INTRODUCTION TO THE IELTS TEST IELTS test has two forms: the Academic test (or module) and the General Training test (or module). The module that you t:',,:k(, depends on the reason that you are taking it for. Generally speaking, the Academic Module is for those people who are to gain entry onto undergraduate or postgraduate education courses or for professional reasons. The General Training ,', f, ,liE: is for those people who wish to join some kinds of vocational or training courses, secondary schools or for immigration [:C'>:'" and General Training modules try and reflect real life situations to test whether a candidate would survive in [",gii:;1: speaking social and academic environments. For example, the Part 2 section of the speaking asks candidates to talk, after 1 minute's preparation, for 1 to 2 minutes on a given general topic. This would test General Training candidates to see if Hu:;y c;juki give a "work related presentation" to fellow work colleagues and, would test Academic candidates if they can give a "university style presentation" to fellow students, It tests whether candidates have the English language capability to perform t;',(:s!'; under some kind of pressure. JELl'':', ti"'st (both Academic and General Training modules) is divided into four parts: reading, writing, listening and n,(: listening and speaking tests are exactly the same for the Academic andGeneral Training modules but the c;;"j writing tests are different. Thus the test appears like this (in the order that you will take the different parts): ACADEMIC GENERAL TRAINING Listening 4 sections; 40 questions. 30 minutes 4 sections; 40 questions. 30 minutes 3 sections; 40 questions 3 long texts 1 hour 3 sections; 40 questions 3 long texts 1 hour 2 tasks 1 hour 2 tasks 1 hour sections 1 14 minutes 3-5eGtkms-" 11 - 14 minutes 1 IELTS ACADEMIC WRITING TEST - TASK 1 TUTORIAL The IELTS Academic Task 1 Writing is not an easy part of the exam. Describing a graph well in 20 minutes is not something most people can do straight away whether they are English speakers or not. The fact that it is in a foreign language for you as well doesn't help. Practice is the magic word though. Even good English users need practice for the IELTS exam and it could mean all the difference between pass and fail. There is limited practice available and it's quite expensive. That's why we would recommend you download our practice material. You will get more practice for less money. Go to the Home Page to find more information about our Practice Tests and other Practice Tests available. The Task Basically The IELTS Academic Task 1 Writing is an information transfer task related to the factual content of an input text(s), graph(s), table(s) or diagram(s). It can be combinations of these inputs. Usually you will have to describe the information given in 1, 2 or 3 three inputs but sometimes you have will have to describe a process shown in a diagram. Marking for the IELTS Academic Task 1 Writing The IELTS Academic Task 1 Writing will be marked in three areas. You will get a mark from 1 to 9 on Task Fulfillment, Coherence & Cohesion and Vocabulary and Sentence Structure. Your final band for task 1 will be effectively an average of the three marks awarded in these areas. Task 1 writing is less important than task 2 and to calculate the final writing mark, more weight is assigned to the task 2 mark than to task l's mark. To get a good overall mark for The IELTS Academic Task 1 Writing though, both tasks have to be well answered so don't hold back on task 1 or give yourself too little time to answer it properly. Task Fulfilment This where you can really make a difference through careful preparation. This mark grades you on basically "have you answered the question". Cohesion and Coherence These two are interrelated which is why they are done together. Cohesion is how your writing fits together. Does your writing with its ideas and content flow logically? Coherence is how you are making yourself understood and whether the understands what you are saying. An example of bad coherence and cohesion would be as follows: 1 We went to the beach because it was raining. Probably the writer of this sentence does not mean "because" as people don't usually go to the beach when it is raining. The writer should have written: 2 We went to the beach although it was raining. Sentence 1 has made a cohesion and coherence error (as well as a vocabulary one). "Because" does not join the ideas of the sentence together correctly and, as a result, the reader does not understand what the writer wants to say. This is an exaggerated example but it shows what I mean. Vocabulary and Sentence Structure This area looks at the your grammar and choice of words. The marker will look at whether the right grammar and words are used and whether they are used at the right time in the right place and in the right way. Many people are worried about their grammar but, as you can see, grammar is only half of one section of three used to grade your writing. IELTS is much more interested in communication rather than grammatical accuracy. Paragraphing for the IELTS Academic Task 1 Writing Tilis is a very easy thing to do but it can have an enormous effect on the intelligibility of your writing. Very often people use no paragraphing in The IELTS Academic Task 1 Writing and the examiner is faced with a "sea" of writing with no breaks from start to finish. For me, the best writings are those where there are paragraphs separated by an empty line and also indented. In this way your ideas are separated clearly. It shows and gives organization to your writing and makes it more readable. For teh IELTS Academic Task 1 Writing, you should have a paragraph for your small introduction, a paragraph for each graph that you are describing and a paragraph for your ending. If there's only one graph to be described, then you should split your writing into 2 or maybe 3 paragraphs for the one graph. For a longer section on paragraphing and how useful it can be, see Academic Writing Task 2 Tutorial. Scales for the IELTS Academic Task 1 Writing What I mean by the scale is whether the graphs are marked in hundreds, thousands, millions, pounds, dollars (US, Canadian, Australian, New Zealand, etc.), kilograms, tons, metres, kilometres, percent and so on. It's important for you to make clear what your numbers mean for an accurate report of the graph. Don't just say that something cost 1000 for instance. Say it cost 1000 US dollars. You can either specify the scales at the start in your introduction so the reader knows it for the whole report or you can use the scale each time you quote a detail in the report. 2 Writing the Task for The IELTS Academic Task 1 Writing The Introduction You don't need much here. You only have 150 words to fully answer the question and this is not much. So, you need 1 or 2 sentences describing the following: The type(s) of graph you are describing The titles of the graph(s) The date of the graph(s) The scale (see the paragraph above) You might not have all this information but you should report what you do have. So, for example, your beginning could look like this: In this report I am going to describe 2 graphs. The first one is a bar chart showing the relationship between age and crime and the second is a pie chart showing the types of reported crime in the UK in 2002. (This example gives an introduction to the Academic Writing Task 1 in Test 3 from ieltshelpnow.com.) Describing Graphs for The IELTS Academic Task 1 Writing What you need to do here is factually describe the graphs. You don't need to analyse the data, For example you don't need to give reasons for why figures are high or low. Sometimes, when there is more than 1 graph, there is a relationship between the two and you can bring in some comparison but more than this is not necessary. In the same way, no specialised knowledge of your own is needed or wanted nor your opinions. Remember the function of many graphs is to describe a trend so be sure that you describe the trends. A trend is how values change generally over time and it is important to describe the changes along with some of the individual values. We will look dt trends'abil: later under line graphs. One important issue with The IELTS Academic Task 1 Writing is how much detail to include in your report. This depends really on how much detail there is in the question. If there is only 1 graph and it doesn't have much numerical data in it, then you will be expected to include all or nearly all of the numerical detail. If, however, you have 2 graphs, both of which are very complicated with lots of values, you will not be expected to include everything as you only have 150 words to do the job. What you will have to do is to include a selection of what you feel is the most important and significant detail that needs to be included to accurately describe the graph. You must always have some numerical detail though. Now let's look individually at the types of graph that you are likely to meet in the exam and how to describe them. Bar Charts for The IELTS Academic Task 1 Writing Hopefully you will have described the title of the bar chart in your introduction so you can go straight into the description. Basically, with a bar chart, you need to describe the bars and their values. When describing a bar chart you first have to decide in what order to describe the bars, highest value to lowest value or lowest value to highest value. It may be a mixture of this. If there are very many bars, you can sometimes group together for description 1 or 2 or 3 bars which have similar or the same values. If there are very many and you can't group them, then just describe the ones that are the most Significant. Pie Charts for The IELTS Academic Task 1 Writing Pie charts are relatively straightforward as they only usually have a few sections though this is not always the case. You need to describe the segments and their values. If there are very many then just describe the ones that are the most significant. The values are often expressed in percentages