IELTS ONLINE

BODY LANGUAGE

2012-01-09T23:14:00.000-08:00

BODY LANGUAGE

1. Don’t cross your arms or legs – You have probably already heard you shouldn’t cross your arms as it might make you seem defensive or guarded. This goes for your legs too. Keep your arms and legs open.

2. Have eye contact, but don’t stare – If there are several people you are talking to, give them all some eye contact to create a better connection and see if they are listening. Keeping too much eye-contact might creep people out. Giving no eye-contact might make you seem insecure. If you are not used to keeping eye-contact it might feel a little hard or scary in the beginning but keep working on it and you’ll get used to it.

3. Don’t be afraid to take up some space – Taking up space by for example sitting or standing with your legs apart a bit signals self-confidence and that you are comfortable in your own skin.

4. Relax your shoulders – When you feel tense it’s easily winds up as tension in your shoulders. They might move up and forward a bit. Try to relax. Try to loosen up by shaking the shoulders a bit and move them back slightly.

5. Nod when they are talking – nod once in a while to signal that you are listening. But don’t overdo it and peck like Woody Woodpecker.

6. Don’t slouch, sit up straight – but in a relaxed way, not in a too tense manner.

7. Lean, but not too much – If you want to show that you are interested in what someone is saying, lean toward the person talking. If you want to show that you’re confident in yourself and relaxed lean back a bit. But don’t lean in too much or you might seem needy and desperate for some approval. Or lean back too much or you might seem arrogant and distant.

8. Smile and laugh – lighten up, don’t take yourself too seriously. Relax a bit, smile and laugh when someone says something funny. People will be a lot more inclined to listen to you if you seem to be a positive person. But don’t be the first to laugh at your own jokes, it makes you seem nervous and needy. Smile when you are introduced to someone but don’t keep a smile plastered on your face, you’ll seem insincere.

9. Don’t touch your face – it might make you seem nervous and can be distracting for the listeners or the people in the conversation.

10. Keep you head up – Don’t keep your eyes on the ground, it might make you seem insecure and a bit lost. Keep your head up straight and your eyes towards the horizon.

11. Slow down a bit – this goes for many things. Walking slower not only makes you seem more calm and confident, it will also make you feel less stressed. If someone addresses you, don’t snap you’re neck in their direction, turn it a bit more slowly instead.

12. Don’t fidget – try to avoid, phase out or transform fidgety movement and nervous ticks such as shaking your leg or tapping your fingers against the table rapidly. You’ll seem nervous and fidgeting can be a distracting when you try to get something across. Declutter your movements if you are all over the place. Try to relax, slow down and focus your movements.

13. Use your hands more confidently – instead of fidgeting with your hands and scratching your face use them to communicate what you are trying to say. Use your hands to describe something or to add weight to a point you are trying to make. But don’t use them to much or it might become distracting. And don’t let your hands flail around, use them with some control.

SPEAKING QUESTIONS (MARCH)

2011-03-21T23:47:00.000-07:00

STAGE1

Introduction
Talk about your hometown?
Does it have any historical significance?
Do you go for vacation?

STAGE2
Talk about a thing you have bought for which you had to save money
· What was it
· When did you buy it
· How long you had to save
· How happy/unhappy were you

STAGE 3
Should children be taught to save money?
How can you teach them?
Should children’s demand be fulfilled?
Does advertisement influence shopping
Do male and female have different shopping preference?
What factors influence shopping?

2)

STAGE 1
Introduction
History of hometown
Importance of museum
Should museums sell the items on display if they get good price?
What is the difference between the way festivals are celebrated in cities and in villages?

STAGE 2
Talk about a festival you celebrate in your hometown

· What is it
· When is it celebrated
· What is its importance

Stage3
Talk about any value/culture which your parents taught you and you will like to teach your children
Do boys and girls play the same sport in your country?
From where did you learn about your cultural beliefs and values?

WRITING TOPIC
Nowadays both parents are working. Does it have negative impacts on their family life. Give your opinion.
Support with relevant examples.

SPEAKING QUESTIONS (FEBRUARY,2011)

2011-02-15T00:56:00.000-08:00

STAGE1

Introduction

Describe your hometown

what is the most interesting thing about your hometown

Do you like reading

what types of books do you read?

How much time did you spend for reading when you were a child?

Do you think the reading habits of children are decreasing these days?

Have you gifted a book to someone?

Do you enjoy shopping?

What kind of shops do you visit?

STAGE 2

Describe about an interesting animal you have seen

what was it

when did you see it

why was it interesting

STAGE 3

What are the advantages of having pets?

Is it good to keep pets in cities?

What kind of animals do you see in your area?

Is it justified to use animals for scientific researches?

WRITING TOPIC

City planners design cities with the schools,offices,homes and shops in specific areaswhich are widely seperated from each other.
Do the advantages outweigh disadvantages for the city residents by this plan?

SPEAKING QUESTIONS( NOVEMBER)

2010-12-01T04:11:00.000-08:00

STAGE 1

Introduction
Tell me about your hometown
Do you have a pet animal?
Do you like animals?
Do you think animals should be kept as a pet?
What is your favorite meal?

STAGE 2

Describe some kind of help which you have done for someone?
· What was the help
· Whom did you help
· How did you feel

SATGE 3

Where would you prefer your children to have food? In the restaurant or at home?
Do you like your profession?
What kind of work do you do in your work area?
Will you cook for your children?
Do you think more people should help people?

2. STAGE 1

what is your name?

Do you study or work?

Where is your hometown?

What is your favorite color?

Do you quite often dress up in this color?

STAGE 2

Describe a modern building you have seen:

where have you seen it

what is it like

why is it important

STAGE 3

What do you prefer, modernor old buildings?

What should be the appearance of the building of your like?

Has structure of the building got anything to do with attraction?

Does it add to tourism?

WRITING TOPIC

In some countries like America and the U.K working days are getting increased in offices and work area which is the negative side to social consequences.
Do you agree or disagree with the statement.
Support with relevant examples.

SPEAKING QUESTIONS ( OCTOBER)

2010-11-25T01:43:00.000-08:00

STAGE 1

Introduction
Tell me about your hometown
What are your leisure activities?
What kind of food did you like when you were a child?
Do you like to have them now too?
Do you prefer your children to eat the same food?

STAGE 2

Describe an exciting message you received through mail / phone

· What was the message
· When did you receive it
· Why was it exciting

SATGE 3

How do you like to receive your messages?
How has communication advanced through the years?
What are its advantages?
Are there any disadvantages of that too?

SPEAKING QUESTIONS SEPTEMBER

2010-08-31T05:27:00.000-07:00

Stage1

Introduction
What is your profession?
What is the nature of your job?
What is your dream job?
Do you stay in a flat or an apartment?
What is the difference between flat and apartment?
What is your hobby?
Describe your home town?
Do you follow fashion?

Stage2

Describe something you have made yourself
· What is it
· When did you make it
· Why did you like or dislike your creation

Stage3

What is the meaning of handicraft?
What is the difference between handicraft and factory outlets?
Which gender prefers handicraft more, male or female?
Will you work in a factory outlet if given a chance?
What skills person should have while making food?
In future what will be popular, handicraft or factory outlets?

WRITING TOPIC

If richer country provides foreign help to poorer countries, it can show negative effects on them. Do you agree or disagree? Justify your opinion .give relevant examples.

Some people think long prison sentence is good to reduce crime; however some think the alternative methods are better. Discuss and give your opinion.
Give relevant examples.

IMPROVING READING SKILLS

2010-08-06T02:46:00.000-07:00

Improving reading skills is most important for a candidate to perform better in IELTS reading. No matter what reading level you may be at the present time, you can improve your skills by increasing your reading speed as well as your level of comprehension. The following are few simple but important tips that help you improve your reading skills:

1. Make a habit of reading regularly. Read as many English books, newspapers and magazines as you can get your hands on.

2. When reading, learn to fixate on a larger group of words at a time. As a matter of fact, people often tend to fixate on one word at a time which makes reading slow and dull. The best way to improve reading is to pick up a large group of words (say about four or five) at a time; also avoid fixating on insignificant words like a, or, the, or, an etc.

3. Set aside a regular time to read. Studies show that regularly reading will produce significant gains in reading comprehension, vocabulary, and the decoding of words. For this you may require quite a good amount of time. Hence, before applying for IELTS, ensure that you have sufficient time for preparation.

4. Avoid lip movement while reading. It is a negative practice that tends to slow down your eye movement and thereby reduce your reading speed. Make your eyes and mind work more and minimize the usage of your mouth and lips. This will greatly enhance your reading speed.

5. Practice reading for at least 30 minutes a day, this will certainly improve your reading speed. Each time you practice, check your word count i.e. the number of words you had read in a minute. Simultaneously, analyze you comprehending skills by summarizing what you have read. Further, your chief objective is to read faster while improving comprehending skills hence use same type of reading material that provides consistency necessary for sensible practice.

6. Build a good vocabulary by keeping a dictionary handy, maintaining a list of new words, and knowing the origin of words.

7. Broaden your knowledge on various subjects by reading newspapers, journals, magazines, books, and using internet. You are not sure on what subject or topic you may get a reading passage in the IELTS exam, hence it is better to get acquainted with a wide range of subjects.

8. Finally, remember that you are reading for a purpose. So your primary focus must be on that specific purpose and how to do it quickly. If you lose interest take a break. Your efficiency greatly reduces upon reaching saturation point. Hence a shot break is absolutely essential. This simple technique helps you focus more and increase your concentration.

IELTS QUESTIONS (AUGUST)

2010-08-06T01:41:00.000-07:00

STAGE 1

Introduction
Are you a student or working somewhere?
What type of job you are doing
What are your responsibilities at workplace?
If you get a chance to change your profession after 10 years, what profession wills you chose?
Do you like animals? Why
What kinds of animals do you like most?
Do you think animals should be kept as pet?

STAGE 2

Describe a movie you have watched recently

· Name of the movie
· When did you watch it
· Why did you like/dislike it

STAGE 3

Are cinemas good/bad for youngsters?
Do you think that movies have changed since past?
Do movies show the culture of a country?
Would you allow your kids to watch movie in the cinemas?
Technology will effect the movie in the future what do you think?
What is the difference between Hollywood and Bollywood movie?

WRITING TOPIC

The youth should be encouraged to visit different countries for their benefits. Do you agree or disagree with the statement.

Give relevant examples to support your answer..

BAND SCORES

2010-06-28T02:51:00.000-07:00

Marking is carried out at the test centre by trained examiners whose work is closely monitored. This ensures that exam results are available without any administrative delay. Results are standardized and usually available within two weeks of the test, and Test Report Forms are sent to the candidates and to the sponsor(s)/receiving institution(s). Test centers are not permitted to give results out over the phone, nor by fax or e-mail.

Test Scores

Number of Correct Answers Score
20 5.5
25 6
28 6.5
30 7
33 7.5
35 8
38 8.5
40 9

SPEAKING QUESTIONS (MAY)

2010-06-02T05:10:00.000-07:00

Stage1
Introduction
Describe your job
Is your work Important?
Are you interested in your job?

Stage2
Describe a family other than yours
· Name the family
· Why do you like them
· What do you do with them

Stage3
How do parents treat their children these days?
Is there a difference between boys and girls in parental treatment?
Do youngsters like to stay with their family these days?
Are the children forced to move out of house ?

WRITING TOPIC

Children can learn effectively by watching television therefore they should be encouraged to watch it regularly.Do you agree or disagree?
Give relevant examples.

SPEAKING QUESTIONS (APRIL)

2010-04-30T02:32:00.000-07:00

Stage1
Introduction
What is your profession?
What are your job responsibilities?
Would you like to change your job in future?
What kind of fashion do you follow?
Do you enjoy shopping?

Stage2

Talk about your favorite subject
· What is it
· How were you taught this subject
· How helpful is it in your daily activities

Stage 3

Would you like to be a teacher in future?
What qualities should a teacher have?
What is the learning process for people these days?
How much do you admire a teacher?
How has the teaching process changed from the past?

Writing Task 2

Mobile and internet has changed the way of communication. How beneficial has been the both for you? Give your opinion for the same.
Give relevant examples.

SPEAKING QUESTIONS FEBRUARY

2010-03-16T00:18:00.000-07:00

Stage 1

Introduction
Talk about your work
What is your favorite dish
Do you often go to supermarkets?
What do you buy from there?

Stage 2
Talk about an important meal that you had
· What was it
· How was it prepared?
· Why was it important

Stage3
Why are there many supermarkets these days?
What is the thing that attracts people in a supermarket?
What are the disadvantages of these?

2.

Stage1

Introduction
Are you a student or working?
What is the importance of your course?
Why are fresh fruit and vegetables important?
Does the market nearby your house supply fresh fruits and vegetables?

Stage2
Describe a recent important conversation you had
· What was it about?
· With whom you had it?
· Why was it important?

Stage3
What is the importance of your work?
How can you improve your position at your workplace?
What is the importance of communication skills?
How can you improve language skills?
How can you compare the level of communication with different individuals?

