IELTS Commentry: August 2022

Wednesday, 31 August 2022

IELTS test in Canada – August 2022 (General Training)

Our friends from Canada shared the questions they remembered from a recent IELTS exam in Toronto:

Writing test

Writing task 1 (a letter)

You recently read an article in the local newspaper about your city, and you found that some of the facts were incorrect. Write a letter to the editor of the newspaper. In your letter

– Say what article you are writing about
– Explain which facts were incorrect
– Suggest how to correct them.

Writing task 2 (an essay)

In many countries, the numbers of juvenile crimes are increasing. What are the causes? How can parents and teachers help prevent youth crime?

Speaking test

Part 1 (Interview)

– What is your full name?
– Do you work or study?
– Do you like your work?
– Let’s talk about advertisements.
– What do you do when you see an advertisement on TV or on social media?
– Do you find advertisements helpful?
– Have you ever seen a bad advertisement?

Part 2 (Cue Card)

Talk about a time when you helped a child. You should say

– when and where it happened
– who the child was
– how you helped him/her
– and explain how you felt about helping the child.

Part 3 (Discussion)

– How can neighbors help each other?
– Were neighbors helping each other more in past than now?
– Do you have a special talent?
– Does anyone in your family have the same talent as you?
– Would you like to develop a talent you have in the future?
– Do you think this talent will help you in your work?
– Do you think it is important to participate in any voluntary work?

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Monday, 29 August 2022

Innocent shares his best tips for Band 8 in IELTS

Some people feel that learning best comes from one’s own mistakes; however, we at IELTS-Blog.com strongly believe that learning best comes from other people’s experiences.

If you’ve been reading the blog for the past few weeks, you probably remember Innocent from Zimbabwe, who got Band 8.0 in IELTS and won in the monthly results competition. We are fortunate to be able to share his top advice today.

Innocent said,

Band 8 in IELTS “I am elated to have won the July 2022 competition, hats off to all of you who were part of my IELTS journey, especially the people at IELTS-blog.com. It certainly would have been a lot tougher and my score wouldn’t have been as high as 8. Yet, I only utilized a small fraction of what the blog had on offer.

I would like to promptly acknowledge the fact that to most IELTS examination candidates the test represents a formidable hurdle in that dream career path. Understandably, it induces anxiety because of its importance. This is why test takers desperately need reliable educational material and support which you readily provide. Thank you!

My recommendations to other candidates? Practice, practice and more supervised practice. Practice is indispensable in this test. It gives the candidate a sense of preparedness which significantly lowers anxiety and makes the test a little more predictable and enjoyable, as opposed to being feared. This builds a positive mindset and gives one a feeling of being in control which I consider vital for any candidate. We can’t afford to be defeated mentally.

Undeniably, practice is even better when there is feedback, because you get confirmation of your progress and make necessary adjustments. This ultimately raises your band score.

I also implore those preparing for the exam to use a holistic approach. What do I mean? We all know that the test comprises of 4 skills (Speaking, Listening, Writing and Reading). Instead of viewing the four as separate and practicing them individually, I found it incredibly beneficial to use one part of the test to improve my skills in other parts of the test. For example, after a reading exercise I would use it to enrich my vocabulary pool and improve my writing by analyzing and copying the style in the reading text. It saves time and ensures that all the categories of the test are improved simultaneously. Similarly, a listening exercise can be used to further skills in speaking and other areas. Remember, there is a great deal of paraphrasing and the use of synonyms in IELTS.

To conclude, I believe practice, a holistic approach and positivity are the keys to success. You can do it!”
Best IELTS test result July 2022

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IELTS test in India – August 2022 (General Training)

Thanks to PS, today we are sharing the questions he remembered from his recent IELTS exam in India:

Writing test

Writing task 1 (a letter)

You had to cancel a meeting with a friend. Write a letter to him/her, in your letter

– Apologise for cancelling the meeting
– Explain why you couldn’t be there
– Suggest an alternative day when you could meet

Writing task 2 (an essay)

Nowadays children spend more time on their phones. Some people think it is a good idea while others disagree. What is your opinion?

Speaking test

Part 1 (Interview)

– What is your full name?
– Do you work or study?
– What is a day at work like for you?
– How do you manage your time at work?
– Who helps you the most at work?

Part 2 (Cue Card)

Talk about a gift you would like to give to a friend. You should say

– who the friend is
– how long you have known him/her
– what the gift is
– and explain how you think he/she would feel about it.

