altering outcomes
• life hacks
• cutting-edge psychology
• he tells inspiring stories
• the science of tiny habits
• productive, motivated and happy
• a dramatic positive effect on my life
• well researched, well reasoned, and well written
• makes a significant and long-lasting difference

Quick exercise:
Take just three of the phrases above, and try to use them in full sentences. Share your sentences in the 'comments' below.

October 24, 2019

IELTS Speaking Part 2: ideas for 'describe a book'

In last Friday's lesson I shared a task that asks you to describe a book. To prepare for this description, let's choose a book and 'steal' some ideas from an online summary / review.

I'm currently reading a book called 'Atomic Habits'. I found a summary and a review of this book on Amazon (see below), so I'll steal some ideas and use them in my answer next Friday. Maybe you could prepare ideas, in the same way, for a book that you've read.

Here's a quick summary from Amazon:

People think when you want to change your life, you need to think big. But world-renowned habits expert James Clear has discovered another way. He knows that real change comes from the compound effect of hundreds of small decisions – doing two push-ups a day, waking up five minutes early, or holding a single short phone call. He calls them atomic habits.

In this ground-breaking book, Clear reveals exactly how these minuscule changes can grow into such life-altering outcomes. He uncovers a handful of simple life hacks, and delves into cutting-edge psychology and neuroscience to explain why they matter. Along the way, he tells inspiring stories of Olympic gold medalists, leading CEOs, and distinguished scientists who have used the science of tiny habits to stay productive, motivated, and happy.

And here's a customer review (there are many others on Amazon):

I feel lucky to have found this book. It's the only self-help book that I've thought, afterwards, was worth reading. It's had a dramatic positive impact on my life. It's well researched, well reasoned, and well written. A self-help book that actually makes a significant, and long-lasting difference. I'm going to keep re-reading it.

October 19, 2019

IELTS Vocabulary: usage intead of explanation

A student asked me to explain the difference between the words below:

• trait
• personality
• character
• characteristic

But when we explain vocabulary, we're not getting the full picture. An explanation might help you to understand a meaning, but it won't necessarily help you to use the vocabulary in a natural way.

Instead of explaining, which is a 'grammar mindset' exercise, let's shift to a 'vocabulary mindset' and look at usage.

Fill the gaps below using the word that seems most natural.

1. My client is a person of good ______.
2. My worst ______ is that I am sometimes self-centred.
3. A key ______ of entrepreneurs is that they are action-oriented.
4. She's a little girl with a big ______.

October 18, 2019

IELTS Grammar: 'sticking points'

In last week's grammar lesson on my member site I highlighted some key mistakes in a student's task 1 answer. The most important mistake involved the student's use of the word 'while'.

The student wrote something like this:

• Spending on salaries rose. While, spending on resources fell.
  (Note: the student used 'while' incorrectly between two simple sentences)

The correct version would be this:

• Spending on salaries rose, while spending on resources fell.
  (Note: the correct version is a complex sentence)

The student made three similar mistakes with the word 'while', and I gave the answer a band 6 for grammar. If the student had written three correct 'while' sentences, I would have given a 7 for grammar.

I call this type of mistake a 'sticking point' because it keeps you stuck on a lower band. In this case, the 'while' mistake is important because the student missed the opportunity to create three complex sentences.

Ask a teacher to help you to look for 'sticking points' in your writing. Getting past these sticking points could be the fastest route to a higher score.

October 17, 2019

IELTS Speaking Part 2: describe a book

Let's start work on a new task, which comes from Cambridge IELTS 14:

Describe a book that you enjoyed reading because you had to think a lot.
You should say:

- what this book was
- why you decided to read it
- what reading this book made you think about
- and explain why you enjoyed reading this book.

Which book would you choose to talk about? I'll give you my ideas next Friday.

October 12, 2019

IELTS Vocabulary: the academic word list

I sometimes receive questions from students about the 'academic word list'. Here's what people want to know:

Is this list useful for IELTS preparation?

The short answer (in my opinion) is no. I've never used the academic word list with IELTS students.

Here's a longer answer:

Of course there are lots of useful words on the academic word list, and it would be great if you knew all of them. But remember: understanding is not the same as using. You would need to spend time learning how to use the words correctly in phrases and sentences. Furthermore, the list contains only individual words; you need to build your knowledge of phrases and collocations, and the list doesn't help you with that.

If you're preparing for IELTS, I think you have other priorities: test practice, exam techniques, question types, topic vocabulary, phrases and collocations, reducing grammar mistakes etc. Unless you have a lot of study time, I wouldn't include the academic word list in your study schedule.

October 11, 2019

IELTS Grammar: using the word 'mere'

Look at the sentence below. Is the word 'mere' used correctly?

6.1% of women in Scotland were unemployed in 2013, and this figure rose by a mere of 0.6% one year later.

October 10, 2019

IELTS Speaking: vocabulary review

Let's look at some of the useful vocabulary from the answers that I shared in last Friday's lesson:

• I can't see shopping malls disappearing*
  (I can't see... happening = I don't think... will happen)
• any time soon
• attract shoppers
• mainstream = popular / used or done by most people
• packed with people*
• hugely popular
• it offers more than just...
• and naturally they will
• browse the shops
• I'm pretty sure that...*
• no physical presence on the high street
• the way that things are going*

Note:
The phrases with a star (*) are great for the speaking test, but a little too informal for a written essay. Would you have known this?

October 05, 2019

IELTS Advice: method or language (part 2)

Here's my answer to the task in yesterday's lesson: the method was fine, but the language can be improved.

The method is fine:
The student wrote the introduction in the way that I recommend: the first sentence introduces the topic, and the second sentence answers the question.

But there are some language problems (underlined below):
There are different views regarding on question that should children be punished to learn the discrepancy between wrong and right. From my perspective, some sorts of punishments as well as rewards are necessary to teach children, however, parents and teachers should apply soft and simple forms of punishment.

Here's my improved version:
People have different views with regard to the question of whether children should be punished in order to teach them the difference between right and wrong. In my opinion, simple or 'soft' punishments are a necessary tool for parents and teachers as they raise and educate children.

Note:
Sometimes people make 'mistakes' in their choice of vocabulary. For example, in English we say "the difference between right and wrong", not "the discrepancy between wrong and right". This is not a grammar mistake, it's a collocation mistake.

October 04, 2019

IELTS Advice: method or language?

I often tell students that there are two things that we need to work on: 1) method i.e. exam techniques 2) improving your English language knowledge.

Let's look at an essay introduction (writing task 2) that a student wrote. The topic is: should children be punished?

There are different views regarding on question that should children be punished to learn the discrepancy between wrong and right. From my perspective, some sorts of punishments as well as rewards are necessary to teach children, however, parents and teachers should apply soft and simple forms of punishment.

Task:
Read the introduction above. What should this student work on: method or language? In other words, is there a problem with the way that the introduction is written, or with the language that it contains? I'll tell you what I think in tomorrow's lesson.

October 03, 2019

IELTS Speaking Part 3: future 'opinion' answers

Here are two sample answers that include opinions about the future:

Will large shopping malls continue to be popular, despite the growth of internet shopping?

I can’t see shopping malls disappearing any time soon, so yes, I think they will definitely continue to attract shoppers. We already have internet shopping, with websites like Amazon now mainstream, but the large shopping centres in my city are still packed with people. The Trafford Centre near Manchester, for example, is hugely popular, and I think this is because it offers more than just shopping. It’s a place where families go for a day out, to have lunch or to visit attractions like Sea Life or Legoland, and naturally they will browse the shops and buy things there too.

Do you think that some businesses (e.g. banks and travel agents) will only operate online in future?

I’m sure they will, and I think this is already happening. I’m pretty sure that there are online-only savings accounts, and there are travel websites like Airbnb that have no physical presence on the high street. I imagine that more and more services will only be available online; this seems to be the way that things are going.

September 28, 2019

IELTS Advice: avoid proverbs and clichés

A proverb is a short saying like "There are two sides to every story" or "Many hands make light work". These sayings are nice for grandmothers who want to give advice, but they are not appropriate for academic writing! Click here to see some more proverbs - but don't learn them!

A cliché is an overused phrase like "in a nutshell" (which means "in summary" or "summed up briefly"). This website explains more about clichés and gives some more examples.

PS. Sorry for joking about grandmothers :)

September 26, 2019

IELTS Speaking Part 3: opinions about the future

In part 3 of the speaking test, the examiner might ask for your opinions about what will happen in the future.

For example, here are two questions from Cambridge IELTS 14 (test 4). How would you answer them?

1. Will large shopping malls continue to be popular, despite the growth of internet shopping?
2. Do you think that some businesses (e.g. banks and travel agents) will only operate online in future?

September 21, 2019

IELTS Advice: don't forget the 'English' part!

As you prepare for the IELTS test, you might be concentrating on exam techniques and practice. But don't forget to keep working on your English!

If your English is at intermediate level, no secret tip or technique is suddenly going to take you to band 7 or higher. You'll need to spend time gradually improving your language skills.

September 18, 2019

IELTS Speaking Part 3: verb tenses

When answering the two questions below, you should be aware that the examiner is expecting to hear some different verb tenses.

1. Do you think films have changed since you were a child?

No, I don’t think films have changed much since I was a child. When I was younger I enjoyed watching action films, and the Hollywood formula for this type of film seems to be the same today. For example, I liked the original ‘Superman’ films, and superheroes are still a popular subject for film-makers.

2. As the technology for home viewing improves, do you think people will stop going to the cinema in future?

No, I don’t think that people will stop going to the cinema. People can already buy fantastic home viewing equipment, but it still feels more special to share the experience of watching a new film with a theatre full of people. I don't think that technology will be able to replicate that cinema atmosphere.

September 13, 2019

IELTS Grammar: to + ing

You've probably been taught not to write things like "to having" or "to doing". But this grammar 'rule' doesn't always work.

For example, here's a correct sentence that I wrote in a recent lesson:

• I was always a bit shy when it came to having my photo taken.

"when it comes to + ing" is a normal construction in English, and there are several other constructions that break the rule. Click here to see some of them.

September 11, 2019

IELTS Speaking: when to worry about tenses

In a recent lesson I explained why I'm not a fan of the 'PPF technique' for part 2 of the speaking test. I believe that candidates should focus on giving a good description in part 2, instead of worrying about verb tenses.

If the examiner wants to test your use of verb tenses, he/she can do this in part 3 of the test, by choosing certain questions.

Here are some typical 'tense' questions from speaking part 3:

- Do you think _____ is different now, compared to when you were a child?
- Did your teachers _____ when you were at school?
- How do you think _____ will change in the future?

Listen carefully for these 'tense' questions in part 3. The examiner will be listening closely to the verbs that you use in your answers!

September 04, 2019

IELTS Speaking Part 1: negative answers

Here are some negative answers to the 'photography' questions that I showed you a couple of weeks ago. The questions come from Cambridge IELTS 11.

1) What type of photos do you like taking?

Well, I don't usually take photos to be honest. I prefer to enjoy whatever I'm doing, rather than stop to take a photograph.

2) What do you do with photos you take?

I don't really do anything with the occasional photos that I take. They just stay on my phone and I forget to save them or upload them to my computer.

3) When you visit other places, do you take photos or buy postcards?

Neither. As I said, I prefer to enjoy myself, so I tend to let other people take photos. I used to buy and send postcards when I was younger, so maybe I should go back to doing that.

4) Do you like people taking photos of you?

As a child I was always a bit shy when it came to having my photo taken, so I would have said that I didn't like it. These days, if someone wants to take a photo of me, I don't mind at all.

August 29, 2019

IELTS Speaking Advice: my view on the 'PPF' idea

In this lesson I asked for your views on a technique that some students and teachers are using: they use three verb tenses (past, present, future - PPF) to organise their speaking part 2 answers. In other words, they begin by answering in the past tense, then they move to the present and into the future.

Here's my view on this:

I'm not a fan of this PPF technique because it encourages you to go into the speaking test with a 'grammar mindset'. Your brain is focusing on verb tenses instead of more important things: the task, the bullet points, your ideas, and the vocabulary that you're going to use to express those ideas.

If there's one thing that I stand against as an English / IELTS teacher, it's the 'grammar mindset' and the idea that you can impress the examiner with 'complex structures'.

I'm a 'vocabulary mindset' teacher. I want my students to focus on the 'true content' of their answers, rather than grammar tricks.

August 28, 2019

IELTS Speaking Part 3: 'nice home' answers

Here are some sample answers for the 'nice home' questions that I asked you to look at two weeks ago. The questions come from Cambridge IELTS 14.

Note: I try to answer in a natural and slightly informal way, but with some good 'topic vocabulary'.

Why do some people buy lots of things for their home?

I think there could be a couple of different reasons for this. Some people like to surround themselves with beautiful objects and furnishings to brighten up their lives, while others buy lots of devices that are supposed to save time. In my own home we have examples of both types of object: we have things like ornaments and pictures because they look nice, and we have useful gadgets, like a small vacuum cleaner that we recently bought.

Do you think it is very expensive to make a home look nice?

No, definitely not. Basic furniture isn’t expensive these days, especially now that we have shops like Ikea. I know plenty of people who have furnished and decorated their homes really nicely without spending too much money. Personally I also like the minimalist look: some basic furniture, light colours and not too much clutter.

Why don't some people care about how their home looks?

Maybe they just see their homes as a base - somewhere to eat and sleep - rather than a reflection of their tastes or personalities. And many people are just too busy with work and life outside the home to worry about furniture and decorations. A friend of mine, for example, doesn’t seem to care about the way his house looks, but this is because he’s almost never there; he travels for work and spends more time in hotel rooms than in his own house.

August 23, 2019

IELTS Advice: improve your learning environment

Last Sunday I asked for your comments regarding the following question:

How can you improve your environment so that it accelerates your learning?

People shared lots of good ideas in the comments below the lesson. Here are a few of my own tips:

• First, it's important to realise how important your environment is. If you live and work with native English speakers and you're surrounded by the English language all day, you're going to improve much more quickly than someone who studies English from a book for one hour each day. Knowing that the 'native speaker' environment is the ideal, try to set up your environment so that it is a close to this ideal as possible.
• Second, I recommend finding an environment that challenges you. If you attend a course of English lessons, for example, it shouldn't be an easy course. You need to feel like you're learning something useful in every lesson, and your teacher should be highlighting your mistakes and pushing you to perform better.
• Third, I think it helps if you feel that you're part of a community of learners who have shared goals. By following this blog, you are already doing this to some extent.
• Finally, use the Internet to get as much language 'input' as you can. Even if you're studying alone, you have access to a world of English content online. You can probably also find people to talk to and practise with.

Here's a shorter answer: Surround yourself with as much English as you can, and take every opportunity to practise what you learn.

August 21, 2019

IELTS Speaking Part 2: past, present, future?

Several people have asked me about a technique that some teachers recommend for part 2 of the speaking test: the 'past, present, future' technique, or 'PPF'.

Before I give you my opinion about this technique, I'd like to hear from you.

- Has anyone been taught to use this PPF idea?
- How exactly did your teacher suggest that you use it?
- Did it work for you?
- What benefits and drawbacks do you think this technique has?

Note:
Please remember that techniques like this are just suggestions, not rules. If your teacher is saying that you must use three tenses in your part 2 answer, he/she is wrong.

August 16, 2019

IELTS Advice: your learning environment

Yesterday I gave some advice about putting yourself in an English language environment. But how do you do that? How can you improve your environment so that it accelerates your learning?

Several people asked these questions in the comments below yesterday's lesson, so let's have a discussion: what do you think?

August 15, 2019

IELTS Advice: the fastest way to improve your English

What's the fastest way to improve your English?

Well, in my opinion the answer is this: put yourself in the best possible English language environment.

Studying alone is a slow, hard journey. But if you can find a way to surround yourself with English speakers, or a community of English learners, you'll make faster progress and the journey won't seem so arduous.

If you're feeling stuck or isolated as you learn English and prepare for the IELTS test, perhaps you need to find an environment or community that can carry you forward.

August 14, 2019

IELTS Speaking Part 3: 'nice home' topic

How would you answer these questions (from Cambridge IELTS 14)?

1. Why do some people buy lots of things for their home?
2. Do you think it is very expensive to make a home look nice?
3. Why don't some people care about how their home looks?

Tip: Try to give three-sentence answers: direct answer, explain, example.

August 09, 2019

IELTS Advice: small, gradual improvements

Many students ask how long it will take to get from an intermediate level (maybe IELTS band 5) to an advanced level (band 7).

If you were learning to play the piano, would you expect to go from intermediate to advanced in a few weeks? Would you expect to find a special technique that suddenly makes you an advanced pianist? The answer is no. Most people know that they would need to work hard and practise every day to get to an advanced level on the piano.

In my opinion, learning a new language is a similar challenge. You should aim to make small, gradual improvements because it isn't realistic to expect sudden changes.

August 08, 2019

IELTS Advice: trust me, and save time

A student asked me whether I thought it was a good idea for him to develop his own way of doing the IELTS test. He wanted to take my advice, mix it with advice from other sources, and find his own 'method'.

Here's my response to the student's question:

It's fine to mix ideas and develop your own way, but please remember that I have spent more than 10 years doing that job for you. You'll save time if you trust me as your expert guide.

August 07, 2019

IELTS Speaking Part 1: giving negative answers

It's completely acceptable to give negative answers in part 1 of the speaking test. To test whether you can do this, try giving negative answers to the questions below. Keep your answers short and simple as usual. The first one is done as an example.

1) What type of photos do you like taking?

Well, I don't usually take photos to be honest. I prefer to enjoy whatever I'm doing, rather than stop to take a photograph.

2) What do you do with photos you take?

3) When you visit other places, do you take photos or buy postcards?

4) Do you like people taking photos of you?

(Questions taken from Cambridge IELTS book 11)

August 02, 2019

IELTS Advice: 'plethora'

Yesterday I told you that my examiner friend and I advise students not to use the word 'plethora' in their essays. Why not? Well, for a plethora ;) of reasons:

• Plethora means 'many'. If you write that there are a plethora of reasons and then give only one or two reasons, you've used the word wrongly.
• The word plethora seems too exaggerated, pompous or pretentious for an IELTS essay. It doesn't suit the 'measured' academic style that we're aiming for.
• If the rest of your essay is written in a more basic style, a word like plethora will stand out as strange and unnatural.
• If you attempt to use 'impressive' words but your essay is full of mistakes, it is obvious to the examiner that you're trying to show off. When surrounded by grammar mistakes, a word like plethora looks even more unnatural.
• I'm a native speaker, and I would only use the word plethora if I really wanted to exaggerate something, or to sound pretentious on purpose (perhaps for humorous effect). I wouldn't use it in an academic essay.
• Finally, plethora is an example of what I call an 'any essay word'. Students learn words like this because they hope to use them in any essay, regardless of the topic. In other words, these students are trying to 'trick' the examiner into being impressed - this doesn't work. If you want to impress the examiner, you should focus on specific topic vocabulary.

I hope this convinces you to stop learning words like plethora. Just write "there are several reasons" or "there are two main reasons" and then focus on describing them. Leave the pompous language to politicians!

July 23, 2019

IELTS Speaking Part 3: 'lessons' topic

The following answers are at 'band 9' level. Which words and phrases help my answers to get such a high score?

1. What do you think makes a good lesson?

I think a good lesson is one that is interesting and engaging. By 'engaging' I mean that the students should feel involved in the lesson; they should feel that they are learning something new that is relevant to them. In my opinion, a lot depends on how the teacher delivers the content of the lesson in a way that students like. My favourite teacher at university used to involve the students by making us teach some of the lessons ourselves.

2. Do you think it's better to have a teacher or to teach yourself?

Well, there's no substitute for a good teacher. I think you can teach yourself, but you can learn a lot more quickly with the guidance of a teacher. For example, when learning a language, you really need someone to correct your mistakes; you can get the grammar and vocabulary from books, but books can't tell you where you're going wrong.

3. Do you think the traditional classroom will disappear in the future?

I don't think it will disappear, but it might become less common. I think more people will study independently, using different technologies rather than sitting in a classroom. Maybe students will attend a lesson just once a week, and spend the rest of their time following online courses or watching video lessons.

July 19, 2019

IELTS Advice: you can't prepare everything!

Many students write to me because they are worried about strange or difficult questions they have found (usually for writing task 2).

I think you need to remember that it's impossible to prepare for every topic or question that might appear in the exam. You will go mad if you try to do this!

The solution is to make sure you "know what you know". Focus on the common topics that appear regularly, not the strange topic that your friend found on a website.

July 18, 2019

IELTS Grammar: errors vs complex structures

Too many students (and teachers) waste time worrying about the 'complex structures' aspect of the grammar score in the writing test.

From what I've seen when marking essays, 99% of students are able to write sentences with more than one clause, using words like and, but, because, while, which, if... to connect ideas. Therefore, they are able to meet the requirement for 'complex structures'.

On the other hand, many of the same students are not able to produce frequent error-free sentences (band 7), and it's rare for me to see essays in which the majority of sentences are error-free (band 8).

So, if people can't produce error-free sentences, why are they worrying about complex structures? In most cases, the key to a high grammar score is fewer mistakes, not more complex sentences.

July 17, 2019

IELTS Speaking Part 2: making 'difficult' questions easy

Sometimes the part 2 task looks difficult but there's an easy way to answer. Here are three examples:

1) Describe something that you collect.

Most students panic because they don't collect anything. But this question is easier than you think. If your hobby is listening to music or reading books, just tell the examiner that you collect CDs or novels. You could talk about your "collection" of clothes or shoes. Everyone has a collection of something, even if you don't call yourself a collector.

2) Describe an important decision that you made.

Easy. Just talk about the subject you chose to study or the career you decided to pursue. If you moved to live/study in a different country, you could talk about that.

3) Describe an important letter you received.

Use the answer you gave for number 2 (with a few small changes). Talk about the letter you received confirming your place on a university course, or confirming a successful job application.

July 11, 2019

IELTS Vocabulary: from yesterday's answers

You don't really need to impress the examiner with 'less common' vocabulary in part 1 of the speaking test. However, without trying to show off, I used some nice words and phrases in the answers that I shared yesterday:

• I'd like to think that = I hope
• in ten years' time = ten years from now
• I can't imagine changing profession (imagine + ing)
• essential
• field of work
• research is being done
• is published in English
• see more of the world (see the world = travel to many countries)
• it would be nice to
• travel extensively
• at some point
• when I'm retired
• make progress
• in terms of my home life
• what technologies come along (come along = appear / emerge)
• in the next decade or two

Notice that I tend to highlight collocations (groups of words) rather than individual words e.g. "make progress" (verb + noun collocation) instead of just "progress".

July 10, 2019

IELTS Speaking Part 1: 'future' answers

Here are my sample answers to the questions that I showed you last Friday. I've pretended to be a scientist instead of an English teacher!

1. What job would you like to have ten years from now?

I’d like to think that I’ll be doing the same job in ten years’ time. I like being a scientist, so I can’t imagine changing profession.

2. How useful will English be for your future?

English is essential in my field of work; most of the research that is being done in this area is published in English, so I read articles and papers in English every day.

3. How much travelling do you hope to do in the future?

I’d like to see more of the world, so it would be nice to be able to travel extensively at some point, maybe when I’m retired.

4. How do you think your life will change in the future?

Hopefully I’ll make progress in different areas of my life, for example at work and in terms of my home life. I’m also interested to see what new technologies come along in the next decade or two.

July 05, 2019

IELTS Vocabulary: collocations

I keep seeing comments and questions from students that include the following sentences:

- I gave the test on Saturday.
- I gave my IELTS exam last week.

Both of the sentences above are wrong! You don't "give" a test or exam. This is the wrong verb + noun collocation.

Here are some correct collocations with the words test or exam:

- I took the test / exam.
- I sat the test / exam.
- I did the test / exam.
- I passed the test / exam.

It's important to use the right collocations. Getting them wrong makes your English sound strange. "I gave the test" sounds completely wrong.

July 03, 2019

IELTS Speaking Part 1: 'future' topic

Here's a useful part 1 topic from Cambridge IELTS book 14:

Let's talk about the future...

1. What job would you like to have ten years from now?
2. How useful will English be for your future?
3. How much travelling do you hope to do in the future?
4. How do you think your life will change in the future?

How would you answer these questions? Remember to give a direct answer and then explain it with a reason.

June 28, 2019

IELTS Advice: stories and 'natural' linking

Did you notice that my sample answer in Friday's speaking lesson was a story?

When telling stories, native speakers use lots of 'natural' linking words and phrases. Have a look at the following examples from my description:

• This happened (referring to previous sentence)
• and at some point
• so
• It (referring to the restaurant previously mentioned)
• But as soon as
• and we
• After standing around for a few minutes
• So, I went
• so I suggested
• But the manager
• ; our only option was
• By this time
• yet (meaning 'but in spite of that')
• We decided
• and fortunately

Notice that I didn't use any of the typical linking words that people learn (Moreover, Furthermore etc.). Those lists of typical linking phrases won't help you to get a higher score. Try to practise 'natural' linking instead!

June 27, 2019

IELTS Vocabulary: from yesterday's answer

Here's a list of some good phrases that I used in yesterday's sample speaking answer. Notice that some of the phrases are perfect for the speaking test, but a little too informal for a written essay.

• experience poor service
• have a bite to eat (informal)
• come across something (meaning 'find by chance')
• book in advance
• as soon as we walked through the door
• things started to go wrong (informal)
• not at all impressed with
• the attitude of the staff
• standing around (informal)
• attract the attention of someone / attract someone's attention
• only to be told that
• a party of our size
• to be adamant that
• our only option was to
• getting fed up (informal)
• being treated as if
• where we felt unwelcome
• we left feeling disappointed
• to be dismissive
• a much friendlier place
• just around the corner

June 26, 2019

IELTS Speaking Part 2: 'bad service' answer

Here's the task that I showed you last week:

Describe a time when you were not satisfied with a service.
You should say

- what the service was
- who provided it
- what happened
- and explain why you were unhappy with the service.

And here's my band 9 sample answer:

I’m going to describe a time when I experienced poor service from staff in a restaurant. This happened a couple of months ago, when some family members, who live abroad, came to stay. We decided to visit a nearby town, and at some point everyone was a little hungry, so we thought we would have a bite to eat.

The first restaurant that we came across looked perfect. It had plenty of empty tables - we hadn’t booked in advance - and we were all happy with the menu. But as soon as we walked through the door, things started to go wrong, and we weren’t at all impressed with the attitude of the staff.

After standing around for a few minutes waiting for someone to greet us, I managed to attract the attention of a waitress who told me that we had come into the restaurant through the wrong door. So, I went over to the main door, only to be told by the manager that there were no tables free for a party of our size - there were eight of us. I could see several free tables with four seats, so I suggested simply moving two of these tables together. But the manager was adamant that this was impossible; our only option was to divide the family and sit at two separate tables.

By this time, some of my family members were getting fed up. The restaurant was half empty, yet we were being treated as if they didn’t need customers. We decided we didn’t want to sit at separate tables or stay in a place where we felt unwelcome. We left, feeling disappointed by how dismissive the restaurant manager had been, and fortunately we found a much friendlier place to eat just around the corner.

June 21, 2019

IELTS Advice: an example of 'general to specific'

Look at the two short paragraphs below. Can you see the difference between them?

Paragraph 1
Every member of society should contribute to improving the environment. We all need to take responsibility for the environmental issues that face the planet. If each individual person plays his or her part, our world will remain habitable for future generations.

Paragraph 2
Every member of society should contribute to improving the environment. Small daily actions, like turning lights off or recycling paper, glass and plastics, can make a difference. I also try to play my part by walking or by taking public transport rather than driving.

Analysis

Paragraph 1 might look good in terms of the vocabulary that I used, but it doesn't really move forward. The three sentences basically say the same thing in different ways. It's all too general.

Paragraph 2 might seem simpler, but it's much better in terms of 'task response' and 'coherence' because the main idea is extended and we can see some progression. Can you see the movement from general to specific in this paragraph?

June 20, 2019

IELTS Advice: general to specific

I've been checking students' essays this week, and one of the most noticeable problems has been this: most essays are too general, and so there's not enough development and progression of ideas.

When writing a paragraph, or when giving a longer answer in part 3 of the speaking test, try to use a general to specific approach. Start with a general idea, then explain it in more detail.

Note: Don't just explain the same general idea in a different way. Your answer needs to move forward.

June 19, 2019

IELTS Speaking Part 2: 'bad service' topic

Here's a recent exam task that a student sent me. How would you answer? Feel free to share your ideas in the comments area below this lesson.

Describe a time when you were not satisfied with a service.
You should say

- what the service was
- who provided it
- what happened
- and explain why you were unhappy with the service.

June 12, 2019

IELTS Advice: "the method isn't working"

One of the main aims of this blog is to give people a method for tackling each aspect of the IELTS test.

I hear from many people who have been successful after following my advice, but I also hear from people who haven't passed yet. And when people are stuck on the same score, they sometimes think that "the method isn't working". But this is the wrong way to think.

Methods / exam techniques will only help you to get the score that reflects your current level of English. If your English level is 'beginner' or 'intermediate', no method will suddenly give you a band 7. Exam techniques don't increase your vocabulary knowledge or your grammatical accuracy.

Remember that we're working on 2 things here:

1. Methods e.g. knowing how to write an essay.
2. English language e.g. expressing your ideas using good vocabulary and without making mistakes.

If you've been following my advice but you're stuck on the same score, don't change your method! Instead, work on point 2 above.

June 11, 2019

IELTS Speaking: slow down!