Writing topic

These days’ advertisements are more focused on children than the parents. Why do you think it is? Is it a positive or a negative development?
Discuss with relevant examples.

IELTS SPEAKING QUESTIONS (JANUARY)

2010-01-28T02:38:00.000-08:00

Stage 1

Introduction
Student or working?
Where r u from?
Do you like flowers?
What kind of flowers do you like?
On Which occasion did u give flowers recently?
Do you read newspaper and magazine?
What kind of magazines do you read?

Stage 2

Describe a special meal you enjoyed
· What was it?
· How is it prepared?
· Why did you enjoy it?

Stage3

In Some culture people don’t speak while eating, in others they do .what is your culture?
Have you got a chance to have food in the other culture?
Why do you think these days there are more supermarkets than in the past?
Does it have negative impact?

SPEAKING QUESTIONS(DECEMBER)

2009-12-29T01:23:00.000-08:00

Stage 1

Introduction
What should I call you?
What is your profession?
Do you like it?
How long you have been working?
Where do you live?
Describe your neighbor hood?

Stage 2

Describe a happy event of your childhood
· When was it?
· What did you do?
· Why do you think it was a happy event?

Stage 3

Do you think people think more about the past than present these days?
Should the traditional culture handed over to the next generation?
How can we update the younger generation about traditional culture and values?
What do you prefer letters or e-mail?
Is advertisement more today than in the past?
Which advertisement do you like most?
Do you buy things after viewing advertisements?
Who features more in your favorite advertisements?

WRITING TOPIC

It is better for students to leave their home and family for university studies and live alone. Do you agree or disagree?
Give your opinion and support it with relevant examples.

A Confident Speaker

2009-12-13T22:28:00.000-08:00

How To Be a Confident Speaker: Ten Tips

Here are ten tips for becoming a more confident speaker.

1. Organize - Outline your thoughts, beginning with the goal of your presentation. Be disciplined and stick to your outline. This will give your presentation structure.

2. Spice it up - Like a good dish, every presentation needs some spice and accenting. A few well-chosen anecdotes, a well-timed joke, a personal experience, or a fact can liven things up.

3. Feel the Floor - Before you begin to speak, be sure that your feet are firmly planted. Making floor contact helps you breathe better, and provides a sense of strength and power.

4. Relax muscles - Muscle tension affects not only the way you look, but the way you sound. Lightly shrug shoulders, roll head, wiggle toes to relieve body tension. Gentle chewing motions and smiling internally helps loosen jaw and facial muscles.

5. Breathe deeply - Deep breathing relaxes and supports the voice, improving your entire delivery. Think of your torso as an accordion which expands with every inhalation and contracts with each exhalation. Proper breathing also leads to increased stamina, and prevents your voice from becoming tired.

6. Focus - When speaking , concentrate on the subject of your speech; by so doing, your presentation will be more focussed and alive. To help focus yourself, before speaking, concentrate on an object or color you find pleasing. This will help channel your attention, as well as relax you.

7. Use energy - Energize your speech by activating your breath and speaking with conviction. Even if you're speaking softly, make the air between you and your audiences vibrate. This will help you project better, and communicate more effectively with your audience.

8. Add color - Vary the sound of your voice. Emphasize important words; change your pitch from high to low and vice versa. Alter your rhythm of speech to add interest.

9. Practice - The old adage, "practice makes perfect," could not be truer when it comes to speaking . The more you practice in advance and become familiar with your material, the more comfortable you'll feel, and the more comfortable your audience will be.

10. Have fun! - Fun is infectious. If you're enjoying what you are doing, you will automatically convey this to your audience.

SPEAKING QUESTIONS (OCTOBER)

2009-10-29T01:55:00.000-07:00

Give me your introduction
Tell me about the place you were born?
Which part of the country are you from?
What is this part famous for?
What are the main industries there?

2
Describe a newspaper/magazine article that you have read and liked

What was it about?
Where did you read it?
Why did you like it?

3
Why is advertisement increasing these days?
What are the mediums through which people get updated about news these days?
Who uses the internet most?
Is radio popular where you come from?

Writing Topic

Some criminals commit crimes and are punished for it. However they repeat certain crimes later. Why does this happen? Give reasons for your answer. Support it with examples.

FEAR OF FAILURE

2009-09-29T01:53:00.000-07:00

This person:

At age 22 - Failed in business;

At age 23 – Was defeated for the State Legislature:

At age 24 - Again failed in business;

At age 25 – Was elected to the State Legislature;

At age 26 - His sweetheart died;

At age 27 – He suffered a nervous breakdown;

At age 29 – Was defeated for speaker;

At age 31 – Was defeated for elector;

At age 34 – Was defeated for Congress;

At age 37 – Was elected to Congress;

At age 39 – Was defeated for Congress;

At age 46 – Was defeated for the Senate;

At age 47 – Was defeated for Vice-President;

At age 49 – Was defeated for the Senate;

At age 51 – Was elected President of the United States.

This person was ABRAHAM LINCOLN.

Keep things in perspective; do not be disheartened. The fact that you’ve failed at something does not mean that your life is over. It does not mean that your reputation is forever ruined and that you’ll never get another chance. Don’t make the situation bigger or more pervasive than it really is. Instead, remember the famous line:

“And this too shall pass . . .”

FEEDBACK (SEPTEMBER,09)

2009-09-29T01:06:00.000-07:00

STAGE1

Introduction
What is your profession?
When can this course be taken?
What is the duration of this course?
What are your job responsibilities?
What are the traditions of India?
Do you like driving?
Why is there an age limit for driving in India?
Will you allow your child to drive at an early age?

STAGE2

A CHILDHOOD ACHIEVEMENT THAT YOU REMEMBER
what and when was it
where was it
why do you remember it

STAGE 3

Why is tradition and culture diminishing in India?
What can be done to preserve it for future?
What is the attitude of youngsters towards the tradition and culture?
Should the schools initiate to provide driving license for its students?
Is it important to have fresh fruits and vegetables for good health?

2.

STAGE 1

Give me your Introduction
How often do you use internet?
Do you remember the first time you used the internet?
Who helped you in using internet?

STAGE 2

DESCRIBE AN OCCASSION WHEN YOU WERE TRAPPED IN TRAFFIC
When was it
How long were you trapped in it
What was your reaction

STAGE 3

What is the effect of traffic on environment?
How is the traffic in peak hours in your country?
What can authorities do to relieve traffic in metro and small cities?

WRITING TOPIC

Computer is very popular these days.what are the areas where computers are popular and what are the areas where teachers are still important. Discuss.

LIFE-"a web of mysteries" By SANGEETA KHATRI (AAS 2009)

2009-09-15T01:11:00.000-07:00

we call it as happiness & full of joy

when life gives us every ,key

what would be if we find this key

in the sand of downs

life then appears miserable

we call it ambitious & full of oppurtunities

when life gives us ample chances

what would be if these chances are

in a dark room

life then appears dull and heavy slot

we call it full of love& dreams

when life us caring and trustworthy

what would be if we have to look for them

among the million in the crowd

life then would appear boring &

..........very very long.

SANGEETA KHATRI

POINTS TO REMEMBER FOR IELTS EXAM

2009-08-28T04:35:00.000-07:00

1. More is less. A very common mistake is to answer in more words than instructed. If the task says "Not more than 3 words", answering in 4 or more words will definitely cost marks.

2. Less is less. The length of a written task is crucial. When instructions mention a minimal number of words (250 for essay, 150 for report or letter), it means that any work shorter than required will be penalized.

3. Longer essay doesn't mean better mark. Another common misconception is that longer essays score better in IELTS. Not only is this a myth, but also a dangerous one. Writing a long essay can indirectly cost marks, because the chances of making mistakes increase with the number of words and sentences.

4. Changing the subject is unacceptable. Every so often a student is asked to write on topic, that he doesn't understand. To avoid the disaster of missing a whole task they decide to write on a slightly – or entirely - different topic. The sad fact is that no matter how beautiful the submitted work is, the wrong topic means zero score. Another similar pitfall is to omit parts of the given topic or ignore the guidelines in your work. Every point the topic refers to needs to be covered because the examiners will be actually counting them.

5. Good memory can get you in trouble. Having seen that the topics sometimes repeat, "smart" students with good memory decide to memorize essays. This is a terrible mistake to make because the examiners are trained to look for memorized essays and have firm instructions to disqualify such works on the spot.

6. Accent is not important. Pronunciation is.! IELTS, being a test for non-native English speakers can't penalize people for having an accent. The problem here is that not everyone knows the difference between speaking with an accent and mispronouncing the words. No matter how strong of an accent a person has, the words are to be pronounced correctly or it will cost marks.

7. It is not the ideas that are important, but the way they are described in. Many students think that expressing the wrong ideas (whether it is in essay, letter or discussion) can harm their score. The truth is that no idea can be wrong and the ideas are not important on their own, it is the way they are expressed in that important.

8. Connective words: the more is not always the better. Smart students know that one of the essay marking criteria are coherence and cohesion, and what better way is there to demonstrate cohesion than to use lots of connective words, right? Wrong. Overuse of connective words is a know problem, which is easily recognized and penalized by the examiners.

And in conclusion, a word of advice: to stay out of trouble, it is equally important to be aware of the pitfalls and to practice enough before the exam. Being familiar with the structure and the procedure of the test will build up confidence and that will reflect in your score.

TIPS FOR SPEAKING ENGLISH FLUENTLY

2009-08-21T03:11:00.000-07:00

Rent or buy an English movie DVD

Rent or buy an English movie DVD. Put the English subtitles on. Follow the movie.
This has many advantages:
You will be able to compare the written words to the correct pronunciations.
You will get a feel of how real English sentences are formed when speaking.
You will be learning English but it will not be frustrating and boring because you will be watching a movie.

Read Internet forums of subject matter that interests you

Got to Internet forums of the subject matter that interests you. Generally most of the forums are in English language and are a great source of English input.
For those of you who are not familiar with Internet forums, these are places where people interested in a particular subject can get together and share their views and opinions about a particular subject. You can also ask specific questions to other people and they will help you out if they can. On the Internet, there are forums available about each and every subject.
Forums are a great source of information. Also in forums real people talk about real problems. Most of the information typed in forums is written in an informal way. Because of this the forums make a good source for English input. Reading forums exposes you to a lot of phrases of daily use.
When reading forums also make sure you find out the meaning of every new word or phrase you come across or the whole exercise will be useless.

Read English fiction of your choice.

Books are not costly here. You get cheap book in every nook and corner. If you want to pick up an interesting cheap English novel, go to the closest "raddi walla" (You know, the guy you sell your old daily news papers to...) They will generally also have old novels, book and magazines. These wont be good quality. They will all be second hand. But that’s okay, they will be nice and cheap. Pick up some thing that interests you. Take it home and read it. Be sure to look up all the new words you come across in the book.

Listen to the radio and TV

Our "All India Radio" has some good programs that are designed to teach English to the listener.
Besides this, there are also many different radio stations available now-a-days in the big cities. Some of these radio stations are in English. Listen to them to get a feel of the language.
Besides the radio, you could also listen to the "News In English". It’s available on a wide variety of channels. The news is a good place to get input of the English language because it is spoken in a very clear, easy to understand way.

Chat with fluent English speakers

Chat with fluent English speakers real or online. Make friends with interesting English speakers. Become pen-pals with a fluent English speaker.
While talking to them look at their lip movement for tips on how to pronounce words correctly.

IELTS QUESTIONS (JULY)

2009-07-29T01:30:00.000-07:00

Stage 1

Introduction

Do you like watching television?
Are you satisfied with the holidays u get?
Tell me something about your hometown?
Why do you like/dislike your home town?

Stage 2

A story you have read or heard

which is the story
when did you hear/read it
why did you like /dislike it

Stage 3

what do you do in your free time?
Is television interfering in the family life these days?
Is it positive or negative?
How does television help in education of adult and children?
Do youngsters these days like to watch television or go outside?

WRITING TOPIC (Task -2)

Do you think the elderly do not get enough respect in today’s world? What are some of the reasons for this?
What problems can it cause in the society?

Give relevant examples. Write at least 250 words.

5 PARAGRAPHS IN THE ESSAY

2009-07-22T04:46:00.000-07:00

The five paragraph essay follows a defined format. The first paragraph introduces us to the thesis of the essay and directs us to the three main supporting subtopics.

The second through fourth paragraphs are all similar in format. They individually restate the subtopics, and are developed by giving supporting information.

The fifth and last paragraph restates the main thesis idea and reminds the reader of the three main supporting ideas that were developed.

All of these paragraphs are important.
The introductory paragraph is the place in which the writer introduces the reader to the topic. It is important to make this a clear and limited statement. This is where the writer grabs the reader's attention. Because of its purpose, it is often the first sentence of the paragraph. It is followed by three subtopics that develop the thesis. Between this paragraph and all paragraphs of the essay, there needs to be some kind of a transition word, phrase, or sentence.

