IELTS test in Sri Lanka and India – August 2014 (General Training)

Listening test

Section 1. A conversation between a man and a woman about a holiday trip, hotel reservation and activities organized by the hotel.

Section 2. A conversation between a man and a woman about the soap opera they watched.
Questions: multiple choice.

Section 3. A conversation between three people about videography.

Section 4. A monologue about the culture of chimpanzees.
Questions: multiple choice, sentence completion.

Reading test

Passage 1. A leaflet with Museum information, including opening days and hours and other details.
Questions: True/False/Not Given.

Passage 2. About car pool initiative at a certain organisation.
Questions: match headings to paragraphs.

Passage 3. About ergonomic chairs.
Questions: multiple choice, sentence completion.

Passage 4. About the Maldive Islands’ tourism and marine wildlife protection.
Questions: multiple choice, match headings to paragraphs.

Writing test

Writing task 1 (a letter)

Your company has sent you to attend a course at college in a different country. You have completed the course and received a certificate, but you lost it on the way back. Write a letter to the Principal of the college and say

- How did you lose the certificate?
- Why do you need it?
- What do you expect the principal to do?

Writing Task 2 (an essay)

Some people think that dangerous sports should be banned, while others disagree. Do you agree or disagree? Give reasons and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge and 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 like your work? Why?

Cue Card

Talk about a movie that you watched and didn’t like. Please say

- what movie it was
- what was the movie about
- why you didn’t like the movie.

Discussion

- What do people do in their leisure time?
- Is there any difference between the previous and current generations in the way they spend leisure time?

IELTS test in India – July 2014 (Academic Module)

Listening test

Section 1. Booking of a caravan for the trip in New Zealand.

Section 2. Plan of the university library.

Section 3. Students’ discussion about various kinds of bees.

Section 4. A lecture about statistic results of libraries’ development worldwide.

Reading test

Passage 1. About circadian rhythms.

Passage 2. About different scales of human societies from small groups to a town.

Passage 3. Don’t remember.

Writing test

Writing task 1 (a report)

We were given a pair of graphs showing how people spent their free time in 1980 and 2010.

Writing task 2 (an essay)

People continue to commit crimes even after being punished for it. Why do you think this happens? How can crime be stopped?

Speaking test

Interview

- What is your full name?
- Can I see your ID?
- Where are you from?
- Do you work or study?
- What don’t you like about the place where you live?

Cue Card

Talk about a time when you saved money for a special occasion. Please say

- What was it for?
- How did it feel?
- Did you tell anyone about it?

Discussion

- Do you think credit cards increased the amount of money people spend?
- Do you think online shopping has increased people’s spending?

Here’s what Suku did to score 7.5 in IELTS

Suku George comes from India and his first language is Malayam. This did not stop him, however, from getting a high score (Band 7.5) in a recent IELTS exam. It also put him in a position to win our monthly IELTS results competition, and gave us a chance to meet Suku and ask him what the reasons for his success were.

Here is what Suku said:

“This is proud moment for me and my family. We are immensely happy to see my name on your website. I would like to share my IELTS learning and exam experience.

The books I used were Target Band 7 and IELTS Preparation book published by the University of Sydney.

My approach was to do the following:

Listening

1. I listened to BBC and CNN news channels.2. Practiced with online content available.3. Closely observed the pronunciation of words in different accents.

Speaking

1. I read different English Daily articles and copied all the new words and read the sentence again after understanding the meaning to expand my vocabulary.2. Always conversed in English at home and at work to improve the speaking skills and increase the pace of the conversation.

Reading

1. I did lots of reading exercises to improve my time management.2. Given more focus to academic reading where the difficulty level is higher to improve my interpretation skills.

Writing

1. I focused on time management.2. Allocated 20 minutes to Task 1 and 40 minutes to Task 2.3. Restricted myself to writing 7 or 8 words maximum per line to make counting the words easier.4. Spared 5 minutes to revisit the contents written.5. Tried to incorporate advanced vocabulary words in my sentences.”

IELTS Speaking test in Caracas, Venezuela – July 2014

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?
- Why do you do this job?
- Do you like it?
- Do you watch TV?
- What kind of TV shows do you watch?
- Why do you like them?

Cue Card

Describe a subject or a course that you have studied in school or college. Please say

- What was it?
- Did you like it? Why?
- How long did you study it for?
- Explain your feelings towards this subject.

Discussion

- Do you know about any education programs in this country?
- Do you consider teaching profession popular in your country?
- What is better to have, a strict or a permissive teacher? Why?

IELTS test in Shanghai, China – July 2014 (General Training)

Writing test

Writing task 1 (a letter)

You recently travelled to another country and stayed with your friend, write a letter to him/her and say

- How do you feel about this trip?
- What did you do recently after coming back?
- Invite him/her to visit you.

Writing Task 2 (an essay)

Many people spend a lot of time using communication technology. What are the reasons for this? What is the impact on the relationships with their families and other people?

