IELTS grammar: when to use the Present Perfect (and how it is different from the Simple Past)

In this week’s video Adam is talking about the Present Perfect tense, that you would use to describe experiences. Why experiences? Because that is the most popular and common use of the Present Perfect! What are experiences? They are things you’ve done, places where you’ve been, meetings with famous people that you’ve had, and so on.

Today Adam will show you the differences between Simple Past and Present Perfect, and after watching this lesson you won’t be making mistakes or mixing these tenses up – you will know when to use the Simple Past, and when to use the Present Perfect. So if you know in theory what Simple Past and Present Perfect are, but you’re often unsure which one to use and when, this video is perfect for you! Getting rid of mistakes in verb tenses will help you score Band 7 or higher in IELTS.

Watch the video on YouTube here

Go here to check YOUR own Speaking score

A quick recap from the video:

– I tried sushi (Simple Past)
– I tried sushi last year (again, Simple Past)
– I have tried sushi (Present Perfect)
– I have tried sushi last year (Using a time expression with Present Perfect is a No-No!)

And now to the difference between the Simple Past and Present Perfect.

The Simple Past is about things that were done and finished in the past, before this conversation started. This is its key characteristic – the actions are 100% finished.

Some examples:
– I woke up early this morning.
– I ate breakfast.
– I went to bed late last night.

The actions in the Present Perfect do not feel ‘certainly finished’.

“I have received many good comments so far.” This sentence means that some comments were already received, and some more may be received in the future.

If we say in the Simple Past “We didn’t receive any good comments on it.”, we mean there weren’t good comments in the past and that’s it, there won’t be any good comments in the future.

Some more examples to show how to use the Present Perfect for experiences:
– I have been to Canada.
– I have seen that new movie.
– I have met that celebrity.

Also in the video – Adam explains the grammatical structure of a sentence in Present Perfect that says something positive, something negative or how to ask a question in the Present Perfect.

And now it is time for a quiz!

How perfect is your your knowledge of the Present Perfect?

Related posts:

1. IELTS grammar: how to use articles (a, an, the) in English If there is one issue that troubles almost every English...
2. How to get Band 7+ in IELTS Speaking (video lesson #1) This video lesson will make life so much easier for...
3. IELTS Essay, topic: Learning about the past Learning about the past has no value for those of...
4. How to get Band 7+ in IELTS Speaking (video lesson #3) There is some extra value in Lesson #3 that you...
5. IELTS Speaking test – the perfect example I've received hundreds of emails after my previous post about...

https://ift.tt/1yra8oP
from IELTS-Blog https://ift.tt/3j9hVle
via IFTTT

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: September 24, 2020

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

IELTS writing – sample report 13

IELTS writing – sample report 14

Note: the reports are checked by an IELTS teacher, not an IELTS examiner or examiner trainer. All the bands are approximate.

suggested corrections are in the window

Related posts:

1. IELTS Sample Reports of Band 7 Here you can find IELTS Sample Reports of Band 7,...
2. IELTS Sample Letters of Band 7 Here you can find IELTS Sample Letters of Band 7,...
3. IELTS Sample Letters of Band 8 Here you can find IELTS Sample Letters of Band 8,...
4. IELTS Essay Samples of Band 5 Here you can find IELTS Essay samples of Band 5,...
5. IELTS Essay Samples of Band 7 Here you can find IELTS Essay samples of Band 7,...

https://ift.tt/304xMdm
from IELTS-Blog https://ift.tt/2PaXTwg
via IFTTT

IELTS report, topic: Shopping centre map comparison

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task

The maps below show the Happy Valley Shopping Center in 1982 and 2012. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

Write at least 150 words

Band 8 Answer

The two maps show the radical changes that Happy Valley Shopping Center underwent during the period between 1982 and 2012. Overall, it is clear that the redevelopment resulted in expansion of the shopping mall and rearrangement of its in-house facilities.

