Monday, September 30, 2013

IELTS test in Australia – September 2013 (General Training)


IELTS test in Australia – September 2013 (General Training)
Posted: 30 Sep 2013 03:30 AM PDT

An IELTS test taker from Australia (thank you N!) shared this exam update. N didn’t remember the Listening and Reading, but did a good job with Writing and Speaking:

Writing test
Writing task 1 (a letter)/

Write a letter to your landlord about the neighbours above your flat that are disturbing and say that you wish to make a complaint.

Writing Task 2 (an essay)

There are people who like to spend time with their own age group and people that spend their time with different age groups. What approach is better in your opinion? Give relevant examples from your own experience.

Speaking test
Interview
  • - What is your full name?
  • - Can I see your ID?
  • - Where are you from?
  • - Do you work or study?
  • - Do you receive gifts frequently?
  • - Do like to receive them? Why?
  • - What is the most precious gift you have received so far?
  • - Why do you like it so much?
Cue Card

Describe a shopping street that you would like to visit. Please say

  • - Where is it?
  • - Why would you like to go there?
  • - Whom would you take there with you?

Friday, September 27, 2013

IELTS Speaking test in Bucharest, Romania – September 2013


IELTS Speaking test in Bucharest, Romania – September 2013
Posted: 27 Sep 2013 03:30 AM PDT

Our kind friend E shared the Speaking questions asked in a recent IELTS exam in Romania:

Speaking test
Interview
  • - What is your full name?
  • - Can I see your ID?
  • - Where are you from?
  • - Do you work or study?
  • - Where do you work?
  • - Do you consider yourself a patient person?
  • - What are the benefits of being patient?
  • - Are people in your country usually patient?
  • - Do you like advertisements?
  • - Do you think there is too much advertisement in your country?
Cue Card

Describe the most important (special) photograph that you like. Please say

  • - When was it taken?
  • - Who is on that photograph?
  • - Who took it?
  • - Why is it so special to you?
Discussion
  • - What is the role of photographs in the newspapers?
  • - Do you think photographs of family events must be taken by professionals?
  • - What photographs are good for advertisement?
  • - What is better, to send a photograph or a post card?
  • - What is the most efficient way of communication: e-mail, chat or SMS, in your opinion?

Thursday, September 26, 2013

IELTS test in Iran – September 2013 (Academic Module)


IELTS test in Iran – September 2013 (Academic Module)
Posted: 26 Sep 2013 03:30 AM PDT

An IELTS test taker from Iran (thanks, A!) shared this exam update:

Listening test
  • Section 1. A conversation between a woman and a school secretary about registering her son in the school.
  • Section 2. A radio program about hosts helping people in foreign countries.
  • Section 3. Two students were talking about their assignment on the topic of children’s psychology.
  • Section 4. A talk about the expansion of a supermarket.
Reading test
  • Passage 1. An experiment about cognitive ability of animals.
  • Passage 2. An article about lean manufacturing practices.
  • Passage 3. An article about methods of teaching science in schools.
Writing test
Writing task 1 (a report)

We were given 3 bar charts showing information about air and water temperature in 3 different lakes in Europe in 3 different seasons.

Writing task 2 (an essay)

Today’s teaching methods and communication between teachers and students will disappear by the year 2050. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

IELTS Speaking test in Riga, Latvia – September 2013


IELTS Speaking test in Riga, Latvia – September 2013
Posted: 25 Sep 2013 03:30 AM PDT

The Speaking questions below were shared by M who took the IELTS test in Latvia.

Speaking test
Interview
  • - What is your full name?
  • - Can I see your ID?
  • - Where are you from?
  • - Do you live in a house or in an apartment?
  • - In which room do you spend most of the time? Why?
  • - Do you prefer to watch news on TV or to read them in newspapers?
  • - Do you prefer to write an e-mail or call someone?
  • - Do you like to write letters or e-mails?
  • - To whom do you usually write e-mails?
  • - From whom do you usually receive e-mails?
  • - What do you prefer – to write a letter by hand or type it on a computer? Why?
  • - Do you often use your mobile phone?
  • - Are you a patient person? Why?
  • - What do you do while waiting for somebody?
  • - Why are people in some countries more patient than in other countries?
Cue Card

Talk about an interesting person that you have met recently. Please say

  • - Who is that person?
  • - When and where did you meet him/her?
  • - Why does he/she seem interesting to you?
Discussion
  • - What do you think is the most important for the development of a child’s personality?
  • - Are parents responsible for their child’s personality?
  • - What about school? Does it have a role in child’s personality?