Next, the body of the essay contains paragraphs two through four. They are all similarly constructed. Their topic sentences are restatements, often in original form, of the three supporting ideas presented in the first paragraph. The subtopic of each of the body paragraphs is again supported by three or more supporting sentences. These cement, in the reader's mind, the relevancy and relationship of each of the subtopics to the thesis statement.

Finally, the fifth paragraph is the summary paragraph. It is important to restate the thesis and three supporting ideas in an original and powerful manner as this is the last chance the writer has to convince the reader of the validity of the information presented. Because the purposes of the first and fifth paragraph are so similar that some writers construct them at the same time. They will edit them, as necessary, as they do with each and every part of the essay.

It is important to reiterate that each of the paragraphs is joined together by a transition word, phrase or sentence. Transitions help the reader to follow the flow of the logic and sequencing. All of the essay types follow this basic transition format. However, there is more latitude with the narrative essay because of its nature.
To put it more visually,

Introductory Paragraph
General Topic Sentence
Subtopic One
Subtopic Two
Subtopic Three
Transition

First Supporting Paragraph
Restate Subtopic One
First Supporting Detail or Example
Second Supporting Detail or Example
Third Supporting Detail or Example
Transition

Second Supporting Paragraph
Restate Subtopic Two
First Supporting Detail or Example
Second Supporting Detail or Example
Third Supporting Detail or Example
Transition

Third Supporting Paragraph
Restate Subtopic Three
First Supporting Detail or Example
Second Supporting Detail or Example
Third Supporting Detail or Example
Transition

Closing or Summary Paragraph
Synthesis of main topic
Synthesis of Subtopic One
Synthesis of Subtopic Two
Synthesis of Subtopic Three

OFFICIAL DO'S & DONT'S

2009-07-01T00:56:00.000-07:00

What you must not do

Don't try and find 'best friends' among your colleagues.
Don't try and get up, close and personal with your boss.
Don't try and seek audience from the next cubicle when talking on the phone.
Don't keep ring tones of your mobile very loud when at work.
Don't peep over your colleague's shoulders to read their emails.
Don't entertain jokes that have sexual overtones.
Don't comment on people's sense of dressing.
Don't try and seek unnecessary attention by constantly talking about your achievements.

What you must do

Do reply to office mails and try to use lower cases while typing as bold letters signify a scream.
Do keep you voice low while talking.
If you have a problem that may force you to stay away from work, keep your boss in the loop.
Do congratulate a colleague on his/her achievements even if you do not approve of his/her ways. Do not forget to shut you mobile phone during meetings.

EXAM FEEDBACK(JUNE)

2009-06-29T21:43:00.000-07:00

Stage 1
Give me your introduction.

Do you play any sports?

What is the favorite sport in your town/city

What skill you want to learn in future

Stage2
Describe a speech you heard by someone
Where did you hear it?
Who was it?
How did it affect you?

Stage3
Is it good idea to introduce sports in school?
Why do children sometime don’t like to talk
How can you persuade children to talk?

Stage1
What is your name
what do you do
what are your responsibilities at your job place
do children ride bicycles in your country
is it safe for children to ride bicycles in your place

Stage2
Describe a famous personality you would like to meet

Who is he

Why would you like to meet him

What effect would it have on you

Stage 3

Do you think the privacy of famous is invaded

Is being famous negative

Part – 1

a. Are people concerned about traditions and rituals in your state?
b. What is a ritual that you perform at home?
c. How do you socialize with people?
d. What are some birds common in your state?
e. What optional mode of transport you choose if you don’t get the usual one?

Part – 2
Describe a drama you have seen
What it was
Where was the venue
How did you feel about it?
Part – 3
a. How modern drama is different from the old ones?
b. How watching a drama is different from watching a movie?
c. Why dram is not as popular as movies?
d. How acting in a drama is different from acting in a movie?

Part – 2
Describe a stage of life you struggled the most?
a. Desire is the cause of all disasters in life. What is your opinion?
b. Can all these struggles be avoided if people are more cautious?
c. How can people make their old age safer?

WIRITING TASK 2

1)EVERY GOVERNMENT HAS MADE PRIMARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION FREE . DO YOU AGREE THAT UNIVERSITY EDUCATION BE MADE FREE AS WELL OR SHOULD THE FEES BE PAID BY PARENTS OR STUDENTS.?

2).PRESERVATION OF PUBLIC LIBRARY IS IS A COMPLETE WASTE OF TIME IN THIS COMPUTER WORLD . DO YOU AGREE OR DISAGREE?

IELTS FEEDBACK (MAY)

2009-05-29T01:53:00.000-07:00

Stage 1
Introduction

Tell about your home

Which is your best room in your house?

What can you do to improve your home?

What is the importance of sports for school children?

What will be the development in sports activities in future?

Stage 2
An activity you indulge in to maintain health
What it is
How long you have been practicing it.
How does it help?

Stage3
What can doctors do to improve health knowledge in patients?
What can teachers do to improve exercise among students?
2

Stage 1

What is your name?
Do you work or study?
Do you use lot of machines in you work?

Stage 2

Describe a stage of life which you enjoyed
What was it
How did you enjoy it
Was it beneficial for you

Stage 3

What is the legal age of your country?
Do you think it is appropriate?
Is riding bicycles safe in your country?
Do many visitors visit your place?
What other celebrations are there in your religion other than marriage and birthdays
Is it good to celebrate occasions like going abroad?

WRITING TOPIC
Some people consider economic success as the basis of happiness while others think so many other factors are needed. Discuss both the factors .what is your opinion?

SPEAKING QUESTIONS APRIL

2009-04-28T23:32:00.000-07:00

1.
Stage1

What kind of place is your hometown?
What is the most interesting part of your home area?
What kind of jobs do the people in your town /village do?
Is your hometown changing?
What is your favorite color?
Do colors characterize a person’s personality?

Stage2

Describe a person you would like to meet
· Who is he/she
· Why would you like to meet him /her
· What effect would the meeting have on you

Stage3

Who are the most influential people in your society?
Are there many heroes or role models today?
What are the qualities of a good leader?

2.
Stage1

What do most people do where you live?
What is the most important festival that you have in your country?
Do you think national celebrations are important?

Stage2

Describe a news story that you heard or read about

· What was it
· Where did you come to know about it
· What effect did it have on you

Stage3

What are the qualities of a good journalist?
What is the difference between the news stories these days in comparison to the past?
What kind of news do we hear/see these days?

SPEAKING QUESTIONS (MARCH)

2009-03-05T21:50:00.000-08:00

STAGE1

INTRODUCTION

DOYOU WORK OR ARE YOU A STUDENT?

STAGE 2

DESCRIBE A DRESS YOU ONCE WORE AND ENJOYED

WHICH WAS IT?

WHAT WAS THE OCCASION?

WHY DID YOU ENJOY IT?

STAGE 3

TALK ABOUT OCCASIONS WHEN PEOPLE WEAR FORMAL AND CASUAL CLOTHES?

DO YOU THINK PEOPLE WEAR MORE FORMAL CLOTHES NOW IN COMPARISON TO THE PAST?

WHAT TYPE OF NEWS DO YOU WATCH?

WHAT KIND OF NEWS ARE YOU INTERESTED IN?

SPEAKING QUESTIONS (FEBRUARY)

2009-02-18T21:42:00.000-08:00

STAGE1

Introduction
Describe your Hometown
What is the Speciality of your hometown?
By which medium do u receive letter?
Whom do u like receving ltters from?
Have you visited any museums?
Do you think museums are important?

STAGE 2
Describe a study trip you have taken

When did you make it?
How did you reach there?
What did you do there?

2

STAGE1
what is your name?
Do you work or study?
what is successs?

STAGE2

Describe a success you had

What was it?
Why did you get it?
How did you feel about it?

STAGE3

Do you think employees should be rewarded for their hard -work

Do you think swimming should be added in schools

Do you know swimming

what are the hazards of water sports

STAGE 1

What is your nickname?
How did you get your nickname?
How do your friends call you?
Tell me about your place.
When you were a child, did you ride a bicycle?
Do some people use bicycles as a mode of transportation?

STAGE 2

Do you agree or disagree that fashion is of great importance?
Describe fashion today.
Tell how fashion reflects ones personal style.

STAGE 3

What are the differences between fashion in the past and fashion of today?
Describe how fashion affects one’s mood and personality.
How is the fashion industry different in your country?
Does your country spend much in the fashion industry?

4.

STAGE1

What is your name?
How did you get here?
What activities do you have in your place during the summer?
Do people in your town like going to the provinces during the summer break?

STAGE 2

What sport event have you participated in?
When it happened.
Explain why you remember this event.

STAGE 3

How can you convince parents of elementary students to encourage their children to join sports?
How are sports helpful in school subjects?
What sporting events do you suggest schools include in their curriculum? Explain why these are your choices.

WRITING TOPIC

1. Society is based on rules and laws. A society cannot function well if an individual would
do what he wants to do.

2. In some countries parents educate their children at home, do you think the advantages of this out weigh the disadvantages. give your opininon.

SPEAKING QUESTIONS (DELHI)

2009-01-23T00:57:00.000-08:00

STAGE 1

INTRODUCTION
DESCRIBE ABOUT YOURHOMETOWN
WHAT SPECIALITY DOES YOUR HOMETOWN HAVE
WHICH TV PROGRAMMES U LIKE AT THIS AGE
W HAT PROGRAMMES DID YOU SEE WHEN YOU WERE A CHILD.
WHAT DO YOU DO IN YOUR FREE TIME
WHAT DO YOU DO ON WEEKENDS AND WEEKDAYS
DO PEOPLE HAVE TO BE PAID MORE IF THEY WORK ON WEEKENDS?

STAGE2

DESCRIBE ONE OF YOUR HAPPIEST MOMENT
· WHAT WAS IT
· WHEN WAS IT
· WHY DID YOU FEEL HAPPY ABOUT IT

STAGE3

WERE UR PARENTS HAPPY FOR YOUR HAPPINESS?
DO YOU THINK ELDERS ARE HAPPY IN YOUR COUNTRY?
DO YOU THINK A PERSON IS BORN HAPPY?

2

STAGE1

HOW DO YOU SPEND YOUR EVENING TIME
DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL EVENING
DO YOU LIKE GIVING OR RECEIVING GIFTS

STAGE 2

TALK ABOUT A SPECIAL GIFT YOU GAVE TO SOMEONE
· WHAT IS IT
· WHEN DID YOU GIVE IT
· WHAT WAS SPECIAL ABOUT THE GIFT

STAGE3

WHY DO PEOPLE EXCHANGE GIFTS
WHEN DO PEOPLE EXCHANGE GIFTS IN YOUR COUNTRY
HOW CAN YOUNGSTERS HELP THE ELDERLY PEOPLE

WRITING TOPIC

SUDDEN DEVELOPMENT OF A COUNTRY DEPENDS ON MULTINATIONALITY AND CULTURE.DO YOU AGREE OR DISAGREE.

Miscellaneous cue card questions:

A)
TALK ABOUT YOUR FAVOURITE COOK

· WHO IS HE /SHE
· WHAT IS HIS/HER SPECIALITY
· WHY DO YOU LIKE HIM/HER

B)
DESCRIBE A LAW IN YOUR COUNTRY

· WHAT LAW IS IT
· WHOM DOES IT CONCERN
· WHY DO YOU LIKE THIS LAW

C)
DESCRIBE A GLORIOUS PERIOD IN YOUR LIFE

· WHEN WAS IS
· HOW DID YOU FEEL ABOUT IT
· WHY WAS IT GLORIOUS

PRACTISE BOOK FOR IELTS

2009-01-16T04:10:00.000-08:00

BODY LANGUAGE(SPEAKING TEST)

2009-01-06T00:57:00.000-08:00

Anyone can utter a series of words; it is the presenter's personal connection to those words that can bring them to life for the audience. Presenters who care deeply about their material tend to use their entire bodies to support the message. Their gestures are large enough to embrace the listener. They stand tall and lean into the audience right from their feet, as if trying to shorten the distance between their message and the ear of the listener. Their faces express their passion while their eyes connect with the listener, focusing on one person at a time.

GESTURE

Use your hands. They don't belong on your hips or in your pockets or folded across your chest either or held behind your back. Use them-to help emphasize a point, to express emotion, to release tension, and to engage your audience. . The most effective gestures arise from the shoulder, not the wrist or elbow. Shoulder gestures project better across the distance and release more of the presenter's energy.

STANCE

How you sit in front of the invigilator speaks before open your mouth. Your stance can tell the audience that you're happy, scared, confident, or uncomfortable. Audience"read" these messages unthinkingly but unfailingly. Stance speaks. A balanced stance with weight even but slightly forward tends to say that the speaker is engaged with the audience. A slumped stance leaning to one side can says the speaker doesn't care. The feet should point straight ahead, not quite shoulder-width apart. When not gesturing, the hands should sit quietly at the sides of the presenter. Letting the hands fall to the sides between gestures projects ease. These moments of stillness between gestures also have the effect of amplifying the gestures.