Speaking test

Interview

- What is your full name?
- Can I see your ID?
- Do you work or study?
- Where are you from?
- How do you feel about living there?
- Is there anything you dislike about this place?
- Do you like shopping?
- What specific shopping center do you like to go to?

Cue Card

Talk about a destination you have recently gone to far away from home. Please say

- When and where did you go to?
- Whom did you go with?
- How did you feel about the place you travelled to?

Discussion

- Do you think people like to travel far away from home? Why?
- What’s the difference of travel today compared to the past?
- What means of transportation do people prefer while travelling? Why?
- Do you think new trains are more environmentally friendly compared to the older models? Why?
- What amenities do the new trains have?
- Some people like to stay in the same place all their life. Why?

IELTS Model Essay - Diet and Health Essay

This model diet and health essay examines the extent to which individuals or governments should be responsible for health.

IELTS essays are usually about current topics of controversy, and the declining health of many nations is certainly of concern to many countries at the present time.
This essay asks you to examine both sides of an issue and to give your opinion.
This means that you must look at both the arguments that are presented.
In this case, these are:

1. It is the responsibility of individuals to take care of their own health and diet.
2. Governments should make sure that their citizens have a healthy diet.

You must of course also give your opinion.

______________________________________________

 

IELTS Diet and Health Essay

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. Present a written argument to an educated reader with no specialist knowledge of the following topic. Some people believe that it is the responsibility of individuals to take care of their own health and diet. Others however believe that governments should make sure that their citizens have a healthy diet. Discuss both views and give your opinion. Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own experience or knowledge. You should write at least 250 words.

Diet and Health Essay Model Answer

An increasing concern for many governments around the world is the declining health of their citizens due to a poor diet.  While some people believe governments should be responsible for improving the health of their nation, others believe it is up to the individual. This essay will examine both sides of the argument.

There is no doubt that individuals must take some responsibility for their diet and health. The argument to support this is the fact that adults have free will and make their own choices about what they eat and the exercise that they do. Children are also becoming less healthy. However, their parents are the ones who provide their evening meals so it is their responsibility to ensure these meals are nutritious and encourage them to avoid junk food and sugary snacks during the day.


Despite these arguments, there is also a case for advocating the intervention of the state. People these days often have little choice but to depend on fast food or ready meals that are high in sugar, salt and fat due to the pressures of work. Governments could regulate the ingredients of such food. Some governments also spend huge amounts of tax money on treating health problems of their citizens in hospitals. It would be logical to spend this on preventative measures such as campaigns to encourage exercise and a good diet.


Having considered both sides of the issue, I would argue that although individuals must take ultimate responsibility for what they eat, governments also have a role to play as only they can regulate the food supply, which openly encourages a poor diet.  It is only through this combination that we can improve people’s health.
(282 Words)

______________________________________________

Comments

The IELTS diet and health essay has a number of good points which would means it would score highly in the test.
The introduction clearly introduces the topic and sets out both sides of the issue. There is then a clear thesis statement to explain what the essay will do:

This essay will examine both sides of the argument.

Coherence and cohesion are evident from the topic sentences which make the subject of each paragraph very clear:

There is no doubt that individuals must take some responsibility for their diet and health.
Despite these arguments, there is also a case for advocating the intervention of the state.

Transitional phrases and words also guide the reader through the essay. For example:

The argument to support this is...
Children are also becoming less healthy.
However, their parents...
Despite these arguments, there is also...
Some governments also spend...
Having considered both sides of the issue,

The conclusion summarises the writers opinion very clearly. It is always important to make it very clear what your opinion is if it is an opinion essay (you could put your opinion in the introduction too if you wish).
The grammar and vocabulary are appropriate, with a mix of complex sentences and topic related vocabulary.

The content of the essay is also appropriate. It clearly addresses both opinions and provides a number of points to support each argument. The ideas are clearly explained and will not cause any misunderstanding for someone reading the essay.

IELTS Speaking test in Italy – July 2014

Speaking test

Interview

- What is your full name?
- Can I see your ID?
- Where are you from?
- Do you work or study?
- Do you remember the first day at the university?
- Let’s talk about maps.
- Do you use maps?
- Do you prefer electronic or paper maps?
- Did you learn how to use a paper map?

Cue Card

Describe a beautiful place where you would like to have a home. Please say

- Where and what is this place?
- When did you first see it or hear about it?
- Why do you think it is such a beautiful place?

Discussion

- Do you prefer small or big houses? Why?
- What are the advantages of having a small house?
- Do you prefer to live close to your family or far from them?
- What are the advantages and disadvantages of it?
- Do you think it is better to live in the countryside or in the city?
- What are the advantages of living in the countryside?
- Do you think that people should have permission to build houses in the countryside?
- How should the government improve the lifestyle in the countryside?

IELTS test in Sri Lanka – July 2014 (Academic Module)

Listening test

Section 1. A discussion of the feedback given by the visitors of a hotel.
Questions: filling in blanks.

Section 2. A discussion between two students. They were planning to do some research to find out more about the old plan of the town. They were allocated specific tasks according to their convenience and preferences.
Questions: filling in blanks, short-answer questions (no more than 2 words), multiple choice, map labeling.