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

IELTS test in Melbourne, Australia – September 2013 (General Training)


IELTS test in Melbourne, Australia – September 2013 (General Training)
Posted: 24 Sep 2013 03:30 AM PDT

IELTS test takers from Australia (thank you, J and N!) shared the details of their recent exam:

Listening test
  • Section 1. A client was calling the customer service to have her fridge fixed.
  • Section 2. A survey about 4 local supermarkets and what organic food options they offer.
  • Section 3. Don’t remember.
  • Section 4. Two assessors were chatting about jobs and people’s chance to get them. What is important for the company and why the company avoids certain people.
Reading test
  • Passage 1. About different festivals and everything that is on offer there.
  • Passage 2, 3. Don’t remember.
  • Passage 4. Long article about turtles and what local people are doing to protect them. It also talked about predators and times when turtles go to the beach to deposit their eggs in the sand.
Writing test
Writing task 1 (a letter)

You have read an article in a newspaper that contains incorrect information about your town/city. Write a letter to the editor of the newspaper to inform them about the mistake. In your letter

  • - Describe your knowledge of the city.
  • - Explain what information was incorrect in your opinion.
  • - Suggest how the editor could fix this error.
Writing Task 2 (an essay)

Many people have to retire at the age 60 or 65. However, some suggest that these people should be allowed to work for as long as they wish. What are the pros and cons of this situation?

Speaking test
Interview
  • - What is your full name?
  • - Can I see your ID?
  • - Where are you from?
  • - Do you work or study?
Cue Card

Describe a tourist attraction that you have enjoyed visiting. Please say

  • - Where is this place?
  • - What was so interesting about this place?
  • - What did you enjoy the most?
Discussion

Don’t remember.

Monday, September 23, 2013

IELTS Speaking test in Australia – September 2013


IELTS Speaking test in Australia – September 2013
Posted: 23 Sep 2013 03:30 AM PDT

The Speaking questions below were shared by C, who recently took the IELTS test in Australia:

Speaking test
Interview
  • - What is your full name?
  • - Can I see your ID?
  • - Where are you from? - Do you work or study?
  • - Tell me something about your city.
  • - What do you like the most about your city?
  • - When did you last visit your relatives?
  • - What do you do when you go to your relatives in your home country?
  • - How often do you meet them?
Cue Card

Talk about a business that you would like to start in the future. Please say

  • - What is it?
  • - Why do you think this business is important?
  • - What are the crucial components of success in business?
Discussion
  • - Do you think business is important?
  • - What business is successful, according to you? Why?
  • - Talk about any family business that you know.
  • - What are the positives of running a business with family?
  • - What are the negatives of running a business with family members?

Saturday, September 21, 2013

IELTS test in Uzbekistan – August 2013 (Academic Module)


IELTS test in Uzbekistan – August 2013 (Academic Module)
Posted: 20 Sep 2013 06:38 PM PDT

Shared by N.

Listening test
  • Section 1. Conversation between two friends. About what to pack for trip and places to visit.
  • Section 2. About a public park that opened recently.
  • Section 3.Two students discuss their project and ask for help from professor.
  • Section 4. Chronological history of cars from 1940 to 1990.
Reading test
  • Passage 1. A research in Australia and the USA about employers offering special facilities for workers with families.
  • Passage 2. Social and economic role of bees in our life.
  • Passage 3. About a book that describes the mind in 3D. The name wassomething like “Mind in …”
Writing test
Writing task 1 (a report)

We were given two pie charts indicating the proportion of students taking courses offered by an adult education centre.

Writing task 2 (an essay)

Scientists believe that junk food has bad impact on our health. Some people think that people should be educated to consume less of it, while others think that it is pointless.

Speaking test
Interview
  • - What is your full name?
  • - Can I see your ID?
  • - Where are you from?
  • - Do you work or study?
  • - Describe your country.
Cue Card

Describe a special occasion when you have helped to somebody.