By 2012, the indoor shopping area spread to the west, and the outdoor lake was replaced by a furniture retailer. Additionally, considerable changes were made to the north-west part where a coffee shop was removed and an adjacent food store was relocated to the south-east corner of the mall. Two stores selling sports and electronic goods took over their previous locations along the northern wall. A linear array of themed restaurants moved in along the eastern wall of the shopping centre, replacing sports and electronics shops. On the western side, the lobby area at the main entrance was removed to allow for a bigger central entertainment area.

Yet another alteration was made outside, where a path leading to the main entrance of the mall was removed and instead a spacious car park was built. The entrance, however, was kept in the same location and the lines of trees surrounding the shopping centre remained largely unchanged where possible.

Teacher’s comment: This is a great report. All aspects were covered and a well-developed response was provided. The writer’s vocabulary could have been richer and word choice needs a bit more attention. Overall, seems worthy of Band 8.

Click here to see more IELTS reports of band 8

Related posts:

1. IELTS Report, topic: Map with two sites for a shopping mall You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. Below...
2. IELTS Report, topic: Map of a town before and after redevelopment You should spend about 20 minutes on this task The...
3. 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...
4. IELTS Report, topic: Comparing current and future floor plans of a museum (from Target Band 7 book) This report was written on a topic from “Target Band...
5. IELTS Report, topic: Table describing the satisfaction of sports club’s members You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. The...

https://ift.tt/302eDIW
from IELTS-Blog https://ift.tt/2FVO4OP
via IFTTT

IELTS Letter, topic: writing to a friend about an article that captured your attention

The topic of this letter appeared in a recent IELTS exam in Canada. Below is a sample response that is likely to score Band 8 or above in IELTS.

You read a newspaper article that captured your attention. Write letter to your friend and recommended reading the article. Include the following in your letter:

– Where and when the article was published
– What the article was about
– Why it is important that your friend reads it.

Answer

Dear Jack,

I hope that you are well and enjoying your new apartment. I am writing to tell you about an article I have just read in our local newspaper. It was published in “The Croydon News” on September 21 (page 16).

The article is about a new coding course, which will be introduced by the London branch of a well-known international IT company. This program covers a vast number of different topics related to the Information Technology industry, and it was prepared for individuals with different backgrounds, ranging from a complete beginner to an experienced team leader. Moreover, during the initial period of 3 months the course is free of charge and has a flexible schedule, which makes it attractive for people in full-time employment.

As I remember, you always wanted to become a software developer and said that finding suitable courses in our area was nearly impossible. I hope this article will be useful to you and may even help you start your dream career. I am attaching a clipping of the article with all the details to this letter.

Looking forward to catching up with you again soon.

All the best,

Tony

Click here to see more IELTS letters of band 8

Related posts:

1. IELTS Letter, topic: Inviting a friend to a family party Write a letter to your friend inviting him/her to your...
2. IELTS Letter, topic: Inviting a friend to a music concert Write a letter to your friend inviting him/her to a...
3. IELTS Letter, topic: Your friend is coming over to stay with you Your friend is coming over to stay with you. However,...
4. IELTS Letter, topic: Invite a friend to your new house You have recently moved to a different house/apartment. Write a...
5. IELTS Letter, topic: Telling a friend about a new job Write a letter to an English-speaking friend. In your letter...

https://ift.tt/1yra8oP
from IELTS-Blog https://ift.tt/2G0mBv4
via IFTTT

10 expressions to help you get Band 7+ in IELTS (Lesson 3)

If you’ve already learnt the idioms from Lesson 2, well done! But don’t worry if you have only joined us now – you can start from any lesson, as they are all useful, and catch up later on the lessons you missed.

So, we have established that using idiomatic expressions in IELTS helps you get a higher score. Now it is just a matter of learning what expressions to use, and how to use them appropriately.

In this video Adam, an ex-IELTS examiner with 10 years of experience, gives you 10 more excellent idioms to use, to get a Band 7 or higher score in your IELTS Speaking or Writing test. Adam explains what every expression means and how to use it in a sentence.

Watch the video on YouTube here

If you’d like to copy and save these useful expressions for later, here is a list, have a look at the idioms below and ask yourself two questions:

Question 1. Do you know what they mean?
Question 2. Can you use them in a sentence?