FACIAL EXPRESSION

The movements of your eyes, mouth, and facial muscles can build a connection with your audience. Alternatively, they can undermine your every word. Eye focus is the most important element in this process. No part of your facial expression is more important in communicating sincerity and credibility. Nothing else so directly connects you .

The other elements of facial expression can convey the feelings of the presenter, anything from passion for the subject, to depth of concern for the audience.

Try to unfreeze your face right from the start. For example, when you greet the invigilator, smile! You won't want to smile throughout the entire test, but at least at the appropriate moments. It's only on rare occasions that you may need to be somber and serious throughout. Work on your body language-gesture, stance, and facial expression-to make the most of every speaking opportunity.

TABLE MANNERS

2008-12-30T00:11:00.000-08:00

TABLE MANNERS

Both hands must be above the table at the same time. They cannot be below the table even if they are together.

Remember to always say PLEASE and THANK YOU.

If you've served your own portion, it is considered good manners to finish everything on your plate before asking for more.

Do not put ice in your wine. At restaurants, wine is served at the temperature at which it is meant to be enjoyed.

After you have finished eating, place the cutlery parallel together, vertically at the center of your plate so the waiter will know to take away your plate.

While you are still eating your meal, place the cutlery to the sides of your plate at 4:00 and 8:00, opposite sides of the plate, signifying to the waiter that you wish to keep your plate.

To communicate that you want more wine, simply finish your glass, but to signify that you have had enough to drink, leave some wine in your glass.

When dining at another's residence, do not use salt or pepper. This is an insult to the person who cooked the meal and is interpreted as "You did not get it right."

ETIQUETTES

2008-12-29T21:13:00.000-08:00

Business Etiquette

Powerful First Impression
Make your first 10 words count: “Thank you for taking the time to meet with me”, “It’s a pleasure tofinally meet you Mr. X”, “Denise thank you for your interest in getting together”, “Juan, thank you forsuggesting we meet today”, “It’s great seeing you again”

Tune into others: Making eye contact, always wear a smile·

Your expressions demonstrate the confidence you have in yourself·

Be vibrant, be confident and people will respond positively·

Walk with a purpose·Put some bounce into your step.·

Move with vigor and vitality·Most of us enjoy being around high-energy people·

Be Impeccably Groomed

Keep your hair neat and in a fashion that flatters the shape of your face·

Wear jewelry appropriately to the event and situation·shoes should be well maintained

MEN

Use the one finger test when buying shirts. Make sure a shirt fits properly by placing your indexfinger between the collar and your neck. If there is enough room to slip your finger comfortable into thespace, you are not only assured of an excellent fit, you would also feel less compelled to unbutton the topbutton

Know that most women like to see a little leg, but not when you are wearing trousers. Wear socksthat cover your calves when seated.

WOMEN

Should be aware of poor impression made by hosiery with runners. Always keep an extra pairof stockings with you when going to an important event

Business Greetings and Introduction

Stand up

Make eye contact·

Smile·

Say your name·

Shake hands

MEN

Don’t wait for a woman to initiate a handshake-Always offer a woman your full hand in a handshake.
Forget the business of shaking fingers.
-Avoid my hand over your hand handshake as this could be interpreted as a subtle form of one-upmanship

WOMEN

Always offer a complete and firm handshakeShake hands with customers and clients, even when you meet them outside the work place-
Avoid wearing an oversized ring on the right hand it can hinder others from giving you a firmhandshake
Never stay behind the desk when meeting or greeting someone. When shaking hands, the onlything that should be between the two of you is space-
Shake hands at both the beginning and at the end of a meeting

WRITING TOPICS

2008-12-26T23:14:00.000-08:00

WRITING

1. EDUCATION TO CHILDREN IS NOT ACCSESSIBLE IN THE RURAL ARES OF A DEVELOPING COUNTRY.SOME PEOPLE ARE OF AN OPINION THAT MORE TEACHERS AND BOOKS SHOULD BE PROVIDED WHILE OTHERS SAY INTERNET SHOULD BE INTRODUCED.WHAT IS YOUR OPINION DISCUSS

2. WHAT IS SPACE TOURISM.IS IT GOOD OR BAD

3. GIVE RELEVANT EXAMPLESPEOPLE CHANGE THEIR CAREER AND PLACE OF RESIDENCE FREQUNTLY THESE DAYS.WHAT ARE THE POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF IT?

QUESTIONS IN DECEMBER(DELHI)

2008-12-26T23:00:00.000-08:00

1)STAGE1

ARE YOU WORKING
WHAT DO YOU DISLIKE ABOUT YOUR JOB
DO YOU READ BOOKS.HOW OFTEN?
HAVE YOU GIFTED A BOOK TO SOMEONE

STAGE2

THE PLACE WHERE YOU STUDIED OR WORKED
· WHERE WAS IT
· HOW DID YOU FEEL
· WHAT DID YOU LIKE OR DISLIKE ABOUT IT?

STAGE3

SHOULD BASIC REQIUREMENTS BE AVAILABLE IN SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES
IS CUTTING TREES GOOD FOR THE ENVIRONMENT
WHAT CAN GOVERNMENT DO TO STOP CUTTING OF TREES

2) STAGE1

WHAT IS YOUR NAME?
DESCRIBE YOUR HOMETOWN?
WHAT IS its MAIN ATTRACTION?
HOW HAS IT CHANGED FROM THE PAST?
TALK ABOUT A SHOP IN YOUR AREA?
WHAT TRHINGS DO YOU BUY THERE?
HOW HAS THE SHOP CHANGED FROM THE PAST?
WHAT IS THE ROLE OF TEACHERS IN YOUR LIFE?
ARE THE TEACHERS STRICT TODAY?

STAGE 2

DESCRIBE A PLACE WITH LOT OF WATER BODIES
WHAT IS IT

· WHERE IS IT SITUATED
· WHAT DID YOU ENJOY THERE
· WHY DID YOU LIKE IT

STAGE 3

WHAT IS THE NORMAL USE OF WATER IN DAILY LIFE?
WHAT IS YOUR OPINION ABOUT THE DEPLETION OF WATER?
IS IT POSSIBLE TO REDUCE WATER WASTAGE?
DIFFERENCE IN PAST AND PRESENT WATER USAGE?
TALK ABOUT WATER SPORTS?
WHAT IS YOUR OPINION ON INTRODUCTION OF WATER SPORTS IN SCHOOL?

3) STAGE1
DESCIBE YOUR HOMETOWN
WHAT IS THE SPECIALITY OF YOUR HOMETOWN
WHAT ARE THE PLACES OF INTERESTR IN YOUR HOMETOWN

STAGE 2
DESCRIBE A TEENAGER YOU KNOW

· WHO IS HE/SHE
· HOW DO YOU KNOW HIM/HER
· WHAT ARE THE SPECIAL QUALITIES YOU LIKE ABOUT HIM/HER

STAGE 3

WHAT SHOULD BE THE CORRECT AGE FOR TO GIVE RESPONSIBILITY TO ATEENAGER?
SHOULD THE TEENAGER BE GIVEN POCKET MONEY?
WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE GROWTH OF A TEENAGER?
WHY IS TEENAGE SPECIAL?

SPEAKING QUESTIONS(COCHIN)

2008-11-28T01:33:00.000-08:00

FEEDBACK QUESTIONS IN NOVEMBER

Part – 1

What sorts of magazines do you read?
Do you follow fashion?
Are fashion magazines popular in your country?
Do you keep pets at home?
Briefly describe a pet animal you are familiar.
Tell me something about your favorite mode of transport.
What kind of outdoor sports activities you are interested in?

Part-2

Describe a person good at work
Where he/she works
How long do you know this person
Say what made you to think that this person is good at work

Part-3

What is an ideal working environment in your opinion?
What are some of the factors that influence the performance of workers?
How the work environment of the present and the past differ?
What can be done to improve the productivity of workers?
Explain the importance of stress management at work place?

Part-2
Describe a news story you watched on the television
What the story was about
How did you feel about it
How it influenced you

Part-3
What responsibilities the media have to the general public?
What differences you see in covering news between TV and newspaper?
Who is an ideal journalist in your opinion?
Why do we see a lot of sensational news in TV and newspapers these days?

Part-2
Describe something you like to wear on special occasion
What it is?
Where did you buy this?
Say how do you feel about wearing this.

Part-3
Can you judge a person by appearance?
What kind of dress materials you prefer wearing on parties?
Why it is important for people to wear formal clothing at interviews?
Do you think that personal grooming is important in modern times?

Part-2
A much polluted area you been to
Which the place was?
How polluted it was?
Say what did you feel about that place?

Part-3
What are the bad impacts of pollutions in cities?
What are the major causes of pollution ?
Which do you think is more dangerous - indoor or outdoor pollution?

NGO(ANSWER TO THE QUERY)

2008-11-28T01:20:00.000-08:00

NGO is

Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) AND a legally constituted organization created by private organizations or people with no participation or representation of any government. In the cases in which NGOs are funded totally or partially by governments, the NGO maintains its non-governmental status insofar as it excludes government representatives from membership in the organization.

Non-governmental organizations need healthy relationships with the public to meet their goals. Foundations and charities use sophisticated public relations campaigns to raise funds and employ standard lobbying techniques with governments. Interest groups may be of political importance because of their ability to influence social and political outcomes.

NOVEMBER IELTS FEEDBACK(PHILIPINES)

2008-11-27T00:35:00.000-08:00

I. First Part

What is your name?
Describe your hometown.
What is interesting in your hometown?
Why do you think weekends are important?

Second Part

Describe a place where people listen to music most.
What kind of music are they playing?
Who mostly go there?

Third part

Why is music important to children?
What are the benefits? How does it increase mental skills?
Comment about the free downloading of music in the internet.
What kind of music do you usually download and why?

II. First Part

Do you live in a flat or a house?
Describe to me your house.
Tell me about the walls.
What can I see from the windows?
How do you celebrate birthdays in your country?
Tell me your activities on a typical evening.

Second Part

Tell me about a book that you have read.
When did you read the book?

Third part

Do you think books will become obsolete with the emergence of
the internet?
Who would you rather teach children how to read, parents or
teachers?
Is it important for a reader to read more on topics not related to his
field?
Will books still be important to the next generations?

III. First Part

What’s your name?
What will I call you?
Tell me about your place
When you were a child, did you ride a bicycle?
Do some people use the bicycle as a mode of
transportation?

Describe a family that you admire most?
Who are they?
Where do they live?
Why do you admire this family?
How often do you see them?

Second Part

Describe a picture that you saw that captured your attention.
What is the picture?
When it was taken.
Why it is important to you.

Third part
Discuss the importance of the internet.
How do computers affect photography nowadays?
How does digital photography affect the accuracy of photos
found in textbooks?

WRITING TOPICS

1
Comment on the importance of fashion and self-expression through clothing.

2 Comment on the following:
Society is based on rules and laws. A society cannot function well if an individual would be able to do what he wants to do.

3.Fashion nowadays has been of great importance to people. Why is this so? Do you agree or disagree?