Part 3 (Discussion)

– Do you often give gifts to your friends?
– What is important when choosing gifts for people?
– Do you think age and gender matter when choosing gifts?
– Is it difficult to find gifts for certain people?
– What other types of gifts do people you know give others?
– Did you enjoy car trips when you were a child?
– What kind of car would you like to buy?
– Does colour matter when buying a car?

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Thursday, 25 August 2022

IELTS Letter, topic: Describing your visit to the museum

This is a model response to a Writing Task 1 topic from High Scorer’s Choice IELTS Practice Tests book series (reprinted with permission). This answer is close to IELTS Band 9.

Set 4 General Training book, Practice Test 18

Writing Task 1

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

You recently visited a museum in your local town and you had a mixed experience. Write a letter to the museum’s manager.

In your letter,

– explain when you visited and what you saw
– explain the positive parts of your experience and what you liked
– explain the negative parts of your experience and give some advice for improvements.

You should write at least 150 words.

You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows:

Dear Sir / Dear Madam,

Sample Band 9 Letter

Dear Sir,

My name is Peter Jones and last weekend on the twenty-third of May I visited your American History Museum. Being a history enthusiast, I was looking forward very much to learning about the important events that your museum covers and looking at the displays. In general, the exhibits were well-presented and interesting. I was also impressed with the recreation of various American Revolution events that were acted out by your staff.

However, there were certain aspects of my visit that were quite unsatisfactory and I would suggest that these be improved as soon as possible. I heard that several of the tour guides I passed were giving incorrect information regarding dates, people, events and the impact of certain events. I also found the order of exhibits, though detailed, difficult to follow, for many were not in chronological order. Some exhibits had their information missing and so it was impossible to understand what I was looking at. I would also suggest improving the lighting, for it is quite harsh and creates an unwelcome atmosphere.

Your museum is very interesting, and I hope you can act on my advice to create a more worthwhile experience. I look forward to visiting again soon.

Yours faithfully,

Peter Jones

Go here for more IELTS Band 9 Letters

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Wednesday, 24 August 2022

IELTS Speaking test in Japan – August 2022

Thanks to the lovely S.Y. we are sharing today the questions she remembered from her IELTS Speaking test in Japan:

Speaking test

Part 1 (Interview)

– Can I have your full name, please?
– May I have your ID?
– Do you work or study?
– What do you study?
– Why do you enjoy studying those subjects?
– Do you study better in the mornings or afternoons? Why?
– What sport did you play when you were young?
– What sport do you like to watch?
– What sport would you like to play in the future if you had the chance?
– Do you read more now or when you were younger? Why?
– Have you ever watched a movie first before reading its book? Why?
– Do you buy books often?

Part 2 (Cue Card)

Talk about a time when someone said something positive about your work. You should say

– who it was
– when it happened
– what the person said
– and explain how you felt after hearing their feedback.

Part 3 (Discussion)

– On what occasions do parents give their children positive encouragement?
– Why do you think children need that type of feedback?
– Do parents give their children negative feedback, too?
– What is better to use at work, positive or negative feedback?
– Have you ever said something positive to someone, but you didn’t really mean it?
– How did you learn to use positive and negative feedback in different situations?

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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 23, 2022

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

IELTS writing – sample report 15

IELTS writing – sample report 16

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

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Tuesday, 23 August 2022

IELTS Report, topic: Comparing two plans of a cinema, in 1980 and now

This is a model answer for a Writing Task 1 from the IELTS exam in Kuwait, Nigeria and Iran, shared yesterday. This response is likely to score no less than Band 8 in IELTS.

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task

The two plans below show the layout of a cinema in 1980 and now. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

Write at least 150 words

IELTS Writing Task 1 Two Cinema Plans

Band 8 Answer

The two plans are showing the layout of a cinema in 1980 and now, including the location of the screening theatres, box office, Manager’s office, toilets and car park.

It can be seen that over time the number of screening theatres grew significantly; however, their size has shrunk.

In 1980 there were two screening theatres, Cinema 1 and 2. Cinema 1 was the closest to the entry, on the left. The box office was located on the right near the entrance, with the drinks counter to its right. Further away from the entrance on the right side there was the Manager’s office and Cinema 2. The toilets were located opposite Cinema 2 on the left side of the building, and along the back wall there was a car park.