but not always so be careful what scale you are using. Tables for The IELTS Academic Task 1 Writing These can sometimes be tricky as they provide a lot of information and it is often awkward and difficult to describe every piece of information. You have to decide and describe the values and sections that are the most significant. Line Graphs for The IELTS Academic Task 1 Writing The function of a line graph is to describe a TREND pictorially. You therefore should try and describe the trend in it. If there are many lines in the graph(s), then just generally describe the trend. If there is only one or two, then use more detail. So, 3 describe the movement of the line(s) of the graph giving numerical detail at the important points of the line. To describe the movement, there is some language which will always be useful. Below is a list of language you can use. Check with your dictionary words that you don't understand and practice using the words/phrases so you use them in the right way. As you will see, there are a number of words which are similar in meaning. This means that you will be able to use a variety of vocabulary which gives a good impression to the examiner who will read and mark your writing. The words below are particularly useful for line graphs but they can also be used where appropriate to describe the other types of graph. Expressing the Movement of a Line Rise (to) Increase (to) Go up to Grow (to) Climb (to) Boom Peak (at) Fall (to) Decline (to) Decrease (to) Dip (to) Drop (to) Go down (to) Reduce (to) Level out No change a rise an increase growth a climb a boom (reach) a peak (at) a fall (of) a decline (of) a decrease (of) a dip (of) a drop (of) a red uction (of) A slump a leveling out no change Remain stable (atr ---Remain steady (at) Stay (at) Stay constant (at) Maintain the same ~ e v e l Dramatic dramatically Sharp sharply Huge hugely Enormous enormously Steep steeply Substantial substantially Considerable considerably Significant Significantly Marked markedly Moderate moderately Slight slightly Small Minimal minimally Describing the Speed of a Change Agjectives Rapid rapidly Quick quickly Swift swiftly 4 Sudden suddenly Steady steadily Gradual gradually Slow slowly The Ending for the IELTS Academic Task 1 Writing You do not need a long and analytical conclusion for The IELTS Academic Task 1 Writing, but I do feel that you need to write something to end the report for reasons of structure. All you need to do is to write: This ends my report. This is all you need to end your Task 1; I think it's important to do this as it rounds off the report for the reader. Describing a Process for the IELTS Academic Task 1 Writing We have looked at the various types of graph that you might be asked to describe but you also might have to describe a diagram representing a process, First of all, the introduction and the ending should be more or less the same. Then, work out the various stages of the process. Take each one separately (it's only probably gOing to have a limited number of stages) and describe them fully. Fully is the important word as reaching the word limit has proved harder in this task, If you have this problem, don't be afraid to use your imagination to add to detail about the process, Other Hints for the IELTS Academic Task 1 Writing DON'T copy any part of the question in your answer. This is not your own work and therefore will be disregarded by the examiner and deducted from the word count. You can use individual words but be careful of using long "chunks" of the question text. Don't repeat yourself or the same ideas. This gives a bad impression and the examiner realises that it isn't adding to the content of your report. If you are weak at English grammar, try to use short sentences. This allows you to control the grammar and the meaning of your writing much more easily and contributes to a better cohesion and coherence mark, It's much easier to make things clear in a foreign language if you keep your sentences short! Think about the tenses of your verbs. If you're writing about something that happened in the past, your verbs wHl need to be in the past tenses, If you're describing the future, you will need to use the future tenses. If it's a habitual action, you'll need the present simple tense and so on, If you have time, a quick check of your verbs at the end of the exam can help you find errors. For describing graphs you will probably need past tenses whereas, for describing a process, you will probably need the present simple. Think about the verbs while practising and then it will become easier when you do the exam. As I just said, if you have finished the exam with time to spare, DON'T just sit there!! Check what you have done. If you have time after the check, check again. And so on .... Don't be irrelevant. Although you can use your imagination to expand on your answer, if any part of your report is totally unrelated to the question and put in to just put up the word count, then the examiner will not take it into account and deduct it from the word count, If you want to improve, there's no secret. Practice, Practice, Practice. You won't get better sitting and doing nothing. Even good English users need practice for the IEL TS exam. It could make all the difference between your getting the band that you need, and getting half a band less than you need and having to wait 3 months to do the exam again. Finally, there are no correct answers or methods. Here I've given you some ideas to guide you and hopefully to help you but the questions can be answered well in different ways. Good luck with the IELTS Academic Task 1 Writing. I hope that this free tutorial has helped you! Below are links to the other free IEL TS academic tutorials, While taking this test, many non native english speakers do not properly join 2 small sentences. The proper use of connectives mentioned below will be helpful. Try to use them in your sentences. Familiarity with these words would be useful in all IELTS test modules. Common connective words indicating: Addition Sequence II Consequence ContrastI II II I however on the other in addition first(ly) initially hand despite in spite of as a result thus and similarly second(ly) etc.to though although but so therefore likewise as well as on the contrary begin with then consequentlybesides further more otherwise yet instead next earlier/later it follows that also moreover and then after this/that thereby oftoo not only ..; but following this/that rather whereas eventuallyeven besides this/that afterwards nonetheless even admittedly then in that case though compared with in contrast alternatively ,I Certainty II Condition II Definition II Summary I certainly is refers to in conclusion in plainly of course if unless whether means that is provided that for summary lastly finally undoubtedly consists of so that whether to sum up to conclude depending on to recapitulate in short Example ReasonI II II Time II I for instance one smce as so before since as example for example because (of) until meanwhile pust as in particular due to owing to at the moment such as namely the reason why when whenever to illustrate in other words -." .as soon as just as leads to cause 6 Writing: Task 2 Name: Date: Topics Issues Positive Needs attention Topic / Task Main Issues identified at beainnina Clear, justified paragraph structure Topic sentence in each paraaraoh Ideas in supporting sentences: ,!i10,; Ideas and ,/ Relevant supporting ,/ Consistent, easy to understand arguments ,/ Clearly presented, sufficiently developed ,/ Give adequate attention to all aspects of topic ~ , Conclusion: " " ~ ,/ Summarises main points - . - - ~ - . - ~ ,/ Indicates argument ended Essay right length Register appropriate Ideas relevant to topic Text:, " , , Clarity of ,/ Easy to understand message ,/ Logically organised ,/ Contains appropriate paragraphing ,/ Contains relevant cohesive devices Errors have minimal effect on message Varied and accurate set of vocabulary including: " > " -, ,/ Word formation ,/ Phrasal verbs ,/ Idiomatic expressions ,/ Collocations ,/ Fixed expressions Varied and accurate use of structures including: ' , % . Vocabulary ,', ;,.,., ,/ Verb constructions and syntax ,/ Relative clauses ,/ Sentence types ,/ Active and passive voice ,/ Conditionals ,/ Infinitives and gerunds ,/ Prepositions ,/ Articles Other 7 June 1 2002 Soon people who cannot work with computers will be disadvantaged. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this idea? Sep 12 2002 Task 1: Write a letter to a bus company saying you have left something valuable on the bus and tell them what to do if they [md it. Task 2: Nowadays, radio is being replaced by TV and the Internet. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this idea? ? These days, schools introduce behaviour of what is 'right' or 'wrong'. This responsibility is not only parents'. To what extent do you agree or disagree? 13 Feb 2003 Education is a lifelong task. Do you agree or disagree? 14 Feb 2003 Young people are encouraged to travel or work for one year after high school and before university studies. Write the advantages and disadvantages of this matter. OR Young people are encouraged to travel or work for one year after high school and before university studies. Do you think it is a good idea to do so? March 3 2003 Task 1: You have recently moved to a new house. There has been damage after you have moved into the house. Write a letter to your landlord explaining what has happened and ask him what you can do. Task 2: Nowadays, people care about their appearance more than before. Do you agree or disagree? 7 March 2003 Governments should spend more money on education than on recreation and sports. Do you agree or disagree? 9 March 2003 Technology has facilitated our lives so much and given us a lot of freedom. Some people, however, believe that it has caused more problems for us. What is your opinion? (ai p p g . co m) April 25 2003 (General) Task 1: You have asked for accommodation to do a course in a country; your plan has changed and you would like to ask for new accommodation. Write the agency and explain your situation and ask for your new accommodation. Task 2: Shopping has become a :favourite pastime among young people. Why do you think it is like that, and do you think they must be encouraged to do other things rather than shopping? 