QUOTABLE QUOTES

2008-11-26T00:04:00.000-08:00

Instruction ends in the schoolroom, but education ends only with life" -- F. W. Robertson

Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world."-- Albert Einstein

"All the world 's a stage, and all the men and women merely players. They have their exits and their entrances; And one man in his time plays many parts" -- William Shakespeare, As You Like It (Act II, Scene VII)

"The human heart feels things the eyes cannot see, and knows what the mind cannot understand." -- Robert Vallett

"Reasonable people adapt themselves to the world. Unreasonable people attempt to adapt the world to themselves. All progress, therefore, depends on unreasonable people." -- G. B. Shaw

"The voyage to discovery is not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes"-- Marcel Proust

"When you are courting a nice girl an hour seems like a second. When you sit on a red-hot cinder a second seems like an hour. That's relativity." --Albert Einstein

"Love is a fire. But whether it is going to warm your heart or burn down your house, you can never tell."-- Joan Crawford

"It is easy in the world to live after the world's opinions; it is easy in solitude to live after your own; but the great man is he who in the midst of the crowd keeps with perfect sweetness the independence of solitude." -- Ralph Waldo Emerson

"I still find each day too short for all the thoughts I want to think, all the walks I want to take, all the books I want to read, and all the friends I want to see." -- John Burrough

"Happy are those who dream dreams and are willing to pay the price to see them come true." - - Claude Pepper

Not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." - - A. Einstein (1879-1955)

"Perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away." - - Antoine de Saint Exupery

"The most important thing about goals is having one." - - Geoffrey Albert

"We cannot teach people anything; we can only help them discover it within themselves." - - Galileo Galilei

"Time is the coin of your life. It is the only coin you have, and only you can determine how it will be spent. Be careful, lest you let other people spend it for you." - - Carl Sandburg, poet

"Experience is the name so many people give to their mistakes." - - Oscar Wilde

"Money can't buy friends. But you can afford a better class of enemy." - - Lord Mancroft

""Most people are other people. Their thoughts are someone else's opinions, their lives a mimicry, their passions a quotation." -- Oscar Wilde

"Modern technology Owes ecology An apology." -- Alan M. Eddison

"Set your goals high, and don't stop till you get there."-- Bo Jackson

"A free press can, of course, be good or bad, but, most certainly without freedom, the press will never be anything but bad." -- French Existential Writer Albert Camus (1913-1960)

The sun, the moon and the stars would have disappeared long ago... had they happened to be within the reach of predatory human hands." -- Havelock Ellis, The Dance of Life, 1923

"Life is like a taxi. The meter just keeps a-ticking whether you are getting somewhere or just standing still." -- Lou Erickso

"The most important thing to do in solving a problem is to begin." - Frank Tyger

"We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm and adventure. There is no end to the adventures that we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open." - Jawaharlal Nehru

"Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path, and leave a trail." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

"As a well-spent day brings happy sleep, so a life well spent brings happy death." - Leonardo da Vinci (1452 - 1519)

"Only after the last tree has been cut down…the last river has been poisoned…the last fish caught, only then will you find that money cannot be eaten." - Cree Indian Prophesy

SPEAKING QUESTIONS(NOVEMBER)

2008-11-25T00:24:00.000-08:00

(1)
STAGE ONE

DESCRIBE YOUR HOMETOWN
DO YOU LIKE ARTS
HAVE YOU VISITED ANY ART GALLERY
WOULD YOU LIKE TO TEACH IN FUTURE
ARE TEACHER STRICT IN YOUR COUNTRY

STAGE TWO

A PHYSICAL ACTIVITY WOULD YOU LIKE TO INDULGE IN FUTURE
WHAT IS IT
WHEN AND WHERE WOULD YOU LIKE TO INDULGE IN IT
WHY WOULD YOU LIKE TO INDULGE IN IT

STAGE THREE

HOW IMPORTANT IS PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN TODAYS WORLD
DO YOU THINK PEOPLE INDULGE IN MORE PHYSICAL CTIVITY THESE DAYS
COMPARE INDULGENCE IN PHYSICAL ACTIVITY OF THE PAST AND PRESENT
WHY ARE LOT OF HEALTH CENTRES COMING UP PRESENTLY

(2)
STAGE ONE

INTRODUCTION
DO YOU STAY IN A HOUSE OR AN APARTMENT
WHAT CAN YOU SEE OUTSIDE YOUR HOUSE
DID YOU PARTICIPATE IN GAMES/SPORTS WHEN YOU WERE YOUNG
DO YOU THINK CHILDREN SHOULD PARTICIPATE IN GAMES

STAGE TWO

DESRIBE A PHOTOGRAPH YOU LIKE
WHOSE PHOTOGRAPH IS IT?
WHAT IS IT ABOUT
WHY DO YOU LIKE/DISLIKE IT

STAGE THREE

DO YOU THINK PHOTOGRAPHS IMPRESS PEOPLE
HOW ARE PHOTOGRAPHS USED TO MOTIVATE PEOPLE
HAVE YOU BEEN MOTIVATED BY ONE?
HOW CAN PHOTOGRAPH HELP US TO LEARN HISTORY

(3)
STAGE 1

MAY I KNOW YOUR NAME?
DO YOU WORK OR STUDY?
WHAT ARTICLES/EQUIPMENTS ARE USED IN YOUR PROFFESSION?
WILL MORE EQUIPMENT BE USED IN FUTURE?
DO PEOPLE RIDE BICYCLES IN YOUR COUNTRY?
IS IT SAFE FOR CHILDREN TO RIDE BICYCLES IN YOUR SOCIETY?

STAGE2

DESCRIBE A SPORTS EVENT YOU HAVE PARTICIPATED OR WATCHED

WHAT WAS IT
WHEN DID YOU WATCH/TAKE PART IN IT
WHAT YOU LIKE/DISLIKE ABOUT IT

STAGE 3

DO YOU STILL WATCH SPORTS PROGRAMS?
WHICH PROFFESSION DOES NOT REQUIRE A COMPETITIVE PERSONALITY?
WHAT IS THE ROLE OF PEOPLE IN CO-OPERATING SOCIETY?

(4).

STAGE 1

INTRODUCTION
WHAT DOES YOUR HOUSE LOOK LIKE?
WHAT DOES THE WALLS OF YOUR HOPUSE HAS?
WHAT CAN YOU SEE FROM THE WINDOW OF YOUR ROOM?
DO YOU LIKE PLAYING GAMES?
WERE YOU INTERESTED IN GAMES WHEN YOU WERE YOUNG?
DO YOU INDULGE IN EXERCISE
DO YOU THINK EXERCISE IS NECESSARY FOR CHILDREN

STAGE2
DESCRIBE A PHOTOGRAPH YOUI HAVE TAKEN /SEEN

WHAT IS IT ABOUT
WHERE DID YOU SEE/TAKE IT
WHAT DO YOU LIKE/DISLIKE ABOUT IT

(5)
STAGE 1
INTRODUCTION
WHAT DO YOU DO IN THE EVENING
DOES YOUR PAST TIME CHANGES ACCORDING TO SEASON.HOW?

STAGE2
DESCRIBE A GIFT YOU GAVE SOMEONE

WHAT WAS IT?
WHY DID YOU GIVE IT
WHERE DID YOU BUY IT
WHY DID IT BRING PLEASURE

STAGE3
IS YOUR PROFFESSION ACCORDING TO YOUR WISH
WHY DID YOU CHOSE IT
WHAT ARE OTHER OCCASSIONS APART FROM MARRIAGE/BIRTHDAY WHEN PEOPLE GIVE GIFTS

6
STAGE1
INTRODUCTION
TELL ME ABOUT YOUR HOMETOWN
WHAT ARE THE SPECIAL PLACES IN YOUR HOMETOWN

STAGE2

EXPLAIN ABOUT AN ELECTRONIC ITEM EXCEPT COMPUTER

WHAT IS IT
WHAT IS THE USE
WHY DO YOU LIKE OR DISLIKE IT

STAGE3

WHAT IS YOUR OPINION ABOUT LAUNCHING NEW THINGS AND THEIR RESEARCH
ARE ELECTRONIC ITEMS GOOD OR BAD INFLUENCE ON YOUNGSTERS

WRITING TOPICS

1. WHAT IS SPACE TOURISM.IS IT GOOD OR BAD

2. PEOPLE CHANGE THEIR CAREER AND PLACE OF RESIDENCE FREQUNTLY THESE DAYS.WHAT ARE THE POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF IT?

GIVE RELEVANT EXAMPLES

October IELTS Feedback (Philippines)

2008-10-30T02:35:00.000-07:00

First Part

Do you work?
Do you find your work hard?
Is swimming popular in your town?
Where do people in your town go for swimming?
Do people visit your house often?
What do you do when people visit your house?
why?
Do you like visiting other people's house?
Do you like attending parties?
Do you like to party with friends or family?Describe an ideal party for you.

Second Part (cue card)

*Describe some good advice given to you
What was the advice?
Who gave the advice?
What happened after the advice was given?

Follow-up questions (Part 3)

Why do you think young people defy their parents?What advice can you give to these young people?

Second Part (cue card)

*Describe a college friend that influenced you the most.
When did you meet the person?
Why you remembered him the most?

Follow-up questions (Part 3)

Do you agree that parents must choose who will be the friends of their children?
Have you ever been betrayed by a friend?
In what way?
When was the last time you saw your friend?

Second Part (cue card)

*Name one success in your life.
When was this?
How did you do it?
Why did you do it?
What do you think are the factors that made you successful?
Is success important in life?

Other questions for the second part:

Describe a garden that you visited and liked.
Describe a particular law in your country that made a big impact on you.

Writing
Some support the invention of factory farming and the creation of scientific fruits and vegetables. Others oppose these two. What is your opinion

DIFFERENCE OF WHOLE AND HALF BANDS(hope it helps!!!!

2008-10-28T22:11:00.000-07:00

Speaking Band 5.5

Candidate gives short answers, not willing to talk at length. Responses are exactly what he’s being asked. He hesitates a little and sometimes uses linking words incorrectly. His vocabulary is simple but sufficient for him to talk on the subject and make himself clear. The grammar of simple sentences is mostly accurate, but there are several errors in more complex sentences, many of which are left incomplete. There are many mispronounced words.

Speaking Band 6

Candidate is willing to talk at length, not always directly answering the question. The speech is mostly fluent with some hesitation and repetition. Usage of linking words (like however, on one hand, then again, etc) is there, but not always they are used appropriately or accurately. The vocabulary is large enough for candidate to speak on the given topic and he is easy to understand, even if there are some grammatical errors. The candidate uses both simple and complex sentence structures; but it shows that the grammar in complex ones is harder for him to control. The pronunciation is mostly correct with occasional errors.

speaking band 6.5

Candidate can talk at length without much hesitation or repetition. His sentences are easy to follow ? the information has a sequence and he uses linking words to move smoothly from one idea to another. His vocabulary includes not only simple but also sophisticated words on the subject, even if sometimes the choice of a word is inappropriate, the meaning is perfectly clear. Strong accent gets in the way of correct pronunciation.

Speaking Band 7

Candidate speaks smoothly without much effort. The linking words are used naturally and in the right places. He doesn’t cover the whole subject in his answers. His vocabulary is appropriate but not sophisticated and doesn’t show variations, the language is fluent but relatively simple. He uses some idioms and sometimes does that inappropriately. The control of grammar is good, the mistakes are rare. His pronunciation is good and the accent doesn’t get in the way.

SPEAKING EXAM QUESTIONS(OCTOBER)

2008-10-22T21:15:00.000-07:00

FEEDBACK (OCTOBER)

STAGE1
Do you work or are you studying?
Do you enjoy gardening?
Do you think people engage in gardening these days?
Explain about a museum you have visited
Describe any bus journey that you have enjoyed

STAGE2
Describe a long journey that you made

Where it was
When did you make it
Whether you liked/dislike it

STAGE3
What are the problems faced in long journey
How can along journey be made interesting?
Compare traveling in group and alone. Which is better?

2.

STAGE 1
Do you live in a flat or a house?
Are there any windows in your house?
What does your house look like?
What is there on the walls of your house?
How important is it to celebrate birthdays? For whom is it more important? Adult or children

STAGE2

Describe a place you visited recently

That was the place?
When did you visit it?
With whom did you go and why did you like it

STAGE3

What are the kinds of tourist places in our country?
What do you think is necessary to make a tourist place attractive?
Is the communication system (related to tourism) effective in our country

WRITING TASK-2

If children commit crime like drinking and driving or committing robbery, then parent should be punished. Do you agree or disagree.

Give reasons for your answer with relevant examples

SPEAKING QUESTIONS UPDATE(SEPTEMBER)

2008-09-10T04:12:00.000-07:00

Speaking 1

Introduction (STAGE ONE)

DESCRIBE YOUR RESIDENTIAL PLACE?
WHAT ARE THE FACILITIES ABOUT HEALTH IN YOUR LOCALITY?
WHAT DO YOU DOTO KEEP HEALTHY?

STAGE TWO (TASK –CARD)

TALK ABOUT A PERSON YOU HAVE HELPED
WHO IS HE/SHE
WHAT DID YOU DO
HOW DID YOU FEEL AFTER HELPING

STAGE THREE (LONG RUN)

IS IT GOOD TO HELP OTHERS?
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE IN THE ATTITUDE TOWARDS HELP BETWEEN PAST AND PRESENT?
HOW DO YOU THINK “NGO” RAISE FUNDS?

Writing
POLICE CARRYING GUNS OPENLY INCRESES VIOLENCE AMONG THE YOUNGSTERS.DO YOU AGREE OR DISAGREE??

SPEAKING 2

stage 1
DO YOU WORK OR ARE YOU ASTUDENT?
WHAT COURSE ARE YOU PURSUING?
DO YOU USE COMPUTER?
WHEN DID YOU LEARN TO USE THE INTERNET?
ADVAN./DISADVN. OF COMPUTER?

STAGE 2

A SKILL YOU WOULD LIKE TO LEARN IN FUTURE
WHAT IS IT?
WHY DO YOU WANT TO LEARN IT?
WHAT ARE THE DIFFICULTIES YOU WOULD FACE

STAGE3

HOW CAN WE LEARN COMPUTERS
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE LEARNING PROCESS OF YOUNG AND OLD
INFLUNCE OF PARENTS AND TEACHERS ON LIFE

SPEAKING STAGE TWO(JUNE)

2008-07-14T01:39:00.000-07:00

A person who is best at his /her profession

Who is that person?
Why do you think him/her best?
What he/she did for society?

Describe and e-mail/letter/greeting card you have received recently

When did you receive it
What was it about
Why it was important for you

RECENT SPEAKING QUESTIONS IN IELTS EXAM(MAY)

2008-06-03T21:40:00.000-07:00

FEEDBACK QUESTIONS

FOLLOWING ARE THE FEEDBACK QUESTIONS (MAY)
1
STAGE ONE: INTRODUCTION
WHAT IS YOUR PROFESSION?
WHY DO YOU LIKE IT?
ABOUT FOOD?