Quite a few things have changed since 1980. The number of screening theatres grew from 2 to 5, with Cinemas 1 and 2 located to the left of the entrance and Cinemas 3, 4 and 5 – to the right. The car park had to go, to make room for the new theatres. A café opened to the left of the entrance, serving food and drinks, and the old drinks counter next to the box office was converted to a DVD shop. The only things whose locations didn’t change were the box office, the Manager’s office and the toilets.

Teacher’s comment: This response describes the two plans in great detail. The writer’s vocabulary and word choice are adequate, and the comparison of the plans is comprehensive and well-organised. Overall, this work is likely to get Band 8.

Click here to see more IELTS reports of band 8

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Monday, 22 August 2022

IELTS test in Kuwait, Nigeria and Iran – August 2022 (Academic Module)

Thanks to our friends from Kuwait, Nigeria and Iran, today we are sharing the questions from their recent exams. The writing questions were the same in the three countries, and the Speaking questions below are from Nigeria.

Writing test

Writing task 1 (a report)

The two plans below show the layout of a cinema in 1980 and now. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

IELTS Writing Task 1 Two Cinema Plans

Writing task 2 (an essay)

Some people say that modern technology has made shopping easier, while others disagree. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Speaking test

Part 1 (Interview)

– Can I have your full name, please?
– Where is your hometown?
– What is your hometown like?
– What is your hometown famous for?
– Do you know the history of your hometown?

Part 2 (Cue Card)

Describe a rule that you don’t like. You should say

– what it is
– why you don’t like it
– whether you have followed the rule
– and explain how others feel about the rule.

Part 3 (Discussion)

– Why do schools make rules?
– What is the importance of obeying laws?
– What can parents and teachers do to help children obey rules?
– Is it a good thing to break rules sometimes?
– Why do some people say that rules are meant to be broken?
– Do you think children should follow all kinds of rules?
– Do you think it is necessary for children to wear a school uniform?
– What are the rules that students should follow at school?
– What rules should children follow at home?

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Sunday, 21 August 2022

IELTS test in India – August 2022 (Academic Module)

Thanks to S.P. who took IELTS in India, today we are sharing the questions from his recent exam:

Listening test

Part 1. A conversation between a man and woman about a hotel booking.
Part 2. A person was giving some information on city buildings in London.
Part 3. A conversation about research between some students.
Part 4. A lecture on survival and adaptation of different animals.

Reading test

Passage 1. Don’t remember.
Passage 2. A text about modern and old buildings.
Passage 3. The history and evolution of the radio and television in America.

Writing test

Writing task 1 (a report)

We were given a table with some figures on fruit exports of different countries.

Writing task 2 (an essay)

People in many countries consider the influence of role models on young generation’s lives to be important. Do you agree or disagree?

Speaking test

Part 1 (Interview)

– Can I have your full name, please?
– Do you work or study?
– Do you have a watch?
– Do you like watches?
– Some questions about advertisements.

Part 2 (Cue Card)

Talk about a popular person you like or admire. You should say

– who the person is
– what he/she does
– why he/she is popular
– and explain why you admire him/her.

Part 3 (Discussion)

– Why are some people popular in the office?
– How can the boss of a company become popular?
– What are the advantages of being popular as a child?
– What are the disadvantages?
– Do you think there are lots of harmful advertisements on social media?

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Thursday, 18 August 2022

6 Tips to Instantly Lift Your Listening Score

The Listening test in IELTS can be tricky, for a number of reasons.

Some people have trouble following the recording and get lost, missing a number of questions in a row. Others look at the wrong question, at the wrong time, and miss their chance to answer it correctly. Then there are the distractors – answer options that are designed to trick you into thinking they are the correct answers. There isn’t enough time to read the questions before the recording starts playing. And as if all this wasn’t enough, people lose marks just because their ‘almost correct’ answers had too many words or spelling errors.

You know what… don’t stress over it.

Here is a video that shows you how to deal with all of these problems (and more!) to make sure you train yourself to avoid all the pitfalls and get a great score in Listening.

It’s just four minutes, but it can save you a lot of time and trouble – so give it your full attention and you will be glad you did.

After watching, visit our IELTS Online Prep platform and start practicing. It’s a great tool for your online practice sessions that comes with a generous free trial. The way our practice tests look and work is very similar to the real IELTS on Computer and IELTS Online tests, so you won’t have any surprises in your exam.