8 April 23 2003 Task I: Write a letter to a company you worked for and say what you think about good or weak points of the company; say whether you think some changes should be made. Task2: Nowadays, some people still prefer to ride bicycles. To what extent do you think this will help us in today's life? May 8 2003 Academic Task 2: Governments have to place the same number of men and women in different fields of study in universities. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement? May 18,2003 People's character is influenced by environment rather than genetics. Do you agree or disagree? May 21 2003 Task 1- a table showing difference between two African countries was given, and it was asked to compare them from different points of view. Task 2- in the 21 st century, there is no use to pay expenses for wild animals protection. What's your idea about this matter? 31 May 2003 Task 2: Is technology time-consuming or does it save time? Task 2: The elderly people of over 50 years of age should be retired and be replaced by the young. Do you agree or disagree? 30 May (Abu Dhabi) First task: write a letter to the sports center manager complaining about some problems you face when you go to his sports center. Second task: write whether you support that employees' salaries are. not enough to make them happy. Benefits like health insurance etc. shou1d be given to make them happier. 7 June 2003 Task 1: You have been going to a sport club. Recently there are some problems with the club. Write a letter to the club, mention the problems and make suggestions. Task 2: In the world today, how can the companies keep their employees happy? Express your idea and bring reasons, for example how salary, health care and holiday can make employees happy. Task One: A company has invited you for a job interview, but the train that you have taken was delayed. Write a letter to the railway company and explain the situation. Write what they can do for you. (What you want them to do for you?) Task Two: People follow interests and have hobbies (e.g. collecting or making things) Do you think it is pointless? How can people learn from hobbies? 14th June 2003 (Academic) Smoking tobacco like other dangerous drugs should be made illegaL Agree or disagree? 15 June 2003 (Academic) Task one: A table comparing economic and social features of two Indian Ocean countries. 9 Task two: Wild animals have no place in the 21st century and trying to preserve these animals is a waste of resources. To what extent do you agree or disagree? July 62003 Task 1: A friend has written you a letter and offered you help in your forthcoming trip to a foreign country. He has offered you to help you find suitable accommodation. Write him a letter and tell him what you have in mind for accommodation. Task 2: Education is sometimes considered as something for the y o u t h ~ Some people, however, consider it as a lifelong task. What is your opinion? Give reasons and support your ideas with specific supports. Task 2: It is good for school and university students to take part in part-time jobs. Do you agree or disagree? 20 July 2003 (Academic) Task 1: A graph comparing the value of videos for sale and rental in the u.s and ED between 1992 and 2000 (It consisted of 4 graphs in one). Task 2: Some people argue that governments should spend money only on medicine and education and that things like theaters and sports stadiums are luxurious. Agree or disagree? 25 July 2003 (Academic) Task 1: A diagram about some forest which has burnt out and started fo grow again. After 50, 100, 150, and 300 years of time, the forest has reached its pre-fire status. Task 2: Nowadays, the gap between countryside and cities has increased in many countries. Is it the same in your country? What can governments do to reverse this? OR There is a gap in standards of living between countryside and cities. How true is this in your country? What measures should be taken to reduce this gap? 28 July 2003 (Academic) Task 1: Rainfall and temperature changes in .two different countries (Nigeria and Brazil) _ the graph included in the group files. Task 2: Young people are encouraged to travel or work for one year after high school and before university studies. Write the advantages and disadvantages of this matter. 9 Aug 2003 Task 1: You are invited for a job interview recently, but the train that you have taken delayed. Write a letter to the railway company and a. Explain your journey b. Write what you want them to do Task 2: Some people follow interests have hobbies (collection, making things), but some people think that it is pointless. Why do people need hobbies? How can they learn from hobbies? 9 Aug 2003 (Academic) Task one: A table showing the increasing number of elderly aged more than 100, by gender in UK in four consequent different years in 20th century. Task two: With the advent of computers the role of teachers are going to be faded in classrooms. Agree or Disagree? OR 10 Task1: A table with 12 numbers giving information about UK residents who are aged over 100 between 1941 and 2001. Task2: As computers are more and more used in education, some people argue that in future there will be no role for teachers. Agree or disagree? 16 Aug 2003 (Academic) Language and culture are respected less in comparison with the past. Do you agree or disagree? 28 Aug 2003 (Academic) Task 2: Ki1ling animals and using their flesh for food is not right. Do you agree or disagree? 30 Aug 2003 (General) Task 1: You have just fmished a two-day course in a college. Write a letter and explain the details of the course. Give suggestions to make the course better. Task 2: Riding bicycles ... 30 Aug 2003 (General) Task 1: You are going to do a course in another country; your plan has changed. Write to the agency, explain the situation and ask them for new acconunodation. Task 2: Young people nowadays would like to go shopping in their free times. Why do people do this? Is it good or should it be substituted by other activities? 30 Aug 2003 (General) Task1: you took a two-day course. You are asked to send your conunents. Write a letter and: Say details about this course which part of course was useful? Give your suggestions Task2: in spite of modem technologies for transport, many people believe bicycle is the best vehicle for transportation. OR In the present world, how bicycle is effective on everyday life? 13 Sep 2003 (General) Task 1: You have broken your leg and are staying at home for a few weeks. Your classmates have sent you so many presents and cards. Write a letter to them and describe how you spend your time and tell them about your recovery. Task 2: Nowadays, children have a lot of homework to do. Some people, however, believe that less homework means less stress for children, so they will be able to learn other useful skills, too. What is your opinion? 20 Sep 2003 (General) Taskl: One ofyour pen friends wants to come to your country and you ha ve never seen himlher. You will be late at the airport. Write a letter to himlher and *Explain why you will be late *Tell a place in order to find him so easily *How you should recognize himlher T ASK2: Should mass media publish details of people's private lives or should they be controlled? 11 20 Sep 2003 (Academic) Task 2: The British police do not cany guns. Do you think it is good or bad? 25 Sep 2003 (General) Task 1: You have purchased a camera from the duty free shop. There has been something wrong with the camera. Write a letter to the shop and describe what you felt when you found out about the problem. Tell them what you expect them to do. Task 2: Nowadays, many people from different nationalities and cultures get married together. What do you think are the advantages and disadvantages of this? 4 Oct 2003 (Academic) Task 1: Two charts comparing the number of UK households across 2 different years: 1981,2001. Task 2: Nowadays environmental problems are too big to be managed by individual persons or individual countries. In other words, it is an international problem. To what extent do you agree or disagree? 12 Oct 2003 (Academic) Task 2: Juvenile delinquents should undertake such punishments as cleaning the streets or such rather than be imprisoned. To what extent do you agree or disagree? 18 Oct 2003 (General) Some people believe----':-ith-a--:-t-u-m-=-versities are responsible for preparation of young people for employment. Others believe universities have other responsibilities. What do you think about the responsibility of universities? 12 Plague words or phrases for IElTS Examination Avoid problems created by these words or phrases: 1. And also nris is often redlU1dant. 2. And/or Outside of the legal world, most of the time this construction is used, it is neither necessary nor logical. Try using one word or the other. 3. As to whether The single word whether will suffice. 4. Basically, essentiaJly, totally These words seldom add anything useful to a sentence. Try the sentence without them and, almost always, you will see the sentence improve. 5. Being that or being as These words are a non-standard substitute for because. Being that Because I was the youngest child, I always wore hand-rue-downs. 6. Considered to be Eliminate the to be and, unless it's important who's doing the considering, try to eliminate the entire phrase. 7. Due to the fact that Using this phrase is a sure sign that your sentence is in trouble. Did you mean because? Due to is acceptable after a linking verb (The team's failure was due to illness among the stars.); otherwise, avoid it. 8. Each and every One or the other, but 9. Equally as Something can be equally important or as important as, but not equally as important. 