STAGE TWO: DESCRIBE A BOOK THAT YOU HAVE READ
WHAT IS IT
WHEN DID YOU READ IT
WHICH CHARACTER DID YOU LIKE MOST
WHY DID YOU LIKE IT

STAGE THREE: WHY DO YOU THINK PEOPLE DO GARDENING THESE DAYS
IS READING PREFERRED BY YOU?
PAST AND PRESENT COMPARISON OF READING?
ARTS AND MUSEUMS WHY ARE THEY IMPORTANT?

2
STAGE ONE: DESCRIBE YOUR HOMETOWN?
DESCRIBE YOUE PROFFESSION?
CURRENT RESIDENCE WHY DO YOU LIKE IT?

STAGE TWO: DESCRIBE A CITY YOU HAVE VISITED
WHAT WAS THE CITY?
WHEN DID YOU VISIT IT?
WHAT YOU LIKE/DISLIKE ABOUT IT?

STAGE THREE: TYPES OF TELEPHONE
WHICH IS BETTERAND WHY
NEWSPAPER AND ITS USE
SINCE WHEN ARE YOU READING NEWSPAPER

LATEST FEEDBACK OF EXAMINEES

2008-03-10T02:09:00.000-07:00

Speaking
STAGE1 InterviewQuestions about yourself
STAGE2 Little SpeechYou are going to learn foreign language, not English. (What language, why, where)
STAGE3 DiscussionAbout languages around the world

Speaking
Interview Simple introduction & some questions about my living place.
Little Speech A website that I found useful.
Discussion The role of the Internet in today’s society.

Speaking
Interview- describe place you live in, is it good for families- means of transport in your city- how to improve public means of transport- favorite newspapers/ type of newspapers in your country
Little Speech- Describe cafe or restaurant you enjoy the mostwhere/why/what kind of food
Discussion - What kind of cafe/restaurants are in your countrySocial profits of eating in restaurantWhat kind of factors improve restaurants

Speaking
Interview Do you study or work?Do you have friends in you class?Would u like to be friends with them after you finish studying?How often you go shopping (for clothes)How important is color when we choose clothes
Little Speech Favorite book of your childhood
Discussion What is the important of library in your townThe effect of internet on reading and writing skills.

SPEAKING SAMPLES

2008-01-23T00:21:00.000-08:00

: Model Speaking Question & Answer

part 1-Introduction
1.Hello. Could you show me your identification card please?

Hello. Sure, here you are.
2. Could you tell me your full name please?

My full name is XXX. I am also called by my English name, which is XXX.

3. What shall I call you?
You could call me XXX.

4. How are you?
I am well thank you, and yourself?

5. How old are you?
I am 22 years old. In other words, I was born in 1980. On the eight of March 1980, to be exact.

6. Does your name have any special meaning?
( 5 - 6 ) Yes, my name does have some special meaning. My family name means peace, and my first name means strong one. My English name was given to me by one of my high school teachers, and it does not have any special meaning really.

6. Does your name have any special meaning?
( 7 - 8 ) I presume you are referring to my Chinese name. Yes, the English equivalent of my family name would be something like peace, and in the case of my first name it would be strong one. My English name was randomly chosen by one of my high school teachers, and it really doesnt have any special meaning.

7. Is your name important to you?
( 5 - 6 ) No. I dont think it can do anything for me. I believe a person has to work out his own life. I am planning to do this as well as I can

7. Is your name important to you?
( 7 - 8 ) Not really. I am part of the new generation who do not attach too much significance to our names. Names were important to the older generation as they of the opinion that it will determine your destiny to some extent. However, I personally believe that I myself will determine my destiny irrespective of what my name is. I will do this by acquiring good qualifications and by working hard.

part 2-hometown
?
8. How long have you lived in your hometown?
I come from xxx. My parents have been living here for the past thirty years or so. I grew up here and I attended a well-known school called School number 163. We live in a nice area with many shops, restaurants, and other businesses.

8. How long have you lived in your hometown?
I come from xxx. My parents have been living here for the past thirty years or so. I grew up here and I attended a well-known school called School number 163. We live in a respectable area with many shops, restaurants, and a variety of other businesses. The people in our building are generally friendly and quite, which makes it a pleasure to live there.

9. Where do you live?
I live with my parents here in xxx at the moment. To be more exact, we live in an apartment building in one of the northern suburbs of the city. I have my own room and enjoy the privacy that it brings, but I am looking forward to the day that I can have my own apartment. Allow me to explain: they are good parents, and I love them very much, but I would like to be more independent soon.

9. Where do you live?
Well, that is not so easy to answer. Please allow me to explain. During the week I live in a dormitory at the university, but over weekends I live with my parents in a village about one hour by car from xxx. So I really do not know which of the two to call my home at the moment.

10. Can you tell me something about your hometown?
Yes, certainly. xxx is in the northeast part of my country, and the capital of the xxx province. It has about three million inhabitants. It has many heavy industries such as automobile, aircraft, and machine tool manufacturers. In addition, it is rich in history. For example, the xxx invaded the city and committed many atrocities (that is to say many crimes) during the occupation. This is still remembered by many of the elderly folks to this day. Another example that I could mention is the Imperial Palace that belonged to the last dynasty .

11. Can you tell me about some famous landscapes in your hometown?
. Can you tell me about some famous scenic spots in your hometown?What are the main places of interest in your hometown? Why? (. What places should foreigners visit in your hometown? Why?
Sure. Firstly, I could mention the Great River, which you will find around the city. To the northeast of the city there is the famous Mountains and the zoological park and botanical gardens. In summer it is a popular place to visit and see tigers, bears, wolves, other animals and even pandas in their natural environment. In winter we often go skiing there. Secondly, I would like to mention the Park. It consists of a large park, with many gardens and a lake. In addition it also is the site of an emperors tomb from the Dynasty. Lastly, there are many other sites that are worthwhile visiting. For example, Government (City Hall) Square with the Great Theater alongside it, Java Square, and the spectacular TV Tower, which is the highest architectural attraction in my country.

12. What places in your hometown do you like best?
There are many places that I like. If I had to choose one place, I would like to tell you about Government Square. Firstly, it is the largest square . What I mean is that it is a large open space where one can see the sky clearly, and feel free. Secondly, it houses an important government building. I guess you could call it the City Hall.

13. What are the main crops in your region?
In our region many crops are grown. For example one would find all kinds of vegetables in the fields of this region. In addition, many farmers have orchards. Here they grow many kinds of fruit like apples, pears, and peaches.

13. What are the main crops in your region?
In our region many crops are grown. For example one would find all kinds of vegetables in the fields of this region. In addition, many farmers have orchards. Here they grow many kinds of fruit like apples, pears, and peaches. Lastly, it is important to note that it is not known for its agriculture. It is better known as an industrial city. For example, here are many heavy industries manufacturing anything from aircraft and automobiles to machine tools.

14. What is the difference between your hometown and other cities(such as Hong Kong)?
The main difference between my hometown and Hong Kong is the climate. For example, there they have a tropical climate. That is to say that it is very hot and humid. Here in my hometown we have cold winters and hot summers. Secondly, My hometown is an industrial city, whereas Hong Kong is more a financial center. That is to say, here we have many factory workers, or to be more exact, family-orientated workers who are not very wealthy, and in Hong Kong there are many tycoons, millionaires, and wealthy people.

14. What is the difference between your hometown and Hong Kong?
The main difference between my homnetown and Hong Kong is the climate. For example, there they have a tropical climate. That is to say that it is very hot and humid. Here in my hometown we have cold winters and hot summers. Although cities like Toronto,New York, are larger than my hometown , they all are bustling with industrial and cultural activities. Maybe Hong Kong is an exception, as it is better known as one of the most important financial capitals of the world.

15. What are the people like in your hometown? Can you tell me something about the character of the people in your hometown?

Well, they arent any different from the people in any other large city. For example, here we also have good and bad people. Secondly, like everyone else, they are trying to work out a good life for themselves and their children. Forexample, parents are trying all they can to ensure that their children receive a good education.

15. What are the people like in your hometown? Can you tell me something about the character of the people in your hometown?
Well, they arent any different from the inhabitants in any other large city. For example, here we also have many wholesome families as well as our share of criminal elements in the society. In addition, I believe that my hometown has not been westernized to the same extent as a city like Hong Kong. For example, the people have not become materialistic to the same extent as the inhabitants of Hong Kong. In other words, in my hometown you would still find many good old-fashioned (traditional) people who have strong principles and values about many aspects of life. Part 3-present situation (student)

16. Are you a student or do you have a job?
I am a student at the moment. I am studying English on a full-time basis at a Language School here . We have classes in the mornings, afternoons, and evenings. Wednesday afternoons we are off, and are allowed to go swimming at a nearby hotel. We have a number of foreign teachers who assist us in the correct pronunciation and grammar of the language.

16. Are you a student or do you have a job?
I have a job. I am working in a workshop of a large manufacturing plant at the moment. I graduated from high school two years ago, and went to work immediately. I am an assistant to one of the automotive electricians in the workshop. I have to assist my artisan in getting his jobs done. For instance, I have the responsibility to see that are the tools are in good order, and that the workshop is always kept clean and tidy.

17. What do you like most about your studies?
Well, I guess the speaking part. Please allow me to explain. Language is all about communication. So when I am able to communicate with someone in English, I feel that I have achieved something. I particularly like our free talk sessions with the foreign teachers. It gives me the opportunity to question them about their countries and cultures.

18. What is your major?
( 5 - 8 ) As I have been studying on a full-time basis at an English Language School, we have only one subject, namely English for Academic Purposes called EAP. We do reading and writing, practical speaking, and listening by means of cassettes. English is the language of the future, especially in the business world. What I mean to say is that when I am able to communicate well in English I will not only be able to go and study abroad and improve my qualifications, but also have mastered a very necessary tool for my future career.

19. Which is the best university in your country?
( 5 - 8 ) Thats an interesting question. Allow me to explain my personal view by shortly mentioning the following points: I believe that the xxx University is the best University in the country. For example, it has the highest percentage of students passing their courses of all the universities in my country.

20. Describe your study habits?
( 5 - 8 ) I have well established study habits. For example, I always start promptly at eight in the evenings. I study for two hours, have a ten-minute break, and the study for another two hours. I follow this habit from Mondays to Fridays, but over the weekends I put in more hours. For example, I study in the mornings and afternoons, and then take the evenings off to relax with my family or friends.

21. Do you think your present subjects are relevant?
( 5 - 8 ) Yes. Allow me to explain myself by shortly mentioning the following points: Firstly, we often use case studies in class. What I mean is that the professor gives us examples from real life to examine and report on. Secondly, our lecturers and some advisors from the relevant industries have set up our study material. What I mean to say is that the people who we are going to work for one day have had the opportunity to tell the university what they think we should be taught.

22. What kind of job would you prefer after graduation?
( 5 - 8 ) I would like to become a medical doctor. Please allow me to explain. Firstly, I would like to render a service in the community to which I will eventually belong. For example, I would like to assist the elderly that do not have the financial means to afford private hospitals.

23. What are your job prospects?
( 5 - 8 ) I am planning to become a Hotel Manager. Please allow me to explain. Firstly, I believe that the hotel industry will be growing greatly in future. For example, people are becoming more affluent, and spend more and more of their money on holidays. In addition, I believe that after graduating I will be able to find a good job anywhere in the world. What I mean to say is that all hotels and resorts have the same objectives irrespective of where they are situated. Their aim is to ensure that their guests have a good time and return again.

Part 3-

24. Do you have a degree? If so, when and where did you graduate?
( 5 - 8 ) Yes. I have a Bachelors Degree in Electrical Engineering. I graduated in 2001 from xxx University . It is the largest university in my country and has about twenty thousand students.
OR
( 5 - 8 ) No. I have a Diploma in Nursing. I graduated in 2001 from the Medical Training College . It is a well-known College giving excellent training to future nurses and other medical staff. For example, ambulance drivers, hospital staff, and so on are all trained there.

25. What impressed you most when you were at university / college?
( 5 - 8 ) I was most impressed by the knowledge and skills of my lecturers. For example, they had experience in the working environment, and could tell us exactly what we would come across there. Secondly, I was impressed by the facilities. For example, we had a large library, well-equipped laboratories, and sporting facilities at our disposal.

26. Do you still remember your school days?

( 5 - 8 ) Of course! Those were some of the best times in my life. Allow me to explain myself by shortly mentioning the following points: Firstly they were carefree days. What I mean to say is that I had no or very few worries. My parents provided in my day-to-day needs, and all I had to do was get good grades. Secondly, I had many friends in school. For instance, some o my best friends today were people that I met in school.