Discussion

- What do you think About volunteering work?

Friday, September 20, 2013

Interesting techniques that helped Sathiyaseelan get Band 7.5 in IELTS


Interesting techniques that helped Sathiyaseelan get Band 7.5 in IELTS
Posted: 20 Sep 2013 03:30 AM PDT

I’d like to share with you today the story of Sathiyaseelan V from India (he is one of the IELTS results competition winners). It so happened that Sathiyaseelan, a native Tamil speaker, finally achieved the IELTS Band 7.5 he needed – after six unsuccessful attempts. So what happened that gave him a push? What made the difference? Here’s what he says:

“Firstly, I would like to thank Simone for providing a wonderful resource that contains all simple yet efficient materials and tips to achieve different dreams of IELTS test takers. This website is undoubtedly topping the chart of the best online resources for preparation for IELTS examination. Out of loyalty, I would like to share my strategies that yielded fruitful results and thereby accomplished my goals. To be frank, it was my 7th attempt in IELTS. But, I didn’t lose my hope until I reached my goal.

Needless to say that the easiest section of IELTS for me was the Listening test. The techniques I applied here to achieve 7.5 bands are very simple yet may be new. I believe that preparing for the Listening test using English songs will produce good results in a real IELTS test where conversation is played at slower pace. I have printed the lyrics of many English songs with some words missing that I needed to fill in the gaps while listening to the songs. I scored excellent marks during practice exams with this trick. Additionally, I listened to the BBC radio, English lecturers during my travel from home to the office and then back to home. Concentration and focus are the keys to reach your target scores.

Thursday, September 19, 2013

IELTS test in Canada – September 2013 (General Training)


IELTS test in Canada – September 2013 (General Training)
Posted: 19 Sep 2013 03:30 AM PDT

This IELTS update from Canada was shared by S and P who remembered the following Writing and Speaking questions:

Writing test
Writing task 1 (a letter)

You are living near a public park and the condition of this park is getting worse than before. Write a letter to the park management and say

  • - Why are you interested in this park?
  • - What are the problems you are facing?
  • - What are your suggestions for improvement?
Writing Task 2 (an essay)

Some people think that the government should increase tax on petrol in order to reduce traffic and pollution. What are the advantages or disadvantages of such a solution?

Speaking test
Interview
  • - What is your full name?
  • - Can I see your ID?
  • - Where are you from?
  • - Do you work or study?
  • - Do you live in an apartment or a house?
  • - Do you want to move to a new home in the near feature?
  • - Are advertisements important in your opinion?
  • - Did you buy something after seeing an ad?
Cue Card

Talk about an event that you were late to. Please say

  • - Why were you late?
  • - What was the event?
  • - How did you feel after that?
Discussion

Don’t remember.

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

IELTS test in Australia – September 2013 (Academic Module)


IELTS test in Australia – September 2013 (Academic Module)
Posted: 18 Sep 2013 03:30 AM PDT

Thanks to our friends M, P and E we know about a recent IELTS exam in Australia (sorry, they didn’t remember the Listening topics):

Reading test
  • Passage 1. Listening to the ocean floor in order to measure the depth using sound.
  • Passage 2. Advertisement’s attraction for children.
  • Passage 3. About loss of memory and human ability to remember.
Writing test
Writing task 1 (a report)

We were given floor plans of a typical office in Japan and in America and were asked to compare them.

Writing task 2 (an essay)

Nuclear energy is a better source of power for today’s global energy needs. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Speaking test
Interview
  • - What is your full name?
  • - Can I see your ID?
  • - Where are you from?
  • - Do you work or study?
  • - Who is choosing your clothes?
  • - Do you help people to select clothes?
  • - What type of fashion do you prefer, western or eastern?
Cue Card

Talk about a meal or a picnic that you had recently. Please say

  • - What was the occasion?
  • - What did you drink and eat?
  • - Have you enjoyed it? Why?
Discussion
  • - Do you think we should preserve our traditional foods?
  • - Do you cook by yourself?
  • - Does media help to spread the culinary culture among us?
  • - What needs to be done for certain foods and culture to spread in the world?