While you may be marked down by the examiner if you hesitate too often, there's nothing wrong with speaking a bit more slowly and carefully.

In my experience, many students speak too quickly and this causes several problems. If you speak too quickly, you're more likely to make grammar and pronunciation mistakes, and you'll probably lose clarity and coherence. If you slow down, you'll have more time to think, to pronounce words clearly, and to correct yourself if necessary.

One more tip: Have you ever practised pronouncing words very very slowly? For example, can you pronounce every individual vowel and consonant sound in the word "slowly" (s...l...ow...l...y)? I've tried this with students and they are not usually very good at it - they find it easier to rush the pronunciation of words. Native speaker children, on the other hand, love pronouncing slowly and do it very well, so maybe it's something that adult language learners should practise more!

June 06, 2019

IELTS Vocabulary: 'easy' words in 'less common' phrases

You might think that a word is 'easy' because you understand it. But do you really know all the uses of that word? There might be some 'less common' uses that would impress the examiner.

Take the word "interest" for example. When teaching a class of advanced-level students, I used the phrase "out of interest" (e.g. I decided to take the course out of interest in the subject*). My students admitted that they had never heard the phrase "out of interest" before.

*out of interest in the subject = because I'm interested in the subject

Can you think of any other examples of 'easy' words that are used in 'less common' phrases?

June 05, 2019

IELTS Advice: 'know what you know'

People often ask me what they should do in the final week before an exam.

My advice is that it's probably too late to learn anything new. It's best to review what you have already studied and make sure you "know what you know".

Go through the topics and techniques that you have studied, and make sure that you have learnt from any mistakes you have made. It's too late to worry about what you haven't studied; just focus on what you have.

June 04, 2019

IELTS Speaking: if you don't understand

What should you do if you don't understand a question in the speaking test? Here are my tips:

Part 1
In part 1, the examiner is not allowed to help you, but he/she can repeat the question. Just say: "Sorry, can you repeat the question please?" If you still don't understand the second time, try to say something related to the topic or any of the words that you heard. Try your best, then focus on the next question.

Part 2
You are given a task card with the question written on it, so you shouldn't have any problems in this part. If there is a word that you don't understand on the task card, don't ask the examiner - he/she is not allowed to help.

Part 3
In this part of the test, the examiner is allowed to rephrase the question. If you don't understand, just say something like: "Sorry, can you explain that question in a different way please?"

May 30, 2019

IELTS Grammar: easy examples to help understanding

A student asked me to explain the grammar of the sentences below. In particular, the word 'rise' was confusing the student.

• Samsung saw sales rise.
• Apple saw the biggest rises in sales.

A good way to understand grammar is by looking at some very easy examples of the same type of construction. Here are some sentences that you could compare with those above:

• I saw the accident happen.
• I saw her leave.
• I saw a big change in his behaviour.

Can you explain the grammar of the examples above? Hopefully the two sentences with 'rise' will then seem easier to understand.

May 28, 2019

IELTS Speaking: correct or improve

Here are some sentences that people wrote about the website for work topic. Can you correct the mistakes and/or improve the sentences?

1. In the age of the internet, there are a plethora of options.
2. If this website doesn't exist, then definitely my study would be affected.
3. If YouTube will cease to exist, I find myself struggling to find the much-needed information.
4. I think it won't be possible for me to be more update and skilful if there would be nothing like Youtube.
5. Life also wouldn't be so easier and flexible like now than before when we used to depend much on CDs.

May 23, 2019

IELTS Vocabulary: 'topic specific' vocabulary

Yesterday I said that linking words don't help your vocabulary score, and that you need to use 'topic specific' vocabulary if you want a high score.

But what is 'topic specific' vocabulary?

The answer is: vocabulary that you would probably only use for one particular essay topic. For example, I used this vocabulary in a lesson last week:

- no visual element
- brings us closer to reality
- presented in limited depth
- excellent communication tools
- an even greater impact on the viewer

You might be able to adapt these phrases to a different topic, but it wouldn't be easy; they are quite specific to the particular question in this lesson. However, these are the kind of words and phrases that you need if you want to get a good vocabulary score.

May 22, 2019

IELTS Advice: phrases for any essay?

I've written about this several times before, but people still ask me for lists of phrases for any essay. For example, I received this question the other day:

"Please send me some common phrases that I will write in many essays."

If you've followed my lessons on this blog, you'll know that "any essay" phrases are not the secret to getting a high score in IELTS writing. In fact, I recommend that you work on the opposite: vocabulary for specific topics like education, family, work or the environment. You can use linking words/phrases in any essay, but these only help your coherence and cohesion, not your vocabulary score. So please forget the idea of "phrases for any essay", and focus instead on vocabulary for topics.

May 21, 2019

IELTS Speaking Part 2: website for work or studies

Let's consider some ideas for the task below.

Describe a website you use that helps you a lot in your work or studies.
You should say

- what the website is
- how often you use the website
- what information the website gives you
- and explain how your work or studies would change if this website didn't exist.

If you were thinking of choosing Google as your website, here's a suggestion: maybe it would be more interesting to describe Google Scholar instead. This is a great tool for university students.

Here are some ideas that you could use in your description:

• a free academic search engine
• it searches scholarly sources, such as academic publishers
• easy to use - the same interface as normal Google
• it finds article titles and provides bibliographic information
• e.g. author, journal, year of publication
• it finds both restricted and publicly available articles
• it provides links to related articles
• you can search by year of publication
• bookmark articles to read later

If you've used Google Scholar as a student (or teacher), try using the above ideas to create your description. Don't forget to add your own examples, experiences or stories to make the description more personal.

May 16, 2019

IELTS Advice: big words don’t impress

One of my IELTS examiner friends sent me a message the other day. Here’s a short version of what he said:

”Who is teaching candidates words like ‘plethora’, ‘myriad’ and ‘recapitulate’? These words stand out like a sore thumb.”

As I’ve said many times before, individual big words won’t impress the examiner. They’re more likely to have the opposite effect.

PS. The 25% discount on my writing course runs out in three days.

May 14, 2019

IELTS Speaking Part 2: 'website for work' topic

Let's think about the following task from Cambridge IELTS 13. Which website would you choose, and why?

Describe a website you use that helps you a lot in your work or studies.
You should say

- what the website is
- how often you use the website
- what information the website gives you
- and explain how your work or studies would change if this website didn't exist.

May 07, 2019

IELTS Speaking: advice about errors

Today I want to share some advice from another IELTS teacher that I found in the 'comments' area below this lesson.

First, here's the question from a student called Vishaal:

Please guide me on how I can reduce the grammatical errors in my speech. Although I reduced these errors significantly in writing, I'm still making quite a few mistakes during the speaking.

And here's the advice from the teacher, sjm (thanks again!):

The only real way is to sit with a native speaker, and ask them to stop you every time you make a grammar error, and give you a correction. You then repeat the correct version back to them.

It is time consuming, but eventually your error rate should drop. The problem with speaking is that errors are often 'fossilised' in the mouth, which means that you are so used to saying them that your mouth has 'memorised' them. You need to almost 'reprogram' your mouth.

An extra tip from me (Simon):

Vishaal's issue is very common, and I completely agree with sjm's advice. But if you don't have a private teacher or native speaker who can help in the way that sjm suggests, your best solution is probably to become better at copying. Instead of trying to translate ideas from your own language, or trying to construct sentences using your knowledge of English grammar, aim to build your sentences using phrases or 'chunks' of language that you know to be correct (because you have seen or heard them being used by native speakers).

May 02, 2019

IELTS Advice: linking

Many IELTS students become obsessed with 'linkers' - words or phrases that link ideas together in a paragraph e.g. firstly, secondly, furthermore, moreover. There is nothing wrong with using linkers, and they can certainly help you to write good paragraphs.

However, linkers become a problem when they are the only thing that students care about. Examiners care much more about the content between the linkers.

As an experiment, try writing a paragraph without linking words. Can you still make your paragraph coherent? Note: you probably don't use many linkers when you write in your own language!

May 01, 2019

IELTS Grammar: for band 7 and higher

Many students believe that they need to use difficult grammar in order to get a band 7 or higher. But, in fact, the secret to a high grammar score is being able to write error-free sentences.

Look at the band descriptors for writing task 2 and you'll see this:

• Band 7: frequent error-free sentences
• Band 8: the majority of sentences are error-free

So, there's no point trying to impress the examiner with difficult structures if none of your sentences are error-free. It's better to keep things simple and avoid mistakes.

April 30, 2019

IELTS Speaking Part 1: 'travel habits' topic

Remember that Part 1 questions are supposed to be easy. Just give a simple answer and a reason.

1. What form of transport do you prefer to use? Why?

I prefer to travel by car because it means that I have my own space. Also, the buses and trains in my city are usually overcrowded; my car is much more comfortable.

2. How much time do you spend travelling on a normal day?

I probably spend about an hour and a half travelling to and from work. I travel during the rush hours, so there is quite a lot of traffic.

3. What do you do while you are travelling?

I usually listen to the radio or a CD. In the morning I like to listen to the news to find out what is happening in the world.

4. Do you ever have problems with transport?

Yes, as I said, I get stuck in traffic on my way to and from work. I used to get annoyed by traffic jams, but now I'm used to them.

A few important points:

• In the answer to question 4, can you see the difference between "I used to" and "I'm used to"?
• Notice the good vocabulary: 'have my own space', 'overcrowded', 'to and from work', 'rush hour', 'find out what is happening in the world', 'get stuck in traffic'.
• If the examiner asks a question that you have already answered, just say "as I said" and repeat your answer.

April 25, 2019

IELTS Advice: vocabulary is the key!

As I've said before, there is no 'secret' way to improve your IELTS score. You just need to study hard and keep practising. However, if I had to give one piece of advice, it would be this: work on vocabulary.

If you use a wide range of vocabulary in the speaking and writing exams, you are more likely to get a high score. Vocabulary is also the key to finding the answers in the reading test and understanding the speakers in the listening test.

So, are you writing new words and phrases in a notebook every day? Do you read something in English every day? Do you use a dictionary? Do you use Google or Wikipedia to look up words and phrases? If you don't do these things, start now!

April 24, 2019

IELTS Advice: smiling won't help your score, but...

Regarding the advice that I gave yesterday (stop and smile), I just want to clarify that there are no marks for body language in the speaking test. The "stop and smile" idea is simply a way to show the examiner that you're ready for the next question in part 1 of the test.

So, smiling won't help your score, but it can help with the "flow" of questions and answers in part 1.

April 23, 2019

IELTS Speaking Part 1: stop and smile!

In part 1 of the speaking test you need to give short, direct answers. When you've given your answer, you should stop and wait for the next question.

The problem is that many candidates keep speaking, even when they have already given a good answer. Sometimes it's because they feel nervous about leaving a moment of silence. As they keep speaking, they start hesitating and repeating themselves, making the answer sound worse and worse. A further problem is that the examiner has to interrupt the candidate in order to move on to the next question.

The solution that I practise with my students is this: stop and smile! When you've answered the question, stop confidently and smile at the examiner to show that you're ready for the next question. If you can do this, part 1 of the speaking test will go more smoothly.

April 18, 2019

IELTS Advice: the week before your exam

What are the best things to do in the last week before your exam? Here are some tips:

1. Nothing new
It's often best not to study anything new just before an exam. "Revision" means studying what you have already studied to make sure that you know it well. The aim is to be confident about what you do know, rather than worrying about what you don't know.

2. Common topics
It's always a good idea to look again at the most common topics for IELTS writing and speaking. Make sure you have some ideas, opinions and vocabulary for topics like 'education', 'environment' etc.

3. Test practice
If you have never done a full test (e.g. a full one-hour reading test) before, you might get a shock in the real exam! Timing is a big problem, so practise a full test in strict exam conditions. Don't worry about your score; just focus on finishing everything within the time limit.

April 17, 2019

IELTS Speaking Advice: tell stories

At the end of yesterday's lesson I mentioned that you could prepare some examples or stories to make your descriptions more interesting (for speaking part 2, and maybe part 3).

When speaking in our own languages, we tell stories all the time. For example, you might tell a member of your family about what happened at work today, or you might tell your friends about a film you saw last night.

The ability to tell a story in English is a sign that you are becoming a proficient user of the language. Test yourself: try telling a story in English now. Start with something easy, like "what I did yesterday".

April 16, 2019

IELTS Speaking Part 2: essential preparation

It's impossible to prepare for every question that you might get in the speaking test, but what are the essential things to prepare for?

Here's my list of essentials:

1. Favourites: Don't go into the test without knowing what your favourites are. Prepare to talk about your favourite book, film, music, and website.
2. People: Be ready to talk about a famous person and a member of your family.
3. Activities: Have you prepared some ideas about a hobby? Can you describe a typical day in your life?
4. Events: Try to remember some special moments in your life, such as birthdays, festivals and weddings.
5. Places: You need to be able to talk about where you live. Also, think about the places you have visited, what you did there, and why you liked or didn't like them.
6. Things: Can you talk about the things you use every day, something you would like to buy, or a present that you received?

Remember that in part 2 you are always asked to "describe". Make sure you prepare some good adjectives for each topic, make sure you can talk about your opinions and feelings, and think about some examples or stories to make your descriptions more interesting.

April 11, 2019

IELTS Advice: having the right aims

Many people work hard but with the wrong aims. Their hard work takes them in the wrong direction.

Here are two examples of the wrong aims (for IELTS students):

1. Learning "impressive" phrases for linking and organising your ideas.
2. Becoming better at English grammar by working through exercises in a grammar book.

You could do many hours of hard work on these two aims, but I doubt that your IELTS scores would improve.

Your next question should be: What are the right aims? If you've read enough of my lessons, you'll know what I think. Maybe you would like to share your aims in the comments below this lesson, and we can discuss and refine them.

April 09, 2019

IELTS Speaking Part 2: I'm going to talk about...

I noticed a comment from someone who didn't like the phrase "I'm going to talk about" (at the beginning of a part 2 description). He/she described "I'm going to talk about" as an old-fashioned template phrase.

Is this true? Is it an old-fashioned template phrase? The answer is no!

I'm going to talk about is neither old-fashioned nor part of a template. It is simply a natural way to begin your description. As a native English speaker, I would use this phrase without thinking twice about it.

Tip: In the speaking and writing tests, it's best to use short, simple phrases for linking and organising your ideas. Stop worrying about these phrases, and focus on what comes after them: your answer and the 'topic vocabulary' that you use to express your ideas.

April 03, 2019

IELTS Advice: do the basics well

People who become good at things do the basics well, and they only show off occasionally.

For example, native speakers (of any language) spend most of their time using clear and relatively simple language. They might add a 'flourish' here and there, but it's rare to meet a native speaker who tries to make every sentence seem impressive.

I try to persuade students to aim for this 'natural' native-speaker style of writing and speaking. Learn to write and speak in a clear, simple, accurate and coherent way. Leave the rhetorical flourishes to politicians and professional writers!

April 02, 2019

IELTS Speaking Part 3: 'technology and society' answers

Here are my 3-step (answer, explain, example) answers to the questions that I showed you last Friday:

1. How much has technology improved how we communicate with each other?

I'd say that technology has made communication faster and easier, but I don't think it has improved the quality of communication between people. I mean, it's so easy to send a text message or write a comment on social media these days, but maybe you could say that our conversations are quite superficial compared to the way people communicated in the past. For example, I remember writing long, detailed letters to friends and family members when I was younger, but I tend to just send quick messages from my phone nowadays.

2. Do you agree that there are still many more major technological innovations to be made?

Of course! People are working on all sorts of new technologies as we speak, and I'm sure that there will be technological advances and breakthroughs for as long as human societies exist. Personally, I'm fascinated to see what happens with self-driving cars and other types of artificial intelligence over the next few decades.

3. Could you suggest some reasons why some people are deciding to reduce their use of technology?

Yes, I think the main reasons are that people feel overwhelmed or that their use of technology is becoming unhealthy. Some people have realised that all the devices and applications that they use are making their lives more complicated and stressful than necessary. Others might see themselves becoming addicted to checking their phones, or wasting too much time on their social media pages. I try to limit my own use of my phone and laptop because I want to spend more of my time in the 'real world' than on the Internet.

March 28, 2019

IELTS Advice: a little every day

Instead of worrying about study timetables or how many hours of IELTS practice you think you need to do, just make one simple rule for yourself: do something every day, no matter how small.

A lot can be achieved if you commit to doing a little every day.

March 27, 2019

IELTS Advice: methods and principles

Every IELTS teacher will suggest a slightly different way of doing each part of the test. In other words, teachers have different methods.

An example of a method is my 13-sentences approach to writing a task 2 essay. This is how I like to break down the writing task, but it isn't the only way. Other teachers' methods can be equally good.

On the other hand, there are principles that all IELTS teachers should agree on. For example, when you write an essay, you need to present a clear position and answer all parts of the question.

Many IELTS students are confused by all of the different 'methods' that teachers give them. Perhaps we need to focus more on 'principles'.

March 26, 2019

IELTS Speaking Part 3: technology and society

Here are some interesting questions from test 2 in Cambridge IELTS 13. How would you answer them? (Tip. Remember the steps: answer, explain, example)

1. How much has technology improved how we communicate with each other?
2. Do you agree that there are still many more major technological innovations to be made?
3. Could you suggest some reasons why some people are deciding to reduce their use of technology?

March 21, 2019

IELTS Advice: understanding vs using

I've written about the difference between understanding and using before, but I think it's worth repeating this idea.

Have another look at the list of phrases in yesterday's lesson. Perhaps you understand all of the individual words in that list. But ask yourself this: would you have been able to use those words to create correct phrases, and a coherent essay, in the same way that I did?

Using words and phrases is much more difficult than simply understanding what they mean. While understanding only requires a quick dictionary search, using requires considerable language experience and practice.

March 20, 2019

IELTS Vocabulary: 'choices' essay review

Here's a list of the 'band 7-9' vocabulary in my most recent essay:

• modern life presents us with
• an overwhelming number of choices
• the two major factors involved
• a dramatic expansion in
• online media options
• almost endless
• countless websites
• on-demand TV
• music streaming
• abundance of media
• on the part of the average user
• the content that we consume
• compounding this problem
• faced with a world of options
• limited but simple travel choices
• our grandparents' generation
• the same is true
• the increasing tendency for
• the opportunity for overseas study
• seems appealing
• which path to take
• more bewildering than beneficial

March 19, 2019

IELTS Speaking: not academic or formal

People doing the academic IELTS test are often misled by the word 'academic'. They think that they need to speak in a formal way using academic words.

But look at the following speaking questions / tasks:

- Do you like music?
- What's your favourite colour? Why?
- Describe a café you have been to.
- Describe a present you gave someone.
- Do you think it's more important to love your job or to earn a good salary?

I hope it's clear that these questions are not really formal or academic. So, instead of trying to use academic words, just aim to speak in a normal conversation style.

March 14, 2019

IELTS Advice: reading vs studying

There's a big difference between reading a book and studying a book. When you study something, you analyse it in detail and you learn a lot more.

Maybe you read the essay that I shared on Wednesday, but did you study it? The deeper you study something, the more you'll learn from it. So go deeper, study hard, and you're sure to improve!

March 12, 2019

IELTS Speaking Part 1: 'neighbours' topic

Here are some part 1 questions from Cambridge IELTS book 8, with my sample answers. How would you answer these questions?

1. How well do you know the people who live next door to you?

I know my neighbours quite well. They're really nice people, and I always stop to talk whenever I see them.

2. How often do you see them?

I see my neighbours at least a few times a week. We usually see each other when we're leaving for work in the morning or coming home in the evening.

3. What kinds of problem do people sometimes have with their neighbours?

I think the most common problem is probably noise. It's difficult to live next to people who have a dog that barks at night, or who play loud music.

4. How do you think neighbours can help each other?

Neighbours can do little things like watching your house if you go on holiday or taking a delivery if something arrives by post when you're not at home. I think these little favours are a good way for neighbours to help each other.

March 06, 2019

IELTS Grammar: 'by/in contrast' and 'on the contrary'

A few people have asked me about these phrases. Do they have the same meaning? When is each one used?

By contrast / In contrast
I often use these two phrases in both writing task 1 and 2. They are exactly the same, and are used in a similar way to "however" or "on the other hand" to introduce a contrast / comparison. Put "By / In contrast" at the beginning of a sentence, with a comma after "contrast".

Example
Unemployment rose in the UK. By contrast, the number of unemployed people in Canada fell.

On the contrary
I don't think you'll need this phrase for any part of the IELTS test. It doesn't mean the same thing as "by / in contrast". We use "on the contrary" to deny that something is true, and to explain that the opposite is true.

Example
- Person 1: "You had some problems with your hotel, didn't you?"
- Person 2: "On the contrary, the hotel was great, but the airline lost my suitcase."

March 05, 2019

IELTS Speaking Part 3: one last effort!

By the time they reach part 3 of the speaking test, many IELTS candidates just want to finish and go home. They've used up all of their energy doing the other parts of the test, and they're happy to have finished the 2-minute talk in part 2. As a result, not many people do really well in part 3.

Here's my tip: Save one last effort for part 3. It's your best chance to leave a good impression on the examiner and perhaps push him / her to give you that extra half band that you need.

February 28, 2019

IELTS Advice: it isn't about 'big' words

The list of less common vocabulary in yesterday's lesson didn't contain any words that are 'big' or impressive on their own.

In fact, if you're trying to impress the examiner with good vocabulary, you shouldn't be worrying about individual words at all. Instead, you should be trying to show that you can use interesting groups of words.

Here's an easy example. The three words below are not particularly special or impressive on their own:

- incredible
- beautiful
- images

But look at how I put these words together in the sentence below:

The TV trailers were really eye-catching because they showed incredibly beautiful images of nature.

The phrase "incredibly beautiful images" is much more interesting (and 'less common') than the three individual words that it contains.

Remember: It's only when you start putting words together that the language comes alive. Focus on groups of words, not individual 'big' words.

February 27, 2019

IELTS Vocabulary: 'less common' phrases

Did you note down the following 'less common' phrases from the description that I wrote yesterday? Could you use these phrases in your own sentences?

• each episode featured
• spectacular footage
• it was broadcast
• the DVD box set
• it was advertised repeatedly
• it was aired (means 'it was shown on TV')
• the trailers were eye-catching
• incredibly beautiful images
• the voice of the narrator
• stunning photography
• global scope
• to film such interesting creatures in so many locations
• opened my eyes to the hidden wonders of our planet

Note:
The phrase 'less common vocabulary' (or 'uncommon lexical items') is used in the examiner's mark scheme. It refers to any vocabulary that examiners don't expect most candidates to use. But this doesn't mean 'difficult' words; it means the kind of 'natural' phrases that native speakers use. A good example is "DVD box set" - this isn't a difficult phrase, but it's something that English learners might not be expected to use.

February 26, 2019

IELTS Speaking Part 2: educational TV programme

Describe an educational television programme that you liked.
You should say

- what the programme was about
- when and where you saw it
- how you found out about this programme
- and why you liked it.

Here's my band 9 answer. Can you see any 'less common' vocabulary?

• I’m going to talk about one of my favourite educational TV programmes, which is a nature documentary called ‘Planet Earth’. There were eleven episodes of this programme, and each one featured a different habitat on Earth, such as mountains, caves, deserts and jungles. The aim of the ‘Planet Earth’ series was to take the viewer into those habitats, using spectacular footage of interesting animals, plants and landscapes.
• I first saw ‘Planet Earth’ on television when it was broadcast by the BBC several years ago. I think it was shown every Sunday evening, which was the perfect time to watch a fascinating nature programme. Then, a few years a ago, somebody bought me the DVD box set of the whole series as a Christmas present, and I watched the episodes again.
• I found out about this TV programme because it was advertised repeatedly in the weeks before it was first aired. The TV trailers were really eye-catching because they showed incredibly beautiful images of nature. I also recognised the voice of the narrator of the programme, the well-known naturalist David Attenborough. It was these trailers that persuaded me to watch the first episode.
• What I liked most about the ‘Planet Earth’ series was its stunning photography and its global scope. For example, in the “Fresh Water” episode, they showed us the giant salamander in Japan, crocodiles in the river Nile, and river dolphins in the Amazon. I was amazed at how they had managed to film such interesting creatures in so many locations. I enjoyed learning about strange animal species, and the programme opened my eyes to the hidden wonders of our planet.

February 21, 2019

IELTS Advice: 'easy' can be difficult

IELTS isn't simply a test of how much 'difficult' vocabulary and grammar you can use. It also tests your ability to do 'easy' things with the language, like making a simple sentence that contains no mistakes.

Speaking part 1 is a good example of this. In this part of the speaking test, you will impress the examiner by answering without hesitation, by speaking in a natural and fluid way, and by using error-free simple sentences. You can show off your best language later in the test, but you should start, in part 1, by showing the examiner that you can do the 'easy' things well.

Note: many people don't do the easy things well.

February 20, 2019

IELTS Advice: fear of failure

A colleague asked me for some advice about how to help a student who is so worried about the IELTS writing test that she feels unable to write an essay. She says she has a mental block and just can't start writing.

In my opinion, this student's problem is that she is aiming too high too soon. She wants to write the perfect essay now, but she is afraid that she won't. She's putting too much pressure on herself to be successful.

So here's some advice for people who feel stuck or afraid: aim much lower! Imagine you're a lazy student who just wants to do his/her homework as quickly as possible, and write an essay that you know isn't your best work - write it quickly and carelessly. Write another 'bad' essay the next day and the day after that. Soon the fear of essay writing will have disappeared, and you'll start wanting to improve your 'bad' essays. When the fear of failure has gone, you'll be free to enjoy the challenge and to do your best work.

Note: if you are not suffering from this essay writing 'fear', please ignore the advice above. Aim high, enjoy the challenge, and do your best work now!

February 19, 2019

IELTS Speaking Part 3: "it depends"

Many students answer questions in IELTS speaking part 3 by saying "it depends".

"It depends" is not a full answer. You need to say what it depends on, and why.

Example question:
Do you think it's important to find a job that you love, or is it more important to earn a good salary?

Don't say:
"It depends. Some people prefer to find a job they love, but other people want to earn a good salary." (This answer just repeats the question)

Do say:
"Personally, I'd prefer to do a job that I really enjoy; as long as I earn enough to live comfortably, the salary is less important. However, I can see the benefits of doing a job that you don't like if it pays well. With a good salary, you can probably do more enjoyable things in your free time."

February 14, 2019

IELTS Vocabulary: paraphrasing techniques

Here are some techniques that should help you to paraphrase (to say the same thing in different ways):

1) Use a synonym

This is important = This is significant / crucial / vital

2) Use an opposite

I found it difficult = It wasn't easy for me

3) Change active to passive

You should not do this = This should not be done

4) Use a related word (e.g. change the verb into a noun)

The number rose = There was a rise in the number

5) Consider a more formal or informal version

I am worried = I am extremely concerned (formal) / I'm stressed out (informal)

Task:
Try using some of these techniques, and let me know if you think of any others.

February 13, 2019

IELTS Advice: don't ask the examiner questions

In the speaking test, some candidates try to involve the examiner in the conversation. For example:

Examiner: Do you like cooking?
Student: Not really, I prefer eating in restaurants. And you?

You should definitely not do this!

In fact, the only time that you might need to ask a question is if you don't hear what the examiner said. Just say: "Sorry, can you repeat that please?"

February 12, 2019

IELTS Speaking Part 3: ideas and opinions

Having ideas and opinions is important for IELTS Speaking Part 3. Even if your grammar is excellent, you will not get a high score if you don't know what to say.

For example, do you have an opinion about whether governments should protect old buildings?

Here are some possible ideas / opinions:

• Historic buildings are part of a country’s heritage.
• Old buildings are often considered to be works of art.
• They give character to cities, and attract tourists.
• We identify countries by architectural symbols, like the pyramids in Egypt.
• Governments should spend money on looking after historic buildings.
• They need regular repairs and maintenance.

The sentences above come from my 'Ideas for IELTS Topics' ebook.

February 07, 2019

IELTS Advice: basic study plan

People often ask me to give them a study plan. If I haven't taught the student, I can't suggest a detailed plan because I don't know anything about him/her.

However, I often suggest a basic study plan like this:

1. Spend Monday to Friday preparing vocabulary for common IELTS topics, working on exam 'methods', and practising small parts of tests with no time limit.
2. Test yourself on Saturday or Sunday (in all four parts) to see if what you studied during the week has helped you to improve.
3. Don't spend any time working on grammar, unless you have identified specific problems / mistakes that you keep making.

February 06, 2019

IELTS Vocabulary: from my GT answer

The vocabulary below comes from the 'General' IELTS task that I looked at last weekend. I think these phrases could be useful for both General and Academic students.

• available to help
• after-school lessons
• missed the majority of the term
• due to illness
• struggling to catch up
• his problems stem from the fact that
• unable to attend
• he lacks confidence
• are you familiar with...?
• topics that are covered
• perhaps you could also tell me
• build students' pronunciation and conversation skills
• in the late afternoon or early evening
• would be ideal

February 05, 2019

IELTS Speaking Part 1: 'age' answers

Here are my sample answers for the questions that I shared last week.

1) Are you happy to be the age you are now?

Yes, I'm quite happy at my current age, although I wouldn't mind going back to when I was younger. It would be nice to relive some of my memories from childhood.

2) When you were a child, did you think a lot about your future?

Not really. I remember thinking about the near future - about exams and things in the year ahead - but I didn't worry too much about adulthood.

3) Do you think you have changed as you have got older?

Yes, in some ways I'm a completely different person now, compared to when I was younger. I think my personality has changed quite a lot, and I'm more open and relaxed.