27. What do you do for a living? . Describe your job in detail.
I am an Engineer. Allow me to explain myself by shortly mentioning the following points: Firstly, I work for a large construction company. To be more precise, we specialize in the building of railway bridges. Secondly, I would like to mention that I am in the designing department. We have to look at the site for a new bridge, and then decide what type of bridge will be suitable. Lastly, we have to make recommendations to the railway company of all the alternatives, and give them some idea of the costs.

28. Is your job important to you?
That is a broad question. Allow me to explain by shortly mentioning the following points: Firstly, my job is important to me because by doing it I can serve my community and my country. For example, when my company builds a new road, many people benefit from our work. Secondly, it makes me feel good about myself. For instance, I am earning enough money to be able to rent my own apartment.

SAMPLE ESSAYS(band 8)

2008-01-16T20:24:00.000-08:00

Q.1 As computers are being used more and more in
education, there will be soon no role for teachers
in the classroom.

There have been immense advances in technology in
most aspects of people’s lives, especially in the
field of education. Nowadays, an increasing number
of students rely on computers for research and to
produce a perfect paper for school purposes. Others
have decided to leave the original way of learning
and to get knowledge through online schools. These
changes in the learning process have brought a
special concern regarding the possible decrease of
importance of teachers in the classroom.
Some people believe the role of teachers started to
fade because computers have been helping some
students to progress in their studies quicker than
when compared with an original classroom. For
example, in the same classroom, students have
different intellectual capacities, thus some would
be tied to a slow advance in their studies because
of others’ incapacity of understanding. In this
way, pupils could progress in their acquisition of
knowledge at their own pace using computers instead
of learning from teachers.
However, the presence of a teacher is essential for
students because the human contact influences them
in positive ways. Firstly, students realize that
they are not dealing with a machine but with a
human being who deserves attention and respect.
They also learn the importance of studying in group
and respect other students, which helps them to
improve their social skills.
Moreover, teachers are required in the learning
process because they acknowledge some student’s
deficiencies and help them to solve their problems
by repeating the same explanation, giving extra
exercises or even suggesting a private tutor.
Hence, students can have a bigger chance not to
fail in a subject.
In conclusion, the role for teachers in the
learning process is still very important and it
will continue to be in the future because no
machine can replace the human interaction and its
consequences.

Q2.Improvements in health, education and trade are
essential for the development of poorer nations.
However, the governments of richer nations should
take more responsibility for helping the poorer
nations in such areas.

Today’s world has been divided into developing and
industrialised countrieswhich the main difference
between them is the amount of money that
governments apply in important sectors such as
education, health and commerce. Most of the poorer
nations are buried in debts as a result of their
unbalanced finances which are reflect in a failed
health care, an unstructured education system and a
weak international trade. This vicious cycle will
continue indefinitely unless wealthier nations show
interest in minimizing the worldwide economic
differences, as well as taking more responsibility
for assisting unfortunate countries.
Most of the African countries live in sub-human
conditions because of the extreme poverty,
upheaval, hunger, disease, unemployment, lack of
education and both inexperienced and corrupt
administrations. The devastating consequences of
the AIDS epidemic in those countries could improve
if the infected populations receive free drugs to
control the disease, have access to health
professionals and get information on how to prevent
its spread. But this can only be achieved through
international help programs in which leaders of the
world’s richest countries donate medicine and also
send doctors and nurses to treat and educate those
in need.
Moreover, most of the poor countries rely on
selling agricultural products and raw material to
rich nations and buying industrialized products
from them resulting in a huge financial deficit.
Consequently,they borrow a significant amount of money from the
World Bank to try to improve their broken
economies, but sometimes the money disappears with
no significant changes and they cannot even pay the
interest to the bank. Regarding this issue, last
year the G8, which is comprised of leaders of the
eight richest nations, decided to forgive billions
of dollars worth of debt owed by the world’s
poorest nations. In addition, they developed
adequate loan programs to financially assist those
countries.
In conclusion, leaders of the industrialised
countries play an indispensable role in assisting
developing nations deal with essential areas such
as health, education and trade. Also, their aid is
the key to breaking the vicious cycle, which
results in poverty and death.

Q3 Popular events like the football World Cup and other international sporting occasions are essential in easing international tensions and releasing patriotic emotions in a safe way.

Every four years, the whole world stops to watch international sporting events such as the Olympics and the Football World Cup in which athletes show their best performance to make their country proud of them. These sporting occasions have proved to be helpful in easing international tensions in difficult times when powerful leaders were trying to control the world’s economy and other governments were fighting over land.

The Olympic Games are one of the best examples which prove how sporting events can bring nations together, at least temporarily. From ancient History, when Greeks and Romans would interrupt battles to participate in the games, to the more recent international disputes, when athletes from Palestine and Israel would forget their differences, compete pacifically and even embrace each other after an event. Moreover, these popular events have called the world’s attention to the terrible consequences of wars; thus some leaders have tried to accept agreements to end their dispute and live peacefully.

Similarly, international sporting events show benefits in some developing countries which live in a daily internal civil war. For example, Brazil has a high rate of unemployment, lack of education, hunger, crime, poverty and corruption which leads to an immense embarrassment of being Brazilian and a low self-esteem. However, when the Football World Cup starts, the Brazilian squad, which is considered the best team in the world, provokes an amazing feeling of pride in their country. Most people seem to forget all their problems and even the criminal activity decreases. They paint roads with the national colors, use wear the Brazilian team shirt and buy national flags. Moreover, the competition brings families and neighbors together and even rival gangs watch the games and celebrate peacefully.

In conclusion, popular sporting events play an important role in decreasing international tensions and liberating patriotic feelings as History has shown.

Q4.As computers are being used more and more in education, there will be soon no role for teachers in the classroom.

There is no doubt that education and the learning process has changed since the introduction of computers. The search for information has become easier and amusing, and connectivity has expedited the data availability. Though expert systems have made computers more intelligent, they have not yet become a substitute of the human interaction in the learning process. In my opinion; what can be expected, is a change of the teachers’ role but not their disappearance from the classroom.

Nobody can argue that the acquisition of knowledge is more fun and easier with computers. The mere activity of touching and exploring this device constitutes an enjoyable task for a kid. This, accompanied with the relaxing attitude and software interactivity, usually conduce to a better grasping of new knowledge. At a higher educational level; the availability of digital books, simulator and other academic materials, provide the student with an ever accessible source of information, that otherwise would not be at hand.

But, besides the increasing complexity and behavior of intelligent software, which is usually embedded in the academic digital material, the need of human interaction in the learning process will always be present, at least in the foreseeable future. There is the necessity for a human being to be able to determine what the specific needs of each individual are. The expertise of a teacher in how to explain and adapt complex concepts to different individuals can hardly be mimicked by a computer, no matter how sophisticated its software is.

As computers are becoming a common tool for teaching, teachers should be more aware of their role as guides in the acquisition of knowledge rather than transmitters of facts. They have to be open minded to the changes that are taking place, keep updated and serve as a problem solvers in the learning process, thus allowing students to discover the facts for themselves.
To summarize, in my personal view, teachers play and will play an important role in the classroom, especially at the primary level. No matter how complex computers become, there will be no replacement for the human interaction, but in the way how this interaction takes place.

FORMALITIES BEFORE IELTS

2008-01-06T20:43:00.000-08:00

The IELTS test formalities

When it becomes clear to you that you need to take IELTS, you’ll have to go through some formalities - which are:

1. Call your local IELTS test centre and find out the dates when you can take IELTS and how much it costs. Note: the dates could be different for Academic and General IELTS.

2. Download and print the application form, fill it, enclose your photos, copy of identification and, of course, the money and send it to your local IELTS centre.

3. Make sure they received it and scheduled you to take the test on the date you have chosen.

SPEAKING

2008-01-04T00:58:00.000-08:00

IELTS Speaking

The Speaking Module of the IELTS rates your ability to communicate clearly, correctly and meaningfully in English in a variety of situations. You are interviewed alone by an examiner and the conversation is recorded.

The Speaking Module always follows the same three-part structure, though the topics vary from one candidate to the next. You can achieve a higher score by:

A)understanding the structure so there are few if any surprises
B)familiarizing yourself with the common topics
C)practicing extensively with a teacher /tutor so you can get feedback
D)rehearsing till you can speak comfortably and confidently
E)receiving tips, advice and guidance provided online and in IELTS guidebooks

IELTS SPEAKING - STRUCTURE

PART 1
4-5 minutes
Introduction & Interview on Familiar Topics

PART2
3-4 minutes
Individual Long Turn or Extended Speaking or Monologue

PART 3
4-5 minutes
Two way discussion on the topic given in part 2

In the first part of the speaking section you will usually be asked to give:
your full name

your identification

answers to basic questions about yourself, for example your hometown – what kind of place it is, what is interesting there, what kind of jobs people do, whether it's a good place to live
what you do –
if workingwhat your job is, why you chose that kind of work, how long you've been doing it, what you like / dislike about your job.

if studyingwhat subjects, why you chose them, if you enjoy them and why
Usually, two other topics, which might include the following topics: your family, learning English, your hobbies, your food preferences, your daily routine, national festivals, what tourists do in your country, etc.

IELTS SPEAKING MODULE - PART 2

In this part, you will be handed a card with a topic. You will be given one minute to think about it and make notes if you like. Then you need to speak about it for about one or two minutes.

Examples include:

Describe someone who has influenced you in your life. Say how long you have known the person, why he / she is special and how he / she influenced you.

Describe a book, story or movie which had a major impact on you. Tell the story, and why you think it impacted you so greatly.

Describe a person you would like to meet explain why you chose this person and what effect such a meeting would have on you.

Describe a difficult time in your life the problem, your solution, and what you learned.

Describe a place that had a major impact in you, how it affected you and why.

IELTS SPEAKING MODULE - PART 3

In this section, you will participate in a two-way discussion with your examiner. The topic will be an extension of a subject you spoke about in Part 2. However, in Part 2, the question related more to your personal experience, and in Part 3, you will be asked more general, extended or in-depth questions to test your ability to expand on a topic and express your opinions.
This is shown below:

Describe a teacher
Education in your country, learning styles, etc.

Describe a person
Role of the family in modern life, parents’ responsibilities, etc.

Describe a problem
Modern life, is it easier or harder than before?Other examples

Part 2 Part 3

Describe a parent What is the role of parents in today’s society
Describe a friend Is friendship the same in every country?
Describe a place Should we spend money on national parks?
Describe a book Are writers respected in your country?
Describe a movie Is censorship of movies a good idea?
Describe a problem Is modern life becoming easier or more complicated
Describe a happy event How can we increase the role of the family

before the test

This is not a time for intensive study. It is a time to review skills and your test technique. It is important to exercise, eat, rest and sleep well during the week in which you will take the test.
Leave nothing to chance. If you do not know how to get to the test centre, try going there at a similar time one or two weeks before the real test.
The night before the test

You must have a good dinner and go to bed at your normal time not too early and not too late, as you do not want to disrupt your sleep pattern if possible.

Have everything ready that you need to take with you to the test so you can simply pick it up in the morning, for example, the test registration form, passport, test number, pens, pencils, erasers, etc.
A pen that runs dry or a pencil that breaks can take several minutes to replace. Check before the exam exactly what articles you need. Set your alarm clock the night before or arrange a wake-up call.

On the morning of the test

Eat a good breakfast. You will have several hours of concentration ahead of you and you will need food and drink in the morning. You may even want to bring more food or a snack with you, especially if your speaking test is at a later time that day. You cannot, however, take food or drink into the exam room.
If possible, wear a watch in case you cannot see the clock in the exam room. It is essential that you keep track of time.

Give yourself plenty of time to get to the test centre. You will be required to complete a registration form and to show your passport before you enter the examination room so you must arrive at the time specified by your test centre. If you are early, you could go for a walk. If you are late, you will not be allowed to enter. Avoid the added tension of having to rush.

During the test

Most students at the test will feel nervous. This is quite normal. In fact, it can actually be quite helpful in terms of motivation. It may make you alert and help you to focus. The aim is for you to try to perform at your optimum level.

In contrast, high levels of anxiety can affect a student's performance. However, much of this anxiety can be overcome by good preparation, familiarity with test details and a positive attitude.

The examination room should be suitable for testing, that is, the lighting, ventilation and temperature should be appropriate. If you are uncomfortable because of any of these factors or if there is some other problem, such as not being able to hear the recording of the Listening Module, make sure you ask the person in charge to do something about it. For example, you may ask to change seats.

Examination technique

By using good examination technique you could help to improve your overall score for the IELTS test.

Remember that every section is marked independently. Do not jeopardise your performance in one section just because you believe that you have done badly in another. Do not underestimate or try to predict your outcome. You may, in fact, have done better than you imagined.

Focus on what you know rather than on what you don't know while you are doing the test.
Ensure that you adhere to the times suggested as they usually correspond to the number of marks given for a particular question.

In the Listening and Reading Modules, it is a good idea to write down an answer, even if you are not sure of it, before moving on to the next question. Many students intend to return to the answers they have omitted at the end of the test but do not have enough time to do so.