10. Etc. This abbreviation often suggests a kind of laziness. It might be better to provide one more example, thereby suggesting that you could have written more, but chose not to. 11. He/she is a convention created to avoid gender bias in writing, but it doesn't work very well and it becomes downright obtrusive if it appears often. Use he or she or pluralize (where appropriate) so you can avoid the problem of the gender-specific pronolU1 altogether. 12. Firstly, secondly, thirdly, etc. Number things withfirst, second, third, etc. and not with these adverbial forms. 13. Got Many writers regard got as an ugly word, and they have a point. If you can avoid it in writing, do so. I Hff'/e got to must begin studying right away. I have get two pairs of sneakers. 14. Had ought or hadn't ought. Eliminate the auxiliary had. You Ha6B!t ought not to pester your sister that way. 15. Interesting One of the least interesting words in English, the word you use to describe an ugly baby. If you show us why something is interesting, you're doing your job. 16. In terms of See if you can eliminate this phrase. 17. Irregardless No one word will get you in trouble with the boss faster than this one. (A I P PG . com) 18. Kind of or sort of. These are OK in informal situations, but in formal academic prose, substitute somewhat, rather or slightly. We were pleased with the results. 19. Literally Ibis word might be confused with literarily, a seldom used adverb relating to authors or scholars and their various professions. Usually, though, if you say it's "literally a 13 jungle out there," you probably meanjiguratively, but you're probably better off without either word. 20. Lots or lots ofIn academic prose, avoid these colloquialisms when you can use many or much. Remember, when you do use these words, that lots of something countable are plural. Remember, too, that a lot of requires three words: "He spent a lot of money" (not alot of). 21. Just Use only when you need it, as in just the right amount. 22. Nature See if you can get rid of this word. Movies of a violent nature are probably just violent movies. 23. Necessitate It's hard to imagine a situation that would necessitate the use of this word. 24. Of Don't write would of, should of, could of when you mean would have, should have, could have. 25. On account of Use because instead. 26. Only Look out for placement. Don't write "He only kicked that ball ten yards" when you mean ''He kicked that ball only ten yards. " 27. Orientate The new students become oriented, not orientated. The same thing applies to administrate -- we administer a project. 28. Per Use according to instead. We did it per your instructions? Naah. (This word is used frequently in legal language and in teclmical specifications, where it seems to be necessary and acceptable.)----29. Plus Don't use this word as a conjunction. Use and instead. 30. Point in time Forget it! At this time or at this point or now will do the job. 31. Previous as in "our previous discussion." Use earlier or nothing at all. 32. So as to Usually, a simple to will do. 33. Suppose to, use to. The hard "d" sound in supposed. to and used. to disappears in pronunciation, btt it shouldn't disappear in spelling. "We used to do that" or "We were supposed to do it this way." 34. The reason why is because. Deja vu all over again! 35. Thru This nonstandard spelling of through should not be used in academic prose. 36. 'Til Don't use this word instead of until or till, even in bad poetry. 37. Try and Don't try and do something. Try to do something. 38. Thusly Use thus or therefore instead. 39. Utilize Don't use this word where use would suffice. (Same goes for utilization.) 40. Very, really, quite (and other intensifiers) Like basically, these words seldom add anything useful. Try the sentence without them and see if it improves. 14 What should a government do for a country to become successful? Should sports classes be sacrificed in High School so students can concentrate on Academic subjects? Nowadays doctors can become very rich. Maybe they should not focus on profitable activities such as plastic surgery or looking after rich patients and concentrate more on patients health, no matter how rich they are? Will modern technology, such as the internet ever replace the book or the written word as the main source of information? Discuss the advantage and disadvantage of giving international Aid to poor countries. Should criminals be punished with lengthy jail terms or re-educated and rehabituated, using community service programs for instance, before being reintroduced to society? Computers can translate all kinds of languages well so our children don't need to learn more languages in the future? The following are the topics of previous IELTS Writing test: June 1 2002 Soon people who cannot work with computers will be disadvantaged. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this idea? SeD 122002 Task 1: Write a letter to a bus company saying you have left something valuable on the bus and tell them what to do if they find it. Task 2: Nowadays, radio is being replaced by TV and the Internet. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this idea? These days, schools introduce behaviour of what is 'right' or 'wrong'. This responsibility is not only parents'. To what extent do you agree or disagree? 13 Feb 2003 Education is a lifelong task. Do you agree or disagree? 14 Feb 2003 Young people are encouraged to travel or work for one year after high school and before university studies. Write the advantages and disadvantages of this matter. OR Young people are encouraged to travel or work for one year after high school and before university studies. Do you think it is a good idea to do so? March 3 2003 Task 1: You have recently moved to a new house. There has been damage after you have moved into the house. Write a letter to your landlord explaining what has happened and ask him what you can do. ' Task 2: Nowadays, people care about their appearance more than before. Do you agree or disagree? 15 7 March 2003 Governments should spend more money on education than on recreation and sports. Do you agree or disagree? 9 March 2003 Technology has facilitated our lives so much and given us a lot of freedom. Some people, however, believe that it has caused more problems for us. What is your opinion? April 25 2003 (General) Task 1: You have asked for accommodation to do a course in a country; your plan has changed and you would like to ask for new accommodation. Write the agency and explain your situation and ask for your new accommodation. Task 2: Shopping has become a favourite pastime among young people. Why do you think it is like that, and do you think they must be encouraged to do other things rather than shopping? April 23 2003 Task 1: Write a letter to a company you worked for and say what you think about good or weak pOints of the company; say whether you think some changes should be made. Task2: Nowadays, some people still prefer to ride bicycles. To what extent do you think this will help us in today's life? May 82003 Academic Task 2: Governments have to place the same number of men and women in different fields of study in universities. To what extent doyouallree-or disagree with this statement? May 18,2003 People's character is influenced by environment rather than genetics. Do you agree or disagree? May 212003 Task 1- a table showing difference between two African countries was given, and it was asked to compare them from different points of view. Task 2- in the 21st century, there is no use to pay expenses for wild animals protection. What's your idea about this matter? 31 May 2003 Task 2: Is technology time-consuming or does it save time? Task 2: The elderly people of over 50 years of age should be retired and be replaced by the young. Do you agree or disagree? 30 May (Abu Dhabi) First task: write a letter to the sports center manager complaining about some problems you face when you go to his sports center. Second task: write whether you support that employees' salaries are not enough to make them happy. Benefits like health insurance etc. should be given to make them happier. 7 June 2003 Task 1: You have been going to a sport club. Recently there are some problems with the club. Write a letter to the club, mention the problems and make suggestions. Task 2: In the world today, how can the companies keep their employees happy? Express your idea and bring reasons, for example how salary, health care and holiday can make employees happy. 16 Task One: A company has invited you for a job interview, but the train that you have taken was delayed. Write a letter to the railway company and explain the situation. Write what they can do for you. (What you want them to do for you?) Task Two: People follow interests and have hobbies (e.g. collecting or making things) Do you think it is pointless? How can people learn from hobbies? 14th June 2003 (Academic) Smoking tobacco like other dangerous drugs should be made illegal. Agree or disagree? 15 June 2003 (Academic) Task one: A table comparing economic and social features of two Indian Ocean countries. Task two: Wild animals have no place in the 21st century and trying to preserve these animals is a waste of resources. To what extent do you agree or disagree? July 62003 Task 1: A friend has written you a letter and offered you help in your forthcoming trip to a foreign country. He has offered you to help you find suitable accommodation. Write him a letter and tell him what you have in mind for accommodation. Task 2: Education is sometimes considered as something for the youth. Some people, however, consider it as a lifelong task. What is your opinion? Give reasons and support your ideas with specific supports. Task 2: It is good for school and university students to take part in part-time jobs. Do you agree or disagree? 20 July 2003 (Academic) Task 1: A graph comparing the value of videos for sale and rental in the U.S and EU between 1992 and 2000 (It consisted of 4 graphs in one). Task 2: Some people argue that governments should spend money only on medicine and education and that things like theaters and sports stadiums are luxurious. Agree or disagree? 