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

IELTS Speaking test in Bangalore, India – August 2013


IELTS Speaking test in Bangalore, India – August 2013
Posted: 17 Sep 2013 03:38 AM PDT

IELTS test taker from India (thank you R!) shared his questions in the Speaking module:

Speaking test
Interview
  • - What is your full name?
  • - Can I see your ID?
  • - Where are you from?
  • - Do you work or study?
  • - Do you live in an apartment or a house?
  • - Which is your favourite room there?
  • - Are you planning to change your home?
  • - Did you have a lot of toys in your childhood?
  • - What kind of toys did you like to play with?
  • - Which was your favourite toy? Why?
  • - Do you still have that toy?
Cue Card

Talk about a story that you were told in your childhood. Please say

  • - Who told you this story?
  • - What was the story about?
  • - Who were the main characters in the story?
  • - Why do you still remember the story?
Discussion
  • - Do children in your country like story-telling?
  • - What stories are told to the children today by their parents?
  • - What are the benefits of story-telling?
  • - How has story-telling changed in the last 30 years?
  • - Do children like to hear fairy-tales?

Monday, September 16, 2013

IELTS test in the UAE and India – August 2013 (General Training)


IELTS test in the UAE and India – August 2013 (General Training)
Posted: 16 Sep 2013 03:30 AM PDT

IELTS test takers from the UAE and India (thanks K and G!) shared this exam update:

Listening test
  • Section 1. A phone conversation with a student interested in a trip and a part time job in Europe.
    Questions: filling in blanks.
  • Section 2. Two students talked about their project, explaining what were their reasons to select this particular project.
  • Section 3. About research into reading.
    Questions: filling in blanks.
Reading test
  • Passage 1. Advertisements of companies offering cruises.
    Questions: match headings to advertisements.
  • Passage 2. About growth in your career.
    Questions: filling in blanks, True/False/Not Given.
  • Passage 3. Don’t remember.
  • Passage 4. About the correct spelling in the English language.
    Questions: filling in blanks, True/False/Not Given, a short summary of the passage.
Writing test
Writing task 1 (a letter)

A friend of yours is planning a business trip to the city you know very well. He/she wants to spend one day to see the city. Please say

  • - What are the must-see places to visit?
  • - Suggest a few places to eat in.
  • - What transport is available and convenient to use there?
Writing Task 2 (an essay)

Nowadays mobile phones can be found everywhere in this world. Is it a positive or a negative development?

Speaking test
Interview
  • - What is your full name?
  • - Can I see your ID?
  • - Where are you from?
  • - Do you work or study?
  • - What type of home do you live in?
Cue Card

Talk about a website that you have visited recently. Please say

  • - How did you find it?
  • - How often do you visit this website?
  • - What do you like about this website?
Discussion

Don’t remember.

Friday, September 13, 2013

IELTS Speaking test in Ecuador – August 2013


IELTS Speaking test in Ecuador – August 2013
Posted: 13 Sep 2013 03:44 AM PDT

The Speaking questions below were shared by D who took the IELTS test in Ecuador:

Speaking test
Interview
  • - What is your full name?
  • - Can I see your ID?
  • - Where are you from?
  • - Do you work or study?
  • - What kind of job do you do?
  • - Are you a patient person?
  • - What do you do to stay patient in certain situations?
  • - Do you think people in your country are usually patient?
Cue Card

Talk about a seaside place that you would like to visit. Please say

  • - Where is it?
  • - What can you do there?
  • - Why would you like to go there?
Discussion
  • - Do you think people like the seaside for holidays?
  • - Do you think the seaside will always be a preferred holiday place?
  • - Is it more fun for children than adults do you think?
  • - Do you have some good memories from seaside trips as a child?
  • - In what circumstances the seaside might stop being an attractive destination for holidays in your view?

Thursday, September 12, 2013

IELTS test in Canada – August 2013 (Academic Module)


IELTS test in Canada – August 2013 (Academic Module)
Posted: 12 Sep 2013 03:30 AM PDT

Canadian IELTS test takers (thanks S and A!) shared the following information about their recent exam:

Listening test
  • Section 1. A conversation about a group tour.
  • Section 2. Two students were discussing their courses and timetable.
  • Section 3, 4. Don’t remember.
Reading test
  • Passage 1. Journal about plants. Questions: matching paragraphs.
  • Passages 2-4. Don’t remember.
Writing test
Writing task 1 (a report)

We were given a bar graph showing what students did after graduating from Physics and Arts & Science. The options were: further study, employment, work and study, unemployed and other.