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IELTS test in Malaysia – August 2022 (Academic Module)

Thanks to N.R. who took IELTS in Malaysia, today we are sharing the questions from her recent exam:

Writing test

Writing task 1 (a report)

We were given a table comparing the percentage of people residing in 4 types of houses (flat, terrace, semi-detached and detached), in 3 different areas in the UK.

Writing task 2 (an essay)

Some people believe that museums should be enjoyable and entertaining to attract young people, while others think that museums should only serve educational purposes. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Speaking test

Part 1 (Interview)

– Can I have your full name, please?
– Do you work or study?
– Where do you work?
– Do you like your work?
– Tell me about your routine at work.
– Do you have any support at work?

Part 2 (Cue Card)

Describe the happiest moment of your life. You should say

– what it was
– when it happened
– who was there with you
– and explain why you think this was the happiest moment of your life.

Part 3 (Discussion)

– Are you an organsied person?
– Do you think being organised is a quality of a successful person?
– What can a disorganised person do to become organised?
– Do you think those who are more flexible tend to enjoy life better?

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Wednesday, 17 August 2022

IELTS essay, topic: Women, not men, should stay at home to care for children (agree/disagree)

This is a model response to a Writing Task 2 topic from High Scorer’s Choice IELTS Practice Tests book series (reprinted with permission). This answer is close to IELTS Band 9.

Set 6 Academic book, Practice Test 29

Writing Task 2

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

It must be a woman who stays at home to care for children. Men are not suited to this kind of work. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your knowledge or experience.

You should write at least 250 words.

Sample Band 9 Essay

Traditionally in many parts of the world, it has been women who have stayed at home to care for children. This has led to the ideology and expectation that women are more suited to this type of work than men.

The overwhelming status quo where women stay at home to care for the children probably derives from the fact that women are the ones who have to actually give birth to children and, following that, they are the ones who for the early part of a child’s life have to feed the child until it is weaned. In times past, this state of affairs probably led to the women assuming the permanent role of carer for the home and children, whilst men went out to work, whether it was to gather food or work in fields or factories.

In spite of the fact that this became what was expected in family dynamics, it does not mean that men are necessarily less suited to caring for a child than women. It is very possible for men to care for a child, even from birth onwards in today’s world. Babies’ milk formula can be mixed by anyone and fed to a child. The fact that many women today choose not to do this again does not mean that they are better suited by nature to care for the child.

Suitability for childcare is a matter for individual temperament and aptitude. Not many people, whether they are men or women, feel totally confident and knowledgeable about how to care for a baby or young child at the start. They need advice from their own mothers and fathers, midwives or from books. It is only from experience that skill with childcare comes and this skill can be acquired regardless of gender.

All in all, I do not agree with the statement that men are less suited to childcare than women. I believe that aptitude to look after children is a matter of individual temperament, not gender-specific inherited qualities.

Go here for more IELTS Band 9 Essays

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Tuesday, 16 August 2022

IELTS Speaking test in Oman – August 2022

Thanks to the lovely M.V. we are sharing today the questions she remembered from her IELTS Speaking test in Oman:

Speaking test

Part 1 (Interview)

– What is your full name, please?
– Can I see your ID?
– Where are you from?
– What is your hometown like?
– Has your hometown changed since you were a child?
– Do you like playing any games?
– Do you have a favourite sport?
– How often do you play that sport?

Part 2 (Cue Card)

Talk about a competition (such as sports, music or cooking) that you would like to participate in. You should say

– what it is
– what skills are required to participate
– what you have to do to compete
– and explain why you would like to participate in this competition.

Part 3 (Discussion)

– Is it important to participate in such competitions?
– Are there more competitions for young children or adults?
– Why do people take part in competitions?
– Why are some competition shows on TV so popular?

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Sunday, 14 August 2022

IELTS test in Iran – August 2022 (Academic Module)

Thanks to M.S. and K.S. who took IELTS in Iran, today we are sharing the questions from their recent exam:

Writing test

Writing task 1 (a report)

We were given two different plans of two rooms. One room was intended for a training session for up to ten people and the other – for more than ten people. We had to compare the two room layouts.

IELTS Writing Task 1 Two Room Layouts

Writing task 2 (an essay)

Some experts believe that when a country is already rich, any additional increase in economic wealth does not make its citizens happier. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Speaking test

Part 1 (Interview)

– Can I have your full name, please?
– Where is your hometown?
– What is your hometown like?
– What is your hometown famous for?
– Have you studied the history of your hometown at school?