25 July 2003 (Academic) Task 1: A diagram about some forest which has burnt out and started to grow again. After 50, 100, 150, and 300 years of time, the forest has reached its pre-fire status. Task 2: Nowadays, the gap between countryside and cities has increased in many countries. Is it the same in your country? What can governments do to reverse this? OR.. There is a gap in standards of living between countryside and cities. How true is this in your country? What measures should be taken to reduce this gap? 28 July 2003 (Academic) Task 1: Rainfall and temperature changes in two different countries (Nigeria and Brazil) _ the graph included in the group files. Task 2: Young people are encouraged to travel or work for one year after high school and before university studies. Write the advantages and disadvantages of this matter. 9 Aug 2003 Task 1: You are invited for a job interview recently, but the train that you have taken delayed. Write a letter to the railway company and a. Explain your journey b. Write what you want them to do Task 2: Some people follow interests have hobbies (collection, making things), but some people think that it is pOintless. Why do people need hobbies? How can they learn from hobbies? 17 WRITING WRITING TASK 1 You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. The charts below show the results ofa survey ofadult education. The first chart shows the reasons why adults decide to study. The pie chart shows how people think the costs ofadult education should be shared. Write a report for a university lecturer, describing the information shown below. You should write at least 150 words. Interest in subject To gain qualifications Helpful for current job To improve prospects of promotion Enjoy leaming/studying To able to change jobs To meet people 10 % 20 30 40 Individual 40% How the costs of each coul"se should be shal"ed Taxpayer 25% Employer 35% 18 WRITING TASK 2 You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. Present a written argument or case to an educated reader with no specialist knowledge ofthe following topic: There are many different types ofmusic in the world today. Why do we need music? Is the traditional music ofa country more important than the Internarional music that is heard everywhere nowadays? You should write at least 250 words. Use your own ideas, knowledge and experience and support your arguments with examples and relevant evidence. 19 WRITING WRITING TASK 1 You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. The diagram below shows how the Australian Bureau ofMeteorology collects up-to-the-minute information on the weather in order to produce reliable forecasts. Write a report for a university lecturer describing the information shown below. You should write at least 150 words. INCOMING INFORMATION ANALYSIS & FORECASTING P R E ~ A R I N G THE BROADCAST BROADCAST 20 WRITING TASK 2 You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. Present a written argument or case to an educated reader with no specialist knowledge of the following topic. Should wealthy nations be required to share their wealth among poorer nations by providing such things as food and education? Or is it the. responsibility ofthe governments ofpoorer nations to look after their citizens themselves? You should write at least 250 words. Use your own ideas, knowledge and experience and support your arguments with examples and with relevant evidence. 21 WRITING WRITING TASK 1 You should spend about 20 minutes on this task The chart below shows the amount Qf moneyper week spent on fast foods in Britain. The graph shows the trends in consumption offast foods. Write a report for a university lecturer describing the infonnation shown below. You should write at least 150 words. Expenditure on fast foods by income groups Pnnce prJ! ~ } ( ; ( : ~ ; ( ! n ppr 40 :30 20 15 10 5 Hlghlncom0 Consumption of fastfoods 1970 -1990 graMme;:; 22 WRITING TASK 2 You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. Present a written argument or case to an educated reader with no specialist knowledge of the following topic: News editors decide what to broadcast on television and what to print in newspapers. What factors do you think influence these decisions? Do we become used to bad news? Would it be better ifmore good news was reported? You should write at least 250 words. Use your own ideas, knowledge and experience and support your arguments with examples and relevant evidence. 23 WRITING WRITING TASK 1 You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. Chorleywood is a village near London whose population has increased steadily since the middle ofthe nineteenth century. The map below shows the development ofthe village. Write a report for a university lecturer describing the development ofthe village. You should write at least 150 words. Omfll.'lywood Parl{ i;lI\i..l Golf GIJ'Jn1e 1883 1022 .. - _. Fmifway (bl"ilt 1QOG) 24 WRITING TASK 2 You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. Present a written argument or case to an educated reader with no specialist knowledge of the following topic: The idea ofhaving a single career is becoming an old fashioned one. The new fashion mil be to have several careers or ways ofearning money and further education will be something that continues throughout life. You should write at least 250 words. Use your own ideas, knowledge and experience and support your arguments with examples and relevant evidence. . 25 PRACTICE WRITING TEST Writing Task 1 You are advised to spend a maximum of 20 minutes on this task. The flowchart below shows the process involved in writing a formal academic essay for a particular university course. Describe the stages ofthe process in a reportfor a university lecturer. You should write at least 150 words. - G> First Private Tutorial - Topic: discuss task and topic with tutor 1 - Reading List; obtain list of resources - books, articles G> Research 1 - Library: read literature, take notes - Field work: give questionnaires, interviews, surveys G> First Draft .. Plan: organise essay content, produce brief outline - First Draft & Check: use formal check G> Second Private Tutorial OR Study Group Discussion - Analysis: discuss first draft problem areas - Advice: Ask for further ideas, ... G> Second Draft 1 - Input Revision: read resource material again - Second Draft &Check: include check 0- Final Draft - Final Draft & Check; do final rewrite, spellcheck + compile bibliography * + add title page SUBMIT BY DEADLINE Preparation and Writing of a Formal Essay.I* bibliography -list of books referred to Writing Task 2 You are advised to spend a maximum of 40 minutes on this task. Write an essay for a tutor on the following topic: The world is experiencing a dramatic increase in population. This is causing problems notonlyforpoor, undeveloped countries, butalsofor industrialised and developing nations. Describe some of the problems that overpopulation causes, and suggest at least one possible solution. You should write at least 250 words. You are required to support your ideas with relevant information and examples based on your own knowledge and experience. 26 Writing module (1 hour) - - " : Tip Strip Read the ques1ion very carefully. The instructions state that you should 'describe'the information in the graph. You should NOT speculate about the reasons for the data or give reasons for it. Look carefully at the labels. What do the diagrams represent? Take a minute to plan how you will describe the information. Are there any significant features? Can you compare or contrast any of the data? Think of how best to group the information in the diagram. Write one or two paragraphs, making sure that you cover all the important points. Read through your answer when you have finished and check grammar. spelling and punctuation. Check that you have linked your points together well. Make sure you have written enough words. You will not be penalised for writing too much but keep an eye on the time: you will need. to leave about 40 minutes for Task 2.. You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. The graph below shows how money was spent on ofentertai11lnent over afive-year period. Write a reportfor a unh'el'sity lecturer describing the informatiol1 shown below. You should write at least ISO words. Cinema 250Video Fun Money Music World entertainment markets 200 Publishing 150 100 Television 50 1995 2000 Asia United States SOlllce: Booz AUen & Hamilton Figures are in $ billion 1995 2000 7 Tip Strip Read the question very carefully. Underline key points in the question and make sure your answer is relevant to these. Consider your personal view on the topic. Do you agree, disagree or have an impartial view? Take a minute to plan what you are going to say in your answer. Think of the main idea you will include in each paragraph, then think of some supporting points. Before you start writing, think about how you will introduce the topic. DO NOT copy the question. Include some arguments that are relevant to your own society or personal experience. Clearly state your conclusion. Make sure that you address the question. Read through your answer when you have finished and check grammar, spelling and punctuation. Check that you have linked your points together well. Make sure you have written enough words. You will not be penalised for writing more than 250 words but you will not gain extra marks either. You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. Present a written argument or case to an educated non-specialist audience on the following topic: Under British andAustraliull laws ajll1Y ill a criminal case has no access to information about the defendant's past criminal record. This protects tlte person who is being accused ofthe crime. Some lawyers have suggested that this practice should be changed and that a jury should be given all the pastfacts before they reach their decision about the case. Do you agree or disagree? Give reasons for your answer. You should write at least 250 words. You should use your own ideas, knowledge and experience and support your arguments with examples and relevant evidence. 