Writing task 2 (an essay)

Old people take a while to begin using new technology, such as mobile phones. Why do you think this is happening? Suggest ways to encourage them to use mobile phones and new technology for their benefit.

Speaking test
Interview
  • - What is your full name?
  • - Can I see your ID?
  • - Where are you from?
  • - Do you work or study?
  • - Were you taught painting or drawing in school?
  • - Do you think children should be taught painting in school?
  • - Why do people like to keep paintings in their homes?
  • - Would you like to buy a painting?
Cue Card

Describe an older person whom you respect, please say

  • - Who the person is
  • - What your relationship with this person is
  • - Why you respect the person
Discussion
  • - What are the advantages of having an elderly person at home?
  • - Is there anything that older people should learn from younger generation?
  • - What qualities does a person need to take care of old people?
  • - Do you think elderly people should be allowed to work?
  • - Do you think that elderly people should be taken care of at home?

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

IELTS test in Turkey and India – August 2013 (General Training)


IELTS test in Turkey and India – August 2013 (General Training)
Posted: 11 Sep 2013 03:30 AM PDT

Three IELTS test takers (thank you S, N, and H) shared the details of recent exams they took in Turkey in India. Unfortunately neither one of them could remember the Listening or the Reading topics.

Writing test
Writing task 1 (a letter)

You have been sent abroad for a 3-month training which is about to finish. Write a letter to your company manager asking their permission to stay longer and say

  • - How does the training benefit you?
  • - Why do you need to stay longer?
  • - Inform the manager when you will come back.
Writing Task 2 (an essay)

Nowadays people are spending too much money to celebrate personal and family events such as weddings, birthdays and so on. Do you agree or disagree with the statement? Give you opinion and examples.

Speaking test 1
Interview
  • - What is your full name?
  • - Can I see your ID?
  • - Where are you from?
  • - Do you work or study?
  • - Do you live in a house or an apartment?
  • - Which room is your favorite in the house?
  • - Do you use mobile devices except mobile phone?
  • - When did you start using mobile devices?
  • - Would you swap your mobile device for the latest one?
Cue Card

Describe your first work or study place. Please say

  • - What kind of building was it located in?
  • - Why was it important to you to work/study there?
Discussion
  • - What are the points you consider important about the study place?
  • - Should work-from-home jobs be paid well or not?
  • - What is the situation with work-from-home jobs now?
  • - What will be the situation with work-from-home jobs in 10 years from now?
Speaking test 2
Interview
  • - What is your full name?
  • - Can I see your ID?
  • - Where are you from?
  • - Do you work or study?
  • - What do you do for a living?
  • - How do you access your e-mails?
  • - Do you have friends at your work place?
Cue Card

Describe a nation (not your own) that you know well. Please say

  • - What is this nation?
  • - What and how did you learn about it?
  • - Why are you interested in it?
Discussion

Discussion of international tourism.

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

IELTS Speaking test in India – August 2013


IELTS Speaking test in India – August 2013
Posted: 10 Sep 2013 03:30 AM PDT

Our kind friend A shared the Speaking questions from his IELTS exam in India:

Speaking test
Interview
  • - What is your full name?
  • - Can I see your ID?
  • - Where are you from?
  • - Do you work or study?
  • - Are you fond of receiving gifts?
  • - Which gift do you like the most among them?
  • - What is the last gift you have received?
Cue Card

Describe an outdoor activity that you have done for the first time. Please say

  • - What did you do?
  • - Where and when did you do it?
  • - How did you feel later?
Discussion
  • - Do you like trying new things?
  • - Was it an expensive activity?
  • - Would you do it again?
  • - Would you recommend it to others?
  • - Do people in your country usually do it?
  • - How do you think people should be encouraged to do outdoor activities?
  • - What is the main disadvantage of such activities?