– Do you like art?
– Did you learn art at school when you were a child?
– Have you ever been to an art gallery?
– Did you like to go to art galleries when you were a child?
– Would you be willing to study art in the future?

– What types of cars do you like?
– Do you like to travel by car?
– Did you enjoy traveling by car when you were a kid?
– Do you prefer to be the driver or the passenger?

Part 2 (Cue Card)

Talk about a story someone told you that you remember well. You should say:

– what the story was about
– who told you the story
– when he/she told you the story
– and explain why you remember the story so well.

Follow-up question: Are you good at story-telling?

Part 3 (Discussion)

– What types of stories do children in your country enjoy?
– Why do children prefer listening to stories?
– What is the difference between the stories younger and older children like to listen to?
– What can people teach children through story-telling?

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Thursday, 11 August 2022

IELTS Results competition winners in July 2022

“Ambition is the path to success. Persistence is the vehicle you arrive in.”, used to say Bill Bradley. His words are a perfect description for the 8 people we are about to introduce to you. Their ambitions and persistence resulted in a great success – an amazing IELTS score.

IELTS results competition winners of July 2022

Academic Module

1st place – Innocent Mawuka from Zimbabwe, Band 8
2nd place – Sara Mameli from Italy, Band 7
2nd place – Hitkumar Patel from India, Band 7
2nd place – Foroogh Etemadi from Iran, Band 7

General Training Module

1st place – Omar Brown from Jamaica, Band 8
1st place – Rutendo Kanyemba from Zimbabwe, Band 8
2nd place – Foroogh Etemadi from Iran, Band 7.5
3rd place – Waajid Wani from India, Band 7
3rd place – Jerry Cosme from Philippines, Band 7

Congratulations to the winners! To mark this happy occasion we are sending certificates of achievement to the winners’ email addresses. Winning IELTS results will also 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?

Getting a great score in IELTS involves a lot of smart preparation! That is why we’re always trying to find out from the winners how they did it. Seeing our students win fills our heart with pride and joy! Sara Mameli used the strategy book Target Band 7 and practiced on these downloadable tests. Jerry Cosme used the book Ace the IELTS and practiced on our IELTS Online Prep Platform to simulate the computer-delivered IELTS test. Helping them succeed in IELTS was a huge privilege for us!

As for the other winners – we would love to hear from you, because when you share your stories and tell us how you studied, you are helping thousands of test takers, preparing for their exams right now. Any useful tips will be posted on IELTS-Blog.com, so everyone can use the same technique and get a better score in their own exam this month.

Did you know? IELTS results competition runs every month, and everyone is welcome to participate. Learn how to enroll here.

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Wednesday, 10 August 2022

IELTS Letter, topic: Applying for a job at a shop

This is a model response to a Writing Task 1 topic from High Scorer’s Choice IELTS Practice Tests book series (reprinted with permission). This answer is close to IELTS Band 9.

Set 4 General Training book, Practice Test 17

Writing Task 1

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

You have heard that there is a part-time job available in a nearby shop. Write a letter to the shop’s manager, applying for the job.

In your letter,

– specify what job you are applying for
– write about your experience and skills and why you should get an interview
– ask about the hours required for the job and give your preferred hours

You should write at least 150 words.

You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows:

Dear Sir / Dear Madam,

Sample Band 9 Letter

Dear Sir,

My name is Suzanne Dunning and I am writing to apply for the part-time position in your clothing shop.

I feel I would be an ideal candidate for the position and have much to offer your business. I have quite a lot of experience working in previous stores and so I am familiar with tasks such as moving boxes, unpacking, stocking and register work. I have a keen interest in and knowledge of fashion; I would be able to create stylish clothing combinations for the mannequins, appealing to your desired demographic that your shop targets. I have also experience at helping customers find the right clothing that suits them. In addition to my experience and knowledge, I am a friendly and hard-working employee who can deal with any situation and I would bring energy and enthusiasm to your shop.

With regards to working hours, I am currently a student and I have classes in the mornings. If I were to receive the position, I would therefore be available to work any afternoons, evenings and weekends. Would this be acceptable?

I hope you have found my details interesting and that you will consider asking me to an interview.