4) What will be different about your life in the future?

Who knows? Hopefully, my life won't change much over the next decade or so, but after that I can't really imagine or predict.

January 29, 2019

IELTS Speaking Part 1: 'age' topic

How would you answer the following questions (from Cambridge IELTS 13)?

1) Are you happy to be the age you are now?

2) When you were a child, did you think a lot about your future?

3) Do you think you have changed as you have got older?

4) What will be different about your life in the future?

January 22, 2019

IELTS Speaking Part 2: 'apartment' vocabulary review

Did you note down the following phrases from last week's answer? Maybe you can reuse some of them in your own descriptions.

• brand new
• on the edge of the main commercial area
• the apartment overlooks...
• put (something) on the market = to advertise something for sale
• to view properties
• to go along with someone = to go with someone / to accompany
• nothing too remarkable = nothing special
• as far as I remember
• an off-white colour
• floors were done in whitish tiles
• kitchen appliances, kitchen surfaces
• dark grey granite
• the main feature
• in terms of the look (= the appearance) of the apartment
• floor-to-ceiling window
• allowed the sunlight to flood in
• white and silver decor
• wasn't to my taste
• cool, clean and spacious
• open-plan kitchen and living room
• all sorts of gadgets
• operated by a mobile phone app
• I found it fascinating that
• up-to-the-minute technology
• taking a glimpse into the future

January 17, 2019

IELTS Advice: learn by copying

Yesterday I wrote that your English teacher should take you just outside your comfort zone. Your teacher should also be your best source of language and the 'model' that you try to copy.

Don't be afraid to copy the way I write or the way your favourite English speaker speaks. Copying is the best way to learn a language; it's much more reliable than translating word by word using a dictionary.

January 16, 2019

IELTS Advice: just outside your comfort zone

In the comments below Wednesday's lesson, one student wrote that he/she isn't able to write at the same level as me. This is a good thing!

If you can already write at the same level as me, you don't need my help!

The best way to learn is to have a teacher who takes you just outside your comfort zone. If the work is too easy you won't progress, and if it's far too difficult you won't be able to do it. A good teacher should give you work that is difficult, but achievable with help. Hopefully the paragraph that I wrote on Wednesday fits that description.

January 15, 2019

IELTS Speaking Part 2: 'interesting house' answer

Describe an interesting house or apartment that you have visited.
You should say

- where the house or apartment was
- who lived there
- what it looked like on the outside and/or inside
- and explain why you found this house or apartment interesting.

Here's my sample band 9 answer, using ideas from last week's lesson:

• I’m going to describe an apartment that I recently visited in the city centre of Manchester. The apartment was on the 10th floor of a brand new block that has just been built. This building is on the edge of the main commercial area of the city, and the apartment overlooks several of Manchester’s busiest shopping streets.
• Nobody was living in the apartment when I went there, because it had only just been put on the market. I went to see it with a friend who is thinking of moving to Manchester; he wanted to view some different properties, and I decided to go along and see what the newest apartments were like.
• From the outside, the apartment was in a tall, shiny glass building - nothing too remarkable. On the inside, as far as I remember, there weren’t many different colours: the walls were an off-white colour, the floors were done in whitish tiles, and the kitchen appliances were all silver metal coloured. I think the kitchen surfaces were made from dark grey granite. The main feature, in terms of the look of the apartment, was the huge floor-to-ceiling window in the living room, which allowed the sunlight to flood in.
• Although the white and silver decor wasn’t really to my taste, I did like the fact that the apartment seemed so cool, clean and spacious. I particularly liked the open-plan kitchen and living room, which had all sorts of gadgets that could be operated by a mobile phone app. For example, I learnt how to use the app to control the lighting, heating, blinds, security cameras and even the cooker. I found it fascinating that the apartment contained so much up-to-the-minute technology, and that everything seemed to be connected via wifi. It felt like I was taking a glimpse into the future.

January 10, 2019

IELTS Vocabulary: 'easy' theme

Here's my quick brainstorm on the theme of the word 'easy'. I've divided it into a few different categories; you might find it helpful to do this yourself when brainstorming ideas.

Synonyms of 'easy'

• simple, straightforward, uncomplicated, effortless

Informal phrases

• a piece of cake, a walk in the park, a breeze, a doddle

Phrases with opposites

• it wasn't difficult, it wasn't hard, it didn't take much effort, it wasn't very challenging, it didn't present any real problems, I didn't really struggle

Use an example to create context e.g. 'the exam was easy'

• it was fairly simple, I found it quite straightforward, I breezed through it, I could have done it in my sleep, it was easier than I expected

January 09, 2019

IELTS Vocabulary: brainstorm themes

In yesterday’s lesson I brainstormed the theme of a modern apartment. It’s easy to brainstorm ideas when you focus on a specific word, and I was able to produce a useful list of ideas related to the word ‘modern’.

You can use this technique as a way to prepare for topics and to expand your overall vocabulary knowledge. Just choose a word (your ‘theme’) and brainstorm ideas related to it. You could also use the Internet as a source of ideas. 

Task: Let’s take the word ‘easy’ as our theme. Can you list between five and ten words or phrases related to this theme?

January 08, 2019

IELTS Speaking Part 2: interesting house

Let's return to the part 2 task below.

Describe an interesting house or apartment that you have visited.
You should say

- where the house or apartment was
- who lived there
- what it looked like on the outside and/or inside
- and explain why you found this house or apartment interesting.

If I were working on this topic with students in a lesson, we would begin by preparing some good vocabulary ideas. I would ask my students to develop some vocabulary 'themes'.

For example, if we imagine that we are describing an apartment, perhaps a key theme could be that it is modern. Now we can develop the 'modern' theme:

• up to the minute
• contemporary
• fashionable, cool, trendy
• decor, lighting, furniture
• open-plan
• colours and their effects e.g. relaxing, soothing
• materials e.g. glass, metal, granite
• rooms e.g. kitchen, living room
• gadgets, appliances
• windows, heating
• remote control, digital, phone app
• overall feeling e.g. sharp, clean, efficient, spacious

Try using some of these ideas to describe the inside of a modern apartment and to explain why you like it.

January 03, 2019

IELTS Advice: how I can help you

Yesterday I suggested that you'll need to work on both exam technique and English language as you prepare for the IELTS test. So how can IELTS-Simon help you with these two things?

Exam technique
The fastest way to learn how to approach the IELTS test is to watch the video lessons that I published on this website. The videos take you step by step through each part of the test, and you'll see me giving band 9 answers using clear and simple exam techniques. I consider the video lessons to be my best work, and I don't know of any other course that provides such a methodical and effective approach.

Of course, this blog contains the same advice that you'll find in the video lessons. The difference is that the blog isn't written as a step-by-step course. If you have the time, go back through the blog's archives or search the blog for anything that you need. I think I've probably written a lesson about almost any IELTS problem that you might have.

English language
The ultimate aim of this blog is to help you to improve your English. You'll find many lessons in which language, rather than exam technique, is the main focus.

I'm also trying to cover as many IELTS topics as possible here on the blog, and you'll find plenty of vocabulary ideas (words, phrases, examples, opinions etc.) that you can 'copy' from me and use in your own answers.

January 02, 2019

IELTS Advice: advice for the new year

Let's think about what you're going to do in 2019. Broadly speaking, you'll probably need to work on two main things:

1. Exam technique
2. English language

Both of these areas are important, but if we're talking about a whole year of study, I think it's far more important to improve your English.

Imagine yourself at the end of 2019. Surely your priority should be to have a better overall level of English, not just to collect more exam tips and techniques.

January 01, 2019

IELTS Speaking: which part is the most important?

Do the 3 parts of the speaking test carry equal weighting when your score is calculated, or is one part more important?

The simple answer is that the 3 parts are not scored separately; the examiner rates the candidate's performance as a whole. In this sense, neither part is more important.

However, it's useful to think about the 3 parts like this:

• Part 1 is supposed to be quite easy (like a warm-up), so you won't get a high score if you only do well in this part.
• Part 2 is when the examiner really gets a chance to assess how good you are. He/she will now have an idea of what scores to give you.
• During part 3, the examiner is making his/her final decision. A good performance here can boost your score.

December 27, 2018

IELTS Advice: 'I know this already'

Language learners often think they know something (e.g. a word, phrase, grammar rule) because they understand it or because they have studied it before. However, there is a huge difference between understanding something and really knowing it.

'Really knowing' means being able to use the word, phrase or grammar rule.

For example, you might understand the vocabulary in this lesson. But does that mean that you know it? Could you use those words and phrases in different contexts in your own essays or spoken answers?

December 25, 2018

IELTS Advice: your 'repertoire'

'Repertoire' is an interesting word. It is used by musicians to mean 'all of the songs or pieces of music that they can play or that they perform'.

Instead of learning linking words or worrying about grammatical structures, it might be better to think about your 'IELTS repertoire'. For example: What topics can you write or speak about with confidence? What band 7 words and phrases are you confident about using?

A large repertoire of ideas, opinions, words and phrases for a wide range of topics is the sign of someone who will probably get a high IELTS score.

December 24, 2018

IELTS Speaking: work or study?

These are common questions at the start of the speaking test:

1. Do you work or are you a student?
2. Do you like your job / course? Why / why not?

Example answers:

1. Before I came to England I was working as an accountant, but at the moment I'm studying English because I hope to do a Master's here.
2. Yes, I really like my job because it's interesting and I work with a great team of people. OR: Yes, I enjoy studying English, but my real aim is to do a Master's and then find a job in an international company.

Note:
Don't ask the examiner: "Do you mean in my country or here in England?" - it doesn't matter. Don't worry if you have a job and study at the same time - you can mention both.

December 20, 2018

IELTS Advice: concise and succinct

Yesterday I advised you not to "waffle" in the speaking and writing tests. As one of my high school teachers used to tell us, the opposite of waffling is to be "concise and succinct". Look these two words up if you're not sure what they mean.

December 19, 2018

IELTS Advice: give direct answers

Hopefully you noticed what was wrong with the beginning of the student's answer in yesterday's lesson: the first two sentences were unnecessary and irrelevant. Let's take another look:

Question:
Describe an interesting house or apartment.

First three sentences of the answer:
Well, living in an apartment is an overgrowing trend not only in my country but all over the world. We have our own apartment which is really awesome. By the way, I would like to talk about a new apartment/flat that I have recently visited.

The real answer begins in the third sentence with the words "I would like to talk about". This is where I would begin. Everything before that is just background waffle*. Examiners don't like this waffle; you'll impress them more if you get straight to the point and answer directly.

waffle = lengthy but vague or trivial talk or writing (i.e. useless extra words that you don't need)

December 18, 2018

IELTS Speaking Part 2: what is wrong?

Last Friday I asked you to look at this task:

Describe an interesting house or apartment that you have visited.

Before I show you how I would answer, I have to say something about one student's response. This is how the student began answering the task:

Well, living in an apartment is an overgrowing trend not only in my country but all over the world. We have our own apartment which is really awesome. By the way, I would like to talk about a new apartment/flat that I have recently visited.

Can you see what is wrong with the way this answer begins?

December 13, 2018

IELTS Advice: just find a good English teacher

Instead of worrying about finding a good IELTS teacher, just look for a good English teacher.

If you practise with the official Cambridge books and follow the advice on this blog, you don't really need any more IELTS help.

Many IELTS students would benefit more from taking 'normal' English lessons, rather than attending a 'tips and techniques' course.

December 12, 2018

IELTS Advice: if you have a teacher

If you are taking IELTS preparation lessons with a teacher, here's a tip:

Make sure that your teacher is helping you to improve your English, rather than just giving you exam tips and techniques. If you don't seem to be improving your overall knowledge of the English language, you might need to consider changing your teacher.

Remember: exam tips and techniques are useful and important, but the surest way to improve your IELTS score is by improving your English.

December 11, 2018

IELTS Speaking Part 2: describe a house

Try preparing ideas or a full answer for this topic:

Describe an interesting house or apartment that you have visited.
You should say

- where the house or apartment was
- who lived there
- what it looked like on the outside and/or inside
- and explain why you found this house or apartment interesting.

December 06, 2018

IELTS Advice: deviating from the topic (writing)

Yesterday I suggested that it is possible to deviate from the topic a little in the speaking test, as long as you do this skilfully (read yesterday's lesson to see what I mean).

But can you do the same thing in the writing test? No. You should never deviate from the topic in either of the writing tasks. You'll get a lower score if you do.

December 04, 2018

IELTS Speaking Part 3: example answers

Last Friday I asked you to try answering these two questions:

1. Do you think that it's important for people to celebrate their achievements?
2. Why do you think some people prefer not to tell others about their achievements?

1) I'll answer using an "idea, explain, example" structure:

Yes, I definitely think people should celebrate whenever they are successful in some area of life. I think the celebration is important because it marks the end of a period of effort, and so it's a chance to enjoy the moment, to take stock of what you have achieved, and to share the achievement with others. This is why, for example, universities have graduation ceremonies, which encourage students to celebrate together and to take pride in what they have done.

2) I'll answer using a "firstly, secondly, finally" structure:

I imagine that people have different reasons for keeping their achievements to themselves. One reason could be that some people don't like to show off or draw attention to themselves. Other people perhaps don't value their own accomplishments because they are constantly aiming at even bigger goals. Finally, I suppose that many of us are so busy that we don't stop to savour the moment; maybe we need to slow down and enjoy our successes.

November 28, 2018

IELTS Grammar: using 'they' with a singular

A student asked me about this page on Wikipedia, which gives three examples of the words "they" and "their" being used to refer to singular nouns:

• Somebody left their umbrella here. Would they please collect it?
• The patient should be told how much they will be required to pay.
• A journalist should not be forced to reveal their sources.

They and their are used instead of he or she and his or her.

This is very common in English, and it is unlikely that someone would say: "Somebody left his or her umbrella. Would he or she please collect it?"

But can we use "they" with a singular in the IELTS test?

The simple answer is yes, but my own preference is a little more complicated. When speaking, I naturally use "they" with singular nouns from time to time. But I tend to avoid doing this in written essays, as I prefer to stick to the normal grammatical conventions. For example, I used "he or she" in the sentence below, which comes from this essay.

Firstly, it is hard for a person to be happy if he or she does not have a safe place to live and enough food to eat.

November 27, 2018

IELTS Speaking Part 3: think in terms of paragraphs

In part 3 of the speaking test you should try to give longer, detailed answers. A good way to do this is to imagine that you are making a paragraph.

Remember the 'paragraph building' techniques that we use in writing task 2:

Idea, explain, example
Start with a direct answer to the question, like the 'topic sentence' in a written paragraph. Then explain your answer in more detail, and support your explanation with an example.

Try answering this question: Do you think that it's important for people to celebrate their achievements?

Firstly, secondly, finally
Start with the direct answer, then explain it by giving two or three reasons, and maybe an example too.

Try answering this question: Why do you think some people prefer not to tell others about their achievements?

November 21, 2018

IELTS Vocabulary: range and flexibility

If you take lessons with an English teacher, I recommend that you ask yourself this question at the end of each lesson:

Did I learn some new language in this lesson, or did I become better at using some language that I already knew?

In other words, you are asking yourself whether you worked on your vocabulary range (new words and phrases) or on your flexibility (becoming better at using the language that you already knew).

Note: examiners are looking for range and flexibility when they assess your vocabulary in the writing and speaking tests.

November 14, 2018

IELTS Speaking: two pronunciation tips

Here are two tips regarding pronunciation.

1) Improving your pronunciation score in the speaking test

This is an exercise that you could do maybe once a week: Try recording yourself as you answer some IELTS speaking questions, then listen to the recording and analyse just one feature of pronunciation. For example, you could focus on intonation: Did your voice sound flat and boring, or did you manage to show interest and enthusiasm? If possible, ask a native speaker to give the same answers, and listen to the rising and falling of his or her voice. Try to copy that intonation.

You could do a similar thing for other aspects of pronunciation e.g. individual sounds, word stress, connected speech and sentence stress.

2) The importance of pronunciation in language learning

In my opinion, pronunciation is perhaps the most overlooked 'secret' to learning a new language. As a serious language student, you'll learn to recognise and produce sounds that don't exist in your own language. You'll try to copy the connected speech, word stress, sentence stress and intonation patterns that native speakers use.

And as you become better at doing these things, the language starts to open up and welcome you in. Your listening skills improve, you find it easier to chat to native speakers, and your repertoire of phrases grows effortlessly. The best language learners (children) all know this secret!

November 07, 2018

IELTS Advice: 'deep' answers

Unfortunately, many candidates give shallow answers in their IELTS speaking and writing tests. They mention a few different ideas, but fail to develop any of them in detail. They would get higher scores if they just took one idea and developed it in detail; this is what I call a deep answer.

Practise explaining just one idea in as much detail as you can. The ability to do this could really benefit your speaking and writing scores.

November 06, 2018

IELTS Advice: don't forget the easy words!

One thing I noticed as an examiner is that many students forget to use simple words like "and" or "but". At the same time, they overuse words like "moreover" and "furthermore".

Native speakers use "and" all the time (in both speech and writing). You can use "and" or "but" as many times as you want; the examiner will not notice!

On the other hand, if you use "moreover" or "furthermore" more than once, the examiner will notice straight away. These words do not get you a high score. In fact, in the speaking exam, they make your English sound 'forced'.

November 05, 2018

IELTS Speaking: paraphrasing examples

Here are some easy examples of paraphrasing, using five sentences from last Friday's speaking lesson:

1. I was never much of a singer =
   I didn't really like singing when I was younger
2. I was always a little shy =
   As a child I wasn't very outgoing
3. This happens once a week or less =
   I do this perhaps once every week* at most
4. I prefer to listen to a variety of music =
   I like all kinds of music
5. Singing contests are hugely popular at the moment =
   Singing competitions seem to be all the rage**

* We could write "every 7 days", but this sounds a little less natural
** all the rage = an idiomatic expression meaning "very popular"

October 31, 2018

IELTS Vocabulary: paraphrasing practice

Paraphrasing = expressing the same idea in a different way.

Here are some phrases from Friday's speaking lesson. Can you find a different way to express each idea?

1. I was never much of a singer.
2. I was always a little shy.
3. This happens once a week or less.
4. I prefer to listen to a variety of music.
5. Singing contests are hugely popular at the moment.

October 30, 2018

IELTS Grammar: subject + verb

Question: Which of the following is a correct sentence?

1. Learning a foreign language.
2. Firstly, learning a foreign language in order to improve your career prospects.
3. For example, learning a foreign language by living in a country where that language is spoken, and communicating with native speakers on a daily basis.

Answer: None of these are correct sentences. None of them has a main verb.

To make a sentence, you need a subject (noun/noun phrase) and a verb:

1. I am learning a foreign language. OR, Learning a foreign language is useful.
2. Firstly, many people learn a foreign language in order to improve their career prospects.
3. For example, some people learn a foreign language by living in a country where that language is spoken and communicating with native speakers on a daily basis.

Some students really need to work on writing correct "subject + verb" sentences. Missing the verb in a sentence is a serious mistake that will definitely affect your score.

October 29, 2018

IELTS Speaking Part 1: 'singing' answers

Here are my sample answers to the 'singing' questions that I shared last week. Remember: there's no need to show off in part 1. It's more important to demonstrate your fluency at this stage. Try to give short, simple answers without too much hesitation.

1. Did you enjoy singing when you were younger?

No, I was never much of a singer. I remember that I was always a little shy and embarrassed when it came to singing in front of others.

2. How often do you sing now?

I don't sing in public, but I do sometimes find myself singing along to songs if I'm listening to music in the car. Perhaps this happens once a week or less.

3. Do you have a favourite song you like listening to?

No, not at the moment. I used to have favourite songs when I was a teenager - when I was discovering new music - but these days I prefer to listen to a variety of music, rather than a particular favourite tune.

4. How important is singing in your culture?

It seems to be really important these days. TV programmes like 'X Factor', which are basically singing contests, are hugely popular at the moment. So many young people dream of being famous singers.

October 24, 2018

IELTS Advice: the 'structures' we use

One of the things that I liked about the presentation in this lesson was the idea that 'structures' are so important in any form of communication. When you are speaking or writing (in any context, not just for the IELTS test), the way you structure your ideas makes a difference. A good structure keeps your audience (the listener or reader) interested and on track; it will also add to the coherence, power and persuasiveness of your message.

Consider this example: a sales presentation using a "problem and solution" structure. The sales person explains a problem and then tells the audience how his/her product or service can solve this problem. This simple structure is used in countless advertising and marketing campaigns.

Now let's think about the structures that we use in the IELTS test. Can you list the structures that I've used in my speaking and writing lessons? Here's one example: "answer, explain, example" in part 3 of the speaking test.

October 23, 2018

IELTS Advice: the confidence to be 'simple'

For many of the students I've taught, a breakthrough (or big improvement) came when they found the confidence to write and speak in a more 'simple' way.

When you stop worrying about whether you need to use passives, conditionals or 'difficult academic words', you are free to focus on answering the question and explaining your ideas coherently. It takes confidence to change your approach and to believe that the 'simple' way will work.

Note: Remember that 'simple' is not the same thing as 'easy'!

October 22, 2018

IELTS Speaking Part 1: 'singing' topic

How would you answer these questions from Cambridge IELTS book 12?

1. Did you enjoy singing when you were younger?
2. How often do you sing now?
3. Do you have a favourite song you like listening to?
4. How important is singing in your culture?

October 17, 2018

IELTS Vocabulary: from the 'advertising' essay

Here are some good phrases from the essay that I shared in Wednesday's lesson. Write them down in your notebook, and see if you can use them in your own sentences.

• we are increasingly surrounded by
• has an impact on
• tempt people to buy products
  
• that they might not otherwise want
• queuing to buy the latest models
• does not need replacing
• the influence of marketing
• leads us to make decisions
• stay up to date
• the latest fashions
• a high-status device
• make choices
• make a purchase
• new versions of products
• improved features
• improved safety features
• more economical to run (referring to a car)
• pollute less
• communicate more quickly or effectively
• enhancing their quality of life
• our buying behaviour
• their real needs

October 16, 2018

IELTS Vocabulary: are you a collector?

In my opinion, a good language learner is someone who collects words and phrases. But the best learners don't simply store their collections and allow them to get dusty; they use them.

How about you? Are you a language collector? Did you collect any good phrases from the essay that I shared on Wednesday? Did you note them down? Do you regularly review your collection and try to use it?

October 15, 2018

IELTS Speaking: correct the mistakes

Here are some sentences that people wrote below last Friday's speaking lesson. Can you find and correct the mistake(s) in each one?

1. I am gonna tell you about a book center at the downtown.
2. It was a marvellous experience that I wish I could repeat it soon.
3. At last, I feel that the staff are quite responsible.
4. Initially, everything was ok, no special.
5. That's my first time visited church.

October 10, 2018

IELTS Advice: are you going too quickly?

Yesterday I advised you to start slowly when studying something new. Today I'd like to share a short conversation that I had with a student. I think this is a good example of a problem that many students face: they don't take the time to do things slowly and properly!

The student's question:
Hi Simon. Brainstorming ideas when I'm writing essays didn't work for me. My essays look better when I'm writing without planning and brainstorming. Should I continue brainstorming until I'm good at it or write without planning. What do you advise?

My answer:
My advice is this: whenever you try a new technique, start very slowly. So, try following my planning advice again, but give yourself as much time as you need. It doesn't matter if it takes you an hour to create a good essay plan at first - just aim to get the plan right. Then see what happens when you write an essay using a really good plan. Again, don't give yourself a time limit. When you're comfortable planning and writing in this way, gradually speed up! Perhaps your problem was that you were going too fast.

The student's response:
Definitely, yes you are right I'm going too fast and I always place importance on the speed of my writing. The reason I am in a hurry is I think there are lots of topics I need to work on.

October 09, 2018

IELTS Advice: start slowly

Imagine a musician (pianist, guitarist etc.) who is learning a new technique, or a new piece of music or song. Musicians learn by going slowly at first and gradually speeding up as they become familiar with the technique or music.

I recommend the same when you start preparing for IELTS, or when you learn a new exam technique or study a new topic: start slowly. Try to achieve the score you need at slow speed, and then gradually reduce the time until you can do the same at exam speed.

October 08, 2018

IELTS Speaking Part 2: three sample questions

If you're looking for more topics to practise, here are three speaking tasks that a student sent me. How would you answer?

1. Describe a quiet place that you visited. You should say

- where it was
- when you went there
- what you did there
- and explain why it was so quiet

2. Describe a time when you were scared. You should say

- when it happened
- where you were
- why you were frightened
- and explain how you felt after this experience

3. Describe something that a friend has done but you haven't done. Say

- what your friend did
- where and when your friend did this
- how you felt about your friend's experience
- and explain why you would (or wouldn't) like to do what your friend did

October 03, 2018

IELTS Advice: the 'vocabulary mindset'

I've written about this before, but I think it's a message that I need to keep repeating:

Too many candidates approach the IELTS exam with a grammar mindset. They go into the test with their heads full of 'grammatical structures' that they think will impress the examiner. Unfortunately this approach is more likely to hinder you than help you.

I'm trying to persuade people to have a vocabulary mindset. This means that you go into the test knowing that you have prepared ideas for common IELTS topics, and with the aim of expressing your ideas coherently and in as much detail as you can.

Here's a quick question to see which mindset you have:

Which of the two activities below do you spend more time doing?

1. practising complex sentences, passives and conditionals; learning lists of linking words and phrases; worrying that you make too many mistakes
2. collecting ideas for IELTS topics and past exam questions; reading and listening to English (not just IELTS related); trying to copy the way native speakers write and speak

October 02, 2018

IELTS Advice: daily Facebook tips

Over the last couple of weeks I've started to use Facebook to complement my blog lessons. The simple reason is this: I use my laptop for blogging, but it's easier to use Facebook on my phone.

If you're not on Facebook, don't worry. I'm not giving any 'new' information there; it's the same message, just delivered in a slightly different way. If you are on Facebook, maybe you'll visit me there. As I said, I think the Facebook page can complement this blog and perhaps offer some alternative ways to prepare for the IELTS test.

Click here to see my most recent Facebook posts.

October 01, 2018

IELTS Speaking Part 2: 'describe a photo' answer

Describe a photograph of you that you like. You should say

- where the photo was taken
- what you were doing when it was taken
- who took it
- and explain why you like the photo.

Here's my full answer using the vocabulary ideas from this lesson:

• The photograph that immediately comes to mind when I think of one that I like is my university graduation photo. It was taken just before the graduation ceremony that marked the end of my undergraduate degree. You can’t see anything in the background of the photo, but it was actually taken in the students’ cafe next to the hall where the ceremony was held.
• In the photo, I’m wearing the traditional clothing for university graduates: a black gown and an academic cap, which is often called a mortar board. I’m also holding my rolled-up degree certificate. Obviously this was a formal portrait photo, and so I was standing still, smiling and looking into the camera.
• The person who took the photo was a professional photographer. He had been hired by the university to set up in the cafe and take photos of graduates before the ceremony. He had a white screen, some lighting devices, and an assistant who took payments and collected our details.
• The reason why I like my graduation photo is that it reminds me of a pivotal moment in my life. Being presented with my degree certificate at the graduation ceremony was the culmination of four years of hard work, and it marked the end of the ‘education’ stage of my life. I had achieved my objectives and made my family proud, and I knew that the next step was to look for my first proper job. Whenever I look at the photo it brings back happy memories, both of my university days and of the relief and contentment that I felt on my graduation day.

September 19, 2018

IELTS Vocabulary: review of the week

Here's a list of some of the good words and phrases that I've used in my blog lessons this week:

• certain special occasions
• is likely to have (meaning 'probably has')
• you would hope that (common expression meaning 'hopefully')
• the end result
• a set of stunning photographs
• thinking back to... (this is a nice way to give a personal example)
• knew exactly what he was doing
• the bride, groom and guests
• (can't) trust an amateur
• a once-in-a-lifetime event
• a shift towards eating fast food less frequently
• restaurants = outlets = establishments
• at the other end of the scale
• the weekly fast food habit
• became a monthly or twice monthly habit
• historical events
• a sense of continuity across the generations
• passing down knowledge
• a consistent curriculum
• limits to the teaching scope
• visit key locations

September 18, 2018

IELTS Advice: the performance gap

There is usually a gap between the IELTS scores that people get when they practise at home and the scores they get when they take a real test.

For example, maybe you can achieve a band 7 when you write essays without a time limit, but you get a band 6 when you take the test. This is a gap of one band.

Here are some tips relating to this 'performance gap':

1. There should be a gap!
2. If there isn't a gap, something is wrong with the way you're studying.
3. If the gap is too big, you're doing something wrong in the exam.
4. First, try to make the gap bigger through study and learning.
5. Then try to make the gap smaller by practising in exam conditions.

I hope this makes sense! Let me know if you've noticed this gap. How big is it, and what are you doing to make it bigger or smaller?

September 17, 2018

IELTS Speaking Part 3: four-step answer

Let's try using all four of the steps that I recommended in last Friday's lesson. Here's another question from IELTS speaking part 3, with my answer below it.

Do you think it's ever worth hiring a professional photographer?

(Direct answer) Yes, for certain special occasions I definitely think it's best to pay a professional to take photos. (Explain) A professional photographer is likely to have a better camera and related equipment, and you would hope that the end result will be a set of stunning photographs. (Personal example) Thinking back to a wedding that I attended last summer, I remember that the photographer knew exactly what he was doing, and he took some great pictures of the bride, groom and guests. (Opposite or alternative) Without a paid professional, you would have to rely on a friend or family member to take photos, and I think this would be risky. I don't think you can trust an amateur when it's a once-in-a-lifetime event.