28 Writing module (1 hour) 'WRITING TASK 1 < ~ " ~ You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. The graphs below show the types o/music albums purchased by people in Brit"in according to sex and age. Write a report/or a university lecturer describing the in/ontUition shown below. You should write at least 150 words. Percentage of people 50, who buy Pop Music 40 Percentage of people who buy Rock Music 01 percentage of people 25 who buy Classical Music OJ male I female 016-24 2534 D 35-44 . ~ rQjmale ., II[HH,-24 female i' 25-34. in .3544d045+ . 29 WRITING TASK 2 w .",,___ ___ You should spend about 40 minutes on this task Present a written argument or case to an educated non-specialist audience on the followingtopic: Some employers reward members ofstaff for their contribution to the company by giving them extra money. This practice can act as an incentive for some but may also have a negative impact on others. To what extent is this style ofmanagement effective? Are there better ways ofencouraging employees to work hard? You should write at least 250 words. You should use your own ideas, know ledge and experience and support your arguments with examples and relevant evidence. 30 Writing module (1 hour) QYou should spend about 20 minutes on this task. The graphs below show the number ofmen and women infit/! andpart-time employmel11 in Australia between 1973 and 1993. Write a report/or a university lecturer describing the information sh01vn below. You should write at least 150 words. 15-19 25-29 35-39 45-39 55-59 65+ Age group (years) Age group (years) Part-llmemBieli Part-time females Full-time females 15-19 25-29 35-39 45-39 55-59 65+ 25 'JI> ::;0': . 15 '0 , " '""""':(' o 15-19 25-29 35-39 45-39 55-59 65+ 15-19 25-29 35-39 45-39 55-59 65' Age group (years) Age group (years) Source: labour Force Survey 31 You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. Present a written argument or case to an educated non-specialist audience on the following topic: In the past, sporting champions used to be motivated primarily by the (lesire to win a match or to break world records. These days, they are more likely to be motivated by prize money and the opportunity to befamolls. What message does this send to young people and how does this altitude to sport affect the sports themselves? Give reasonsforyour answers. You should write at least 250 words. You should use your own ideas, knowledge and experience and support your arguments with examples and relevant evidence. 32 Writing module (1 hour) You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. The diagrams below show the development ofthe horse over a period of40 million years. Write a report for a university lecturer describing the information shown below. You should write at least 150 words. \ I Eohippus - 40 million years ago \ r t / Mesohippus - 30IIlillion years ago Mcrychippus - 15 million years ago Horse" modern TM eVolution. ojthehorse,withpl1r/ieularernPliasis the changJngfoot strUctUre 33 You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. , Present a written argument or case to an educated non-specialist audience on the following topic: 'Failure is proofthat the desire wasl1 't strong enough.' To what extent do YOll agree with this statement? Give reasons for yoIll' answer. You should write at least 250 words. You should use your own ideas, knowledge and experience and support your arguments with examples and relevant evidence. Writing module (1 hour) ;VVRIT)NG TASK ;.'" ,--"", - .. -You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. The graph andpie chart below give information on in-house training courses in a large financial company. Write a reportfor a university lecturer describing the information shown below. You should write at least 150 words. Training - hours per year EJ Technical Career development LI Healh and safety Interpersonal skills Office Workers' Attitude to Training Waste of valuable time Important for job Good for networking . Good excuse for achange % o 90 [J Manager Li Secretary 35 I;WRITING TASk"'2 1 .. You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. Present a written argument or case to an educated non-specialist audience on the following topic: To be label/ell II 'Work ofArt', a painting, sculpture or other artform should (lispia)' certain qualities that are IInique. However, over the past centwy there has been a (lecline in the quality of prize-winning artwork and it is now possiblefor quite ordinary pieces ofart to be labelled 'masterpieces' whilst true works ofart pass unnoticed. Do you agree or disagree? Give reasol1sforyour answer. You should write at least 250 words. You should use your own ideas, knowledge and experience and support your arguments with examples and relevant evidence. 36 PRACTICE WRITING TEST Writing Task 1 You are advised to spend a maximum of 20 minutes on this task. The table below summarises some data collected by a college books hop for the month ofFebruary 2000. Write a report describing the sales figures ofvarious types ofpublications, based on the information shown in the table. You shOuld write at least 150 words. Non- Book Club Members Book Club Members Total College Staff College Students Members of Public Fiction ' Non-fiction Magazines 44 29 332 31 194 1249 -122 82 76 942 33 151 1287 1696 Total 40S 1474 204 1051 3134 Writing Task 2 You are advised to spend a maximum of 40 minutes on this task. Your college tutor has asked you to write an essay on the following topic: Studying the English language in an Ellglish-speakingcountry is the best but not the only way to learn the lallguage. Do you agree or disagree with this statement? You should write at least 250 words. You are required to support your arguments with relevant information and examples based on your own ideas, knowledge and experience. 37 PRACTICE WRITING TEST Writing Task 1 You are advised to spend a maximum of 20 minutes on this task. The bar chart below shows the number ofoverseas students enrolled in a second year Graphic Design course at a college in the south ofEngland. Write a report for a university lecturer describing the information shown. You should write at least 150 words. KEY titii.l Enrolled in CAD core option I M Male students Enrolled in Photography core option F - Female students 10 Sweden 8 France Germany No. of enrQlled 6 students from 4 abroad 2 0 M F M F M F M F M F It CAD - Computer-Aided Design Writing Task 2 You are advised to spend a maximum of 40 minutes on this task. Write an essay for a university lecturer on the following topic: People in all modern societies use drugs, but today 's youth are experimenting with both legal and illegal drugs, and at an increasingly early age. Sotire sociologists claim that parents and other members ofsociety often set a bad example.. Discuss the causes and some effects ofwidespread drug use byyoungpeople in modern day society_ Make any recommendations youfeelare necessary to help fight youth drug abuse. You should write at least 250 words. You are required to support your arguments with relevant information and examples based on your own ideas, knowledge and experience. 38 PRACTICE WRITING TEST Writing Task 1 You are advised to spend a maximum of 20 minutes on this task. The graph below shows the montMy profits of3 British companies in the car retail industry for the 2000 financial year. Write a report for a university lecturer comparing the peifonnallce of Acme Sports Cars and Branson Motors for the period given. You should write at least 150 words. End of 1st Quarter: End of 2nd Quarter: End of 3rd Quarter: End of Financial Profit Introduction of tax Oil Media reports boost Year: (in 1()()()s) luxury goods in economy Writing Task 2 You are advised to spend a maximum of 40 minutes on this task. Write an essay for a university lecturer on the following topic: We have been living in the nuclear age IlOWfor overhalfa century. Since the first atomic bombs were developed, nuclear technology has provided government:f with the ability to totally destroy the planet. Yet the technology has been put to positive use as an energy source and in certain areas of medicine. To what extent is nuclear technology a danger to life on Earth? What are the benefits and risks associated with its use? You should write at least 250 words. You are required to support your arguments with relevant information and examples based on your own ideas, knowledge and experience. 80 60 40 20 o "Y "Y Acme Sports I 1. /'.Cars /' /' Branson Motors \j ..--:" ............ /,,/,.-11",0 _ _ a 1""'- I -..... ).t1l-Con.'U1t _ \,J1OU1 e_..colubanl price, $ 199& 97 98 99 2000 01 model answer: The pie chart shows the worldwide distribution of sales of CocaCola in the year 2000 and the graph shows the change in share prices between 1996 and 2001. In the year 2000, Coca-Cola sold a total of 17.1 billion cases of their fizzy drink product worldwide. The largest consumer was North America, where 30.4 per cent of the total volume was purchased. The second largest consumer was Latin America. Europe and Asia purchased 20.5 and 16.4 per cent of the total volume respectively, while Africa and the Middle East remained fairly small consumers at 7 per cent of the total volume of sales. Since 1996, share prices for Coca-Cola have fluctuated. In that year, shares were valued atapproximately $35. Between 1996 and 1997, however, prices rose significantly to $70 per share. They dipped a little in mid-1997 and then peaked at $80 per share in mid-98. From then until 2000 their value fell consistently but there was a slight rise in mid-2000. 