Furthermore, by writing your best answer at the actual time of reading the question, you save the time you need to spend again on re-reading the question and re-acquainting yourself with the subject matter. If you are not confident about your answer, mark it in some way and return to it at the end.

Do not leave any answers blank.You are not penalised for incorrect answers, so guess wisely.

ALL THE VERY BEST!!!!!!

I WELCOME ALL YOUR COMMENTS AND QUERIES.

IELTS WRITING

2008-01-03T21:06:00.000-08:00

An Overview of IELTS Academic Writing

Module format

IELTS Academic Writing lasts a total of 60 minutes. It consists of 2 tasks (Writing Task 1 and Writing Task 2) and candidates must answer BOTH tasks.

Answer format

Candidates write their answers in pen or pencil on Answer Sheets provided.
TimingStudents are advised to spend 20 minutes on Task 1 and 40 minutes on Task 2. They must complete both tasks in one hour.

Task 1

For Writing Task 1 candidates are given some visual information which may be presented in the form of one or more related diagrams, charts, graphs or tables. Candidates are asked to describe the information or data. They must write at least 150 words on this task.

Writing Task 1 assessment is based on the following criteria:

1) Task Achievement
2) Coherence and Cohesion
3) Lexical Resource
4) Grammatical Range and Accuracy

Task 2

For Writing Task 2, candidates are presented with an opinion, problem or issue which they must discuss. They may be asked to present the solution to a problem, present and justify an opinion, compare and contrast evidence or opinions, or evaluate and challenge an argument or idea. Candidates must write at least 250 words and are advised to spend 40 minutes on this task.
Writing Task 2 assessment is based on the following criteria:

1) Task Response
2) Coherence and Cohesion
3) Lexical Resource
4) Grammatical Range and Accuracy

Each of the tasks is assessed separately by a trained and qualified examiner and given a score. Writing Task 2 is worth more marks than Writing Task 1 so candidates should be sure to leave plenty of time to complete Writing Task 2. Academic Writing band scores are reported in whole bands or half bands.

IELTS READING

2008-01-03T01:55:00.000-08:00

The Test Format

The IELTS Academic Reading Test has 3 sections.

You have 60 minutes to complete the test.

There is NO extra time at the end of the test to transfer your answers to the answer paper (you get 10 extra minutes in the listening test only);

your answers must be on the answer paper at the end of the 60 minutes.

The test has 40 questions based on a series of 3 texts. The total length of all the texts put together will be between 2000 and 2750 words.

In each section of the Academic Reading Test there will be 1 text with 13 or maybe 14 questions to answer in 2 or 3 sets of differing formats. We will look at the types of question that you will meet later.

The texts will come from magazines, books and journals and are written for general interest or for an academic though non-specialist reader. At least one text will contain a logical argument.

One text may contain non-verbal materials such as a diagram, graph or illustration. If there are any words or terms of a specialist technical nature which candidates would not be expected to know, then a short glossary will be provided.

IELTS Academic Reading Test Question Types

Below is a list of the types of question that you could meet in the IELTS Academic Reading Test. It's useful to read the list of course, but the only way to really be familiar with the types of question is through practice.

Multiple choice questions
Short answer questions
Completion questions: Completing sentences
Completing notes
Completing a summary (no word bank)
Completing a summary (with word bank)
Completing a diagram
Completing a flow chart
Completing a table
Matching a bank of headings to identify paragraphs or parts of text
Matching a bank of writers' views/claims/information with the writer
Identification of information in the text: yes/no/not given questions
true/false/not given questions
Matching lists/phrases
Classification questions

Some Tips for the IELTS Academic Reading Test

Don't spend too long on a single question as that will lose you time for answering questions that could be easier for you. Sometimes leaving a question and coming back later can help you answer it too. Leave any questions that you have spent too long on, and come back at the end of the test if you have time. Sometimes, if the question has a yes/no/not given answer, the answer you are looking for does not exist as it could be a not given. Be aware so you don't waste time looking for something that isn't there.

Read the questions and instructions so you don't make a silly mistake. For example, people often will mix the yes/no answers with the true/false answers and write yes as an answer instead of true or vice versa. Strictly speaking you are wrong although you have understood the question and answer.

If the question asks for one answer then give one answer. Giving two is wrong as it asks for one and you will be marked wrong. The type of question where this could happen would be: Give one example of... Writing two examples, to show you really understand, is wrong.
If the question asks for no more than 3 words, use no more than 3 words. Writing 4 words or more is wrong. You won't be asked to do it in 3 words or less unless it is possible so don't worry; it can always be done.

One area that students don't like is that, in the reading test, good grammar and spelling are important. The grammar part is not as important as you can't make many grammar errors in 3 words (the maximum you use in the reading test) but, if you spell something wrong, it will be marked as wrong. People think, quite rightly in my opinion, that the reading should test whether you understand what you read and not how you spell something but these are the rules. So, be careful about your spelling!

One constant discussion I have had with students is whether to read the questions first and then read the passage or read the passage first and then the questions. From my experience with many students my conclusion is that there is no correct answer for this. It depends on a number of variables. It can depend on the types of question and how difficult the questions are. It can depend on how good and fast a reader you are. It can depend on the length of the text and how much time you have. Let's look at these variables.

If the question type is difficult and asking something which is hard to answer then reading the text first can help. Just a quick read through using a technique called skimming an analysis of the text that will help you find the answer more easily.

If you are a good, fast reader, then you can read the text quickly, getting good knowledge of the contents without using up too much precious time. This can help you answer the questions better.If the texts are short then it doesn't take long to quickly read through them. On the other hand, if the texts are short it is easier to find the answers so you may not have to waste time reading the texts to find the answers quickly, especially if time is short.

If time is short then it doesn't matter how complex or long the texts are. You need to get some answers on the answer sheet as quickly as possible. So, you can see that there is not one answer to the problem of whether to read the texts or questions first. What I tell students is to experiment in your practice and see what suits you for the different types of question in different situations. As usual practising your techniques is the key.

Time management is an important thing to be aware of. You have a number of texts to read and 40 questions to answer in 1 hour. If you spend to long on one part, you may find that you have not enough time to finish all the questions and some of those questions could be ones that you could answer quite easily. As I said above, don't spend too long on a difficult answer but also keep an eye on the clock. It's a good idea to have your watch or a small clock on your desk so you know exactly how long you have left in the test at any given time. In addition to this, keep control on how long you spend on each section. Remember the test gets more difficult as it goes on so you will probably need more time for the questions at the end than for those at the start.

LISTENING CONTINUED

2008-01-03T01:24:00.000-08:00

Practice for The IELTS Academic Listening Test

There are different types of practice that you can do to improve your listening skills for the IELTS exam.
The best, as I've said before, is to practice on specific IELTS practice material. After that though there are other things.
Listening to the radio is excellent as it is the same skill as the IELTS listening test - listening to a voice without the speaker(s) being present. Listening to the TV is good too but you can see the speaker. You could try turning your back to the TV as this will make it more realistic.
Listening to the news on TV and radio is probably the best practice you could do with these two media.
You can also see English speaking films at the cinema or at home on TV or video. All these things will develop your listening skills.

IELTS Academic Listening Test Strategies

There isn't much you can do but there some things. First of all, you get time to read the questions at the start of each section and mid-way in each section. Use this time (usually 20 seconds) wisely. You should know in advance all the questions before you hear the tape. At the end of the sections you also get some time to check your answers. Use this time to check through and then turn ahead to read the next questions in advance.

When you read the questions you can usually predict some of the types of answer that will come. For example, in section 1, if you can see that the test is asking for a 'telephone' number, then you know you'll be listening out for 'numbers' and the word . In the later sections this becomes more complicated but the same technique can be used. Think about this when you are practising so you can develop this skill.

Tips and Ideas about the IELTS Academic Listening Test

As in all IELTS tests, the questions get harder as it goes on. You will see from your practice that the types of listening and questions that you encounter in Section 1 are more difficult in Section 2 and so on. This does not mean that by Section 4 they are impossible but they are more demanding linguistically.

Beware of some questions which require a number (i.e.: a telephone number) or some letters (i.e.: a postcode) as sometimes what you think is the answer will be read out only for the speaker to correct him or her self and then say the correct answer.

An important tip is to answer all the questions as you hear them; don't wait until later. Sometimes people in these tests hear the correct answer but decide to remember the answer and write it down later so they can wait for the next answer. This I feel is a mistake. Firstly, people will very often forget this answer and secondly, if you follow this method, you will have to remember up to 5 or 6 answers in a row before you can write them down. Then you'll forget even more.

As I said above, at the end of the test you have 10 minutes extra to transfer your answers from the question paper to the answer paper. Some people put their answers directly onto the answer paper. I feel it's better to write the answers on the question paper and use the 10 minutes given at the end for the transfer. Writing the answers on the question paper allows you to keep your concentration on the questions and, if you make a mistake, it's not so difficult to correct.

One area that students don't like is that, in the listening test, good grammar and spelling are important. The grammar part is not so important as you can't make many grammar errors in 3 words (the maximum you use in the listening test) but, if you spell something wrong, it will be marked as wrong. People think, quite rightly in my opinion, that the listening should test whether you understand what you heard and not how you spell something but these are the rules. So, be careful about your spelling!

If the question asks for no more than 3 words, use no more than 3 words. Writing 4 words is wrong. You won't be asked to do it in 3 words or less unless it is possible so don't worry; it can always be done.

Don't panic if you miss an answer. If it has really gone, then it is history. Worrying and panicking is only going to make you miss another one. One miss is probably not going to destroy your mark so calm down and listen for the next one. Sometimes you think you have missed it but you are mistaken. If you are calm and keep listening, maybe the answer will come or even be repeated.

Never leave a question unanswered; especially if it is only an A,B,C,D question or something similar. Guess if you really don't know. There are no marks taken away for wrong answers or even stupid answers. So, have a go! Logic, general knowledge or just luck might give you the right answer!

IELTS: Crack the listening module

2007-12-28T20:52:00.000-08:00

Structure of the listening test

The test occurs in four sections and there are generally around 40-42 questions that need to be attempted. The difficulty level increases as the test proceeds.

Section 1: is a conversation between two speakers about a social or semi-official topic. The speed of conversation is quite slow.

Section 2: is a monologue (spoken by one person only) on a non-academic subject. The speakers talk normally about social situations and needs.

Section 3: is a conversation among three to four speakers about an academic topic. As more than two speakers are involved, this section tends to create a lot of confusion. Also, the conversation is fast-paced.

Section 4: is again a monologue, a university style presentation of an academic topic.

The types of questions include:

Multiple choice

Short answers

Matching

Sentence completion

Table completion

Form completion

Completing notes/ summary

Candidates are allowed to write on the question paper. While listening, answers should be written on the question booklet only. The tape generally goes on for 30-35 minutes, after which you have around 10 minutes to write the answers on the transfer sheet.

about IELTS

2007-12-27T00:19:00.000-08:00

IELTS is the International English Language Testing System. It measures ability to communicate in English across all four language skills – listening, reading, writing and speaking – for people who intend to study or work where English is the language of communication.
Since 1989, IELTS has been proven and trusted worldwide to provide a secure, global, authentic and customer-focused test which measures true to life ability to communicate in English. Close to 5,000 education institutions, faculties, government agencies and professional organisations around the world recognise IELTS scores as a trusted and valid indicator of ability to communicate in English.
Over 860,000 people a year are now using IELTS to open doors throughout the English-speaking world and beyond. The test is taken every year across 120 countries, and is one of the fastest growing English language tests in the world, and sets the standard in integrity, research and innovation.
When the question is English language ability – IELTS is the answer

INTRODUCTION TO THE IELTS TEST

The IELTS test has two forms: the Academic test (or module) and the General Training test (or module). The module that you take depends on the reason that you are taking it for. Generally speaking, the Academic Module is for those people who are trying to gain entry onto undergraduate or postgraduate education courses or for professional reasons. The General Training Module is for those people who wish to join some kinds of vocational or training courses, secondary schools or for immigration purposes.

Both Academic and General Training modules try and reflect real life situations to test whether a candidate would survive in English 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 they could 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 these tasks under some kind of pressure.

The IELTS test (both Academic and General Training modules) is divided into four parts: reading, writing, listening and speaking. The listening and speaking tests are exactly the same for the Academic and General Training modules but the reading and writing tests are different. Thus the test appears like this (in the order that you will take the different parts):

ACADEMIC AND
GENERAL TRAINING

Listening
4 sections; 40 questions. 30 minutes
4 sections; 40 questions. 30 minutes

Reading
3 sections; 40 questions3 long texts 1 hour
3 sections; 40 questions3 long texts 1 hour

Writing
2 tasks1 hour
2 tasks1 hour

Speaking
3 sections11 - 14 minutes
3 sections11 - 14 minutes

I know its harrowing to know about all these in the beginning but trust me if you are comfortable with the common conversational english and of course you are interested in english movies this test is going to be a "CAKE WALK".