Ielts Test Preparation

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Tayyab [ T y p e t h e
Reading,,,,,,,Writting
c o m,,,,Speaking
p a n y
a d d r e s s ]
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n u m b e r ]
[ T y p e t h e f a x
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IELTS Writing: a common mistake
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Before we begin, there is something else you need to know. In the recent post about the
difference between formal and informal writing styles there was a mistake. Although it was
caught and fixed almost immediately on the website, the erroneous version was sent to your
emails before we could stop it. To clarify, the words “children”, “many” and “much” are
formal equivalents of informal “kids”, “a lot of” and “heaps of”. My apologies, if the
previous email confused you.
And now to the common mistake in the IELTS Writing test. As you may know, there are 2
tasks, Writing Task 1 and Task 2, and for both Academic and General Training modules Task
1 is shorter (150 words) than Task 2 (250 words). Often people decide to write the Task 2
first, before writing Task 1. No problem so far, but we are getting to the really important bit.
It is essential that you pay attention to the Answer Sheet and write your answers in the right
places. There are 2 marked spaces on the Answer Sheet that you get in the Writing test, one
says “Task 1″ and the other says “Task 2″. To avoid confusing the examiner who will check
your work, you need to make sure that the the essay is written under “Task 2″ and the report
(for Academic) or the letter (for General Training) – under Task 1
If worse comes to worst and you’ve mixed the two spaces, don’t panic. First, finish writing
your tasks – wherever you’ve started to write, don’t worry about the wrong places, just take
care of the contents and the paragraphing as usual. After the Writing test is over you can ask
staff at the test center to affix a note to your work explaining where each task is. It will help
the examiner locate the right task and your score won’t suffer.
IELTS Writing: telling the difference between formal and
informal
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Many of you have asked me about the difference between formal and informal writing in
IELTS and this tells me that it’s a common problem. So here is what you need to know about
the styles of writing in IELTS.
If you are preparing for the Academic IELTS module, both Task 1 and Task 2 in the Writing
test are formal. For General Training candidates, Task 2 in Writing is always formal, and
Task 1 can be formal or informal.
As you know, Task 1 for GT module is a letter, and if the topic asks you to write to someone
you know, that is an informal letter – as opposed to writing to someone you don’t know,
which is formal.
The difference between formal and informal styles is mainly in the vocabulary. Informal
words are the ones used in everyday conversations and formal are used in books, contracts,
business letters and essays. If the task requires formal writing – avoid using informal
vocabulary. If the task requires informal writing, such as a letter to a friend, avoid using
formal ‘heavy’ words.
Apart from the vocabulary in formal writing it is best to avoid words like “I”, “you”, “we”,
unless you are expressing an opinion. For example in an essay instead of writing “You would
find it difficult to get a job without proper qualifications”, write something like “One would
find it difficult to find a job without proper qualifications”, or you could write “Finding a job
without proper qualifications would be rather difficult”.
For those of you who don’t live in an English speaking country and don’t speak English on
daily basis it will be difficult to tell the difference between formal and informal vocabulary,
which is why I compiled this short list of words. You could memorize it and use in your
writing while practicing – this way the chances you will use the correct word in the exam
increase.
Formal Informal
Inform me Let me know
Cancel Drop
Contact Get in touch
Obtain Get
Apologise Say sorry
Postpone Delay
Request Ask for
Compensate Make up
Establish Set up
Discover Find out
Handle Deal with
Investigate Check up on
Tolerate Put up
Increase Go up
Children Kids
Many / Much A lot of
Many / Much Heaps of

IELTS writing: using transitional phrases

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This post was contributed by Mr. Nipun Jain, the head of Benchmark – our evaluation team.
On behalf of all the readers I would like to thank Mr. Jain and all the fine teachers of
Benchmark.
Transitions
Transitional words and phrases are what gives your essays coherence, we need them to join
sentences and thoughts together. Look at the lists below. These are transitional phrases that
you can memorize and keep in your arsenal for the IELTS writing module.
AGREEMENT: also, plus, in addition, further, furthermore, moreover, additionally, to add
to that, next, in accordance with, accordingly, in agreement, finally, for instance, for example,
in exemplification, exemplifying that, in fact, factually speaking, in terms of, and so forth,
looking at the nexus between, in coordination with, along those lines, collectively speaking,
generally speaking, indeed, undoubtedly, obviously, to be sure.
CONTRAST: however, contrastingly, in contrast, on the contrary, on the other hand, To put
it into perspective, from a different angle, nonetheless, nevertheless, but, yet, a catch to this
is, sadly enough, as a hindrance, looking at the holdups, oddly enough, instead, in direct
opposition, still, and rather.
RESULT: as a result, as a consequence, consequently, thus, therefore, hence, thereby,
resulting in, ultimately, in the end, finally, in the overall analysis, in hindsight, in retrospect,
retrospectively, vicariously, the long term effect, as a short term result, significantly, as a
major effect, effectively, heretofore, hereafter, thereafter, in short, generally, over all,
concluding.
4 ways to get in trouble with your IELTS Writing tasks
If you have an IELTS exam this weekend, this post can literally save your score. Many
people get in trouble with their IELTS Writing for no reason, just because they don’t realize
some things are not acceptable in IELTS letters, essays or reports. Here is a number of ways
you can get in trouble with your IELTS writing tasks:
1. Using informal English in the IELTS Writing tasks.
Informal English is OK for your Speaking test – it is not OK for your Writing test. Even
though not every informal word gets penalized, the more formal your style is, the better your
score will be. To demonstrate the difference, informal expression “loads of / tons of” should
be replaced with “many” or “much”; “fed up with” should be replaced with “lost his
patience”, etc.
2. Using contractions.
Contractions are “it’s” instead of “it is”, “I’ve” instead of “I have”, “we’re” instead of “we
are” (these are only a few examples). Contractions are a bad, bad thing to use in your essay,
they don’t save you much time and can cost you marks. Do me a favor and forget about
contractions in your IELTS writing. Write “should not” instead of “shouldn’t”, “could not”
instead of “couldn’t”, “would not” instead of “w3. Using slang.
You can use slang any time talking to your friends, but this is the only place where it belongs,
in a conversation between friends. Keep it out of your IELTS essays, letters or reports. You
can’t write “dunno” instead of “don’t know”, “wanna” instead of “want to” or “gonna”
instead of “going to”.
4. SMS-like spelling.
We all are typing SMS messages, chatting on Skype and the like, and there is a bunch of
shorter ways to write longer words. We type “u” instead of “you”, “c” instead of “see”,
“IMHO” instead of “in my humble opinion”. None of these can appear in your IELTS work,
unless you are specifically trying to mess up and get a lower score than you deserve. You
need to write the full word and spell it correctly, period.
IELTS Writing: connective words (part 1)
Since many of you have been asking me for tips in Writing, I though a useful collection of
connective words would help. It was kindly shared by a student and I am sure that using those
words in your essays, letters and reports will positively affect your score.
This is part 1, part 2 is coming tomorrow.
Addition
in addition
 and similarly
 likewise as well as
 besides further more
 also moreover
 and then too
 not only … but even
 besides
Sequence
 first(ly) initially
 second(ly) etc.to begin with then
 next earlier/later
 after this/that
 following this/that
Consequence as a result