Monday, September 9, 2013

IELTS test in Nigeria – August 2013 (Academic Module)


IELTS test in Nigeria – August 2013 (Academic Module)
Posted: 09 Sep 2013 03:30 AM PDT

An IELTS test taker from Nigeria (thanks, F!) shared the details of the recent exam:

Listening test
  • Section 1. A conversation about a visit to Arizona.
  • Section 2. A map and a general description of a tin mine.
  • Section 3. Don’t remember.
  • Section 4. About the history of cars in Australia.
Reading test
  • Passage 1. About work and family life balance.
  • Passage 2. The importance of bees in our ecological system.
  • Passage 3. Brain mapping.
Writing test
Writing task 1 (a report)

We were given two pie charts showing the percentages of students taking various courses at one educational centre in 1985 and this year.

Writing task 2 (an essay)

Scientists believe that junk food damages human health. Some think that people should be educated about junk food risks, while others say it will not change anything. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Speaking test
Interview
  • - What is your full name?
  • - Can I see your ID?
  • - Where are you from?
  • - Do you work or study?
  • - What kind of work do you do?
  • - Would you recommend your job to others? Why?
  • - Do you like weekends?
  • - What do you do on weekends?
  • - Do you think people should work on weekends or not?
  • - Should those who work on weekends be paid more?
Cue Card

Describe a person that you like talking with. Please say

  • - Who is this person?
  • - Why do you like talking with him/her?
  • - What topics do you usually talk about?
Discussion
  • - Do you think good communication is necessary?
  • - What kind of work requires good communication?
  • - How can you develop good communication skills?
  • - Do you believe that robots will be able to speak in the future like humans?
  • - Do you like taking pictures?
  • - Which picture do you cherish? Why?
  • - Do you think people take too many pictures nowadays?

Friday, September 6, 2013

IELTS Results competition winners in August 2013


IELTS Results competition winners in August 2013
Posted: 06 Sep 2013 03:30 AM PDT

It is my pleasure to announce the winners of our IELTS results competition in August. The highest winning score was 8.5 – a true achievement for a person with English as a second language. And the winners are…

Academic Module – 1st place
  • Farheen Mansoor Samozai from India, Overall Band 8.5
Academic Module – 2nd place
  • Phuong Tu Pham from Vietnam, Overall Band 8 (Tu Pham used ‘Target Band 7′ to prepare for the exam)
Academic Module – 3rd place
  • Sunkavalli Abhishek Kumar from India, Overall Band 7.5
  • Kirbashini Kanasan from Malaysia, Overall Band 7.5
  • Siti Aisyah Novanarima from Indonesia, Overall Band 7.5
General Training Module – 1st place
  • Kalpakakamakshi Sreenivasan from India, Overall Band 8.5
General Training Module – 2nd place
  • Hannaneh Golmakani from Iran, Overall Band 8

I am delighted to present the winners with their special certificates of achievement (which will be sent to their emails), and the winning IELTS results will be displayed in the IELTS-Blog hall of fame.

We’re all looking forward to the winners sharing their exam stories – please tell us how you prepared and studied, and what helped you achieve success in IELTS. Anything you can share will be posted on IELTS-Blog without delay, so everyone can learn from you and get a better score in their own exam this month.

Thursday, September 5, 2013

IELTS test in Argentina – August 2013 (General Training)


IELTS test in Argentina – August 2013 (General Training)
Posted: 05 Sep 2013 03:30 AM PDT

An IELTS test taker from Argentina (thanks, P!) shared the details of his recent IELTS exam:

Listening test
  • Section 1, 2. Don’t remember.
  • Section 3. Two students and the director were talking about ways to improve the university library.
  • Section 4. A presenter was giving tips to the audience on how to make a good public speech.
Reading test
  • Passage 1. About glaciation timeline, ice age and the glaciers today.
  • Passage 2,3,4. Don’t remember.
Writing test
Writing task 1 (a letter)

You have recently ordered a book online, but the book was delayed and has not arrived yet. Write a letter to the manager of the company

  • - Give full details of your order.
  • - Explain why you need the book urgently.
  • - Suggest a solution for the situation.
Writing Task 2 (an essay)

The best way of motivating workers or encouraging employees to improve their performance is to pay them according to the amount of sales or products they produced. Do you agree or disagree? What other ways would you suggest?