Yours faithfully,

Suzanne Dunning

Go here for more IELTS Band 9 Letters

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IELTS Speaking test in Iran – August 2022

Our anonymous friend from Iran wrote after the test to share the following questions from the Speaking part:

Speaking test

Part 1 (Interview)

– Can I have your full name, please?
– May I see your ID?
– Do you work or study?
– How do you spend your time at work?
– Do you like watching sport on TV?
– Have you ever been to a sports match in person?
– Are you good at painting?
– Do you like visiting art galleries?

Part 2 (Cue Card)

Describe a house that you would enjoy living in. You should say

– what it would look like
– where it would be located
– how big it would be
– and explain why you would enjoy living in that house.

Part 3 (Discussion)

– Can people in your country buy a house easily?
– What is the difference between homes in city and villages?
– What are the advantages and disadvantages of owning a home?
– Does climate affect the interior design of a home?

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Tuesday, 9 August 2022

IELTS essay, topic: Some think that hosting an international sporting event is beneficial for a country while others disagree (advantages / disadvantages)

This essay topic was seen in a recent IELTS test in Italy

Some people think that hosting an international sporting event is beneficial for a country, while others disagree. Do the advantages of hosting a major sporting event outweigh its disadvantages?

Sample Band 8 Essay

International sporting events are well-known for attracting a high level of attention because they give many people something to look forward to. Understandably, there are advantages and disadvantages for the host country, and careful consideration is required to determine whether a nation will benefit or lose from hosting a major sports championship.

Worryingly, the new infrastructure required for hosting a major sporting event often comes at the expense of local people. Their lives get disrupted by construction works and at times residents have even been evicted from their homes for stadiums to be built. Worse still, practice shows the expensive, gigantic buildings constructed for the sports event aren’t being used afterwards and fall into disrepair, leaving the country with high maintenance bills. The financial burden from hosting the Olympic Games, for example, is staggering and can run into tens of billions. Still, the question remains whether or not the pros outnumber the cons.

It is hard to underestimate the amount of influence on the country’s global status and prestige that comes with becoming a home to an international sporting event. New trade opportunities appear on the horizon, as it happened for many countries that hosted the Olympic Games. There is also a welcome increase in tourism, which gives the local economy a boost, injecting billions of dollars into the national budget. Construction of new stadiums, hotels and infrastructure such as new roads and rail links creates new jobs, further improving the country’s economy. Less tangible but still important is the aspect of national pride and the feel-good factor associated with hosting an international sports event.

All in all, it seems to me that an international sporting event can bring more good than harm to a country, especially if its potential dangers can be avoided or minimised. Hosting a World Championship is a one-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a country and an immense source of pride for its citizens.

Teacher’s comment: The writer provided a complete response to the task prompt and offered elaborated and convincing ideas that fully meet the task’s requirements. He/she maintained coherence throughout the essay, logically organised the ideas and arguments, and made effective use of paragraphing. The vocabulary is diverse and uncommon lexical items have been used appropriately, with almost no errors in word choice or collocation. The bulk of the sentences are error-free, and the writer has used a variety of linguistic constructions. These components work together flawlessly and make Band 8 – 8.5 very likely for this essay.

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Sunday, 7 August 2022

IELTS Speaking test in Brazil – July 2022

Our friend I.F. took IELTS in Brazil and remembered the following questions from the Speaking test:

Speaking test

Part 1 (Interview)

– Can I have your full name, please?
– May I see your ID?
– Where are you from?
– Describe the house/apartment you are living in.
– Do you have a favourite room?
– What room is your favourite and why?
– Are there any old buildings in your hometown?
– Can you describe any old building in your hometown?

Part 2 (Cue Card)

Talk about someone you follow on social media. Please say

– who the person is
– why you follow him/her
– what content he/she posts on social media
– and explain why you find him/her interesting.

Part 3 (Discussion)

– Is social media important? Why?
– Where do people get more information from nowadays?
– Do older people get information from different sources?

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Thursday, 4 August 2022

IELTS Speaking test in Japan – July 2022

Thanks to K.U. from Japan, today we are sharing the latest questions from her IELTS exam:

Speaking test

Part 1 (Interview)

– Can I have your full name, please?
– May I see your ID?
– Where are you from?
– What is your city famous for?
– Do you use a mobile phone?
– When did you get your first mobile phone?
– Do you enjoy watching sports?
– Have you ever been to a live sporting event?
– Is it better to watch it with friends or on your own?