September 12, 2018

IELTS Advice: the first rule of 'brainstorming'

A few days ago, I asked people the following question on my Facebook page:

When you "brainstorm" ideas for an IELTS essay, what is the number one rule?

Only one person gave an answer that was close to what I was looking for. Here's my answer to this question:

The key idea behind "brainstorming" is that you write down anything that comes into your head: good ideas, bad ideas, irrelevant ideas... just write them all down. You can organise them and cross out the bad ones later.

People who forget this 'rule' often get stuck because they are afraid that their ideas aren't good enough. Don't judge yourself at the brainstorming stage.

September 11, 2018

IELTS Grammar / Vocabulary: correct the mistakes

Here are some of the sentences that people wrote below last Sunday's lesson. They all contain grammar mistakes or 'unnatural' use of vocabulary. Can you correct and/or improve them?

1. I’m in the dilemma of whether to get a job or continue my education.
2. I am uncertain about to a get a job or go to university.
3. I am thinking about to get admission in university or to start work.
4. I am undecisive of going to a university or getting a job.
5. I am a bit confused if I get a job or go to university.
6. I haven't decided if I should step into society or enrol in tertiary education.

September 10, 2018

IELTS Speaking Part 3: follow the steps (in your head)

When answering questions in part 3 of the speaking test, you should have three (or maybe four) steps that you follow.

Practise checking off these steps in your head as you answer:

1. Give a direct answer to the question
2. Explain with a reason or reasons
3. Give an example (e.g. a personal example)
4. Explain the opposite or an alternative (you don't always need this step)

For example, here's a question from a recent lesson:

Why do you think people like taking photos of themselves and others?

Here's my answer, following the first three steps above:

(Direct answer) I think the main reason why people take photos of themselves and their friends and family is to collect memories. (Explain) What I mean is that photos are like souvenirs that remind us of special moments in the past; people like looking back over their lives and seeing what they were doing or how young they looked at a particular time. (Example) My niece is a good example; she takes 'selfies' whenever she goes somewhere interesting, and she loves to look through them with her friends.

Task:
My answer is already long enough, but can you add the fourth step?

September 05, 2018

IELTS Vocabulary: the paraphrasing skill

How good are you at finding different ways to communicate the same message? Let's practise using the following sentence from yesterday's lesson:

I am considering whether to get a job or go to university.

How many different ways can you find to communicate this idea? You don't need to change all of the words in the sentence, and it doesn't matter if your suggestions are less (or more) formal than the original. Just practise the paraphrasing skill.

Here's one example:
I'm not sure if I should look for work or apply to university.

September 04, 2018

IELTS Grammar: whether

Look at the two sentences below. Both are normal and correct.

A)  I am considering whether to get a job instead of going to university.
B)  I am considering whether to get a job or go to university.

Now look at this sentence from the introduction in Wednesday's lesson:

People have different opinions about whether schools should prioritise the teaching of national literature and history, instead of taking a more global view of these subjects.

Task: Can you change the sentence above into a type 'B' sentence?

September 03, 2018

IELTS Speaking Part 2: describe a photo

As I said in last Friday's lesson, the task below isn't really about a photograph. It's about whatever is in the photograph (e.g. an event).

Describe a photograph of you that you like. You should say

- where the photo was taken
- what you were doing when it was taken
- who took it
- and explain why you like the photo.

Let's imagine that we are going to describe a graduation photo - a photograph of you on the day of your university graduation ceremony.

See if you can include the following phrases in your description:

• graduation ceremony
• professional photographer
• traditional academic dress / outfit
• wore a gown / robe and cap / hood
• holding my certificate
• made myself and my family proud
• the culmination of several years of hard work
• achieved my dream
• a landmark, a key moment, a pivotal moment
• marks the end of a stage in my life
• reminds me of my university days
• brings back happy memories
• remember feeling elated, overjoyed

August 29, 2018

IELTS Grammar: opinion + conditional

Try this useful technique for IELTS writing and speaking:

Give an opinion, then follow it with a conditional sentence.

Look at these examples:

1. In my opinion, governments should invest more money in public transport. If rail and bus services were more reliable, fewer people would need to drive.
2. Schools have an important role to play in children's health. If schools banned junk food, they would help to reduce the problem of childhood obesity.
3. In the future I think more people will do their shopping online. But if Internet shopping becomes more popular, many traditional shops will lose customers.

I've underlined the conditionals. Examples 1 and 2 are second conditionals, while 3 uses the first conditional.

Practice:
Prepare your own "opinion + conditional" ideas for different topics. Having a few of these ideas ready could help you in the writing and speaking tests.

August 27, 2018

IELTS Speaking Part 2: what is the 'real' topic?

Have another look at the part 2 task below.

Describe a photograph of you that you like. You should say

- where the photo was taken
- what you were doing when it was taken
- who took it
- and explain why you like the photo.

Now think about this:
What is the real topic of this task? Is it photography or photographs?

The answer is no. I think you'll probably talk about a holiday, a special event, or perhaps an activity or a hobby. One of these topics will be your real topic.

Tip: Don't let the word "photograph" dominate your thinking. If you do that, you'll start to worry that you don't know enough "photography" vocabulary. Instead, focus on the holiday, event or activity.

August 22, 2018

IELTS Vocabulary: from yesterday's lesson

Have a look at the following phrases from yesterday's lesson. There is some interesting vocabulary here, even if you're not doing the General IELTS test.

• the unacceptable state of
• the neglected and shabby state of
• carry out maintenance work
• in all that time
• paint is peeling off the walls
• floor tiles are cracked
• there is mould and mildew growing
• we are being treated like farm animals
• putting our health at risk
• the customer experience
• address the issue
• as a matter of urgency
• a full refurbishment
• consider some form of compensation
• tolerate a situation

August 20, 2018

IELTS Speaking: 'photos' topic

Here's a useful study technique for IELTS speaking: find questions on one topic for all three parts of the test. For example, let's take the 'photos' topic:

Part 1 questions

1. What type of photos do you like taking?
2. What do you do with photos you take?
3. When you visit other places, do you take photos or buy postcards?
4. Do you like people taking photos of you?

(I've answered the above questions here)

Part 2 task

Describe a photograph of you that you like. You should say

- where the photo was taken
- what you were doing when it was taken
- who took it
- and explain why you like the photo.

Part 3 discussion

1. Why do you think people like taking photos of themselves and others?
2. Do you think it's ever worth hiring a professional photographer?
3. What are the advantages of taking photos on a mobile phone instead of on a normal camera?

August 13, 2018

IELTS Speaking: phrases for giving your views

If you go back through my speaking lessons, you can probably make a useful list of phrases that introduce your views. Here are some 'opinion' phrases from recent lessons, and maybe you can search for more.

• I'm not one for... (meaning 'I don't really like...')
• I don't mind...
• Yes, I think it's important to...
• Personally, no. (answering a 'do you think' question)
• I suppose the main issues are...
• In the long term I think...
• I believe...
• I've never thought about that before.
• I don't see any reason why...
• I suppose it depends on...

August 08, 2018

IELTS Advice: where to find vocabulary

I noticed a common question in the 'comments' area below Friday's lesson:

Can you suggest some websites for vocabulary, idioms and phrasal verbs for IELTS?

Here's another comment (written by shokhrukh) that answers this question:

I often wonder why so many people look for vocabulary websites when they have one right under their noses: ielts-simon.com. If you went through all the lessons Simon has posted over the years and picked up all the great words and phrases along the way, I'm sure you'd be well on your way to getting band 7+ in IELTS.

Obviously I agree with shokhrukh. I believe this website contains all the IELTS vocabulary that you need!

August 07, 2018

IELTS Vocabulary: essay review

Here's a quick review of the 'band 7 to 9' vocabulary in the essay that I shared on Wednesday:

• shoulder a huge responsibility
• raising children
• by no means an easy task
• attend parenting courses
• take a parenthood preparation course
• prospective parents
• busy schedules
• may not be willing or able to
  
• this raises the question of
• to enforce the idea
• compulsory training
• what good parenting entails
• to suit everyone
• without formal help
• official interference
• the surrounding culture
• learn by instinct
• learn by trial and error
• try different strategies
• a badly-behaved child
• develop an understanding
• a taught course
• such a scheme
• unworkable and largely pointless

What connection do you see between the list of vocabulary above and the advice in yesterday's speaking lesson?

August 06, 2018

IELTS Speaking: less common and idiomatic

Last week (see lessons from Friday to Sunday) I gave you an overview of how examiners score IELTS speaking tests. I also said that I would explain the idea of 'less common' and 'idiomatic' vocabulary in more detail.

First some simple definitions:

• 'Idiomatic' is defined in most dictionaries in this way: using, containing, or denoting expressions that are natural to a native speaker.
• 'Less common' must therefore mean 'less commonly used by learners of English', not 'less commonly used by native speakers'.

In other words, 'less common' and 'idiomatic' basically mean the same thing: phrases that native speakers naturally use, but English learners don't often use.

This is why I tell people that examiners are not looking for 'big' or 'difficult' words. They are looking for phrases and collocations.

Click here to see a lesson in which I highlighted the kind of native-speaker phrases that an examiner might like to hear in a speaking test.

And remember: Understanding these phrases isn't the same as being able to use them yourself.

August 01, 2018

IELTS Speaking: scoring and part 3

Let's consider what an examiner might be thinking during part 3 of the speaking test.

Speaking Part 3

After part 2 of the speaking test, the examiner probably has a pretty good idea of the candidate's level. Part 3 is useful because it allows the examiner to probe a little deeper to make sure that he/she is right. For example, if the examiner is unsure about what score to give for grammar, he/she might choose a question that requires the candidate to compare the past with the present (i.e. using different tenses), or a question that requires the candidate to imagine something (perhaps using a conditional).

When I was an examiner, I used part 3 as an opportunity to push candidates a little harder. I tried to get them to open up, express themselves, and explain their opinions. In other words, I was giving them a final chance to impress me with some good English. This is what you should try to do.

Tip: Don't let your energy or effort level drop after part 2. Do your best to leave a good impression on the examiner. This technique will help you.

Note: I'll come back to yesterday's point about 'less common' and 'idiomatic' vocabulary in next Friday's lesson.

July 31, 2018

IELTS Speaking: scoring (continued)

Continuing from yesterday's lesson, here's my quick guide to how examiners judge candidates' performance in part 2 of the speaking test.

Speaking Part 2

Part 2 gives the examiner a chance to really listen to the candidate's English. When I was an examiner, I used to imagine that I had my eyes closed (of course I didn't actually close them) so that I could concentrate only on what I was hearing.

In this part of the test, the examiner can judge all aspects of performance. But above all, I believe that part 2 is the candidate's best chance to impress the examiner in one key area: vocabulary (lexical resource). In order to give a high score, the examiner needs to hear some 'less common' and 'idiomatic' vocabulary. In simple terms, this means that candidates need to use some phrases that a native speaker might use in a normal conversation.*

Tip: Part 2 is your best chance to impress the examiner with good language. But I don't mean 'complex grammar' and lots of fancy linking words. Focus on giving an interesting and detailed description that contains a range of relevant words and phrases.

*I'll say more about 'less common' and 'idiomatic' vocabulary next Friday.

July 30, 2018

IELTS Speaking: how examiners decide on scores

Here's a rough guide to how examiners decide what scores to give in the speaking test. At least, this is how I used to approach scoring when I was an examiner.

I'll look at part 1 of the speaking test today, and then I'll cover parts 2 and 3 over the weekend.

Speaking Part 1

Examiners are aware that part 1 questions are quite easy, and that candidates will only be able to give relatively short answers. Therefore, they are not expecting to hear any "super-impressive" language at this stage.

Instead, I believe that examiners are getting an overall impression of the candidate's ability in the following areas: pronunciation, avoiding mistakes in simple / easy sentences, answering without too much hesitation, speaking fluently without too much repetition.

Tip: Candidates perform better if they focus on answering fluently. Easy answers are fine; just make them as fluent and natural as possible.

July 25, 2018

IELTS Advice: why did my scores drop?

Students often ask me to explain why their scores have dropped. For example, one student got a band 7 in speaking last month, but his speaking score dropped to 6 this month. How is that possible?

You might think that the examiner has been too strict or has done something wrong, but this is probably not the case. The best explanation for fluctuating IELTS scores is performance on the day.

Some days you perform well: the topics in the exam seem to suit you, your brain seems to find good answers and remember good words or phrases, and you finish all parts of the test in the time allowed. Other days nothing seems to go right; you simply have a bad day.

Don't worry if your score fluctuates; this is completely normal. One day everything will go perfectly, and you'll get the scores you need!

Note: Your scores will also fluctuate if you keep changing the 'method' that you use.

July 24, 2018

IELTS Advice: are you using too many resources?

A student wrote to me the other day to ask about an IELTS book that she had bought. The book contained tips that were completely different from the tips that I give. The student felt confused and wanted to know which tips were right.

I see this problem all the time. Students use different books and websites that contain different tips and methods. The resulting confusion hinders* students instead of helping them.

Here's my solution to this problem: stop using so many different books and websites! Choose one website, or one book, or one teacher, and follow one consistent method. If you read contradictory advice in a different book, ignore it - it's just a different method.

*to hinder = to stop someone or something from making progress

July 23, 2018

IELTS Speaking Part 1: 'walking' topic

Remember to keep your part 1 answers short and 'to the point'. Here are my example answers for some questions about walking:

1. Do you like walking?

I'm not one for going on really long walks in the countryside, but I don't mind walking when I'm in a town or city, for example when I'm sightseeing in a new place.

2. Do you think walking is important?

Yes, I think it's important to be active, and walking is the most basic physical activity that we can do.

3. Do you think walking in the countryside is better than walking in the city?

Personally, no. As I said before, I like walking in the city, especially if it's somewhere with a lot of history like London or Paris.

4. What could be done to improve the experience of walking in cities?

I suppose the main issues are space and safety. Pavements need to be wide enough to accommodate lots of pedestrians, and we need safe places to cross the street.

July 17, 2018

IELTS Grammar: conclusion mistakes

The following sentences come from conclusions that people shared below this lesson. Can you improve them by correcting mistakes or by choosing more natural phrasing?

1. Organising a same parenting course for mothers and fathers with different family, culture and education background is impractical.
2. I do not see it as applicable to force parents to attend special courses.
3. That is a hard journey with fully challenges.
4. I disagree with the need for parents attending a mandatory parenting course.
5. I disagree with the view that parents should be made to undertake a parenting course instead these factors should rather be taken into consideration.

July 16, 2018

IELTS Speaking: a tip for each part

Here are three tips, one for each part of the speaking test.

Part 1: stop and smile
For part 1 of the speaking test, you need to get used to giving short answers. Many students find it difficult to stop speaking, and the examiner is forced to interrupt. My tip is to give your answer then stop and smile, showing the examiner that you are ready for the next question.

Part 2: tell a story
In the context of speaking part 2, a story is simply a long example to illustrate a point that you have made. If you’re describing a person, for example, you could tell a story to illustrate why you like him/her. People find it easy to keep speaking for longer when they have a story to tell.

Part 3: include an ‘if...’ sentence
Look at technique number 2 in this lesson. The 'alternatives' technique helps you to say more, and it also encourages you to add a conditional 'if...' sentence, which might help your grammar score.

July 10, 2018

IELTS Advice: there's no best method, but...

People often argue that "there's no best method" with regard to learning a language, or perhaps with regard to IELTS preparation.

While I agree with the "no best method" idea to a large extent, I believe that we should add to this statement:

"There's no best method, but you still need to choose a method."

And perhaps we could add a bit more:

• Don't keep changing methods. Find one that works and stick to it.
• Trust the method of an 'expert' e.g. your teacher or someone who has already been successful.
• There may be several good methods, but bad methods also exist. Choose a good method and avoid the bad ones!

July 09, 2018

IELTS Speaking: advice about grammar and vocabulary

It's difficult to think about grammar when you're trying to speak. I think it's much easier to improve your vocabulary score than your grammar score.

Remember:

• Grammar is only 25% of your speaking score.
• If you are thinking too much about grammar, you will lose fluency.
• If you try to use memorised grammatical structures, your speech will not sound 'natural'.
• You will not avoid small grammar mistakes unless you have lived in an English speaking country for many years.

I've taught many students who have achieved a score of 7 or higher, and they all made small grammar mistakes. They got their high scores because we focused on vocabulary, ideas, opinions and fluency.

Have a look through my speaking lessons, and you'll notice that the focus is usually on vocabulary.

July 04, 2018

IELTS Vocabulary: from the 'money' topic

Here are some good phrases from the answers in Friday's speaking lesson:

• in the long term
• save for retirement
• have a certain amount of money saved
• deal with unexpected problems
• in the less distant future
• put some money aside (= save some money)
• to come in useful
• be in the red / go into the red (be / become overdrawn)
• there's no need for
• I remember being given money
• I don't see any reason why
• or vice versa
• summon the willpower

Note:
The phrase 'in the red' means overdrawn (i.e. your bank account is showing negative numbers). Do you know what the opposite of 'in the red' is? Click here to find out.

July 03, 2018

IELTS Grammar: 'onto' or 'on to'?

In Thursday's lesson I wrote this: "Traffic will be diverted on to a dual carriageway".

But why didn't I write 'onto' as one word? Do you know when to write the single word 'onto' and when to write 'on to' as two separate words?

Here's the answer:

• When the meaning is 'to a position on the surface of', we can use the single word 'onto' e.g. The child climbed onto the chair.
• But if the meaning is 'onwards' or 'towards', we should use the two words 'on to'. In my example ("on to a dual carriageway"), the meaning was 'towards', not 'to a position on the surface of'.

July 02, 2018

IELTS Speaking Part 3: 'money' answers

Here are my (band 9) sample answers to the 'money' questions that I shared a few weeks ago.

1. Why is it important for people to save some of their money?

In the long term I think it's important to save for retirement, but it's also a good idea to have a certain amount of money saved so that you can deal with unexpected problems in the less distant future. For example, I've learnt to put some money aside for car repairs, and this came in useful recently when I needed to have my car's brake pads changed. If I hadn't had savings, the cost of getting my car repaired could have sent me into the red.

2. In your view, should children be taught how to manage money?

Not at school, no. I believe it's the job of parents to gradually teach children that kind of thing, or perhaps there's no need for anyone to teach children about money because they learn about it naturally as they grow up. For example, I remember being given money to buy sweets or an ice cream when I was a child, and I soon learnt what I could afford and what I couldn't.

3. Do you think that girls are better at saving money than boys?

I've never thought about that before. I don't see any reason why girls would be better savers than boys or vice versa. I suppose it depends more on the personality of each individual and what their interests are. For example, a child who likes cheap toys might not think about saving, whereas a child who wants to buy something expensive, like a bike or a games console, might summon the willpower to save up!

June 27, 2018

IELTS Advice: 'difficult' words and how to learn vocabulary

Note: I'm re-posting this lesson because people keep asking me about 'difficult' words.

Here's a useful question from a student who asked about "difficult" words and how to learn new vocabulary:

Hi Simon. Reading your blog and studying your ebook, I’ve noticed your English is perfect, but you don’t use difficult words. Also, regarding the process of learning new words, some teachers say that we should write them on cards and write the adjective, noun, verb associated with the new word. Do you think this is a good idea?

Here's my answer:

I don't believe in the idea of a "difficult word" - any individual word can be learnt easily. What is difficult is using words together in phrases. So, I tell my students not to write down individual words, but to investigate how words work in real contexts. Instead of writing single words on cards, I'd write phrases or even sentences in a notebook. It's definitely a good idea to look for associated nouns, verbs and adjectives, but always try to find examples of how those words are used (just search for them on the Internet). Remember: it's easy to understand a word, but it's not so easy to use it in a range of full sentence contexts.

June 26, 2018

IELTS Advice: model essays

Model essays can be extremely useful because they show you what you are aiming for, and they contain good vocabulary and correct grammar. However, the model essays in some IELTS books seem to confuse students because they are written in too many different ways (so the 'method' isn't clear).

Although there is no 'right way' to write an essay, I think that you should find one way and stick with it. If you read a model essay that is written in a different way, don't worry! Use the essay for ideas and vocabulary, but don't change your method. Maybe you could even rewrite the model essay using your method.

June 25, 2018

IELTS Speaking: pronunciation

In the IELTS speaking test, 25% of your score is for pronunciation. Many students confuse 'pronunciation' with 'accent'. These are not the same thing!

Nobody expects you to speak with a perfect British English accent. In fact, the examiner will not judge your accent at all.

Your pronunciation score is based on these things:

• clarity (speaking clearly)
• speed (not too fast, not too slow)
• word stress
• sentence stress
• intonation (the rise and fall of your voice)

It's not easy to improve these things quickly or through deliberate practice. Good pronunciation is usually the result of lots of listening and copying. My tip is: stop worrying about your accent, and focus on speaking clearly.

June 20, 2018

IELTS Vocabulary: if you use an idiom...

Look at these two phrases from yesterday's lesson. Are they correct?

• save something for the rainy day
• save something for rainy days

The answer is no. Both phrases contain a mistake.
The correct form is this: save (something) for a rainy day

If you use an idiom, you need to get it exactly right. Even a small mistake in an idiomatic expression makes it sound strange and completely wrong.

June 19, 2018

IELTS Grammar: correct the mistakes

Here are some sentences that people wrote below yesterday's lesson. Can you correct the mistakes or change the sentences to improve them?

1. By giving some pocket money to a kid for a fixed period of time can help with planning and being responsible for the choices.
2. Personally, Everyone should set money aside just because it will help them to achieve their long-term goals.
3. I have always reminded by my parents to save something for the rainy day.
4. One should manage financial well so as to get the things they want.
5. It is also said that save something for rainy days.

June 18, 2018

IELTS Speaking Part 3: money topic

Here are some part 3 questions that could follow on from the part 2 topic that we saw in a lesson two weeks ago:

1. Why is it important for people to save some of their money?
2. In your view, should children be taught how to manage money?
3. Do you think that girls are better at saving money than boys?

Try to answer with a minimum of three sentences: answer, explain, example.

June 13, 2018

IELTS Grammar: passives with 'will be' and 'being'

Here are some more examples of the construction in yesterday's lesson:

There is a danger that this will be misunderstood. =
There is a danger of this being misunderstood.

Employers should assess the risk that staff will be affected by stress. =
Employers should assess the risk of staff being affected by stress.

What is the likelihood that the project will be completed by Friday? =
What is the likelihood of the project being completed by Friday?

June 12, 2018

IELTS Grammar: passive with 'being'

A student asked me about the use of 'being' in the following sentence.

"There is a danger of nuclear weapons being obtained by terrorists."

Here's my (updated) explanation:

• First, imagine that the simplest version of this sentence is this: "There is a danger of x" (in which x is a noun).
• Now we can consider "nuclear weapons being obtained by terrorists" as a big noun phrase.
• The "being obtained" part of this phrase can be called a passive gerund. It is not a verb or verb phrase, so the word "are" (are being) is not missing and cannot be added.

Note: When we use the phrase "there is a danger of...", there is a future implication. So, "there is a danger of x" means "there is a danger that x will happen".

Therefore, our sentence really means this:
- There is a danger that nuclear weapons will be obtained by terrorists" OR
- There is a danger that terrorists will obtain nuclear weapons.

Thanks to Morteza and Oleg for pushing me towards a better explanation!

June 11, 2018

IELTS Speaking Part 2: ideas for last week's topic

Last Friday I asked you to think about the topic below.

Describe a time when you saved up some money to buy something special.

Here are some ideas from one of my video lessons (speaking lesson 5 on this webpage). In the lesson I describe a 'smartwatch' and suggest the following vocabulary 'themes':

Electronic watch 'features' theme

• smartwatch
• synchronise with phone / computer
• contacts, photos, emails
• store music
• receive notifications
• search the web
• it responds to voice commands
• make ‘contactless’ purchases
• track exercise goals
• fashion accessory

Electronic watch 'useful' theme

• various features and functions
• organise my life
• work, appointments, social life
• check calendar at a glance
• set reminders and notifications
• practical, functional, convenient
• the ultimate in portable devices
• instant access to…
• couldn’t live without it

I'm sure you could use some of this vocabulary to describe "something special that you saved money to buy".

June 06, 2018

IELTS Grammar: I'm agree or I agree?

In the comments below a recent lesson, I noticed that several people had written "I'm agree with you". This is incorrect.

You can't say "I'm agree" in English. You must say "I agree".

I think this mistake is caused by people translating from their own languages. For example, I know that in French and Spanish, the verb 'be' is used when people want to say that they agree, so it looks something like "I am agree" or "I am agreed". It's not the same in English.

In English, we simply use 'agree' as a normal verb: I agree, I prefer, I like...

May 29, 2018

IELTS Vocabulary: when do we use 'soar' and 'plummet'?

In Thursday's lesson I told you not to use words like soar, rocket, shoot up, creep up, dive and plummet in IELTS writing task 1.

But what's wrong with those words?

The problem with those words is that they are too figurative for writing task 1. Think about the normal use of these verbs (e.g. the bird soared into the air, the climber plummeted to his death). If you use these words to describe figures on a graph, it seems too sensational or exaggerated. This is why I prefer to stick with increase, decrease, rise and fall.

So can we ever use these words to describe figures?

If you're writing for a newspaper, yes you can! You'll often see phrases like this in newspapers: house prices soared, share prices plummeted, the price of petrol crept up. Newspapers and magazines love idiomatic and descriptive language, but this style does not suit academic graph descriptions.

May 28, 2018

IELTS Speaking Part 2: 'saving money' topic

Here's a recent exam topic that a few people told me about:

Describe a time when you saved up some money to buy something special.
You should say

- what you wanted to buy
- why you wanted it
- how you saved your money
- and explain how you felt when you finally bought the item.

I've written several lessons about the 'describe an object' topic, here, here and here for example. Maybe you could take some of my ideas and adapt them to the task above.

May 23, 2018

IELTS Advice: why I teach using a blog

Someone asked me this question the other day: Why do you use a blog to teach IELTS?

Here's my answer:

The advantage of a blog is that it can keep going and going (unlike a book or a course). Over the years, this blog has evolved as I've learnt more about students' problems, and as I've gradually refined my IELTS preparation methods.

The disadvantage of the blog is that the lessons aren't in a particular order, so there isn't a starting point or a step-by-step progression. However, I find this lack of structure interesting. I don't think we always need to study in a perfectly organised way. Perhaps the act of searching through the lessons and reading them in your own unique order makes the study process more engaging and creative.

May 22, 2018

IELTS Advice: from a student who passed

I'd like to share a comment that a student called Sana wrote below yesterday's lesson here on the blog:

..........

Dear Simon,

I just checked my IELTS result now and found out that finally I got the results I always wanted.

I got 7.5 for reading this time and 8 and 7.5 for the rest. And without your clear guidelines and methods I could never achieve this!

Thank you so much!

..........

If you're struggling with the IELTS test and you feel frustrated, I hope Sana's success inspires you to keep going. If you work hard and use this blog well, I'm confident that you'll pass in the end.

May 21, 2018

IELTS Speaking: how to prepare

Here's a quick summary of my advice for IELTS speaking preparation.

Part 1

Make yourself a list of part 1 questions. Practise going through the full list, giving a simple one-sentence answer for each question. Record yourself and listen to your answers. Aim to answer without hesitation to demonstrate fluency. If you repeat this process every day, you should see improvements.

Part 2

Prepare sample answers in written form for the six main topic areas. Ask a teacher or native English speaker to help you to improve your descriptions, by correcting mistakes and adding better vocabulary ideas. Practise those six descriptions until you can 'perform' them without needing to read your notes. Record yourself, analyse your performance and keep practising and perfecting until you have really mastered the six topics. Then move on to other less common topics and try to do the same.

Part 3

Make yourself a list of part 3 questions. Practise going through the list, giving 3-step answers. Force yourself to give a direct answer, explanation and example every time. When this way of answering starts to feel easy and natural, because you've created a habit, you can experiment with 4-step answers. Record yourself, analyse your answers and repeat the process. Don't move on to any new questions until you feel that you've 'mastered' your original list.

May 16, 2018

IELTS Vocabulary: from speaking part 2

Here's a list of the good phrases from Friday's speaking lesson. See if you can use them in your own description of a maths lesson.

• multiplication tables
• times tables (informal)
• the penultimate year
• as far as I remember
• we gradually worked our way through
• learnt the answers by heart
• learn by rote
• keen to get good marks
• ingrained into my mind
• do quick calculations without having to think
• the answer just popped into my head
• another instance that I can think of
• bill payments, earnings and savings over a 12-month period
• teachers were so insistent about

May 15, 2018

IELTS Vocabulary: from this week's essay

Here's a list of the good 'topic vocabulary' from Wednesday's essay:

• in the modern workplace
• dress codes
• should be seen as irrelevant
• in many work contexts
• certain professions
• technology giants like Google and Facebook
• create relaxed office environments
• encouraged to dress casually
• are rarely seen wearing anything other than...
• produce work of outstanding quality
• global dominance
• in the technology sector
• a practical or safety function
• identify the person's position or role in society
• to portray an image of
• authority, trustworthiness and diligence
• smart, formal attire
• not applicable to all occupations
• sectors of the economy

May 14, 2018

IELTS Speaking Part 2: 'maths lesson' answer

Here's the task that I showed you last week:

Describe something important that you learned in a maths lesson at primary school.

