IELTS Commentry: August 2019

Thursday, 29 August 2019

IELTS essay, topic: When new towns are planned, it is important to build more public parks or sports facilities than shopping centers (agree/disagree)

When new towns are planned, it is important to build more public parks or sports facilities than shopping centers for people to spend their free time. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Sample Essay

Some people argue that town planners should have a preference for more parks and gyms to be created than business districts and shopping malls. While I understand the concerns of people who hold this opinion, it seems to me that shopping centers are just as important as parks and gyms in a town.

There are reasons why public facilities are crucial to city inhabitants. First of all, they provide suitable spaces and equipment for people to exercise. For example, people can go jogging in the park and play tennis or basketball at the sports stadium. That helps to keep their bodies fit and it also elevates their mood during the day. Besides, parks and sports facilities are good spots for people to socialize with their neighbors. People can connect with others when they are playing sports or talking casually with passers by in the park. A harmonious relationship between residents helps build a caring and friendly neighborhood.

Although parks and gyms give the town dwellers all kinds of benefits, I would like to point out the importance of shopping malls to the district. Firstly, a shopping center could make shopping more convenient for the local residents. It would enable them to easily purchase things in town and transport them home with less effort and at lower cost. They would not need to spend extra money on transportation or shipping of the goods. Secondly, a shopping mall can provide employment. Locals can find work in retail, maintenance or security of the mall, hence earning an income to support their families.

In conclusion, although parks and sports facilities serve as places for exercise and social activities for city dwellers, I believe that shopping centers are equally important, since they can provide job opportunities and convenience to the town residents.

This essay would score well on Task Achievement because it addresses all parts of the question, discusses reasons for and against building more parks than shopping malls and expresses the opinion of the writer. The main ideas are organized well and explained coherently. The range of vocabulary is adequate for the requirements of the task response. Overall, this essay could get Band 8 in IELTS.

Click here to see more IELTS essays of Band 8

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IELTS test in Saudi Arabia – August 2019 (Academic Module)

When N recently took the IELTS test in Saudi Arabia the following topics and questions appeared in the exam:

Listening test

Section 1. Travel guide to some ancient city.

Section 2. Library map description.

Section 3. About academic essay writing.

Section 4. Invention of different languages in the world.

Reading test

Passage 1. About barrel formation.

Passage 2. A research about chemical and hormonal activities in the human body.

Passage 3. The value of nature related words in dictionaries today.

Writing test

Writing task 1 (a report)

We were given a line graph showing different technologies used in households from 1997 to 2001 in one European country. These included DVDs, computers, mobile phones and the Internet. All had positive trends, but the Internet and mobile phones were twice as popular as others.

Writing task 2 (an essay)

Students from disadvantaged families and rural areas are finding it difficult to get a university education. Some people believe that universities should help them. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Give reasons for your answer and include examples from your experience.

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Wednesday, 28 August 2019

IELTS Speaking test in Oman – August 2019

The questions below were shared by a test taker who took the IELTS Speaking test in Oman (thanks, N!):

Speaking test

Interview

– What is your full name?
– Can I see your ID?
– Where are you from?
– Do you work or study?
– What do you do?
– Do you like your job?
– Where do you live now?
– Do you live in a house or an apartment?
– What specific features of your home do you like the most?
– Let’s talk about street markets.
– Do you like street markets?
– What is the main reason you like them?
– Are you going to street markets in other countries you visit?
– Do you like reading?
– What do you like to read?
– What is the purpose of reading, in your opinion?
– Are you a good reader?

Cue Card

Talk about a person you know well who speaks a foreign language fluently. Please say

– How did you meet him/her?
– How did he/she learn a foreign language?
– Did you improve your language skills with him/her?

Discussion

– Can you learn about a different culture without knowing the language?
– Is it possible to speak and write as a native speaker after learning a foreign language?
– What is better to learn first, a language or a culture?

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Tuesday, 27 August 2019

IELTS test in Indonesia – August 2019 (Academic Module)

Thanks to our friend S from Indonesia we can share the following recent IELTS questions:

Listening test

Section 1. About a job available at a transport company.

Section 2. About a storm damage at a certain city.

Section 3. Research about common study problems.

Section 4. About perfumes.
Questions: multiple choice.

Reading test

Passage 1. About tsunamis.

Passage 2. About endangered species in Australia.

Passage 3. An article about talent and job performance.

Writing test

Writing task 1 (a report)

We were given a line graph showing sugar production and consumption in India between 2001 and 2011.

Writing task 2 (an essay)

When new towns are planned, it is important to build more public parks and sports facilities, rather than shopping centres for people to spend their free time. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

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Monday, 26 August 2019

IELTS test in Canada – August 2019 (General Training)

D took IELTS in Canada and remembered the following topics and questions (thank you D for sharing!):

Listening test

Section 1. Hotel booking form.
Questions: filling in blanks, short-answer questions (no more than 2 words).

Section 2. Building map description.
Questions: filling in blanks.

Section 3. Don’t remember.

Section 4. About food culture in one European city.
Questions: filling in blanks, short-answer questions (no more than 2 words).

Reading test

Passage 1. Hotel information.
Questions: short-answer questions (no more than 2 words).

Passage 2. About a childcare scheme.
Questions: filling in blanks, multiple choice.

Passage 3. Don’t remember.

Passage 4. About kites.
Questions: diagram labeling, match headings to paragraphs.

Writing test

Writing task 1 (a letter)

Write a letter to a city planning manager about demolition of a historical building in your area and say

– Explain why it shouldn’t be demolished.
– Suggest a future use for this building.
– Recommend a way to raise money for repairs.

Writing Task 2 (an essay)

Some people believe that modern technology has enhanced sociable behaviour, but others think it has reduced social interactions. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

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Friday, 23 August 2019

IELTS Sample Reports of Band 8

Here you can find IELTS Sample Reports of Band 8, written by students and graded by an IELTS teacher.

Last updated: August 22, 2019

The topic of each report appears when you hold the mouse over the link. Every report is checked, marked, has comments and suggestions. Hold the mouse over to see suggested corrections. The teacher’s summary is at the bottom of each report.

IELTS writing – sample report 1

IELTS writing – sample report 2

IELTS writing – sample report 3

IELTS writing – sample report 4

IELTS writing – sample report 5

IELTS writing – sample report 6

IELTS writing – sample report 7

IELTS writing – sample report 8

IELTS writing – sample report 9

IELTS writing – sample report 10

IELTS writing – sample report 11

IELTS writing – sample report 12