Part 2 (Cue Card)

Describe something that surprised you. You should say

– what it was
– how you found out about it
– what you did
– and explain how it made you feel.

Part 3 (Discussion)

– Do you like surprises? Why or why not?
– Do you think doing things spontaneously is a good idea? Why?
– How do unexpected situations make people feel?
– Why do some people feel stressed when things don’t go to plan?

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Tuesday, 2 August 2022

IELTS test in Italy – July 2022 (Academic Module)

Thanks to S.V. who took IELTS in Italy, today we are sharing the questions she remembered from a recent exam:

Listening test

Part 1. A phone call about booking a campsite.
Part 2. A monologue regarding a hotel.
Part 3. A discussion between two students about an assignment.
Part 4. A university lecture about the first people to inhabit Asia.

Reading test

Passage 1. The history of steamboats.
Passage 2. The game theory and AI.
Passage 3. The evolution of space houses.

Writing test

Writing task 1 (a report)

We were given a diagram describing the production process of a chocolate bar, from the cultivation of the cocoa beans to the packaging of the final product.

Writing task 2 (an essay)

Some people think that hosting an international sporting event is beneficial for a country, while others disagree. Do the advantages of hosting a major sporting event outweigh the disadvantages?

Speaking test

Part 1 (Interview)

– Can I have your full name, please?
– May I see your ID?
– Where is your hometown?
– What is your hometown famous for?
– Did you learn about the history of your hometown in school?
– Does colour matter to you when you buy a new car?
– Do you go to the cinema sometimes?
– What type of movies do you like to watch?
– What did you enjoy watching when you were young?
– Has watching films changed nowadays, compared to the past?

Part 2 (Cue Card)

Talk about a free item or service you received. Please say:

– what item or service it was
– why it was free
– what you did to receive it
– and explain how you felt about receiving this item or service.

Follow-up question: Did you tell about this item to anyone?

Part 3 (Discussion)

– Do people value free things less, compared to the items they purchase? Why?
– Is there anything more valuable than money?
– What other things do people value more than money?

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Monday, 1 August 2022

IELTS essay, topic: People should follow the customs and traditions of their new country (agree/disagree)

This essay topic was seen in a recent IELTS test in India

People should follow the local customs and traditions, when they come to live in a new country. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Sample Band 8 Essay

The globalised world these days makes it simpler than ever before for people to relocate and start building a life in a new country. As everyone comes from their own cultural background, a question arises of whether or not people should be expected to follow the customs of their host country. I completely agree with the view that while learning about the local customs may require some time and effort, it is valuable and will aid the integration of the newcomers into society.

In many cultures following the local customs means showing respect, which is an important moral value in nearly every culture. The opposite is also true: disregarding traditions is often seen as a sign of disrespect. In order to establish good neighbourly relationships and feel welcome in the new place, it is important to demonstrate the effort to become part of the community. By expressing an interest in learning traditions, new arrivals gain a chance to interact with their neighbours and colleagues, get to know them and build some connections in the new country.

Another positive aspect is the enhanced feeling of belonging that people get from participating in activities others around them are doing. When a national festival is in full swing, standing on the sidelines might make people feel excluded and perhaps even homesick, whereas joining others opens up opportunities to attend special events together, go to parties, meet new people and feel part of the celebrations. In Australia, for example, Easter is a very special time of the year and some of the traditional activities include Easter egg decoration and gifting, and baking hot cross buns; sharing your designs and recipes with others is an excellent conversation starter.

In conclusion, learning the customs and traditions of one’s new country doesn’t mean a loss of their own culture. On the contrary, it is an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of cultural connections and should be embraced as a positive experience.

Teacher’s comment: The writer gave a thoughtful response to the task prompt, including relevant, expanded, and supported ideas that completely satisfy the requirements of the task. He/she properly handled all cohesion issues, logically organised the information and thoughts, and used paragraphing appropriately and effectively. A broad range of vocabulary is evident. There are essentially no errors in the word choice or collocation; uncommon lexical items have been used appropriately throughout the entire essay. The writer has used a range of language structures, while ensuring that the majority of the sentences are error-free. These elements work together very well and make an IELTS Band 8 or 8.5 for this essay quite likely.

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Wednesday, 31 August 2022

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IELTS results competition winners of July 2022

How did they score so well?

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