And here's my sample answer:

• I’m going to talk about learning the multiplication tables for the numbers 1 to 12, which I remember doing in the penultimate year of primary school, when I was maybe 9 years old. As children, we called these the ‘times tables’.
• As far as I remember, we started with the number 2, and we learnt to multiply this number by each of the numbers from 1 to 12. Our teacher taught us to go through the tables speaking aloud; for example: 1 times 2 is 2, 2 times 2 is 4, 3 times 2 is 6 etc. We gradually worked our way through the tables for all of the numbers, and we learnt the answers by heart. I think the teacher also gave us regular tests to make sure that we had learnt the tables properly.
• I’m not sure whether I really understood at the time why it was important to learn the ‘times tables’ by rote. But I think I enjoyed the challenge, and I was keen to get good marks in our tests. I also liked my teacher and wanted to do well for her.
• Many years later I realise how important it is to have the basic multiplication tables ingrained in my mind. It’s useful to be able to do quick calculations without having to think. Recently, for example, I needed to multiply 6 by 7 for some reason - I can’t even remember why - and the answer 42 just popped into my head. Another instance that I can think of is when I’m calculating bill payments, earnings and savings over a 12-month period, and I find myself using the ‘12 times table’. In these situations, I’m glad that my primary school teachers were so insistent about learning to multiply by heart.

Note:
I didn't have the full question, so I decided to tell a story in my own way. Did you learn any useful words or phrases from my description?

May 09, 2018

IELTS Advice: more about clear thinking

With yesterday's advice in mind, let's look at some reasons why students don't write clear, coherent essays:

1. They don't have a mental picture of what they are aiming to produce.
2. They don't take the time to think about the question before they start writing.
3. They don't spend enough time planning. A few ideas are not enough; a good essay plan should be detailed and organised. Do some "clear thinking" before you start writing!
4. They are thinking about the big words, complex grammar and memorised phrases that they hope to use in the essay, instead of thinking about how to answer the question. You can't think clearly about the question if your brain is focused on these other things.
5. They are thinking clearly in their own languages, but they are not able to translate these ideas into 'natural' English.

Can you see how important 'clear thinking' is? Everything that you write is a manifestation of the thoughts in your head. In other words, your writing demonstrates exactly how clear your thinking is.

May 08, 2018

IELTS Advice: clear thinking = clear writing

On Tuesday I used part of a very interesting speech by a university professor. I could sum up his message in this way:

There's no difference between thinking and writing. We should teach people to write well so that they learn to think well.

Of course, the opposite must also be true: If you want to write clearly and coherently, you need to think clearly and coherently.

Ask yourself this: When I'm writing an IELTS essay, does my thinking feel clear, coherent and organised? Or do I feel confused and disorganised?

May 07, 2018

IELTS Speaking Part 2: 'maths lesson' topic

A student wrote to me this week to tell me that he was given the following part 2 task in his IELTS speaking test:

Describe something important that you learned in a maths lesson at primary school.

The student who wrote to me found this task difficult. What do you think? Has anyone else had this task in a recent exam?

May 02, 2018

IELTS Advice: memorised 'show-off' phrases

On Wednesday I wrote a lesson about irrelevant information. Here's a writing tip that I gave in the comments area below the lesson:

Look at the phrases you use, and ask yourself this:

Am I writing this phrase because it really expresses my ideas in response to the question, or am I just writing this phrase because I memorised it and because I want to 'show it off'?

I believe you'll get a better score if you stop memorising 'show-off' phrases. Instead, work on building your knowledge of 'topic vocabulary', and focus on answering the question with relevant ideas.

May 01, 2018

IELTS Grammar / Vocabulary: correct or improve

The following sentences (and parts of sentences) come from the 'comments' area below Thursday's lesson. Can you correct the mistake(s) in each one?

1. The number of participants at hospital emergency care departments...
   
2. People in the age of 75 and over were the most visitors’ emergency care.
3. In overall, there was an increase in the proportion of patients.
4. ...proportion of patients who went for a visit in the ER department...
5. The infants and elderlies suffered delicately illness than the other groups.
6. Obviously, a period of one year from December 2016 until December 2017 is observed upward trend in the need for hospital service.

April 30, 2018

IELTS Speaking Part 3: conditional questions

There's only one conditional question among the part 3 discussion topics in Cambridge IELTS book 12:

What would life be like if people didn't have to work?

This question is asking you to imagine a different reality. Some teachers call this type of sentence a 'second conditional' (if + past simple + would + infinitive).

Can you answer the question with at least one correct conditional sentence?

April 25, 2018

IELTS Advice: 'tighten up' your writing

I often use the phrasal verb 'tighten up' when I'm talking about improving essays. Here's what I mean when I use this verb:

- Make your writing clear, concise and succinct
- Remove anything that is irrelevant or vague
- Avoid unnecessary repetition
- Check that each sentence follows on logically from the sentence before it
- Make sure that your sentences move your paragraphs forward

Think about the job of an editor (for a newspaper, magazine or book publisher). Editors check other people's writing and "tighten it up" so that it's easier to read. This is what you should try to do with your own writing.

April 24, 2018

IELTS Grammar: lowest, least, minimum

Look at this sentence from Thursday's lesson:

"The lowest number of attendances was recorded in the 5 to 15 age group."

Can you explain why we can't use "least" or "minimum" instead of "lowest" in this sentence? Note: there's a different problem with each of these two words.

April 23, 2018

IELTS Speaking Part 2: 'art' topic

We looked at some part 1 questions about 'art' in last Friday's lesson, so let's look at the same topic in part 2 of the speaking test.

Describe a piece of art (a painting, drawing, sculpture or decorative object) that you like. You should say

- what the piece of art is
- where and when you saw it
- what it looks like or what it shows
- and explain why you like this piece of art.

Tip:
Maybe you're worried that you don't like art or you don't have any ideas for this topic. But the task doesn't tell you to describe a famous piece of art. It would be fine to describe a picture that you drew yourself, or perhaps something that a child (a family member) drew at school.

April 18, 2018

IELTS Advice: opposite answers

Have another look at the negative answers that I gave in Friday's lesson. What would the opposite (positive) answers be? For example:

Question
Did you enjoy doing art lessons when you were a child?

Negative answer
No I didn't. I was never very good at drawing or painting, and I found art lessons quite slow and boring. I preferred language and science lessons.

Opposite answer (positive)
Yes I did. I was always quite good at drawing and painting, and I found art lessons enjoyable and fascinating. Art was one of my favourite subjects.

Practice tip:
Look through some more sample answers, and see if you can give the opposite answer or express the opposite opinion. The ability to see both sides could be really useful in the speaking and writing tests.

April 16, 2018

IELTS Speaking Part 1: 'art' topic, negative answers

Have a look at my answers to the four questions below. My aim was to demonstrate that it's fine to give negative answers in part 1 of the speaking test.

1. Did you enjoy doing art lessons when you were a child?

No I didn't. I was never very good at drawing or painting, and I found art lessons quite slow and boring. I preferred language and science lessons.

2. Do you ever draw or paint pictures now?

No, I don't draw or paint these days, because there's never any need for me to create art at work, and I still don't enjoy art as a hobby.

3. When was the last time you went to an art gallery or exhibition?

I honestly can't remember the last time I went to any kind of art exhibition; I'm not much of an art fan, and I tend to go to music concerts, the cinema or the theatre instead of art shows.

4. What kind of pictures do you like having in your home?

I don't have any paintings or artistic images in my home, but I do have photos of family members and some nice photos of landscapes on the walls to brighten the place up.

April 11, 2018

IELTS Advice: 10 study tips

I first published the following video in 2014, but as the first tip in the video is "you need a method" (the same tip that I gave in yesterday's lesson), I thought it would be a good time to repost it.

These are still my top ten study tips, four years after I recorded them:
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And here's an audio recording in case you can't see the video:

Click here to listen

April 10, 2018

IELTS Advice: the first thing that I say

When people ask me for general advice about how to improve their IELTS scores, the first thing that I say to them is: you need a method for everything.

Do you have a method or a way of approaching every part of the test? If you don't have a method, you're not as well prepared as you could be.

April 09, 2018

IELTS Speaking Part 1: 'art' topic

How would you answer the following questions, which come from Cambridge IELTS book 12 (test 8)?

1. Did you enjoy doing art lessons when you were a child?

2. Do you ever draw or paint pictures now?

3. When was the last time you went to an art gallery or exhibition?

4. What kind of pictures do you like having in your home?

Remember: One sentence is enough. Just give a direct answer and a reason.

April 04, 2018

IELTS Vocabulary: collocations and phrases

There were some really good collocations and phrases in the letter that I wrote last Sunday. Note them down, even if you're not doing the General Training test.

• recommend someone for something
• work closely with someone
• provide a reference
• highly qualified
• have significant (sales, teaching, management) experience
• to be given a post / job / position
• demonstrate skills
• exceptional skills
• organisation skills
• team building skills
• describe someone as (dedicated, hard-working, enthusiastic)
• professionalism in (e.g. in the classroom, in her job, in the workplace)
• commitment to something
• the perfect candidate ('ideal candidate' is another common collocation)
• If you have any further questions
• do not hesitate to contact me

April 03, 2018

IELTS Advice: 3 hours!

A student called Wanda left a really good piece of advice in the comments area below Wednesday's lesson. I think it's worth repeating the advice so that more people read it.

Here's what Wanda wrote:

"The IELTS exam takes three hours, so to my mind you should be used to spending at least this long thinking in English every day. Anything less, and your mind will be exhausted with the effort on exam day."

So, ask yourself this question: Are you regularly using English or thinking in English for three hours each day?

April 02, 2018

IELTS Speaking Part 3: "For example..."

In part 3 of the speaking test, you should try to give longer, more detailed answers. A great way to do this is by giving an example.

However, I've noticed that students often forget to give an example, even when I've just told them to answer using the three steps: 1) direct answer 2) explain 3) give an example.

Here's the solution to this problem: when answering in part 3, force yourself to say the words "for example". When I force my students to say these words, they always manage to find an example, and the result is that they always give better answers. Try it: just force yourself to say the words "for example", and see what happens.

March 27, 2018

IELTS Advice: expose your weaknesses

In last Sunday's lesson I suggested that you identify and work on your weaknesses. It's not always easy to identify your own weaknesses, so here are three tips to help you to expose them:

1. Break each part of the test into smaller tasks. For example, you could spend time working on multiple choice questions in the reading test, idea generation for speaking part 2 (see yesterday's lesson), trend descriptions for writing task 1, or main body paragraphs for writing task 2. If you practise "small pieces" of the test, it's likely that you'll discover which "pieces" are problematic.
2. Put yourself under pressure. Some people only discover their weaknesses on the day of their real IELTS tests. A good way to create this kind of pressure at home is to give yourself less time than normal. For example, you could try to write a task 2 essay in just 30 minutes, finish a reading test in 50 minutes, or do a full listening test with no breaks (i.e. fast forward the recording every time there is a break). Going too quickly will expose your weak points, and then you can go back and analyse them.
3. Ask a teacher. If nothing else seems to work, you'll need to get some feedback from a teacher. Ask your teacher to identify the main weaknesses that are stopping you from getting a higher score.

Note: Be careful with point 2 above. It's fine to test yourself or "go too quickly" occasionally, as a way to expose weaknesses, but you should spend most of your time preparing slowly and carefully.

March 26, 2018

IELTS Speaking Part 2: 'ideas' practice

In this lesson I suggested that you spend some time thinking of ideas for writing task 2. You could follow the same advice for speaking part 2: take a list of questions, and spend some time brainstorming ideas for each one.

For example, here's a short list of speaking part 2 tasks:

• Describe a happy childhood memory.
• Describe a present that you received as a child.
• Describe a food that you enjoyed eating when you were a child.
• Describe a favourite toy that you had when you were a child.
• Describe a game that you enjoyed playing as a child.

Notice that all five questions are about the topic of "childhood" - it might help to focus on one main topic area. Don't worry about giving full answers for now; just spend some time noting down your ideas and memories.

March 21, 2018

IELTS Advice: work on your weaknesses

It's often the case that just one particular weakness is stopping people from getting a higher score. For example, the student that I wrote about yesterday had a problem with idea generation. His English was very good, but he struggled to think of good ideas, especially when under pressure.

I told him to stop writing essays and to spend time working only on his weakness (as described yesterday). In other words, we identified a weakness, we isolated it, and then we came up with a simple action plan to tackle it. Perhaps you can do the same.

March 20, 2018

IELTS Advice: practise generating ideas

I got chatting to a student in a café the other day, and he told me that his big problem was not being able to think of good ideas for writing task 2.

When I asked the student about how he practised for this part of the test, it became clear that he wasn't working on his weakness. He wasn't practising idea generation.

So here's a summary of the advice that I gave the student:

• First, watch my video lesson about planning ideas.
• Then print a big list of questions, like this one.
• The next time you're sitting in a café, take your list out and try brainstorming ideas for two or three of the questions.
• Don't write an essay or even any sentences. Just note down ideas on a piece of paper.
• If you can't think of good ideas in English, try thinking in your own language. Don't translate the ideas into English at this stage. Your only aim is to turn on the creative part of your brain!
• Start with your real opinion. Ask yourself what you really think about the topic; if you were debating the topic with a friend, what would you say?
• Start with examples. If the topic is 'unhealthy food', think about McDonald's or Coca Cola. If the topic is 'work', think about doctors, teachers, computer programmers etc.

Imagine spending 15 minutes each day just thinking of ideas, questioning your own opinions, and making notes on a wide range of IELTS topics. With practice, I'm sure you can turn a weakness into a strength!

March 19, 2018

IELTS Speaking: read, record, compare

Try this exercise:

First, take one of my sample answers for any speaking question (part 1, 2 or 3). For example, you could use the first answer in last Friday's lesson. Read my answer a few times and try to remember it.

Next, hide my sample answer and try to answer the question yourself, using as much of my answer as you can remember. Record yourself giving the answer.

Finally, listen to the recording and compare your answer with my original answer. Did you make any mistakes or miss anything? If you have time, transcribe the recording so that you can analyse your answer more closely.

March 13, 2018

IELTS Advice: simple and difficult

Many students are concerned that the language they use might be too 'simple', so they try to find more 'difficult' words or phrases.

In my opinion, words and phrases are never 'difficult' in the way that a subject like mathematics can be difficult. Anyone can understand and learn a word or phrase. What is difficult about learning a language is building a large repertoire of words and phrases that you can use flexibly to express a wide variety of ideas.

Examiners don't really think in terms of 'simple' and 'difficult'. They look for:

• range and variety of vocabulary
• detailed explanation of relevant ideas
• ability to put groups of words together correctly (e.g. collocation)
• accurate use of small words (e.g. articles) as well as big words

March 12, 2018

IELTS Speaking Part 3: common question types

Here are 3 common question types that the examiner could ask you:

1. Compare and contrast
2. Give an opinion
3. Imagine

For example, if the topic is 'cities', the examiner might ask:

1. How is life different in cities compared to rural areas? (compare)
2. How do you think life in big cities could be made easier? (opinion)
3. What do you think cities will be like in 50 years time? (imagine)

In my answers below I've underlined a few 'markers' that show comparisons, opinions and future predictions.

1. Firstly, the cost of living in cities is much higher. Housing is much more expensive in cities compared to rural areas; everything costs more. I think life in cities is more difficult. There are more people, so there's more competition for jobs. Life is a lot slower in rural areas, everyone knows each other and there's a sense of community. I don't think rural areas experience the social problems that you find in cities, like crime and homelessness.
2. In my opinion cities need to be well-planned. Good public transport can definitely make life easier because there are so many people and it can be really stressful just to move around. Public areas like parks are also important because people need space to relax, and I think cities should be made into healthier places to live and work.
3. I imagine cities will be less polluted because we'll have electric cars and better public transport. More people might work from home so maybe cities won't be so busy. But I think there will probably still be problems because more and more people are migrating to cities. So I'm not so optimistic about issues like crime, homelessness and unemployment.

March 07, 2018

IELTS Advice: intelligent comments

Yesterday I mentioned that people are writing some really intelligent comments below lessons here on the blog. Today I'd like to share a comment written by Kali. I think this is a great example of 'deep work'.

Kali took five of my task 2 essays and shared the following analysis:

• Each essay averaged 13 sentences, the longest 32 words, the shortest 10 words.
• One in three sentences was complex in the sense that it contained a subordinate, noun, or relative clause.
• On average ONE of the following: "Though/although", "because", "whereas", "while", "whilst",or "if" occurred ONCE per essay.
• "In conclusion" ONCE per essay.
• "Also" almost ONCE per essay.
• Either "On the other hand" or "however" ONCE per essay.
• "This" (as a cohesion device) in two out of five essays.
• "but" occurred on average once or twice per essay.
• "or" comes up about twice per essay.
• "and" seven times per essay on average.

Here's Kali's summary of the above analysis:

In my view, what this demonstrates is that Simon's writing is both normal, and that its simplicity is deceptive. There is comparatively little reliance on connective adverbs, such as "moreover" or "consequently", at the start of sentences. Although some sentences are technically and grammatically more complex, the complexity passes unnoticed to the average reader.

If you find this kind of analysis useful, read the third comment below this lesson (written by csaj). This is a great example of how Google Books and Ngrams can help us.

March 06, 2018

IELTS Advice: using Google Books and Ngrams

Over the last few months I've noticed that people have been writing some really intelligent comments below lessons here on the blog.

In particular, many people are searching 'Google Books' and using the 'Google Ngram Viewer' to check collocations and phrases.

Some of you may be wondering what I'm talking about, so let's discuss the two tools in the comments area below this lesson. How can we search Google Books and use the Ngram Viewer to "investigate" the English language?

March 05, 2018

IELTS Speaking Part 2: useful vocabulary

Here's a list of useful vocabulary from last week's 'journey' description.

First, some collocations:

• took a journey, made a journey
• a bad journey
• a peaceful trip, a quieter trip
• a half-empty train
• a prepaid ticket
• an available seat
• loud voices
• the station concourse
• football fans
• a big match
• find a seat
• noisy fans, excited fans, friendly fans, good-natured fans
• a comfortable seat

And some nice phrases for stories:

• I'll never forget this particular time
• something happened that I wasn't expecting
• It was a (Sunday) morning
• I was due in (London)
• But my first surprise came when...
• I was still wondering about this when...
• Suddenly I realised what was happening
• Luckily I managed to
• In the end, I just...
• All in all, it wasn't (a bad journey)
• I would have preferred
• Even so, (I made sure that...)

Try using some of the phrases above when telling your own stories.

February 28, 2018

IELTS Vocabulary: weekly review

There were plenty of good phrases and collocations in this week's lessons. Here are just some of them:

From the reading lesson:

• internationally known
• a teaching philosophy
• create an environment
• to foster good moral character
• pick up their native language
• acquire their native language
• become proficient
• raise generations of children

From the writing task 2 lesson:

• a positive trait or attitude
• in the realm of education
• diligently follow instructions
• achieve good grades
• take their first steps
• the path to a successful career
• in an employment setting
• the most motivated, industrious and committed individuals
• rise to the top
• experts in their fields
• an unhealthy obsession with
• outcompeting others
• neglect family and relationships
• stressed and irritable
• a positive trait

Task: Can you list the good phrases and collocations from Friday's speaking lesson?

February 27, 2018

IELTS Advice: 'deep work'

Did you quickly scan through this week's lessons here on the blog, or did you spend the time to do some 'deep work'? For example: Did you write all of the useful vocabulary in a notebook? Did you analyse my task 1 and task 2 paragraphs carefully, looking at organisation, coherence, grammar and word choice?

If you read through my lessons quickly, I'm sure you'll pick up some useful tips. But if you go deeper, you'll learn a lot more!

PS. There's an interesting book called 'Deep Work'. You can read about it here.

February 26, 2018

IELTS Speaking Part 2: public transport anecdote

Describe a time you travelled by public transport. You should say

- what type of public transport you used
- where you travelled from and to
- what you did during the journey
- and explain how you felt about travelling in this way

I've tried to give my answer (below) in the form of an 'anecdote':

I’m going to describe a train journey that I took last year between Manchester and London. I’ve made the same journey many times, but I’ll never forget this particular time because something happened that I wasn’t expecting.

It was a Sunday morning and I was due in London that afternoon. There was no traffic at all as I drove in to Manchester, and I was expecting a nice, peaceful trip on a half-empty train. But my first surprise came when I tried to print my prepaid ticket at one of the ticket machines: there wasn’t a reserved seat number on my ticket, which meant that I would have to find an available seat. I was still wondering about this when I heard loud voices and singing coming from the main station concourse. Suddenly I realised what was happening - I was going to be on a train full of football fans travelling to a big match!

Luckily I managed to find a seat before the train filled up. However, the noisy fans made sure that I couldn’t concentrate on any work; I couldn’t even read the newspaper without being interrupted by laughter, singing and football stories. In the end, I just sat and relaxed with a cup of coffee, watching and listening to the excited fans.

All in all, it wasn’t a bad journey; I love travelling by train and at least I had a comfortable seat so that I could sit back and relax for a couple of hours. I would have preferred a quieter trip, but the football fans were all friendly and good-natured, so I can’t really complain. Even so, I made sure that I avoided them on the way home later that day!

February 21, 2018

IELTS Advice: become a collocations collector!

Native speakers instinctively know which words work well together. In our native languages, we don't usually need to think about grammar because we have a vast store of 'correct' collocations and phrases in our heads; some people refer to these as 'chunks' of language. It's incredible how quickly our brains are able to retrieve these 'chunks' and piece them together to form sentences and express ideas.

Unfortunately most of us don't use our brains in this way when we're learning a second language. We learn grammar rules and individual words, and we fall into the trap of translating from our native languages. As a result, we often make the wrong word choices and produce 'unnatural collocations'.

Part of the solution to this problem, in my view, is to become a collocations collector! Collect groups of words that native speakers actually use (see yesterday's lesson for some examples). Write them in a notebook, reread them regularly, and try to use them when you're speaking or writing,

Note: How many collocations can you find in the paragraphs above?

February 20, 2018

IELTS Vocabulary: collocations

Did you notice the following collocations (words that often go together) in Wednesday's lesson?

• main factors
• key factor
• work hard
• study hard
• hard work
• goal-oriented
• parental pressure
• graduate successfully
• escape poverty
• a new life
• truly enjoy

A student called DaNang even made a collocations exercise in the comments area below Wednesday's lesson. Good work DaNang!

February 19, 2018

IELTS Speaking Part 2: tell an anecdote

An anecdote is a "short amusing or interesting story about a real incident" (according to my computer's dictionary). If you can think of an anecdote in part 2 of your speaking test, you'll find the task much easier.

Exercise:
Look again at the 'public transport' task in last Friday's lesson. Can you think of an amusing or interesting story about a time you used public transport?

Advice:
For advice about telling anecdotes, have a look at this website.

Example:
My public transport anecdote will be about a train journey that I took for work reasons. I was expecting a nice, relaxing trip, but the train filled up with football fans going to a big match. I'll share my full answer next Friday.

February 14, 2018

IELTS Advice: the path to improvement

If you're looking for the path to improvement, my advice is to let your mistakes guide you. Think of your mistakes as a torch lighting up the path in front of you. They will show you what your weaknesses are, and what you need to work on.

February 13, 2018

IELTS Advice: using the archives on this blog

A student thanked me recently for keeping my blog going for 10 months. This confused me because I've been writing lessons here since 2009 / 2010. But then I realised what the problem is:

The 'Archives' menu on the left only shows the most recent 10 months of blog lessons.

There are many more lessons that you can find if you "dig a bit further"! Click here to see the full list of monthly archives. Alternatively, click on any link in the "Categories" menu and keep clicking on "Next" at the bottom of each page to go back to older lessons.

One day I'll make a proper index for the site, but for now you'll need to do your own "digging" to find things!

February 12, 2018

IELTS Speaking Part 2: public transport

We looked at some part 1 questions about public transport last week, so let's continue with the same topic but in part 2 of the test.

Try speaking for 2 minutes about the following:

Describe a time you travelled by public transport. You should say

- what type of public transport you used
- where you travelled from and to
- what you did during the journey
- and explain how you felt about travelling in this way

February 06, 2018

IELTS Advice: five procrastination tips

It was interesting to read about people's procrastination problems in the comments below last Saturday's lesson. I think we all experience these problems when we're trying to do something difficult.

Here are five tips that help me to fight procrastination:

1. Just make a start. If you've been procrastinating about writing an essay, for example, make it your goal to write the first sentence only. The hardest thing is to get started, and the idea of writing a full essay can be daunting. Put this idea out of your mind, and focus instead on writing just one sentence.
2. Find a nice place. Whenever I have some difficult writing to do, I find it much easier to get started if I'm sitting in a café with a cup of coffee. It doesn't feel like such hard work when you're in a nice environment.
3. Aim lower (at first). Sometimes our frustration is caused by the high expectations that we have. Instead of jumping into a 10-hour-a-day study programme, it's better to start with 10 minutes, then gradually do more each day.
4. Get some help. It's hard to study alone, so try to find a study partner, teacher or someone who can occasionally check your progress and give you advice.
5. Form a daily habit. For me, doing something every day is the ultimate weapon in the fight against procrastination. Doing something once a week (or even 5 times a week) doesn't work as well. There's something magic about daily practice: when a daily action becomes as normal as brushing your teeth, big changes start to happen!

February 05, 2018

IELTS Speaking Part 1: 'public transport' answers

Here are my answers to the questions that I showed you last Friday:

1) Do you use public transport? Why / why not?

These days I mostly drive, and the main reason is that my usual journeys are much faster by car. For example, the half-hour drive that I do twice a week would take me three times as long by train and bus.

2) Which type of public transport do you prefer? Why?

I definitely prefer the train. I like being able to stroll up and down, and on some trains I can book a seat with a table and a socket, so that I can do some work.

3) How good is the public transport where you live?

It's quite good. There's a train station not far from my house, and it's a direct line straight into the city centre. There are lots of bus routes too, and there's even a tram network in the centre of Manchester.

4) Do you think people should use public transport more? Why / why not?

Yes, as long as it's convenient for them. Public transport is obviously more environmentally friendly than private cars, so we could reduce air pollution by using it more.

January 31, 2018

IELTS Advice: the positive thing about procrastination

I'll share some tips on beating procrastination next weekend, but I thought I'd say just one thing about it today, and it's something positive.

The positive thing about procrastination is that it tells you what is important. The more you procrastinate and leave something for later, the more important that task probably is in your life. So, let your procrastinating guide you towards what needs to be done, and begin to confront that task now. You'll feel much better if you do.

January 30, 2018

IELTS Advice: procrastination

Do you find it difficult to study as much as you would like to? Perhaps you make study plans but then decide to "do it later". This is what we call 'procrastination'.

Most of us procrastinate, put things off, or tell ourselves that we'll do it later, especially when the task is difficult and we feel stuck.

Let me know if procrastination is a problem for you (with regard to your IELTS preparation, or anything else), and we can discuss some ways to beat it.

January 29, 2018

IELTS Speaking Part 1: 'public transport' topic

A student sent me the following exam questions. How would you answer them?

1. Do you use public transport? Why / why not?
2. Which type of public transport do you prefer? Why?
3. How good is the public transport where you live?
4. Do you think people should use public transport more? Why / why not?

January 24, 2018

IELTS Advice: your 'learning situation'

Many people ask how long it will take them to get the score they need. The answer is that it depends on several factors.

One of the most important factors is your 'learning situation'. This includes:

• the amount of time that you can use for study each day
• whether you have the opportunity to speak to native English speakers
• whether you have a teacher who checks your written work

Have a look at your own learning situation. How good is it? What can you do to make it better?

January 23, 2018

IELTS Grammar: correct the mistakes

Can you correct the mistakes in the following sentences that students wrote about yesterday's 'status symbols' topic?

1. Owning a house is symbolised for having enough money to live.
2. I don’t think the possessions take an important role for our life.
3. People has a high regards to personality possessing extremely huge houses.
4. Owning summerhouse which is usually a little cottage in countryside is a status symbol.
5. They are considered as status symbols of the upper class people which make them proud to see people marvelling at these things.

January 22, 2018

IELTS Speaking: 'status symbols' answers

Here are the questions from last Friday, with my sample answers below. Notice that all of my answers contain three sentences.

1) In your country, what possessions are considered "status symbols"?
2) Do you think we place too much importance on possessions?
3) Do you think things were different 50 years ago?

1) Answer, examples, explain:

The typical status symbols in my country are things like big houses, expensive luxury cars or sports cars, and anything made by certain brands. For example, a new Ferrari or a Rolls Royce or a Rolex watch would definitely be considered status symbols. I suppose the reason why these possessions are seen in this way is because you have to be very wealthy to buy them, so they show other people that their owner is rich and successful.

2) Answer, explain, example:

Probably, yes. Many people are obsessed with showing off their new mobile phone or wearing the latest fashions. I think it's a problem for teenagers because there's a lot of peer pressure to follow fashion or buy the latest gadget that their friends have got.

3) Answer, example, further explanation:

Yes, maybe people were less materialistic, and I think they bought things that lasted longer. For example, my grandparents always talked about how they repaired things rather than throwing them away. Maybe brands and advertising weren't as powerful as they are now.

January 16, 2018

IELTS Speaking Advice: if you don't understand

What would you do if you didn't understand the phrase "status symbols" (see yesterday's questions)? Would you guess, or would you ask the examiner?

The good news is that it's fine to ask the examiner for a bit of help in part 3 of the speaking test (but not in parts 1 or 2). So here's what you could say:

"Sorry, I'm not sure what you mean by status symbols."

The examiner will then try to ask the question in a different way, and the fact that you didn't understand these two words won't affect your score.