40 2 The chart below gives information about global sales of games software, CDs and DVD or video. Write a report for a university lecturer describing the information. have -changed $bn _Games , software lli.0' D\/Dlvideo model answer: -,--The chart shows the changes in the sales of video material / DVDs, games software and CDs around the world in billions of dollars over a three-year period. It can be seen that the sales of videos / DVDs and games software have increased, while the sales of CDs have gone down slightly. Between 2000 and 2003, the sale of videos and DVDs rose by approximately 13 billion dollars. In 2000, just under 20 billion dollars worth of these items were sold, but 'in 2003, this figure had risen to a little over 30 billion dollars. The sales of games software also rose during this period, but less sharply. Sales increased from about 13 billion dollars in 2000 to just under 20 billion dollars three years later. By contrast, during the same time period, the sale of CDs fell from 35 billion dollars in 2000 to about 32.5 billion dollars in 2003. 41 3 The graphs below show the types of music albums purchased by people in Britain according to s3x and age. Write a report for a university lecturer describing the information shown below. Percentage of people% Who buy Pop Music '.mali; female .16-24 825-34 .35-44 .45+ Percentage ofpeople% who buy Rock Music mala female .16-24 .25-34.3544 1145+ -,._--------------------....., Percentage of people Who buy Classical Music II male . f W n . l ~ .16-'24 .2S>34 IISSM 11145+ 42 model answer: The three graphs provide an overview of the types of music people purchase in the UK. At first glance we see that classical music is far less popular than pop or rock music. While slightly more women than men buy pop music, the rock market is dominated by men with 30% buying rock, compared to 17% of women. From the first graph we see that interest in pop music is steady from age 16 to 44 with 20% of the population continuing to buy pop CDs after the age of 45. The interest in rock music reaches its peak among the 25 to 34 year aIds, though it never sells as well as pop. Interest also drops off after the age of 35 with an even sharper fall from age 45 onwards, a pattern which is the opposite to the classical music graph. 4 You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. The graphs below show the numbers of male and f e m a l e ~ workers in 1975 and 1995 in several employment sectors of the republic of Freedonia. Write a report for a university teacher describing the information shown. 43 Employment in Freedonia by sex in 6 sectors, 1975 Finanve!banklll9 WhOleSaleS, retail tl'ade Pubtll> (non..aehmce) pubflc sector ---------------.. t-----_.. }---.--. ---_. .... 1---------____-- ----. II Women Men \-------------..__ .-- _.- e o 200 400 600 eoo 1000 Number of emplo)'ees (1000) Employment in Freedonia by sex in 6 sectom, 1996 !leommun!caUOJl$ 1-----..--.4..--_._-------.! Women eM(!ln I J---------liIJ. 1---........------....... 1-------------4..._--..--. o 200 400 600 600 1000 Number of employees (1000} model answer: The two decades between 1975 and 1995 brought significant changes in the representation of women in Freedonia's work force, according to the graphs. In 1975, for example, some 300 000 men and 250 000 women worked in the communications sector. Twenty years later, though the number of men remained unchanged, the number of women rose to 550 000. A similar situation was seen in the wholesale and retail trade sector, where the number of women rose from about 550 000 in 1975 to almost 800 000 two decades later. The number of men in 44 5 this sector remained stable over the period, at around 700 000. Women also made gains in both the finance jbanking industries and in the defence-related public sector. Whereas some 125 000 women worked in finance and banking institutions in 1975, the number increased to 450 000 by 1995. The number of men grew only marginally from 425 000 to 480 000 over the same period. In defence, the number of men declined from 225 000 to 200 000, while the number of women rose from 25 000 to over 100 000. Two sectors that retained stable employment numbers for both men and women were manufacturing, which had about 300 000 women and 650 000 men in both surveyed years, and the public sector (non-defence), which employed 650 000 women and 850 000 men. Thus, women appear to have made gains in the Freedonian work force but not at the expense of men. (243 words) You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. Eating sweet foods produces acid in the mouth, which can cause tooth decay. (High acid levels are measured by low pH values) Describe the information below and discuss the implications for dental health. 45 Atid in molJl:h from consumption of sugars/honey 7 at whicn IO'Jlh tlecay is ,/l'llik-elyaClaieverai wni';; iooih"Oica;"oCCUrs ,,_,_ Fftllt sugar Cane sugar Hoooy Moment 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 eaten minutes mjlluWs minutes minutes minutes minutes minutes mlnllles 11111& maf>SCI:."C ... >-)' . it's the sense of space and freedom that people people come from so many oiher cities. Perhaps peopJearetoo busy dreari)iiig ......'..' iiltl!irig, Water;isalwriyi:; I!earby, and the bllroqur is mostbeiiutiftl(siiWilf. :_:.,- ... ?'. The answer is given in fairly simple English you should avoid giving a complex answer with difficult vocabulary. It contains all the points written in note-fonn on the previous page, and is approximately the right length for a good answer. Ofcourse, the speed at which you speak will also determine how much you are able to say. Increase your speaking speed by practising 'topic talking' daily and by improving your pronunciation, Use the sample cards below and in the Speaking Test Game on page 152 to practise writing out an answerofsimilar length, and ask a teacher to check your work. Then try giving a spoken answer from the notes you have made, It is fine to memorise an answer for practice if it helps to speed up your English, but do not waste your time memorising large pieces of English to speak in the test. The examiner will not be fooled by this approach! Besides, you would be very lucky to guess your topic before the test. .You might be able to make your talk sound more interesting by "lifting" your voice a little higher than when you speak normally More Sample Topic Cards t::\ r----------------- Talk about a holiday you have taken recently or at some time in the past. You should include in your answer: where you went on your holiday why you went to this particular place what you did aOd with whom .. and why you enjoyed your holiday or not Describe a health problem you once had (or talk about someone else's problem). You should mention: the nature of the health problem why the problem. occurred what you (or the other person) could not do because of the problem ." what you (or the other person) had to do to get better 92 e Part 3 - Practice Topics for Discussion: Since you cannot know what topic you will be asked to talk about in Part 2 of the Speaking Subtest, it follows that you cannot know in advance any particulars about the wider topic area that is discussed in Part 3. The following possible discussion topics are for practice only: Problems that affect your country Financial success and how to achieve it Poverty and hunger in the Thield World Crime and punishment Fashion and design Public transport Youth and the problems they face The role of television and radio in society The influence of the print media Current affajrs The changing nalure of family life Nuclear energy World economic solutions Diet, health and exercise The consequences of global warming Recreational facilities in modem cities Future energy resources The relevance of school examinations Materialism and the consumer Space travel Modem medicine Censorship and the Internet Types of governments in the world today Women in the workplace The qualities and skills of a good company manager The necessity of a strong defence force The advantages of an international language The design of modern cities The influence of sport'in society Street protests and individual rights Religion and the church in the modern world " The pros and cons of living in a foreign country The meilJ)ing of happiness Living together, marriage and divorce When you first practise speaking about these topics, try it in your own language. Think about the situation as it might have been in the past, the way things are now, and how things might become in the future. Ma.kecomparisons, give opinions, aridtrytosound authoritative. Then practise in English! f) Suggested Phrases for Speaking About The Future I'm certain that ... (something will/is going to happen) Most probably ... (something will/is going to happen) It's (always) possible that ... (something might happen) I hope that ... (something happens or doesn't happen) There's j- migbteven :,. (h(j.ppen),c,,;., (something) wiH eVen .. , (happen) coul0!Uway; (htlppen), especially if a good a 50-50 a reasonable little not much cbance that ... (something will happen) possibly I (may) er or not .,. Note the inclusion of first conditional "if clauses", which can be useful when asked to speculate about the possibility of something happening in the future. 93 CONCLUDING THE INTERVIEW e Requirements When the examiner has finisQed the discussion in Part 3, the Speaking Sub-test has come to an end. The examiner will thank you for talking and the interview is concluded. remember to thank the examiner for his or her time and say goodbye. as you leave the room, don't forget to remain positive the examiner might not have yet completely made up his or her mind about your score, and the final impression you make is important. Ifyou have questions about the test itse.lf, such as when the results will become available, talk to the person in charge ofthe day sproceedings _ What To Do and What Not To Do ./ x Relax and remain in control right up until Do not tell the examiner how relieved you the moment you leave the interview room. are the test is over, and there is no need to comment on your performance! 