Speaking test
Interview
  • - What is your full name?
  • - Can I see your ID?
  • - Where are you from?
  • - Do you work or study?
  • - Do you live in a house or an apartment?
  • - Describe your apartment.
  • - What do you like the most about your apartment?
  • - Why would you like to live in a house?
  • - Have you ever been on a boat?
Cue Card

Talk about a situation where you helped someone. Please say

  • - Whom have you helped?
  • - When did you do it?
  • - How did you feel after that?
  • - Explain why you have made a decision to help him/her.
Discussion
  • - What are the advantages and disadvantages of volunteering work in you country?
  • - What important values have you got from your parents?

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

IELTS test in Kuwait – August 2013 (General Training)


IELTS test in Kuwait – August 2013 (General Training)
Posted: 04 Sep 2013 03:30 AM PDT

An IELTS test taker from Kuwait (thank you B!) shared the following details of a recent exam:

Listening test
  • Section 1. A conversation about hotel reservation.
  • Section 2. A conversation between two people regarding education.
  • Section 3, 4. Don’t remember.
Reading test
  • Passage 1. About an exotic island in the Pacific region.
  • Passage 2. About endangered birds in New Zealand.
  • Passage 3, 4. Don’t remember.
Writing test
Writing task 1 (a letter)

You had purchased a toy online and upon delivery found that there was a problem with it. Write a letter to the manager of the toy company.

  • - Describe a toy that you bought.
  • - Describe why you think the toy is faulty.
  • - What do you want the company to do about it?
Writing Task 2 (an essay)

Some people argue that cars should be banned in city centres while others are against this idea. Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.

Speaking test
Interview
  • - What is your full name?
  • - Can I see your ID?
  • - Where are you from?
  • - Do you work or study?
  • - Do you work late hours? Why?
  • - What is the optimum sleep time a person requires?
  • - How many hours a day do you usually sleep? Why?
Cue Card

Describe your favourite piece of clothing. Please say

  • - What is it?
  • - Where did you buy it?
  • - Where do you usually wear it to?
Discussion
  • - What is the type of formal wear for people in your country?
  • - What is your opinion about internet shopping?
  • - Do you go out shopping with your friends or your wife? Why?
  • - Do women in your country wear fashion accessories?

Tuesday, September 3, 2013

IELTS test in Botswana and Zambia – August 2013 (Academic Module)


IELTS test in Botswana and Zambia – August 2013 (Academic Module)
Posted: 03 Sep 2013 03:30 AM PDT

Our kind friends from Botswana and Zambia shared the Writing and Speaking topics from their recent IELTS exams:

Writing test
Writing task 1 (a report)

There were three pie charts comparing the opinions of young people about mobile phones, nuclear energy and genetically modified foods.

Writing task 2 (an essay)

Nowadays many employers are hiring an equal number of men and women for work. Do you see this as a positive or a negative development? Give some examples to support your opinion.

Speaking test
Interview
  • - What is your full name?
  • - Can I see your ID?
  • - Where are you from?
  • - Do you work or study?
  • - Do you live in an apartment or a house?
  • - What chores are done by you at home?
  • - Did you help your parents with housework when you were young?
  • - Did you visit a park in your childhood?
  • - What are the advantages of parks?
Cue Card

Describe a situation when you were late. Please say

  • - What were you late for?
  • - What was the reason?
  • - How did you feel after that?
Discussion
  • - Do you mind if other people are late?
  • - Do you think people are too busy these days?
  • - What is better for people: to have little or lots of free time?
  • - How does being busy affect family life?

Monday, September 2, 2013

ELTS Speaking test in India – August 2013


ELTS Speaking test in India – August 2013
Posted: 02 Sep 2013 03:30 AM PDT

The Speaking questions below were shared by A who took the IELTS test in India:

Speaking test
Interview
  • - What is your full name?
  • - Can I see your ID?
  • - Where are you from?
  • - Do you work or study?
  • - When do you study: morning or afternoon?
  • - Do you watch TV?
  • - How much time do you spend on TV a day?
  • - Do you think TV is useful?
Cue Card

Talk about an event that was held recently. Please say

  • - Who were the visitors?
  • - What was the occasion?
  • - What did you do or planned to do?
Discussion
  • - What are the advantages of staying in a hotel or with a friends when you are in a different city?
  • - What services should be changed or improved in hotels, in your opinion?
  • - What are the main problems that people face while staying in hotels?
  • - What should the host country do to welcome people?