January 15, 2018

IELTS Speaking Part 3: status symbols

Do you know what a "status symbol" is? Here are some questions that you could try answering.

1. In your country, what possessions are considered "status symbols"?
2. Do you think we place too much importance on possessions?
3. Do you think things were different 50 years ago?

January 10, 2018

IELTS Grammar: mistakes and corrections

Let's look at the grammar problems in last Sunday's lesson.

1. Don't write "growth population". You need to write "population growth".
2. You can't write "the number of public" because 'public' is uncountable.
3. Don't write "there was" when giving a future prediction.
4. You can't put "alike" before a noun, so "alike growth rate" is wrong.
5. Don't put "is" after a plural (prospects is), and you can't write "by meanwhile".

Here are my corrected versions of the sentences:

1. Population growth in England is projected at 5.9%.
2. The number of people living in England is projected to grow by 5.9%.
3. There will be a 5.9% increase in England's population.
4. There are similar population growth trends in Northern Ireland and Scotland.
5. The population is expected to grow by 3.2% in Scotland and by 4.3% in Northern Ireland.

January 09, 2018

IELTS Advice: if you're worrying

I think it's important to remember that you can never be 100% prepared for any exam. One of the aims of an exam is to take you out of your 'comfort zone' in order to find the limit of your current ability. There will always be surprises and difficult questions; otherwise everyone would get full marks.

So, don't worry if there are topics that you haven't studied, or words that you don't understand, and try not to get too nervous or frustrated. Just keep working hard, do your best, and try to enjoy the challenge of the exam!

January 08, 2018

IELTS Speaking Part 2: three grammar points

Let's look again at the description of a tree that I shared in last Friday's lesson. I've already listed the good vocabulary from the description here, so let's focus on grammar.

Here are three grammar points from my description:

1) I used a variety of verb tenses

• Future: I'm going to talk about / I'll also describe
• Present simple: This is / they are / I have / it symbolises
• Past simple: I went, it was
• Present perfect: that I've ever seen

2) I also used some passives

• Present: it's thought to be, they can be seen, they are commonly found, wood is used, stories are associated with it
• Present perfect: has traditionally been used, hasn't been used, has become known

3) I used pronouns to refer back to nouns already used

• a tree called the Major Oak. This is..., it's thought to be...
• Oaks are very common... they can be seen...
• Sherwood Forest, which is
• a wood that has traditionally been used
• The oak tree is important... because it symbolises... its traditional role
• The Major Oak is famous... stories that are associated with it

January 03, 2018

IELTS Grammar: correct the mistakes

Here are some sentences that people wrote below Thursday's lesson. Can you correct the mistakes that they contain?

1. Growth population in England is projected at 5.9%.
2. The number of public living in England is projected to grow by 5.9%.
3. There was a slight increase in England's population approximately 5.9%.
4. There is alike growth rate trend in Northern Ireland and Scotland population.
5. By meanwhile the growth prospects is expected to be almost 3.2% in Scotland and 4.3% in Ireland.

January 02, 2018

IELTS Vocabulary: review of this week

Here's a list of useful vocabulary from this week's lessons:

Reading and listening

• make a resolution
• keep a resolution
• achieve a resolution
• draw a conclusion
• slip or make a mistake
• double your efforts
• break a goal into smaller steps
• give yourself a reward
• map out your progress

Writing task 2

• experience various problems
• considerable numbers of people
• intense competition
• oversupply of labour
• an abundance of working-age adults
• higher rates of poverty
• falling living standards
• meet the demand for
• provision of housing and public services
• rates of crime and antisocial behaviour
• the needs of .......... are not met
• poorer working conditions
• bring wages down
• exploit workers
• forced to migrate abroad
• in search of work
• an exodus of well-qualified young graduates
• brain drain
• not a desirable outcome

Speaking

• a specific example of
• it's thought to be
• I'd probably say that
• the most impressive .......... that I've ever seen
• areas of woodland
• commonly found in
• it stands out from
• has traditionally been used in
• a tourist attraction
• to marvel at something
  
• it symbolises history, strength and reliability
• legendary or mythical status
• the stories that are associated with it

January 01, 2018

IELTS Speaking Part 2: 'tree' description

Here's the question that we've been looking at recently:

Describe a plant, flower or tree that is famous or important in your country.
You should say

- what type of plant, flower or tree it is
- where it grows or is usually seen
- how it is used in your country
- and why it is famous or important

And here's my answer, using the plan from this lesson:

• I’m going to talk about oak trees, and I’ll also describe a specific example of a famous oak tree called the Major Oak. This is a huge tree in Sherwood Forest; it’s thought to be around 1000 years old, and I’d probably say that it’s the most impressive tree that I’ve ever seen.
• Oaks are very common in England; they can be seen in fields and areas of woodland in the countryside, but they are also commonly found in parks and gardens in towns and cities. The Major Oak is in Sherwood Forest, which is near Nottingham. It stands out from the other oak trees because its trunk and branches are so wide and thick.
• The wood from oak trees is used to make furniture; for example, I have an oak table, wardrobe and various other pieces of oak furniture at home. Oak is a strong and reliable wood that has traditionally been used in construction, for beams and other parts of the framework of houses and other buildings. The Major Oak obviously hasn’t been used in this way; it’s a tourist attraction that people visit and marvel at. For example, I went to see it on a school trip as a child.
• The oak tree is important in England because it symbolises history, strength and reliability - probably because of its traditional role in construction. The Major Oak is famous for a completely different reason: it was supposedly Robin Hood’s hideout, so it has a kind of legendary or mythical status because of the stories that are associated with it. For this reason, and because of its age and unusual size, the Major Oak has become known as Britain’s favourite tree.

December 21, 2017

IELTS Advice: start off slowly

When learning something new, it's always best to start off slowly. If you want to master a skill, you need to learn the necessary techniques and practise them slowly before you can gradually build up speed.

This was the idea behind yesterday's lesson. Start by practising 10-minute plans for speaking part 2, and gradually reduce your planning time. If you practise enough, you'll become much better at thinking of ideas for this part of the speaking test, and you'll be able to use your minute more effectively on the day of your test.

Tip: think about other parts of the IELTS test that you could practise slowly.

December 20, 2017

IELTS Speaking Part 2: 10-minute plan

Yesterday I suggested that you try giving yourself more time to plan your part 2 answers. I tried giving myself 10 minutes to prepare ideas for the task below.

Describe a plant, flower or tree that is famous or important in your country.
You should say

- what type of plant, flower or tree it is
- where it grows or is usually seen
- how it is used in your country
- and why it is famous or important

Here's my 10-minute plan:

• Oak tree, specifically the Major Oak in Sherwood Forest, a famous tree, tourist attraction, perhaps 1000 years old, huge trunk and branches.
• Oaks grow all over the country, in parks etc., a common tree in England. Major Oak in Sherwood forest near Nottingham, unusual to see one so large, wide and thick.
• Oak furniture, building beams, strong, reliable wood e.g. I have an oak table and wardrobe at home. Major Oak is a tourist attraction, people visit to marvel at it e.g. I went there on a school trip as a child.
• Oaks symbolise history, strength, solidity, reliability, often used in building names e.g. Oak House. Major Oak was supposedly Robin Hood’s hideout, one of the biggest of this type of tree, old, historic, mythical status, legendary, Britain’s favourite tree, important to the local tourism industry.

Notice that I took ideas from this reading task. I'll use the plan above when I give my full sample answer in next Friday's lesson.

December 18, 2017

IELTS Speaking Part 2: planning time

In part 2 of the speaking test you are given 1 minute to plan some ideas before you start speaking. Most people find it difficult to prepare good ideas in such a short time.

But what would happen if you had 5 minutes or even 10 minutes to plan your ideas? Would the extra planning time help you to prepare a much better answer? I think it should.

When practising at home, it's useful to experiment with the amount of planning time that you give yourself. For example, I'm going to give myself 10 minutes to plan ideas for the describe a plant task. I'll show you my plan in tomorrow's lesson.

December 12, 2017

IELTS Advice: more about 'model sentences'

In the comments below Thursday's lesson, I noticed a useful question from nav, and a very thoughtful response from Kati. It's great to see people discussing things and helping each other in the comments below my lessons!

To add to Kati's response, I'd like to say a little more about using 'model sentences'. First, I'll quickly repeat two useful points from Kati's comment:

1. As Kati points out, the 'model sentences' exercise is probably more suited to writing task 1. This is because task 1 is quite predictable: we know that we'll have to describe trends, compare numbers or describe steps, so we can practise specific types of sentence for these purposes (e.g. 'while' sentences, 'respectively' sentences etc.).
2. There are some sentence types that I repeatedly use in writing task 2 (e.g. a 'while' sentence in the introduction). See Kati's comment for links to lessons about these sentence types.

Now here's the final tip that I wanted to add:

Try not to confuse 'model' sentences with 'template' sentences. Examiners don't like essays that are full of memorised template language (read this warning).

On the other hand, any correct sentence can be used as a model. For example, we could take the first sentence of today's lesson ("In the comments below Thursday's lesson, I noticed a useful question.") and invent a new sentence that follows a similar structure or pattern (e.g. On the way home from yesterday's lecture, I read an interesting article in the paper.).

I think you could turn this into a great daily exercise. But the aim would be to improve your English, not to collect template sentences for IELTS.

December 11, 2017

IELTS Grammar: mistakes using model sentences

On Thursday I suggested that you write some sentences using two of my own sentences as models. Here are the model sentences:

1. More waste goes to landfill sites than to any other refuse management facility.
2. Austria and Belgium are the most environmentally friendly of the fifteen countries, recycling around 60% and 50% of their waste respectively.

And here are some sentences that people wrote in the 'comments' area below the lesson. Can you find and correct the mistakes?

1. More expenditure spends on cars than to any other consumer goods.
2. More women go to science degrees than any other university courses.
3. America and China are the most exported countries of all, exporting almost 2300 billion and 1600 billion respectively.
4. America and Canada are the most culturally friendly of the fifteen countries, with welcoming 50% and 60% of foreigners respectively.

December 10, 2017

IELTS Speaking Part 2: plant, flower or tree

Here are two tasks that are similar to a recent exam question:

1) Describe a plant, flower or tree that is famous or important in your country.
You should say

- what type of plant, flower or tree it is
- where it grows or is usually seen
- how it is used in your country
- and why it is famous or important

2) Describe a plant, flower or tree that you like.
You should say

- what type of plant, flower or tree it is
- where it grows or is usually seen
- when you first saw it
- and why you like it

The two tasks are almost the same, so let's choose the same plant, flower or tree for both. Which one would you choose to describe? You'll see my choice next week.

December 04, 2017

IELTS Advice: what have you learnt?

When I teach lessons here in Manchester, I always ask my students one question at the end of the day: What have you learnt? I ask the students to tell me the one key thing that they will remember the next day.

So, can I ask you the same question? If you have been following the lessons on this blog, what is the most useful thing that you have learnt?

December 03, 2017

IELTS Advice: you are not being compared with others

Some students have the mistaken idea that examiners compare candidates, and that you'll therefore get a lower score if you use words or phrases that "too many other candidates use".

This is not true!

Examiners are trained to mark candidates according to a defined set of criteria. For example, look at these phrases from the band descriptors for band 7 in writing task 2:

- addresses all parts of the task
- presents a clear position throughout the response
- logically organises information and ideas
- there is clear progression
- uses a sufficient range of vocabulary to allow some flexibility

You won't find phrases like this in the band descriptors:

- too many candidates use ..... in their essays
- reduce the score if the word ..... is used

Remember: the only comparison that examiners make is between your answer and the band descriptors.

November 28, 2017

IELTS Grammar: imagining something that doesn't exist

An interesting aspect of the speaking part 2 question that I answered on Friday was that I had to imagine a sports centre that doesn't currently exist.

Look at the phrases that I used when imagining:

• The place of entertainment that I wish we had
• My ideal sports centre would have...
• I can think of the perfect place for this
• It would be easy for people to get to
• I think a sports centre would be much better
• There could be sports lessons
• I’m sure many adults would join the gym
• The centre could hold sports events
• A sports complex would give young people...
• A sports centre would brighten up my local area

Notice that I mostly used 'would' and 'could' to imagine things. Try preparing an 'imagining' description yourself, and make sure you use these words.

November 27, 2017

IELTS Vocabulary: good phrases

Did you note down the following phrases from yesterday's description?

• indoor and outdoor football pitches
• an all-purpose area
• a disused piece of land
• just down the road from where I live
• an old warehouse was knocked down
• a plot of land
• local residents
• team practice sessions
• join the gym
• use the pool
• book the courts for games of tennis
• hold sports events
• attract spectators as well as participants
• facilities, activities, lessons and clubs
• something fun and productive to do
• brighten up my local area
• improve our quality of life

November 26, 2017

IELTS Speaking Part 2: 'sports centre' answer

Reading the comments below last week's lesson, I can see that almost everyone chose to describe a sports centre. So here's my sample 'sports centre' description:

• The place of entertainment that I wish we had close to where I live is a sports centre. My ideal sports centre would have a gym, swimming pool, indoor and outdoor football pitches, courts for tennis, badminton and squash, and an all-purpose area for things like gymnastics and circuit training.
• I can think of the perfect place for this facility: There’s a disused piece of land just down the road from where I live, where an old warehouse was knocked down. It’s near to the main road and the train station, so it would be easy for people to get to. There are plans to build houses on this plot of land, but I think a sports centre would be much better for local residents.
• The good thing about a sports centre is that everyone can use it. There could be sports lessons and clubs for children and teenagers - things like swimming lessons and football team practice sessions. I’m sure many adults in my local area would join the gym, use the pool, and book the courts for games of tennis or badminton. The centre could even hold sports events, such as competitions, that would attract spectators as well as participants.
• I think we need a good sports centre where I live because people currently have to travel to the next town if they want to find some of the facilities, activities, lessons and clubs that I’ve mentioned. I think a sports complex would give young people, in particular, something fun and productive to do in the evening and at weekends. Playing sport keeps people healthy and makes them feel happy, so I think a sports centre would brighten up my local area and improve our quality of life.

November 21, 2017

IELTS Advice: the importance of focus

Here's a piece of advice that I gave in a blog lesson a few years ago. I forgot that I had written this, and I think it's worth repeating:

In my experience, people become good at what they focus on. Are you constantly reading things in English, thinking about English, watching English videos, and making notes of anything new that you learn? If English is your main focus each day, I'm sure you'll improve.

November 20, 2017

IELTS Advice: before you retake the exam

Before you retake the exam, ask yourself some questions:

• What specific areas have I worked to improve since my last exam?
• How do I know that I have improved?
• Can I get higher scores when I'm practising than the scores I need?

Here's an example of an ideal response to these questions:

Since my last exam, I've been doing a lot of work to improve my 'main body' paragraphs for writing task 2. I now spend more time planning and organising my ideas before I start writing, so my paragraphs are a lot better. My teacher noticed this improvement and gave my most recent essay a band 7. I only need a 6.5.

November 19, 2017

IELTS Speaking Part 2: place of entertainment

A student sent me this recent exam question. How would you answer it?

Describe a place of entertainment (e.g. theatre, cinema, sports centre) that you would like to have where you live. You should say

- what this place would be
- where it should be
- whom it would be for, or who would use it
- and why you think this place of entertainment is needed

November 14, 2017

IELTS Vocabulary: band 7-9 phrases

Here are the best words and phrases from Wednesday's essay. Note them down, and try to use them in your own sentences - perhaps you could even try rewriting the essay using the list below to help you.

• household waste
• new legislation
• just one possible way to tackle the problem
• a legal obligation
• householders
• fail to adhere to this law
• prison sentences for repeat offenders
• act as a deterrent
• encourage people to obey
• improved behaviour of homeowners
• a clean, waste-free environment
• put education at the centre of a recycling campaign
• the environmental impact of household waste
• Another tactic that governments could use
  
• create stricter regulations
• packaging for household products
• recycling facilities and systems
• waste is processed more effectively
• dispose of their waste more responsibly

November 12, 2017

IELTS Advice: part 1 speaking technique

Did you notice how I answered each question in yesterday's lesson? Here's the first part of each of the four answers:

- No, not at all.
- Yes, definitely.
- Yes, unfortunately it does.
- Yes, many times.

After answering with these short phrases, I then explained my answers in more detail, using full sentences.

I think this is a nice technique that you could try. Start with a short "yes or no" answer (e.g. yes I do, no we don't, yes it certainly is...), and then explain your answer fully. Perhaps this technique will give you a few extra seconds to think before you give your full answer.

November 11, 2017

IELTS Speaking Part 1: 'rain' answers

Here are my answers to the 'rain' questions from last Friday's lesson. Remember: there's no need to show off in this part of the speaking test, so short, simple answers are best.

1) Do you like rain? Why / why not?

No, not at all. It rains far too often in Manchester, where I live, and I'm fed up of it; I wish we had more sun!

2) Do you think that rain affects people's mood?

Yes, definitely. I think rainy days and grey skies can be a bit sad and depressing. Where I live, people are much more cheerful when the sun comes out.

3) Does it often rain where you live?

Yes, unfortunately it does. As I said, Manchester is known for being a rainy place; you can't trust the weather here, because it can cloud over and start raining at any moment.

4) Have you ever been caught in the rain without a coat or umbrella?

Yes, many times. Just last week I went out without an umbrella and got soaked; I did have a coat on, but it didn't really help.

November 05, 2017

IELTS Advice: some ideas for repeated practice

In last Saturday's lesson I asked you to think about the power of repetition in terms of developing your English skills. Here are a few ideas:

• Listening: Listen to the same recording several times, but focus on something different each time you listen. I explained this idea here.
• Speaking: Compile a list of questions, and practise answering them every day. Record yourself so that you can listen for mistakes, and make notes about how you could improve. The aim is to 'master' your list of questions before you move on to anything new.
• Reading: If you've done all of the tests in the official Cambridge IELTS books, do them all again, and again! It doesn't matter if you remember some of the answers; you'll still learn something new each time you do the tests. If you can 'master' every reading test in the Cambridge books, I guarantee you'll get a high score in the test (but you'll only master them if you repeat each test several times).
• Writing: Instead of writing four different essays (which will probably all get the same score), try rewriting the same essay four times. Each time you rewrite the essay, try to improve one aspect of it. For example, for the first rewrite you could work on grammar, then the second time you could try to add more detailed explanation, then for the third rewrite you could improve the vocabulary or the coherence.

Repetitive exercises might seem like boring hard work, but I believe that you can use them as a form of 'training' to develop both your English skills and your exam skills.

November 03, 2017

IELTS Grammar: 'rain' topic mistakes

The following sentences were written by students below yesterday's lesson. Can you correct or improve them?

1. Yes, I like when it rains. Because it makes the weather awesome.
2. People say environment affects mood and I am with this.
3. After few seconds it started raining and I was beaten heavily.
4. Taichung, my city only rain in summer.
5. I don't like the rainy day, when it is dropping on my face, let me feel sticky.
6. I've got caught in the rain several times so far as I got nothing to cover me at that time.

November 02, 2017

IELTS Speaking Part 1: 'rain' topic

Here are some part 1 questions that a student sent me. I haven't seen this topic before, so it's a good one for us to practise.

1) Do you like rain? Why / why not?
2) Do you think that rain affects people's mood?
3) Does it often rain where you live?
4) Have you ever been caught in the rain without a coat or umbrella?

Can you give a short, simple, direct answer with a reason for each question, without making any mistakes?

October 28, 2017

IELTS Advice: more about 'highest and lowest'

In Thursday's lesson about IELTS writing task 1, I wrote that it's ok to describe the highest and lowest figures in your 'overview' paragraph. However, thanks to a comment by Erika, I've realised that I should add some extra advice or some warnings about this:

• First, it's important to remember that the best type of overview is one that describes overall trends, rather than specific details. The highest and lowest figures on a chart are normally considered to be specific details, so they shouldn't be your first choice for the overview.
• If you can't see a clear general trend, it's ok to describe the highest and lowest, but don't mention any numbers.
• Look for the highest and lowest category overall, rather than a single highest or lowest point. For example, if you're writing an overview about a line graph, it's fine to say that one of the lines was highest for most of the period, but don't describe any specific peaks (save them for the 'details' paragraphs).

The overview that I wrote on Thursday was fine because the main aim of the chart was not to show trends. Picking out the most and least environmentally friendly country made sense in this particular case, and I didn't mention specific numbers.

However, I want to make it clear that describing the highest and lowest should not be your first choice method for writing the overview. Look for overall trends first.

Task:
Next Thursday I'll show you an alternative overview paragraph for the "waste chart" question. Can you suggest which "main or general points" about the chart I could include, instead of describing the highest and lowest?

October 26, 2017

IELTS Advice: the power of repetition

I've been thinking about the power of repetition (in the sense of practising the same thing many times) this week.

Young children (the best language learners!) love watching the same cartoon or reading the same book again and again. But as adult language learners we rarely do this; we move on to the next thing too quickly.

Let's think about how we can build some repetition into our IELTS practice. I gave you some ideas yesterday and on Tuesday, but what else can we do? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below, and I'll give you my tips next weekend.

October 25, 2017

IELTS Speaking: pauses and hesitations

A student asked me for advice about avoiding pauses and hesitations in the speaking test. So here are some tips:

• First, don't worry too much about this. It's normal, even for native speakers, to pause or hesitate to some extent. The more you worry, the more likely you are to hesitate.
• Don't "overthink". If you're thinking about grammar, linking or using "difficult" words, you're more likely to hesitate. Just focus on answering the question with the first idea that comes into your head.
• Slow down. Many candidates speak too quickly; hesitation or repetition occurs because their brains can't work fast enough to keep up.

But here's the main piece of advice: practise!

Make yourself a collection of IELTS speaking questions (from this site or from the Cambridge books), and practise answering them without hesitating.

And don't just practise this once. Go through your list of questions many times (every day if necessary), and you'll find that you gradually improve, both in terms of the quality of your answers and in terms of fluency and lack of hesitation. Maybe you could even record yourself, perhaps once a week, so that you can analyse your own performance.

October 20, 2017

IELTS Grammar: not following advice leads to mistakes!

In Thursday's lesson I suggested some phrases that could be used in a task 1 introduction sentence.

However, I noticed below the lesson that some students had used their own ideas instead of my suggested phrases. Unfortunately this led to some big mistakes in the sentences below:

1. The bar chart portraits the three different environmental unfriendly techniques for recycling the waste management in various countries of Europe.
2. The bar chart depicts data about the percentage of recycled waste that is put into a landfill, an incinerator, or have been disposed of in other ways which are done in various EU countries.
3. The bar chart shows the percentage waste that is recycled.Meanwhile, put into landfill, incinerated, or disposed of in other ways in various EU countries.

Can you see the mistakes that could have been avoided if the students had used my suggestions?

October 19, 2017

IELTS Speaking Part 1: 'health' topic

Let's have a look at some questions from Cambridge IELTS book 12. I've answered the first two questions; can you answer the others in the same simple, direct way?

1. Is it important to you to eat healthy food?
Yes, I prefer to eat healthy home-cooked food, rather than fast food or pre-prepared meals, because I want to stay fit and healthy as I get older.

2. If you catch a cold, what do you do to help you feel better?
I usually take paracetamol tablets, and I sometimes buy a nasal spray or cough medicine. It also helps to stay at home and relax.

3. Do you pay attention to public information about health?

4. What could you do to have a healthier lifestyle?

October 12, 2017

IELTS Advice: sample answer analysis

Yesterday I suggested that you analyse sample answers carefully, instead of just reading them and then forgetting them. So here's a quick analysis of two of Friday's sample speaking answers:

Answer 1

• 4 sentences: topic sentence then 3 advantages
• Organising: I think... / First,... / Another benefit would be... / Finally, it seems to me that...
• Good vocabulary: clear advantages, lack of traffic or industry, the average city, sense of community, everyone knows each other, the pace of life, laid back, the hustle and bustle
• Interesting grammar: second sentence begins with a subordinate clause using 'with'

Answer 3

• 3 sentences: direct answer, explanation, the opposite or alternative
• Organising: Yes, think... / A visit can be both... and... / If schools don't offer...
• Good vocabulary: both relaxing and educational, walks in the fresh air, may never have seen before, offer this opportunity, life outside the city
• Interesting grammar: adding information using 'especially', use of semicolon to expand on one idea, first conditional sentence to imagine the alternative

Can you analyse answer 2 in the same way?

October 11, 2017

IELTS Advice: always analyse!

Did you analyse yesterday's sample answers carefully, perhaps by copying or printing them, highlighting certain ideas, or taking notes? Or did you simply read them once and then forget them?

Obviously you'll learn much more if you spend the time to study sample answers carefully. For example, how many sentences did each of my answers in yesterday's lesson contain? What was the job of each sentence? Did I use any nice phrases that you could 'steal'?

October 10, 2017

IELTS Speaking Part 3: 'countryside' answers

Here are my sample answers to the questions that I shared last week.

1. What advantages does living in the countryside have, compared to living in a city?

I think there are some clear advantages to living in the countryside. First, with the clean air and lack of traffic or industry, countryside areas are much healthier places than the average city. Another benefit would be the sense of community that comes with living in a small village where everyone knows each other. Finally, it seems to me that the pace of life in the countryside is slower, and the people are more laid back and friendly, compared to the hustle and bustle and the stress of city life.

2. Have areas of countryside in your country changed since you were a child?

No, they haven’t changed very much where I live. The reason for this is that countryside areas close to Manchester tend to be protected, and so construction is not allowed. For example, I live quite close to an area called the Peak District, and nothing seems to have changed there since I was young; the hills, paths and woodland areas are just as they were.

3. Do you think that visits to the countryside should be something that schools offer to their children?

Yes, I think it’s a great idea for schools to take children on trips to the countryside, especially if those children live in a large town or city. A visit to the countryside can be both relaxing and educational; children can go for walks in the fresh air, and at the same time see animals and plants that they may never have seen before. If schools don’t offer this opportunity, some children will never see life outside the city.

October 06, 2017

IELTS Grammar: instead of 'rules'

Instead of trusting the grammar 'rules' that you find in a book, why not do your own investigating to see exactly how a word or phrase is used by native English speakers?

This is what I was encouraging you to do in yesterday's lesson about the word "alike". Instead of explaining the grammar rules, I simply showed you some correct sentences that contained the word. I gave you a 'model' or 'pattern' that you can use to make your own sentences.

Click here to see another example of a lesson in which I used 'model' sentences instead of rules to show how a word is used.

October 05, 2017

IELTS Grammar: copy sentence 'patterns'

In last Saturday's lesson I suggested that you write a sentence using the word 'alike'. I gave you a model sentence, so you only needed to follow the 'pattern' of that sentence. Let's look at some examples.

1. Model sentence:
Video cameras make cities safer for inhabitants and visitors alike.

2. New sentence following exactly the same pattern:
Teaching assistants make lessons easier for students and teachers alike.

3. New sentence with the same basic pattern:
The school website can be used by students, teachers and parents alike.

Can you see how I used exactly the same sentence pattern in number 2, and that I made a few changes in number 3?

October 04, 2017

IELTS Speaking Part 3: 'countryside' topic

After the part 2 task about the countryside, the examiner would move on to some related questions in part 3. How would you answer the questions below?

1. What advantages does living in the countryside have, compared to living in a city?
2. Have areas of countryside in your country changed since you were a child?
3. Do you think that visits to the countryside should be something that schools offer to their children?

September 29, 2017

IELTS Grammar: mistakes with 'alike'

Several people wrote sentences below yesterday's lesson, but some of them contained mistakes. Can you correct the sentences below?

1. The two teachers had alike ideas about using technology in education.
2. My three children had received an academic reward alike at the end of the term.
3. The profits gained from the selling of bouquets of flowers are given for the sellers and the poor alike.
4. CCTV footage confirm your safety, prevent losing of precious items from footpath,shopping mall and alike.

September 28, 2017

IELTS Grammar: 'alike'

1) The word 'alike' can be used as an adjective, meaning 'similar'.

e.g. The two brothers look alike.

2) It can also be an adverb meaning 'in the same way'.

e.g. The brothers often dress alike.

3) But did you notice how I used 'alike' in last week's essay?:

Video cameras make cities safer for inhabitants, workers and visitors alike.

Task:
Can you write a sentence using 'alike' in the way that I used it in point 3 above?

September 27, 2017

IELTS Speaking Part 2: 'countryside' answer

Describe an enjoyable day out in the countryside that you had.
You should say

- where you went on this day out
- who you were with
- what you did
- and explain why you enjoyed the day

Here's my sample answer for the task above. I've tried to use most of the phrases from this lesson.

I’m going to describe a recent trip to a lovely place called the Tissington Trail. The Tissington Trail is a path or track that follows the route of a former railway line through beautiful countryside in the county of Derbyshire, here in the UK. The old railway line was taken up many years ago, and it was transformed into a recreational trail that is ideal for walkers, cyclists and horse riders.

I went to the Tissington Trail because we had some family members, my brother and sister-in-law and their daughter, staying with us over the weekend. They had come up to Manchester from London, and they wanted my wife and me to take them somewhere where they could breathe in some fresh countryside air and get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

To reach the trail we had to park in Tissington itself, which is a charming, picturesque village. We hired some bicycles there and set off along the trail. It was an easy ride because the trail is mostly flat, with just a few gentle dips and inclines, and we were able to enjoy the stunning scenery as we passed through areas of woodland, a dramatic limestone ravine, and grassy meadows that were covered with colourful wild flowers.