2 Shake hands confidently, ifyou are invited to do so, and thank the examiner for his or 2 Do not overdo your friendliness at the end . her time. . Be glad you did your best, smile and leave the room. 3 Simply say: 3 Do not ask the examiner for your Band "Thank you very much for your time. I Score. He or she is unable to give you that enjoyed talking with you. Goodbye." information . ... or a similar concluding sentence or two . of your own. A FINAL WORD . IELTS is a demanding and challenging examination. Because the Band Score you receive is probably of great importance to your future you should a make a 'serious effort RIGHTNOW to achieve the level ofEnglish you require. Don't wait until tomorrow - tomorrow never comes. Think deeply about what you can achieve with your life ifyou score well. Think about what you will be able to do later. Well-placed effort is always rewarded. The hard work you do now will eventually make your life easier. A little pain now for a lot ofgain later. That is the secret ofsuccess - perhaps the secret of living itself - for learning never ends. The fIrst time you take any test you are unfamiliar with the way in which it is conducted and will naturally feel slightly nervous. Many candidates take the IELTS test the first time for practice - to get an accurate assessment of their level and to familiarise themselves with the process - before takingit a second or even third time. Each time you must wait for three months before being allowed to take the test again. It takes at least that period oftime to increase your overall Band Score by one Band, and requires intensive daily study. Good luck ... and remember the Golden Rule 94 PRACTICE SPEAKING TEST Practise answering the questions below, giving answers that are at least one or two sentences long (ifnot more). Ifpossible, practise with another person - taking it in turns to answer the same question - and compare your responses. (Please note that the following questions are only a guide to the type ofquestions you might be asked in the actual test.) Part 1 Please enter and take a seat. Yes, just here. First, I need to see your passport . ... it's only for security purposes. Thank you. My name is (interviewer's name). And yours is ... ? So, I see you are from (your country). Can you tell me about the town you come from? Has your family always lived in (your town)? Where are you living now? How often do you contact your parents? Do you have any brotbersand sisters? Can you teU me what you are studying or where you are working at the moment? What do you like about the work or study you are doing? Describe your school or workplace. What is ( or was) your favourite subject at school? Why? Whatbobbies do you have ifany? Why do you enjoy this activity (these activities)? What do you do and where do you go when you get together with your friends? What kind of holidays do you like? What sports do you play or like to watch? 95 Part 2 Thank you. Now I'd like you to take this card. I want you to speak for one or two minutes about the topic written on this card. Follow the instructions. I will give you one minute to prepare before I ask you to give your talk. Talk about a library that you belong to or have visited. You should say: where it is located and how the library is organised who visits the library and why people go there when and why you last visited the library ... and what rules the library has. Part 3 (begins after one or two follow-up questions on the talk above) Please hand me the card. Thank you. Libraries have always been very important to the community and especially to students. As well as lending books to borrowers, what other services are provided by a good library? Does a library serve any other function in the communinty? How has access to infonnation changed over the last hundred years or so? What are the advantages of using the Internet over visiting a library? Are there any advantages of using a library in preference to searching the Internet? Do you think that the Internet disadvantages some people over others? In what way? Many people cannot read or write well in their own language. How can this be solved? People are reading less and less these days.; why do you think this is? How can people be encouraged to read more? What about electronic books - do they have a future? That is the end of the Thank you and goodbye. 96 Speaking SPEAKING CANDIDATE'S CUE CARD Task 1 UNIVERSITY CLUBS AND ASSOCIATIONS You have just arrived at a new university. It is orientation week and you want to know about the different clubs and associations you can join. Your examiner is a Student Union representative. Ask the examiner about: types of clubs meeting times benefits costs 97 Speaking SPEAKING CANDIDATE'S CUE CARD Task 2 ASKING FOR AN EXTENSION You have to give in a piece of work to your lecturer next Wednesday. You need two more weeks to prepare the assignment because you have had difficulty obtaining the reference books. Your examiner is your lecturer. Find out if you can have an extension . . Ask the examiner about: regulations regarding late work possibility of having more time different sources for books/information assistance with writing for overseas students 98 SPEAKING CANDIDATE'S CUE CARD Task 3 THE PUBLIC HOLIDAY There will soon be a public holiday in the country your examiner comes from. You want to find out about the holiday. Ask the examiner about: the name of the public holiday the significance of tQe holiday availability of services on the day (banks/shops/cinemas) things for visitors to do how shelhe plans to spend the day 99 SPEAKING CANDIDATE'S CUE CARD Task 4 THE EXCURSION The Overseas Students' C1ub is organising an excursion to a local tourist spot. You are thinking of joining the exursion. Your examiner is one of the organisers. Ask the examiner about: destination means of transport length of excursion cost meals clothing/equipment 100 Speaking module (10-15 minutes) Tip Strip The examners want you to ptskxrn to the best of your afaCty and the test is designed to give you every opportunity to speak, but. examiners can only rate what they hear from you. So make sure you speak up and use the time as effectively as possible. In Part 1, if the examiner asks you a question which can be answered by 'Yes' or 'No', try to give some extra information to extend your answer. YeslNo questions in English are often an invitation to say more. Make sure you answer the question you are asked. Do not come to the interview with a learned talk. PART 2-- .. - ~ . .. Tip Strip In Part 2, try to make your talk as interesting as possible. You have a minute to prepare what you are going to say and you can make some notes. Write dowhsome .keywords or ideas only. Do not write out . everything you are goingto say. Look carefully at the . prompt card on this page. think of a city which . impressed you. .Think of2 or3 things you really remember about the city. Try to interest the eXfliTlinerin wl'!at you say. The examiner will ask you questions about yourself, such as: /tVhat s your name? Where do you live? What/amily members do you live with? 1hat are you studying? What do you like about your studies? What do you like about learning English? How often do you use English? The topic for your talk will be written on a card which the examiner will hand you. Read it carefully and then make some brief notes. you have visited - - - - - - ~ - - ..~ - - - . - ~ - ~ " .."..- - - - ~ - - 1 II INSTRUCTIONS I i Please read the topic below carefully. You will be asked to talk about it for I,I to 2 minuteS; IIYou have one minute to think about what you're going to.say. I You can make some notes to help you ifyou wish. L---,---------__~ - - - - ~ ~ - - - - - ..-..------,,---...c- '.. -.-'Describe a city you have visited which has impressed you. You should say: where it is situated why you visitedjt what you likedabo.ut it At the end of your talk, the examiner will ask one or two brief questions to signal that it is time to stop talking. For example, he or she mIght ask you: .. . . . .. . Do you like cities generally? .'. . ........ .. '. .Wouidyou like to live iiitheciiy,Yijit:ijJiJkeabout?. ,....... ..,. Tip Strip Look at the discussion ideas for Part 3 on this page. See how they are broadly linked to the topic of Part 2. Make a few notes in response to each of the prompts given here. The discussion could take any of these directions. Try to think of at least five other interesting ideas linked to this topic. Remember! You can take the discussion in a direction of your choice, if it is appropriately linked. Don't be afraid to take the initiative in Part 3 of the speaking test. This is your chance to show your fluency, your ability to give and support an opinion and your range of grammatical forms a,!d vocabulary. Once your talk in Part 2 is over, your examiner will ask you further questions related to the topic in Part 2. The examiner may ask you to speak about tllese points. A city you have visited advantages ofliving in a big cJIY negative aspects o.fcrowded cities architectural design payingfor the transport 102 Speaking module (10-15 minutes) l;PART" 1 l ' ~ ,", _ The examiner will ask you questions about yourself, sllch as: What s your name? What nationality are you? What part of your countr}' do you come Fom? Can you describe your home town/village'! What do you like doing il1 yourfree time? Why? Are there any new hobbies that you would like to take up? Why? The topic for your talk will be written on a card which the examiner will hand you. Read it carefully, then make some briefnotes. INSTRUCTIONS Please read the topic below carefully. You will be asked to talk about it for I to 2 minutes. You have one minute to think about what you're going to say. can make some notes to help you ifyou wish. Describe a competition (or contest) that you have entered. You should say: when the competition took place what you had to do how well you did it Describe how you felt about the competition. PART 3 ~ ~ , At the end ofyonr talk, the examiner will ask one ortwobriefquestions to signal that it is time to stop talking. For example, he or she might askyou: Do you enjoy entering competitions? Have you entered any other competitions? Once your talk in Part 2 is over, your examiner will ask you f1:u'merquestions related to -~ the topic in Part 2. The exaimer may ask you to speak about these points .. ' Competition , COTIJp ctition at a young age '. the psychology of(:ornpeting <