And then make a sentence about YOU and use one of those expressions. By doing that you are more likely to remember that idiom, because we tend to remember personal things better!

Go here to check YOUR own Speaking score.

10 expressions to help you get a Band 7 in IELTS

1. To get your act together
2. To give someone the benefit of the doubt
3. To go back to the drawing board
4. To hang in there
5. To hit the sack
6. It’s not rocket science
7. To let someone off the hook
8. To make a long story short
9. To miss the boat
10. No pain, no gain

Check your knowledge of idioms

Related posts:

1. 10 expressions to help you get Band 7+ in IELTS (Lesson 2) Many test takers know that using idiomatic expressions in IELTS...
2. How to get Band 7+ in IELTS Speaking (video lesson #3) There is some extra value in Lesson #3 that you...
3. How to get Band 7+ in IELTS Speaking (video lesson #1) This video lesson will make life so much easier for...
4. How to get Band 7+ in IELTS Speaking (video lesson #2) Today, in Lesson #2 Adam, our experienced ex-IELTS examiner is...
5. How to go from Band 6 to Band 7 in the IELTS Speaking Test The most frequently asked questions we get from people preparing...

https://ift.tt/1yra8oP
from IELTS-Blog https://ift.tt/2HjUV51
via IFTTT

IELTS Results competition winners in August 2020

After a period of uncertainty with COVID-19 pandemic halting IELTS exams in many countries, we are delighted to see test takers emerge from lockdowns, with their IELTS skills as sharp as ever!

So today, with great pleasure we present the winners of IELTS results competition in August 2020:

Academic Module – 1st place

• Vasanthi Thiyagarajan from India, Band 8

Academic Module – 2nd place

• Anurika Onu-Nwaduhu from Nigeria, Band 7.5

General Training Module – 1st place

• Amir Ebrahimi from Iran, Band 8
• Madhuri Yarlagadda from India, Band 8

General Training Module – 2nd place

• Rohitkumar Pokiya from India, Band 7.5

Congratulations on your success! To celebrate your achievements we are sending your special certificates to your emails. Winning IELTS results will be displayed in the IELTS-Blog hall of fame – so if you won, please feel free to show them off to your friends!

How did they score so well?

It is nice to see some of our students among the winners.

Amir Ebrahimi (Band 8) said:

“I’m writing to thank you for your writing correction service that helped me to achieve my dream band score in writing. After several attempts of the IELTS exam, I finally got a 7 in writing, which increased to 7.5 after a remark. Your support and guidance in writing was an important part of this achievement.”

Now it is more important than ever that we hear from the winners of this competition. Why? Because not only did they achieve great IELTS scores, but they also did it in a very stressful situation. They had the strength to keep pushing when others gave up. They remained persistent and strong, and we can all learn that from them. Their advice, as soon as we get it, will be posted on IELTS-Blog without delay, so everyone can use the same technique and get a better score in their own exam.

If IELTS exams in your country are suspended for now, don’t lose hope, don’t shelve your IELTS preparation. Remember that this situation is only temporary, and very soon testing will resume. In many countries you can take an IELTS Indicator test online and get an indicative IELTS score that lots of organisations accept (read all the details here).

The world can only stay in lockdown for a limited time, and as soon as restrictions end, you need to be ready! Many of us have wasted a lot of time already, let’s not waste any more, and get your target score! We at IELTS-Blog.com are here to support you every step of the way, so if you need help, email us any time.

P.S. IELTS results competition runs every month, and everyone is welcome to participate. Learn how to enroll here.

Related posts:

1. IELTS Results competition winners in March 2020 At times like this good news is especially important, and...
2. IELTS Results competition winners in August 2013 It is my pleasure to announce the winners of our...
3. IELTS Results competition winners in August 2018 When I say ‘What a beautiful day it is today’,...
4. IELTS Results competition winners in August 2016 The Rio Olympics are over, but here at IELTS-Blog the...
5. IELTS Results competition winners in April 2020 Napoleon Hill once said, “Some people dream of success while...

https://ift.tt/2J0QBGf
from IELTS-Blog https://ift.tt/3iHS7wj
via IFTTT