The part of the day that I enjoyed the most was when we cycled through a historic railway tunnel on our bicycles. The tunnel has been fitted with a sound installation that plays eerie steam train noises as you pass through it; we all loved the idea that the sounds transport you back in time, and that you feel like you’re on an old steam train with its whistles and clunking machinery. It was a really nice day out, and we all enjoyed relaxing in the village tearoom at the end of our bike ride.

September 21, 2017

IELTS Grammar: verb tenses in general writing

Have another look at the letter that I shared last Sunday (even if you're not doing the General test), and you'll see that I used a variety of verb tenses.

Can you name the verb tenses in the phrases below?

1. I'm just writing to offer you
2. I won't be able to use
3. I told you I was going to a gig
4. there's a guitarist who's playing this Saturday
5. you'll be blown away
6. the concert starts at 7pm
7. I've been asked to visit a client
8. if you're free on Saturday
9. he'll be going to the gig

September 19, 2017

IELTS Speaking: correct the mistakes

The following sentences were written by students below this lesson, and describe an enjoyable day in the countryside. But can you find and correct the mistake(s) in each one?

1. If I have chance to go there, I love to visit there again soon.
2. I took too many beautiful pictures on my camera.
3. It's about 80 km far from the city.
4. I am going to talk about one day that I have spent in the countryside on May.
5. It was a countryside near to my city, where some relatives were living there.

September 11, 2017

IELTS Advice: get Cambridge IELTS book 12

It's always a good idea to do the most recent tests that have been published in the official Cambridge IELTS books, so get a copy of book 12 if you can. I'm going to start working on the tests in book 12 with my students, so you can expect to see some lessons about it here on the blog soon.

September 10, 2017

IELTS Speaking Part 2: 'countryside' vocabulary

Before we try the 'countryside' task that I shared in last week's lesson, let's see if we can find some good ideas to help us. There are plenty of tourism websites with descriptions of places to visit in the countryside, so we should be able to "steal" some nice phrases.

I searched online for descriptions of a real place that I've visited, called the "Tissington Trail". Here are some words and phrases that I found:

• following the route of a former railway line
• transformed into a recreational trail
• ideal for walkers, cyclists and horse riders
• mostly flat, with a few dips and gentle inclines
• passes through a picturesque / charming village
• takes you through a historic railway tunnel
• an eerie sound installation in the tunnel
• the whistles and clunks of a steam train
• tearooms and picnic areas
• a dramatic limestone ravine
• stunning scenery
• fantastic views
• an abundance of colourful wild flowers
• a feeling of peace and tranquility
• breathe in the fresh air
• traffic-free, and away from the hustle and bustle

I'll try to use some of these phrases in my full answer.

September 05, 2017

IELTS Advice: how good at paraphrasing are you?

A fast way to test someone's ability to speak a language is to ask them to paraphrase something - to express the same idea in a variety of ways. Some students find this difficult, and they usually need more help with vocabulary and ideas. By contrast, the students who do this well tend to reach their IELTS goal much more quickly.

If you're looking for the secret to a high IELTS score, paraphrasing might be it!

September 03, 2017

IELTS Speaking Part 2: 'countryside' topic

Here's a recent question that a student told me about:

Describe an enjoyable day out in the countryside that you had.
You should say

- where you went on this day out
- who you were with
- what you did
- and explain why you enjoyed the day

Feel free to share your ideas in the comments area below this lesson. I'll continue with this topic next Friday.

August 27, 2017

IELTS Vocabulary: paraphrasing

Did you notice the following examples of paraphrasing in the task 1 answer that I shared on Thursday?

• show = give information about
• public in the US = US residents, Americans, those surveyed
• reasons for travel = why... travelled, trips were for the purpose of, for... reasons, was cited as the reason for... , accounted for...
• travel to and from work = to commute, commuting
• price = cost
• main issue(s) = problems, primary concern, key consideration, foremost concern, most important issue

August 26, 2017

IELTS Advice: warning about templates!

From the comments that people wrote below Wednesday's lesson, it seems that many students find essay templates useful. However, I think it's important to repeat the warning that I gave in my own comment below that lesson.

Warning about templates:

Templates can certainly be useful, as they can help us to quickly organise our ideas. Also, it is inevitable that we will need to use some 'linking' words and phrases in our essays.

However, there is also a danger that people focus more on the template than on answering the question with good ideas. Templates and linking are not the secret to a high score in the writing test. They just do a simple job - they help you to organise your ideas, that's all. In the end, your score will depend on the quality of language that you use to express ideas, not simply to organise them.

So, learn some basic template / linking / organising language, but don't become obsessed with it. Spend most of your time working on topic vocabulary and your ability to express and develop "real" ideas.

August 25, 2017

IELTS Speaking Part 2: be ready to adapt

If you've prepared ideas for the six main topic areas in part 2, are you also ready to adapt those ideas if the topic is slightly different?

For example, if you've prepared a description of a family member, would you be able to use some of the same ideas to describe a famous person? Or if you've prepared a description of a film, would you be able to use some of the same ideas to describe a book or an advertisement?

My tip: when preparing the topics, think about 'theme language' and then think about how you could adapt your ideas for similar tasks.

August 20, 2017

IELTS Grammar: having + past participle

Did you notice the following sentence in Wednesday's essay? This is a nice way to introduce a personal example in the writing or speaking test.

Having worked with children myself, I have learnt that clear expectations and boundaries are necessary.

Try creating your own personal examples with "having + past participle". You can also add the word "never" to make a negative. For example:

• Having lived abroad myself, I understand how important it is to learn about local customs.
• Having never tracked my fitness goals before, I found the new app really useful.

August 19, 2017

IELTS Vocabulary: essay review

Here's the 'band 7-9' vocabulary from the essay that I shared on Wednesday:

• overly permissive
• tend to spoil their children
• parenting style
• a range of negative long-term consequences
• to raise respectful and well-behaved children
• a certain amount of discipline
• Having worked with children myself,.....
• clear expectations and boundaries
• to push against these boundaries
• to regulate their desires
• develop self control
• constantly give in to their children’s demands
• doing more harm than good
• failing their children
• indulgent or lenient parents
• negative personality traits
• The first and most obvious danger
• self-centred adults
• show little consideration for the feelings or needs of others
• One consequence of such an attitude
• unable to work successfully in teams
• impulsiveness
• lack the patience
• to carefully consider options
• compulsive shopping
• unwise financial decisions
• criminal activity
• I do not believe that..... supports this objective

Notice that this is all "topic vocabulary", which contributes to the 'task response' and 'lexical resource' scores. The words and phrases above are the key reason why my essay would easily achieve a band 9.

August 18, 2017

IELTS Speaking Part 1: finish my sentences

How would you finish my answers to the questions below?

1) Do you like watching television?

Yes, I like watching television, especially in the evenings, because.....

2) How much time do you spend watching TV programmes?

On an average day, I watch..... and..... , so I probably watch about.....

3) What types of programmes do you prefer? Why?

My favourite types of programmes are..... and..... because.....

4) Do you think it's bad for children to watch television?

Maybe too much television would be a bad thing, but I think that.....

August 15, 2017

IELTS Grammar: singular or plural after %

I was surprised to see how many people made the mistake below:

49% of the trips made by Americans was for...

We need to use "were" instead of "was". When you have a percentage, the verb needs to agree with the noun that comes after it. For example:

- 50% of people were happy with the service. ('people' is plural)
- 50% of the project was completed last year. ('project' is singular)

August 14, 2017

IELTS Grammar: find the mistakes

Here are some sentences that people wrote below Thursday's lesson. Can you find the mistake(s) in each sentence, and explain what the problems are?

1. In 2009, 49% of the trips made by Americans was due to travel to work.
2. In 2009, 49% of the trips made by Americans was for the purpose of moving to work.
3. In 2009, 49% of the trip made by Americans commuter.
4. In 2009, 49% of the trips made by Americans tended to commute to and from work.
5. In 2009, 49% of the trips made by Americans who were to commute to and from work.
6. In 2009, 49% trips made by Americans in order to travel to and from workplace.

August 13, 2017

IELTS Speaking Part 3: analyse my answer

If you've read my advice about how to answer part 3 questions, you'll be able to analyse the answer below. Can you comment on the way I've organised or "built" the answer, and point out any good vocabulary and/or grammar? You should find several verb tenses, for example.

Do you think people will watch less television in the future?

Yes, I do think people will watch less television in the future, although that doesn't mean that they will watch fewer programmes or spend less time looking at screens. What I think will happen, and it's already happening, is that people will watch things on the Internet, through websites like YouTube. To use a personal example, I used to watch TV in the evenings, but now I often choose to stream videos, films and TV series through my computer instead.

August 08, 2017

IELTS Advice: you don't need a grammar book

Yesterday a student asked me to recommend a good grammar book. My answer to this question is that you don't need one. Let me explain my reasons for this view.

When I was at school, language learning meant studying two things: 1) grammar rules and 2) lists of vocabulary. The idea was that we should use the grammar rules to construct sentences, and the vocabulary would fill in the gaps. To me this seemed like a "mathematical" approach, where each grammar rule is like a formula. If you use a grammar book, you're probably following this method.

Nowadays I prefer a different approach, especially when teaching IELTS. Here are five reasons why I've moved away from the "grammar book" method:

1. I believe that students can pass the test more quickly if they remember that grammar only accounts for 25% of their score, and they focus instead on the other 75%.
2. I believe that the "mathematical formula" approach causes people to create unnatural sentences.
3. I think that a better use of your time is to read and listen to as much native-speaker English as possible, so that you pick up the words, phrases and constructions that English speakers really use.
4. If you want to improve your grammar for IELTS, I recommend that you ask a teacher to highlight your mistakes. Instead of learning rules from a book, just aim to learn from the mistakes that you make, and therefore gradually "edit" your English.
5. You can check any grammar point with a quick search on the Internet. There's no need to slowly work through a book any more!

August 06, 2017

IELTS Advice: more about 'templates'

On Wednesday I wrote about 'template language', and there's a useful comment from sjm (another IELTS teacher) below the lesson. Here's what he said:

The problem with a lot of templates is that they contain too many memorised words and phrases. This then lowers the amount of topic vocabulary. Simon even uses a basic template (for example, he uses a five sentence body paragraph with a clear topic sentence, and similar linkers). However the key is that a template (or what I would call 'good organisation') does not dominate the essay. I always say from an examiner's point of view that candidates should keep memorised words and linkers to under 20% of the total word count.

This made me think: Which words or phrases in some of my own essays could we highlight as 'template language' or 'good organisation'?

If you have time, make a list of the template / organising language in the two essays linked below. We can then compare the two lists.

1. Traditions and technology essay
   
2. Homework essay

August 05, 2017

IELTS Speaking: 3 parts, same topic

A useful way to practise IELTS speaking is to work on one main topic that might appear in all three parts of the test. For example, take the topic of "television":

Part 1 questions:

1. Do you like watching television?
2. How much time do you spend watching TV programmes?
3. What types of programmes do you prefer? Why?
4. Do you think it's bad for children to watch television?

Part 2 task:

Describe a television programme that you enjoyed watching. You should say
- what type of TV programme it was
- where you watched this programme
- what the programme was about
- and why you enjoyed watching it.

Part 3 questions:

1. Why do you think television is so popular among people of all ages?
2. Do you think people will watch less television in the future?
3. Do you see television as being educational or just a form of entertainment?

July 31, 2017

IELTS Grammar: verb and noun collocations

The problem with the following sentences is that the verbs and nouns (underlined) don't go together. Do you know what the correct verbs should be?

1. I gave the IELTS exam last week.
2. I usually take a coffee in the morning.
3. This will bring a negative impact on people.

The correct 'verb + noun' groups are examples of collocation.

July 30, 2017

IELTS Grammar: uncountable nouns

Students often make mistakes with uncountable nouns. These are nouns that you can't count. Most importantly, they don't have a plural form.

For example, you can't say "an information, two informations, many informations". You can say "some information, more information, a lot of information, a piece of information".

Below are some common uncountable nouns. Do you know any others?

• give advice, some advice, a piece of advice (an advice, advices)
• do research, carry out research (a research, researches)
• gain knowledge, share knowledge, increase knowledge (knowledges)

July 23, 2017

IELTS Speaking: real opinions and experiences

Some students are worried about expressing their real opinions in the speaking test. They think that the examiner might disagree and therefore give a lower score.

Don't worry about this. The examiner only cares about your language. Express your opinions, talk about your interests, and give examples from your own experience. The examiner will find 'real' opinions and experiences more interesting than general, superficial answers.

July 19, 2017

IELTS Advice: do your own mock test days

A full day of testing isn't easy, and you'll probably get a shock on your exam day if you've only practised individual parts of the test at home.

So, as part of your IELTS preparation, why not do a full day of testing at home, maybe once every two weeks? In the morning, start with a full listening test, then go straight on to a reading test, and follow that with both writing tasks. Have lunch, and then ask a friend or family member to be your speaking examiner in the afternoon.

Don't worry too much about your scores. Just get used to the difficulty of maintaining concentration for a full day. You'll be much better prepared when your exam day arrives if you've done a few of these mock test days at home.

July 17, 2017

IELTS Advice: advice vs rules

If a teacher, website, book or friend tells you that you must do a particular thing in the writing test, you can check the band descriptors to see whether it's true.

For example, I often receive questions like this:

My teacher told me that I must add a second sentence, containing a recommendation or prediction, to my task 2 conclusions? Is this true?

Here's my answer:

No, this is not true. There's nothing in the band descriptors about conclusions needing a recommendation or prediction. I think it's fine for teachers to say "this is how I think we should write a good conclusion", but they should make it clear that they are giving advice rather than stating a rule. If it's not in the band descriptors, it's not a rule.

Download Writing Band Descriptors Task 1

Download Writing Band Descriptors Task 2

July 16, 2017

IELTS Speaking: the importance of part 2

Students often ask me what will happen if they do badly in part 2 of the speaking test. Is it still possible to get a high score?

Yes, in theory, it is still possible to get a reasonably high score (maybe band 7) if you do badly in part 2, but you would need to give excellent answers in part 3. In practice, candidates rarely recover from a bad part 2; I don't remember anyone who made a mess of part 2 but suddenly did a fantastic part 3.

My advice: You should consider part 2 as the core of your speaking test. It's your best chance to show how good your English is, and it's the examiner's best chance to listen carefully to your use of language. In fact, it's probably the point at which most examiners get a clear idea of what score to give you.

The good news is that you can prepare for part 2. Click here to get started!

July 10, 2017

IELTS Advice: from a student who passed

Thanks to those of you who wished me a happy holiday! I'm feeling refreshed after a week off, and I thought it would be a good time to share a positive message that I received from a student, called Evan, who passed the IELTS test this month.

Here are the main parts of Evan's message:

Dear Simon,

I received my IELTS result this morning, and I am so happy to share with you that I've achieved my goal (7.0 for every part). I started taking IELTS in October 2016, and this is my 5th attempt. I would like to thank you very much for your useful lessons, tips and advice on your blog and your video course. I could not have got the results without it. I also want to share with you my experience, and hopefully this could once again prove that if one follows your method, he or she will succeed one day. 

My journey to achieving my IELTS goal has been very difficult and frustrating as I have been stuck with either writing or reading, especially writing. At some points I almost gave up and was thinking that IELTS may not be for me. But when I felt down, I read your posts and comments from successful takers, especially James Z, Chanaka and Kevin, which inspired me to continue. After my 4th attempt, I decided to take time off work so I could devote all my time to study. I studied from 9am to 6.30pm from Monday to Saturday for 5 weeks, and I wrote 34 essays and 11 letters following your method, and had 6 essays and 2 letters corrected. This helped identify my common mistakes, such as grammar error and word choice, and also to give me an idea of what a band 7.0 in writing would look like. I focused on learning topic vocabulary, and I practised the keyword technique for writing and listening. I strictly followed your advice for speaking part 1 (short and easy), part 2 (vocabulary theme) and part 3 (flow).

After all, I think that the key to IELTS band 7 includes the following:

1. Hard work always pays off.
2. Trust ielts-simon.com's lessons, you don't need any others, even books. In fact, I only used the 12 Cambridge books and Official Practice Materials from ielts.org.
3. Don't waste time and money to take the test repeatedly. Instead, concentrate on language learning, and take the test when you are ready.
4. Spend more time on studying and practising than testing (I found this advice from you the most useful).
5. Have someone to check your work to identify common mistakes.

Once again, thank you Simon very much and I really appreciate your work. Now,I can go back to work while preparing for the next chapter of my life with my IELTS result.

Regards,
Evan

July 08, 2017

IELTS Advice: using the verb 'get'

A student pointed out that I often use the word 'get' in my sample answers for IELTS speaking. For example, I wrote "get cash out" in my answer to question 4 in yesterday's lesson.

So, is it acceptable to use the word 'get' or is it too informal? Here's my answer:

The word 'get' is used so often in spoken English that no native speaker (or examiner) will even notice that you've used it. In fact, it might even help to make your speech sound more fluent and natural if you use 'get' in your speaking test.

Note: 'get' is fine in the speaking test, but I would normally avoid using it in the writing test.

July 07, 2017

IELTS Speaking Part 1: 'numbers' topic

In last week's speaking lesson I gave you 5 simple rules for your part 1 answers. Here are some more example answers in which I follow those rules:

1) Do you have a favourite number or a number that is special to you?

Yes, my favourite number is... because it's the day I was born on, and it's my lucky number.

2) Do any numbers have special importance in your country?

Yes. The number 7, for example, is supposed to be a special number in my country. It appears in so many places, like the seven days of the week, the seven main notes in music, and the seven ages of man that Shakespeare described.

3) Are you good at remembering numbers? Why / why not?

No, I'm not very good at remembering numbers. I don't think it's necessary to learn them by heart; I just save them on my phone.

4) What numbers do people often have to memorise?

The most important number to remember on a daily basis is the pin number for your bank card. Without this you can't pay for anything or get cash out.

June 30, 2017

IELTS Speaking Part 1: five simple rules

Part 1 of the IELTS Speaking test is supposed to be easy. You don't need to give 'difficult' answers, and you should try to avoid making mistakes.

Here are five simple rules for Speaking Part 1:

1. Keep your answers short, then stop with confidence.
2. Answer the questions using full sentences.
3. Use words from the examiner's question in your answer.
4. If possible, give a reason for your answer.
5. Don't forget to say "yes" or "no" when necessary.

Here's an example to illustrate these points:

Do you like parks?

Yes, I like parks because they are great places to relax. If you live in a city, a park is often the only place where you can escape from the noise and the traffic.

June 25, 2017

IELTS Advice: if they can do it, so can you!

If you're frustrated with the IELTS test at the moment, it might help you to know that people do pass the test every week, sometimes with very high scores.

For example, take a moment to read the comments by Elizabeth, Gary, Hung and Sunggie below this lesson. If they can get such high scores (7.5 and higher), so can you!

June 24, 2017

IELTS Vocabulary: useful phrases

Even if you're not doing the General IELTS test, there were some useful phrases in the letter that I wrote last Sunday. Note them down, and see if you can use them in your own sentences:

• to have a document translated
  (to have something done = to get someone else to do it for you)
• I've been given the opportunity to...
• provide a copy along with the original
• to submit a document
• to secure a place on a course
• I'm running out of time
• do someone a favour
  (e.g. Do you think you could do me a big favour?)
• give me an hour of your time
• whenever suits you best
• to pop round (informal) = to visit someone

June 23, 2017

IELTS Speaking Part 3: finish strongly!

By the end of speaking part 2, many IELTS candidates are exhausted and just want the exam to end. Consequently, they don't do as well as they could in part 3.

Ever since I noticed this problem as an examiner, I've told my students to make sure that they master the 3-step (or sometimes 4-step) method that I showed you last Friday.

Practise answering as many questions as you can using the "answer, explain, example (alternative)" method. If you can get into the habit of following these steps, you'll finish the speaking test strongly and make a good final impression on the examiner.

June 16, 2017

IELTS Advice: just keep going!

The most important thing that writing this blog has taught me is to keep going. Some days I have great lesson ideas and other days I don't, but I write something anyway.

And I believe that you can study for IELTS in the same way - just do something (even something very small or quick) every day, and you'll reach your goal in the end.

June 15, 2017

IELTS Speaking Part 3: answer, explain, example

My sample answers below all follow a 3-step structure: answer, explain, example. I sometimes add a 4th step that you can see here, but the first 3 steps are the most important. Practise answering all part 3 questions in this way.

1) How important is customer service for you?

(Answer) Customer service is really important for me because I like to feel welcome and valued as a customer. (Explain) If companies want us to use their products or services, I believe they should treat us well and therefore encourage us to return. (Example) For example, I have a favourite cafe where I like to go, and the friendly staff are the main reason that I’ve become a loyal customer.

2) What can companies do to improve their customer service?

(Answer) I think managers need to train their employees to deliver great customer service. (Explain) There are lots of things that staff members can do, such as ensuring that customers are greeted in the right way, their problems are handled quickly, and they are asked for feedback. (Example) For example, the staff in my favourite cafe greet customers as soon as they come through the door, and they always check that we are happy before we leave.

3) Why do you think employees sometimes don't provide good customer service?

(Answer) When employees’ treatment of customers isn’t good, I think it’s usually because they are unhappy doing their jobs. (Explain) This might be because they are treated badly by their managers, or because they haven’t been encouraged to take pride in their work. (Example) I remember in my first ever job, for example, I didn't like the work that I was given, and so I probably wasn’t as thoughtful or attentive as I should have been when I had to speak to customers.

June 09, 2017

IELTS Advice: good writing looks easy (but it isn't)

I sometimes hear from students who believe that my essays seem too easy. Have another look at the essay that I wrote on Wednesday, and the vocabulary list in yesterday's lesson. Is it really as easy as it seems to write like that?

June 08, 2017

IELTS Vocabulary: groups of words

Individual words (e.g. big, difficult or unusual words) are not the secret to getting a good vocabulary score in IELTS writing or speaking.

Instead, it's your ability to use groups of words (e.g. collocations and phrases) that will impress the examiner.

Look at these examples from the essay that I shared on Wednesday:

• opinions differ as to whether or not
• the setting of homework
• a necessary aspect of
• an unnecessary burden on
• there is evidence to support the idea that
• improve educational outcomes
• regularly top international educational league tables
• countries where..... outperform nations where.....
• setting homework is the norm
• is just as beneficial as
• from the perspective of
• brain development
• has an important role to play in
• the schooling of children
• encourages independent learning and problem solving
• are challenged to work through tasks
• at their own pace
• In doing so, .....
• apply the knowledge
• consolidate their understanding
• concepts taught by their teacher
• develop an independent study habit
• certainly has its drawbacks
• the benefits outweigh them in the long term

June 07, 2017

IELTS Speaking Part 3: 'customer service' topic

Let's have a look at some part 3 questions that might follow on from the part 2 task that I answered last week. Try using the method shown in this lesson when answering.

1. How important is customer service for you?
2. What can companies do to improve their customer service?
3. Why do you think employees sometimes don't provide good customer service?

June 02, 2017

IELTS Advice: study alone or take lessons?

Studying alone

It's certainly possible to prepare for the IELTS test alone. Every week I receive messages from people who tell me that they passed the test without attending any "normal" lessons. Some of them used only the free lessons here on the blog, while others found my video course to be exactly what they needed.

Taking lessons

On the other hand, not everyone likes working independently. You might find that attending English lessons with a teacher suits you better. The good news is that your teacher doesn't need to be an IELTS expert. You already have all the IELTS advice that you need here, so just try to find a good "general English" teacher.

A middle point

A "middle point" between the two paths above could be to study alone but get some feedback from an IELTS teacher every now and then. For example, you could study my blog lessons, and then get an essay checked or try taking a realistic online speaking test with one of my colleagues. If you're working alone, a teacher's feedback will make sure you're on the right track.

June 01, 2017

IELTS Vocabulary: weekly review

Here's a list of the good vocabulary from this week's blog lessons. Copy the words and phrases, and see if you can use them in your own sentences.

Writing task 2:

• homework is an unnecessary burden on children
• there is evidence to support the idea that...
• improve educational outcomes
• top (verb) international league tables
• outperform (verb)
• setting homework is the norm
• play time is just as beneficial as study time
• from the perspective of

Writing task 1:

• the table compares..... in terms of.....
• experienced (verb) educational problems
• reduce the incidence of
• saw a rise in
• children who were struggling

Speaking part 2:

• a small, family-run place
• all the more welcoming and inviting
• to catch up with someone (informal)
• what we had been up to (informal)
• made us feel at home
• from the moment we walked in
• polite, approachable and attentive
• nothing was too much to ask
• the delicious food, good company and friendly service
• made it an unforgettable evening

May 31, 2017

IELTS Speaking Part 2: 'good service' answer

Last week I gave you a list of "theme" vocabulary for the question below.

Describe a time when you received good service in a restaurant or cafe.
You should say

- when this was
- what kind of restaurant or cafe you were in
- why you were there
- and why you thought the service was good

Here's my sample answer with the theme vocabulary underlined:

• I’m going to talk about the service we received in a restaurant where a friend of mine celebrated his birthday last Saturday evening.
• My friend had decided to book a table in a local Italian restaurant for the party. It was a small, family-run place, but this made it feel all the more welcoming and inviting. The atmosphere was great and the service was excellent.
• As I mentioned, I went to the restaurant because a friend had invited me to celebrate his birthday there. There were about ten of us there - mostly people I’ve known since university - and it was really nice to catch up with them and chat about what we had all been up to since we last got together.
• The service was good because the restaurant staff and owners really made us feel at home. From the moment we walked in, the waiters were polite, approachable and attentive; nothing was too much to ask. They brought out a cake with candles and sang ‘Happy Birthday’ to my friend, although we hadn’t asked them to do this, and the restaurant owners kept checking whether we were happy with everything, which was thoughtful of them. All in all, the delicious food, good company and friendly service made it an unforgettable evening.

May 26, 2017

IELTS Advice: a change of mindset

(mindset = established set of attitudes or way of thinking)

It seems to me that too many students have a "grammar mindset". They believe that 'complex structures' are the key to a high IELTS score, and they focus on learning grammar rules and linking phrases.

I prefer the "vocabulary mindset". Students who have this mindset are more concerned about how native speakers really use the language. They 'collect' words, phrases and collocations by doing lots of reading and listening, and they enjoy using the new vocabulary that they have 'copied' from these sources.

To me, the vocabulary mindset seems much more positive and proactive than the grammar mindset. It seems less critical and more curious, and I also think that it makes language learning more fun!

May 25, 2017

IELTS Grammar: with + ing

Look at the following sentence from one of my task 1 answers:

A dramatic increase in both commodity prices was seen from 2007 to 2008, with oil prices reaching a peak of approximately $130 per barrel and the food price index rising to 220 points.

Notice how this sentence is written: first I state the overall trend, then there is a comma, then I add the statistics using "with + ing".

See if you can write a similar sentence using the information below.

- The number of young people who attended UK universities rose (2006 to 2015)
- Female university entrants: an increase of 20,000 over the 9-year period
- Male university entrants: peaked at 157,000 in 2011

May 24, 2017

IELTS Speaking Part 2: 'theme' vocabulary

One of the suggestions that I make in my video lessons is that you prepare "theme" vocabulary for IELTS speaking part 2. Let's look at a theme that could help us with the task below.

Describe a time when you received good service in a restaurant or cafe.
You should say

- when this was
- what kind of restaurant or cafe you were in
- why you were there
- and why you thought the service was good

We could use the "friendly" theme from speaking lesson 4 in my video course. Here's the vocabulary that I suggested for that theme:

"Friendly" theme (e.g. staff in a restaurant)

• welcoming, inviting
• warm, approachable
• polite, thoughtful, attentive
• great atmosphere
• make you feel at home
• the service was excellent
• nothing was too much to ask
• an unforgettable evening

Can you write a description that includes all of the words and phrases above?

May 21, 2017

IELTS Vocabulary: a detailed explanation

I've just written a long response to some good questions in the "comments" area below this lesson. If you're aiming for band 7 or higher, I think you should read the little debate we've been having!

May 19, 2017

IELTS Grammar / Vocabulary: 'advanced and complex'?

In this lesson I'll try to answer Kami's question (see yesterday's lesson). Let's start by looking at the sentence below in more detail.

Fierce debates have been provoked if assignments ought to be done by students.

Grammar
There's really only one grammar mistake in the sentence above: the word "if" is used wrongly. We would need to write something like this: "Fierce debates have been provoked about the issue of whether assignments..."

Vocabulary
However, vocabulary is the real problem in the sentence:

1. The word fierce is much too strong, and seems unnatural or inappropriate in this context. Are people really having fierce (i.e. furious, very angry) debates about homework?
2. I would also question the use of the word debates. Are people really debating this homework issue? Maybe they are, but this still seems a little exaggerated to me.
3. Next, while it isn't grammatically wrong, I would question the use of the word provoked. Has someone or something provoked this debate?
4. Finally, assignments are not necessarily the same thing as homework. Assignments can be done in the classroom, so the use of this word confuses the issue.

While the grammar of the original sentence was almost correct, any native English speaker would find the sentence strange or unnatural, due to the vocabulary issues mentioned above. There's nothing "advanced or complex" about choosing inappropriate or exaggerated words that no English speaker would use.

Final tip:
It's good to be fascinated by new words and phrases, but using them correctly and appropriately is a different challenge. For most people, trying to write like an English-speaking journalist or novelist is like trying to play football at the level of Messi or Ronaldo! If you aim for such a high level, you're likely to make big mistakes.

May 18, 2017

IELTS Grammar / Vocabulary: too simple?

In Wednesday's lesson I said that the sentence below needed to be corrected and improved.