Section 3. About visiting a place.
Questions: multiple choice.

Section 4. A scientific botany lecture about weeds and how to cope with them.
Questions: filling in blanks.

Reading test

Passage 1. About coins of the ancient Greece.
Questions: short-answer questions (no more than 1 word), multiple choice, True/False/Not Given, diagram completion.

Passage 2. About a culture of a certain tribe group in Africa.

Passage 3. About science fiction.

Writing test

Writing task 1 (a report)

Don’t remember.

Writing task 2 (an essay)

Some people have great ambitions in life, others don’t. Do you think ambition is important to succeed in life? Is it a positive or a negative quality to have?

Speaking test

Interview

- What is your full name?
- Can I see your ID?
- Where are you from?
- Do you work or study?
- Do you like the place where you stay?
- Would you recommend families to live there?
- Do you know a lot of people living in your area?
- What day of the week do you like the most? Why?
- What is the busiest day of your week?
- Do you want anything to be changed in this routine?
- What would you like to do?
- Do you like to visit museums?
- Do you think museums are important? Why?
- Did you visit museums when you were a child?
- Do you recommend children to visit museums? Why?
 Cue Card

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

- What was the city?
- Why did you go there?
- What did you do there?
- What did you like or dislike about this place?

Discussion

- Can you tell me about the problems many cities have?
- Why do you think these problems emerge?
- How will these problems affect people?
- What are the solutions in your view?
- Do you think people in rural area are happier in general? Why?
- What will happen in the future if nothing is done about this matter?
- Do you think there should be a proper plan for these things?

IELTS Speaking test in Lagos, Nigeria – July 2014

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 live?
- Do you like the place?
- Why do you like it?
- Do you intend to move to another place? Why?
- What type of music do you like? Why?
- What music don’t you like? Why?
- Can you play any musical instrument?
- What languages do you speak?
- Would you like to learn another language?
- What language would it be? Why?
- Do you think it is difficult to learn English?
- Who should be involved in provision of entertainment facilities – the government, corporate bodies or individuals?
- In the country side would it be good for the government to provide entertainment facilities?
- Should entertainment be banned?
- Can entertainment be used for education?

Cue Card

Talk about a film that you watched and did not like. Please say

- What was the name of the film?
- Where did you watch it?
- Briefly describe the film.

Discussion

- Did you watch it yourself or with friends?
- Did they like it or not?
- Is it better for children to watch films at home or in cinemas?

IELTS test in the USA – July 2014 (General Training)

Listening test

Section 1. About a holiday trip for children.

Section 2. Map of an island – a popular tourist destination.

Section 3. Project discussion between 2 students.

Section 4. A discussion about an experiment “Trust the stranger” and its results. Starting with the chemical released while you trust somebody, an experiment on animals showed same results. Also results and conclusions of other scientists.

Reading test

Passage 1. About a ticket system that is working in a new place.

Passage 2. About fire hazards and their prevention in an organization.

Passage 3. Don’t remember.

Passage 4. About the treasures of Qatar.

Writing test

Writing task 1 (a letter)

You recently sent an application to a certain program in a college and you had no reply to it. Write a letter to the principal about the delay.

Writing Task 2 (an essay)

Some believe advertisement is useful and informative. Others think it is false and only helps to raise prices. 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?
- Did you always want to work in this field?
- What made you choose this field?

Cue Card

Talk about your favourite restaurant. Please say

- What and where is it?
- What do you like there?
- Would you visit it again? Why?

Discussion

- Do you think eating outside is good?
- What are some reasons for eating outside?
- What are the consequences of eating outside?

IELTS test in Canada – July 2014 (Academic Module)

Writing test

Writing task 1 (a report)

We were given a diagram showing the process of production of olive oil from fresh olives.

Writing task 2 (an essay)

Advertising industry has a huge influence on the society. Do you think positive effects of advertising outweigh negative effects?

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 live right now?
- What do you like about the place? Why?
- Lets talk about photography.
- Do you like to take pictures?
- What do you like to photograph the most?
- Do you think cellphones are better in taking pictures than digital cameras?
- Do you like giving gifts?
- Is it important to give presents to others?

Cue Card

Describe a friend that you remember from school. Please say

- What was she/he like?
- Where and when did you first meet?
- Why do you still remember him/her?

Discussion

- Do you think parents should choose friends for their children?
- How do you make new friends?
- Is honesty important in friendship?

IELTS Speaking test in the UAE – July 2014

Speaking test

Interview

- What is your full name?
- Can I see your ID?
- Where are you from?
- Do you work or study?
- Do you like your job?
- Will you do it for a long time?
- Do you like shopping?
- What do you usually buy while shopping?
- Would you like to work in a shop?

Cue Card

Talk about a sport that you like to play or watch. Please say

- What sport is it?
- Can you explain the rules?
- Why do you like this particular sport?

Discussion

- Do you know any famous sportsmen?
- Should they always have a good reputation? Why?
- Who do you think should support the national team: the government or a private institution?
- Do you think international sport competitions should be discontinued? Why?