• Fierce debates have been provoked if assignments ought to be done by students.

In the "comments" below the lesson, I suggested two corrected versions:

• People have different views about whether school pupils should have to do homework.
• Opinions differ as to whether (or not) school children should be given homework.

But a student (Kami) asked a useful question:

Hi Simon. You made it too simple. What if I were fascinated by more advanced and complex structures to use while I apply correct grammar? I failed to find any grammar mistakes in the first sentence.

How do you think I should answer Kami's question? Are my suggestions too simple? And what advice do you think I should give about the issue of "advanced and complex structures"? I'll give you my answer and advice in tomorrow's lesson.

May 17, 2017

IELTS Speaking Part 2: 'good service' topic

A student sent me this recent exam question:

Describe a time when you received good service in a restaurant or cafe.
You should say

- when this was
- what kind of restaurant or cafe you were in
- why you were there
- and why you thought the service was good

I think I've already written some sample answers (about a restaurant and a cafe) that could easily be adapted to this question. Can you find those answers here on the blog? Try searching the blog using the method suggested here.

May 13, 2017

IELTS Advice: focus on YOU, get the job done!

Yesterday I asked you to consider how you would respond to "exam environment" problems, like unfriendly staff or noise from other candidates.

Here's what I think about these problems: they are out of your control, so it's best to ignore them. Instead, you should focus on your own performance only - this is something that you can control.

In the right frame of mind, we are all capable of performing well under pressure. We can ignore other people and external distractions, and we can focus on the job that needs doing. Approach the test as a "professional" - if you've prepared properly, you're ready to get the job done!

May 12, 2017

IELTS Advice: the exam environment

A student wrote to me recently to tell me about his negative experience of the test centre on the day of his IELTS exam. He said that the test centre staff were unfriendly and unhelpful, and he wondered whether it was a good idea to complain.

Let's consider some problems that you might experience on your test day:

• unfriendly staff
• an unfriendly examiner
• other candidates coughing or sneezing
• unclear instructions from staff
• noises outside the building
• a wobbly table
• any other problem with the exam environment that you can think of

What should you do about these problems? Tell us what you would do in the 'comments' area below, and I'll give you my advice in tomorrow's lesson.

May 11, 2017

IELTS Speaking Part 1: strange topics, easy answers

Don't worry if the questions in part 1 of the speaking test seem strange. Just give a direct answer and a reason as usual. For example:

'Robots' topic:

1. What do you think of robots?

I think robots are a clever idea. I'd love to have a robot that could speak to me and do things for me!

2. Did you watch any cartoons related to robots in your childhood?

I can't remember watching cartoons with robots, but I remember that I liked the robots in films like Star Wars.

3. Do you like the idea of robots helping you at home or driving your car?

Yes, definitely. It would be great to have a robot helper at home, and I like the idea of driverless cars - I think driving would be safer if cars were controlled by robots.

..........

'Shoes' topic:

1. Do you like to buy expensive shoes?

No. I tend to buy average-priced shoes because I'm more interested in comfort than expensive brands.

2. When you buy shoes, do you prefer convenience or style?

I mainly look for comfort and convenience. But obviously I consider the style too, because I do choose shoes that match the clothes I wear.

3. Why do you think some people buy many pairs of shoes?

I suppose they either like following the latest fashions, or they want a pair of shoes to match all of the different clothes or outfits that they have.

4. Have you ever bought shoes online?

No, I haven't. I always like to try shoes on before I buy them, to make sure that they fit properly and feel comfortable.

May 05, 2017

IELTS Grammar / Vocabulary: 'fixed phrases'

Sometimes it's better not to look at word usage from a grammar perspective. Instead, we can accept that some phrases are 'fixed', and there's no point worrying about the individual words within them.

The phrase "I look forward to seeing you", from yesterday's lesson, is a good example. There's no point trying to understand why we use "to + ing" in this phrase. Just learn it as a fixed phrase.

Let's take another example. Someone asked me for a grammatical explanation of my use of the word "for" in the sentence below:

One option would be for police officers to visit schools. (taken from this essay)

Here's the answer that I gave the student:

It might be best to learn the whole phrase "one option would be for x to..." without trying to understand it word by word. You could consider this to be a 'fixed phrase'.

In other words, rather than looking at this from a grammar perspective, you could learn it as a vocabulary item. Then, the best way to understand the phrase is to see it used in various different contexts. Here are some examples from a Google search:

• One option would be for national authorities to intervene.
• In order to improve the economy, one option would be for the government to invest in infrastructure.
• One option would be for staff to work more hours.

May 04, 2017

IELTS Grammar: 'to' with 'ing'

Many students have learnt that 'to' can't be followed by a word ending in 'ing'. But you might have noticed that I break this 'rule' in some of my essays. For example:

"strict punishments for driving offences are the key to reducing traffic accidents"

This phrase is completely correct, so it must mean that the "rule" was wrong! You can put 'to' with 'ing' in many situations. Here are some examples:

• The key to being more productive is...
• I look forward to seeing you.
• He admitted to taking the money.
• Scientists are closer to being able to...
• Seven steps to reaching your goals!

Can you find any more examples?
Tip: try searching on Google for "to being", "to having", "to doing" etc.

May 03, 2017

IELTS Speaking Part 1: robots and shoes!

I was looking through the recent questions that students share here, and I noticed some interesting part 1 questions that I haven't seen before:

'Robots' topic:

1. What do you think of robots?
2. Did you watch any cartoons related to robots in your childhood?
3. Do you like the idea of robots helping you at home or driving your car?

'Shoes' topic:

1. Do you like to buy expensive shoes? 
2. When you buy shoes, do you prefer convenience or style?
3. Why do you think some people buy many pairs of shoes?
4. Have you ever bought shoes online?

Has anyone else had these topics in the speaking test? How would you answer these questions?

April 27, 2017

IELTS Advice: easy essay structure

Whether you're doing the academic test or the general test, I recommend that you use the 4-paragraph, 13-sentence essay structure that you can see in yesterday's lesson.

Look again at yesterday's essay plan; I think it's very clear and easy to follow. If you get used to planning and organising your essays in this way, the 'structure' part becomes easy and you have more time to focus on good ideas and vocabulary.

April 25, 2017

IELTS Speaking Part 3: longer answers

Do you remember my advice about how to give longer answers in part 3?

• Answer the question directly
• Explain your answer (ask your self why)
• Give an example
• Mention an alternative or opposite answer

Example question
Do you think the seasons still influence people's behaviour?

Example answer
(direct answer) Yes, I do think the seasons still affect how we behave. (explain how) We still wear different clothes depending on the weather, and clothes shops change what they sell according to the season. We also adapt our habits and daily routines according to the time of year. (example) For example, people in my country like to eat outside in their gardens in the summer, but we can't do that during the other seasons. (opposite) On the other hand, I don't think we notice the change in seasons when it comes to food; the big supermarkets import food from around the world, so most people don't buy seasonal fruit and vegetables any more.

April 19, 2017

IELTS Speaking Part 2: 'happy' vs 'laugh'

Last week I asked you about the difference between the following tasks:

1. Describe an experience or situation that made you happy.
2. Describe an experience or situation that made you laugh.

The first task is easy because you can describe any positive situation or experience e.g. passing an exam, a special occasion, some good news, or even a time when someone told you a joke or a funny story.

The second task is a bit more specific. If you describe a positive experience like passing an exam, the examiner might not be convinced that you've understood the question properly. Did you really laugh when you passed the exam? Was it funny? I think the examiner would be expecting you to describe a funny situation like I did in this lesson.

April 14, 2017

IELTS Advice: acceptable templates

Yesterday I showed you a 'bad' conclusion template, but what does a 'good' template look like?

One way for me to answer this is to recommend that you forget about templates completely. Just use the shortest, most basic 'organising' phrases, like "In conclusion", and focus on answering the question. In other words, you should worry about 'topic language', not 'template language'.

On the other hand, if you really want a template for conclusions, have a look at this lesson. The templates you'll see there are acceptable.

April 13, 2017

IELTS Advice: don't use 'templates' like this

A student sent me the following 'template' for writing task 2 conclusions:

In conclusion, not only..... but also..... I believe..... . So, that’s why without a doubt that everyone should concern alongside authority and help each other's out to have a good and updated (topic).

My advice is simple: throw this template away! First, it contains mistakes. Second, it doesn't really make sense. And third, it's an example of the kind of "memorised language" that I wrote about in last Sunday's lesson. You'll probably get a lower score if you write in this way.

April 11, 2017

IELTS Speaking Part 2: 'happy' vs 'laugh'

Can you see a difference between the two tasks below?

1. Describe an experience or situation that made you happy.
2. Describe an experience or situation that made you laugh.

Do you think you could talk about passing an exam for the second task above?

April 03, 2017

IELTS Advice: memorised language

What do examiners consider to be "memorised language", and how will your score be affected if you use it?

Words
Individual words will not be considered memorised. However, if you have learnt some "big" words, you should make sure that you can use them in a natural and appropriate way, because incorrect use of words will affect your vocabulary score.

Phrases
It's fine to memorise and use "topic vocabulary" phrases (e.g. the opportunity to engage face-to-face) and short organising phrases (e.g. people have different views about...). However, I recommend that you avoid learning long "any essay" phrases (e.g. ... is a controversial and hotly debated issue in today's world). These "phrases for any essay" are very obvious to the examiner, and you'll probably get a lower score if you use them.

Sentences
Again, "topic vocabulary" is fine, but "any essay" sentences are not. So, if the question is about environmental problems, you can use a full sentence from my blog (e.g. Human activity is a major factor in the rise of the greenhouse gases that cause global warming). Having said that, it isn't easy to memorise full sentences for a wide range of topics, so I advise people to learn shorter "topic" phrases instead.

Paragraphs and full essays
If you write a perfect paragraph or full essay from memory and it fits the question, the examiner will not know and you will not be penalised. However, you would need to memorise hundreds of essays, so I don't recommend that you take this approach! Furthermore, if you write a perfect essay but it doesn't match the question, you will score zero!

My final tip
I recommend that you learn words and phrases (and maybe a few full sentences) for common IELTS topics, as well as some simple words and phrases for linking and organising your ideas. Don't learn lists of "phrases for any essay".

April 02, 2017

IELTS Advice: it's fine to use my ideas

If you use words, phrases or sentences from this website or from my ebook, will the examiner know that you have copied me, and therefore consider part of your answer to be memorised?

The answer is no! You can, and you should, use the language that you find on this site. If you can't use the language that a teacher gives you, how are you expected to learn English?

For example, look at the following sentence from my most recent essay:

"Students may not have the opportunity to engage face-to-face with their teachers."

It would be fine to use a word (e.g. engage) or a phrase (e.g. the opportunity to engage face-to-face) from this sentence. You can even use the whole sentence, as long as it's relevant to the question that you have been asked.

So what do examiners consider to be "memorised language"? I'll explain that in tomorrow's lesson.

April 01, 2017

IELTS Speaking Part 1: 'holidays' answers

Here are my sample answers for the questions that I asked you to look at last week. As usual, my part 1 answers are short and simple.

Remember that the priority in part 1 is to answer "fluently", not to show off your best language (you can do that in parts 2 and 3).

1) Do you like holidays? Why / why not?

Yes, I love holidays because I get the chance to take a break from work, to relax and unwind, and to spend time with my family.

2) Do you prefer to travel or stay at home during holiday periods? Why?

If I can I prefer to travel. It's nice to get away from everything and to have a change of scenery. Also, I like visiting new places and doing some sightseeing.

3) What do most people do during their holidays in your country? Why?

During the summer especially, I think most British people go somewhere hot and sunny, to escape from the British weather!

4) When do you prefer to take your holidays? Why?

I like taking my holidays just outside the main summer season, which is July and August. If you go on holiday in May, June or September, everything is cheaper and places aren't so crowded with tourists.

March 27, 2017

IELTS Grammar: 'overview' mistakes

Here are some sentences that people wrote below Thursday's writing task 1 lesson. Can you find and correct the mistakes?

1. There are a lot of fluctuations in cost these years.
2. Prices of both food and oil have a significant increase in eleven years.
3. The trends show almost similar figures throughout the period.
4. Oil and food prices follow nearly same trends within period.
5. Both goods increased theirs prices throughout the period shown.
6. Both goods had their prices increased throughout the period shown.

March 26, 2017

IELTS Speaking Part 1: 'holidays' topic

Here are some recent part 1 questions that a student shared. Try to answer each question using just one sentence: give a direct answer and a reason.

1. Do you like holidays? Why / why not?
2. Do you prefer to travel or stay at home during holiday periods? Why?
3. What do most people do during their holidays in your country? Why?
4. When do you prefer to take your holidays? Why?

March 22, 2017

IELTS Grammar: a student's question

A student asked me about the following sentence:

• Traffic jams are a feature of everyday life in modern cities.

He asked me if the following version is also correct:

• Traffic jams are a feature of everyday's life in modern cities.

What do you think? Is the second sentence correct? Why / why not?

March 16, 2017

IELTS Vocabulary: review

Let's review the good vocabulary from this week's writing and speaking lessons. First, some phrases from my task 2 essay:

• are becoming a common feature of
• Internet-based learning
• less direct interaction
• the opportunity to engage face-to-face with
• rely on written forms of communication
• come into direct contact with
• a negative impact on peer support
• chatting through website forum areas
• element of competition
• study in a flexible way
• cover the material at their own pace
• revenues for institutions
• regardless of age, location, ability and background
• enrolled on an online MBA course

Second, some phrases from Friday's speaking lesson:

• just down the road
• a bite to eat
• I found myself getting distracted
• a change of scenery
• made the short walk
• just the right level of background noise
• over the course of the afternoon
• takes a lot of pride in making
• avoid drinking too much caffeine
• on that occasion
• the atmosphere and noise level
• focus on my work without distractions

Note: You should see a difference in 'tone' (i.e. how formal or informal something is) between the two lists of phrases above. Can you see what I mean?

March 15, 2017

IELTS Grammar: plural with singular

Did you notice the following sentence in my essay on Wednesday?

Online courses are becoming a common feature of university education.

It might seem strange to mix a plural with a singular like this, but it's correct. The reason is that the courses are being grouped together as one feature. Look at some similar examples:

- Traffic jams are a feature of everyday life in modern cities.
- Online courses are a positive development.
- Electric cars are a good idea.
- Lower birth rates in America are an interesting trend.

March 14, 2017

IELTS Speaking Part 2: 'cafe' answer

Describe a café that you have been to.
You should say

- where it is
- why you went there
- what you ate or drank
- and explain why you liked or disliked the café.

Here's my sample band 9 answer:

• I’m going to describe a café that I go to maybe once a week. It’s just down the road from where I live, near Manchester, so it’s really convenient for me to walk down there for a coffee or a bite to eat, and to use the wifi.
• The last time I went to this local café was on Friday afternoon. I was trying to do some work at home, but I found myself getting distracted by little jobs around the house. So I decided to have a change of scenery; I put my laptop in its bag and made the short walk to the café, where I spent the next few hours getting all of my work done. With a nice cup of coffee and just the right level of background noise, I found it much easier to concentrate.
• Over the course of the afternoon, I drank two cups of coffee and a glass or two of water. The café owner takes a lot of pride in making the best ‘flat white’ coffee in the area, so that’s what I tend to drink. If I remember correctly, the second coffee that I ordered was a decaf, because I try to avoid drinking too much caffeine in the afternoon. I didn’t have anything to eat on that occasion, but I do sometimes have one of the home-made cakes that they sell.
• There are a few reasons why I like going to my local café. I suppose the main reasons are the coffee, the free wifi and the friendly staff. However, on Friday I also managed to sit at my favourite table near one of the windows, and the café wasn’t very busy. So the atmosphere and noise level were just right, and I was able to focus on my work without distractions for most of the afternoon.

March 07, 2017

IELTS Advice: the other 75%

Remember that 'grammar' is only 25% of your writing and speaking scores. I think you'll improve your scores faster if you focus on the other 75%.

In the writing test, the other 75% comes from your ideas, vocabulary and essay organisation. In the speaking test, the 75% comes from your fluency and coherence, vocabulary and pronunciation. Why not spend more time on those things instead of worrying so much about grammar?

March 06, 2017

IELTS Speaking Part 2: 'cafe' topic

Let's prepare an answer for the question below.

Describe a café that you have been to.
You should say

- where it is
- why you went there
- what you ate or drank
- and explain why you liked or disliked the café.

If you've seen 'Speaking lesson 4' in my video course, you will already have some good vocabulary for describing a restaurant and the staff in a restaurant e.g. welcoming, inviting, warm, approachable, attentive, nice atmosphere, make you feel at home... I'm sure we can use some of these words and phrases to describe a café.

I'll show you my answer next week.

February 26, 2017

IELTS Advice: slow practice

I've mentioned slow practice in a few lessons this week, and I've explained before that you should aim to get better before you get faster (click here to see that lesson).

Before I finish with the "slow" theme, I'd like to recommend that you put the words "slow practice" into Google (or another search engine). You'll find lots of interesting articles about the importance of slow practice in music, sport, martial arts and other areas of life. Why not use the same concept as one of your language learning tools?

February 18, 2017

IELTS Grammar: is, will, would, would have

Compare the following sentences. Can you explain the difference in meaning between each one, or suggest when we might use each one?

1) This book is useful.

2) This book will be useful.

3) This book would be useful.

4) This book would have been useful.

February 12, 2017

IELTS Advice: 'difficult' words

I've written about this many times before, but I still hear from many people who think that the way to get a higher score is by using big, difficult or 'original' words.

For example, a student commented recently that she had improved her English by learning the words ameliorate, juggernaut and katzenjammer. I can honestly say that I had never seen or heard the word 'katzenjammer' before. My dictionary says that it is an informal and old-fashioned word that was used in the US, which explains why I didn't know it. If you use a word like that in your IELTS essay, your writing will look very strange!

Please don't waste your time learning strange words. Instead, read through the writing lessons on this website, and try to copy the writing style that I use.

February 11, 2017

IELTS Speaking Part 3: 'reading' topic

Here are some questions from Cambridge IELTS 11. Each of my answers contains three sentences and follows the method suggested in this lesson.

Are the any occasions when reading at speed is a useful skill?

Personally, if I’m reading something interesting, I don’t like reading too quickly because I feel that I don’t properly absorb the information. However, it can be useful to skim through things when you don’t really want to read them, or when you just need to find one particular piece of information. For example, I read at speed when I'm checking a household bill or a letter from the bank.

Are there any jobs where people need to read a lot? What are they?

Well, researchers obviously need to read a lot, and I suppose that politicians, journalists and other professionals who need to know about current affairs read a lot too. Having said that, I think most workers read hundreds of emails every week. In my previous job, for example, I had to check internal staff emails at least twice a day.

Do you think that reading novels is more interesting than reading factual books? Why is that?

Both types of book can be equally interesting in my opinion. A good novel can transport you to another world where the characters in the book become almost real. On the other hand, factual books can give you fascinating insights into anything from psychology to ancient history.

February 06, 2017

IELTS Grammar: compound and complex?

Some IELTS students spend a lot of time preparing "difficult" sentence structures to impress the examiner. One particular issue that people ask me about is the use of 'compound' and 'complex' sentences.

The first thing I would say about compound and complex sentences is that they are not "difficult". Here in the UK, children learn about these sentence structures in primary school (click here to see how children are taught to understand sentence types). If you use words like and, but, because, although, while, when to connect ideas, you will automatically write a longer sentence that will be either compound or complex.

The second thing I would say is that you should not be worrying about these things when you are writing an IELTS essay. Just focus on answering the question and explaining your ideas well. I'm sure you'll naturally use "connecting" words to join ideas and create some longer sentences, so there's no need to worry about this at all.

January 29, 2017

IELTS Vocabulary: essay review

Here are the "band 7 to 9" phrases from Wednesday's essay. See if you can write a full sentence with each of these phrases.

• technological developments
• lead to the loss of
• this assertion
• it may be true in the case of
• seem to be unaffected by
• advances in technology that have driven industrialisation
• contributed to the disappearance of
• in pre-industrial Britain
• generations of families grew up in small communities
• a strong sense of identity
• shared customs and beliefs
• led to the dispersal of families
• villages are inhabited by commuters
• traditional cultures still thrive
• have been completely untouched by
• hunt and gather food
• traditional skills are passed on to children by parents and elders
• are embracing communications technologies
• access to information
• from weather predictions to market prices
• helps them to prosper
• have survived and even flourished

Vocabulary was a strong feature in Wednesday's essay, but I'll talk about some other aspects of the essay tomorrow.

January 28, 2017

IELTS Speaking Part 2: recent questions

Here are three recent questions that someone sent me:

1. Describe a café that you have been to.
2. Describe an important event in the history of your country.
3. Describe an occasion when you spent some time with a child.

How would you answer these questions? Can we use any ideas from topics that we have previously prepared?

January 19, 2017

IELTS Vocabulary: culture / a culture

The word "culture" is tricky because it can be used as an uncountable or a countable noun. It also has various meanings. A better understanding of this word will help you with the writing task that we've been working on, so let's look at some definitions and uses.

1. Culture (uncountable): don't use with "a", don't make it plural

This means the customs, beliefs, way of life, art, music, literature or social organisation of a group of people.

For example:
- I'm studying European culture. (everything from beliefs to art)
- This city is full of culture and history. (art, old buildings, traditional food etc.)

2. Culture (countable): a culture / different cultures

When we make 'culture' countable, we are usually* talking about the group of people itself. So, 'a culture' can be similar to 'a society' or 'a community'.

For example:
- Children are taught to respect different cultures. (different groups of people)
- Traditional cultures are disappearing. (traditional societies or communities)

*Note:
You might also see "a culture" used to describe an "attitude" e.g. The manager is trying to create a culture of success.

January 18, 2017

IELTS Vocabulary: less formal for speaking

In the speaking test, you can use conversational (less formal) phrases that you wouldn't use in the writing test. Here are some examples from yesterday's lesson:

• leave something until the last minute
• work flat out (meaning: work hard without stopping)
• get something finished
• get something done
• one in particular that I really struggled with
• put something off (meaning: avoid doing it)
• in the end
• have mixed feelings about
• get started on something
• to go through it again (meaning: to do or experience something again)

I also used some good words and phrases that would be suitable for both speaking and writing (i.e. this vocabulary is not informal):

• procrastinating
• producing a final draft
• complete the final draft
• the pressure of such a close deadline
• manage the task in an efficient way
• I limited myself to just ten research sources
• summarise and synthesise
• I was relieved and quite impressed with myself

The vocabulary in the two lists above might not seem 'difficult', but it's the kind of natural "native-speaker" language that will impress the examiner. That's why I gave the answer a band 9.

January 17, 2017

IELTS Speaking Part 2: 'busy' answer

Describe a time when you were really busy. You should say

- when this was
- why you were so busy
- how you managed the situation
- and explain how you felt at the time.

Here's my full band 9 answer to this question:

• I’m going to talk about the time I left a university assignment until the last minute and had to work flat out to get it finished. This was about ten years ago when I was doing my Master’s degree.
• I had to do several 3000-word assignments for the modules on my Master’s course, but I remember that there was one in particular that I really struggled with. I had been procrastinating and putting it off for weeks, and in the end I left myself just two days to get the whole assignment done. This included finding and reading relevant books and articles, deciding on my thesis and assignment title, and producing a final draft which had to be handed in to the department office before the deadline.
• The pressure of such a close deadline actually forced me to manage the task in a really efficient way. My first step was to decide on the general area that I wanted to write about, and then I limited myself to just ten research sources. I printed the most relevant pages, highlighted the key paragraphs and made some notes to summarise and synthesise the ideas that I found interesting. Finally, I just started writing the main body of the assignment, and I wrote the title and the introduction last.
• I had mixed feelings at the time. I was annoyed with myself for leaving it so late to get started on the assignment, but I was relieved and quite impressed with myself when I managed to complete the final draft so quickly. It was also quite stressful and tiring to have to find articles, do photocopying and then write everything so quickly. I wouldn’t want to go through that again!

January 12, 2017

IELTS Speaking Part 2: 'busy' topic

Here's a recent question that someone sent me:

Describe a time when you were really busy. You should say

- when this was
- why you were so busy
- how you managed the situation
- and explain how you felt at the time.

Here are three topics that you could choose for this task: 1) finishing a work or study project 2) preparing a big event like a wedding 3) going on a trip or holiday.

I'll show you my answer next week.

January 08, 2017

IELTS Advice: don't get too technical

A student wrote to me with a useful question:

"My IELTS teacher told us not to mention complex subjects and show off knowledge in the speaking test. I tend to talk about my major using big words and terms to expand my answers. Would this be seen as "showing off knowledge"? And what do you think about this advice?"

To answer this question, let's compare two answers to the question "how often do you eat chocolate?":

Answer 1:
I probably eat something that contains chocolate, like a chocolate bar or a cake, every couple of days.

Answer 2:
I try to keep my chocolate intake to a minimum because it is relatively high in calories, and because sugary foods can lead to insulin resistance.

The second answer might look more difficult and impressive, but it actually seems inappropriate and unnatural. I much prefer the first answer. So, I think this is what the teacher meant when he/she advised students not to "show off their knowledge", and I agree with this advice.

January 07, 2017

IELTS Speaking Part 1: 'chocolate' answers

Here are my sample answers for the 'chocolate' topic. Remember that your priority in speaking part 1 is to demonstrate fluency by giving answers that are short, direct and natural, without hesitating too much.

1) Do you like chocolate? Why / why not?

Yes, I love chocolate. I like the taste, the texture and the feeling that you get when you eat it. And it goes really well with my favourite drink, coffee.

2) What type of chocolate do you prefer? Why?

I prefer dark chocolate to milk chocolate, because it has a stronger taste. I also like chocolate when it's in a cake, and I love drinking hot chocolate too.

3) When do you usually eat chocolate?

I try not to eat too much, but I probably eat or drink something that contains chocolate every couple of days.

4) Do people give chocolate as a present in your country? When?

Yes, it's very common to give boxes of individual chocolates as a gift. You can give chocolates on any special occasion really: birthdays, Valentine's day, Easter, Christmas, and so on.

Note:
To see my corrections for the sentences in yesterday's lesson, look in the "comments" area below that lesson.

January 06, 2017

IELTS Speaking Part 1: 'chocolate' mistakes

Here are some of the answers that people wrote below last week's lesson. Can you correct the mistake(s) in each sentence?

1. I like white and milk Chocolate, cause dark chocolate is taste bitter for me, I like sweet one.
2. I adore all kind of chocolates and the reason behind this interest is that when I was young, my father was always giving me chocolate as a prize for the good behavior.
3. I'd love all types of chocolate, but my favourite one is dark.
4. I am certain that I detest dark chocolate: it does not exite my palate.
5. I'm into chocolate just like most people. You know, it is hardly forgotten when you have got access to it.

January 03, 2017

IELTS Speaking Part 1: 'chocolate' topic

A student sent me the following part 1 questions from a recent IELTS test. How would you answer them?

1) Do you like chocolate? Why / why not?
2) What type of chocolate do you prefer? Why?
3) When do you usually eat chocolate?
4) Do people give chocolate as a present in your country? When?

Remember that it's ok to give negative answers if you don't like chocolate. Or you could just pretend that you do!

December 24, 2016

IELTS Grammar: test it with an easier sentence

If you're unsure about a bit of grammar, see what happens when you look at it in a much easier sentence. I'll demonstrate this with an example.

A student asked me this question:

Should we write "Companies A and B saw waste output fall" or "Companies A and B saw waste output fell"?

I told the student to consider an easier example:

Do we say "I saw him go" or "I saw him went"?

Hopefully the easy example above makes the grammar point much clearer. "Companies A and B saw waste output fall" and "I saw him go" are of course correct.

December 22, 2016

IELTS Speaking Part 3: 'home' answers and structure

Here are my answers to questions 2 and 3 from last week's lesson:

2) Do you think it's better to rent or to buy a place to live in?

I think it’s better to buy your own home if you can afford to do that. Buying your own home is a better investment in the long term, because you can sell the home and perhaps even make a profit on it. The alternative is to pay rent to a landlord who can ask you to leave at any moment.

3) Do you agree that there is a right age for young adults to stop living with their parents?

I’m not sure what the ‘right’ age would be, but I do agree with the principle that young adults should try to live alone if they can. For some people, the right age is when they get their first full-time jobs and can afford to pay rent, and for others it's when they start university and move into a hall of residence with other students. This was what happened in my case; I moved out of the family home at age 18 when I started university.

Let's look at how I structured the above answers.

Answer 2
Three sentences: 1) answer 2) explain 3) alternative

Answer 3
Three sentences: 1) answer 2) explain 3) personal example

As usual, I try to use the technique shown in this lesson to build longer answers.

December 16, 2016

IELTS Advice: yesterday's challenge

In yesterday's lesson I challenged you to read, watch or listen to something new and interesting (in English of course). Thanks to those of you who replied.

Here's my response to the challenge:
After trying to help my nephew to solve his 'Rubik's Revenge' (see picture below), I gave up and went online to find a proper strategy. The interesting text that I ended up reading was this one about how the Rubik's cube is similar to life. In some ways, I think it's also similar to the IELTS exam!

December 15, 2016

IELTS Advice: for 'down days'

If you're having a 'down day' when you don't feel like studying, my advice is this: just read (or watch or listen to) something interesting in English. Search the Internet for a hobby or an interesting topic, and see what you can find.

Here's a challenge to help you:
Can you find a short text or video about something that you have never thought about before today? I'll share my own response to this challenge tomorrow.