 thus

 so

 therefore

 consequently

 it follows that

 thereby

 eventually

 then in that case

 admittedly

Contrast
 however

 on the other hand

 despite
 in spite of

 though

 although

 but

 on the contrary

 otherwise

 yet instead of

 rather

 whereas

 nonetheless

 even though

 compared with

 in contrast

 alternatively

IELTS Writing: connective words (part 2)

I was going to post more connective words again, if it wasn’t for an email that gave me
another good idea.
These connective words are awesome, but they won’t help you if you are seeing them for the
first time and don’t know how to use them in a sentence. So now, I am repeating the whole
list – with examples, where appropriate.
Addition
 in addition
In addition, I would like to point out that my neighbor is disturbing me late at night.
 and similarly
Your life will change forever and similarly, your whole family will feel the change.
 likewise
Some people have little time for a hobby, and have likewise little will to get one.
 as well as

 besides
We aren’t friends. Besides, I don’t feel it’s my place to set him straight.
 furthermore
Computers are getting faster and faster these days; furthermore, their cost is getting lower
and lower.
 also
 moreover
I’ve wanting a change for a long time, moreover, I feel I deserve one.
 and then too
 not only … but also
Not only this product is good for your hair, but also for the whole body.
Sequence
 first(ly) initially
Initially, you would start putting a plan together.
 second(ly)
 to begin with
To begin with, you will need to commit a portion of your time to studying.
 then
 next
 earlier/later
Later on there comes a stage when your skills are put to a test.
 after this/that
 following this/that
Consequence
 as a result
I studied well and as a result, I got a high score.
 thus
 so
 therefore
I was younger and therefore, less experienced.
 consequently
 it follows that
 thereby
I upset my friend, thereby causing her pain.
 eventually
 then in that case
 admittedly
Admittedly, he is the smartest person I know.
Contrast
 however
The book is expensive, however it’s worth it.
 on the other hand
She says she feels fine, on the other hand, her face is pale and she doesn’t look healthy.
 despite
 in spite of
In spite of the difficulties, the task was completed.
 though
He still insists, though he knows that won’t do any good.
 although
 but
 on the contrary
The music didn’t lift her spirit, on contrary, it made her feel weak and vulnerable again.
 otherwise
 yet instead of
He felt unwelcome, yet instead of leaving, he stayed.
 rather
Eggs for breakfast is not a good idea, I would rather have some toast.
 whereas
He was her true love, whereas for him she was just another girlfriend.
 nonetheless
While they didn’t trust each other, nonetheless they worked together for many years.
 even though
 compared with
 in contrast
 alternatively
IELTS Writing: connective words (part 3)
Continuing the topic of previous posts (part 1 and part 2), here are some more connective
words to use in your IELTS essay, letter or report. The headings in bold are the purpose for
which you are using the connective words.
Certainty
 obviously
I was very disappointed, obviously because my expectations were too high.
 certainly
I will certainly let her know your opinion.
 plainly
You are plainly wrong
 of course
 undoubtedly
She is undoubtedly very beautiful.

Condition
 if
 unless
I won’t be able to meet you, unless we schedule it in the morning.
 whether
Whether you like it or not, this is the truth.
 provided that
I can guarantee a good result, provided that you study.
 so that
I can send you the documents so that you would have proof.
 depending on
We can have a picnic this weekend, depending on the weather.
Summary
 in conclusion
 in summary
 lastly
 finally
 to sum up
To sum up, I strongly support the efforts of our society to help the environment.
 to conclude
 to recapitulate
 in short
IELTS Writing: connective words (part 4)
This is the my post about connective words and here you will find words to use in sentences
referring to examples, describing reasons or sequencing events in time.
Time
 for instance
There are many schools in many countries you could go to study to, for instance the schools
in London or Birmingham.
 one example
One example of how to get better in cooking would be to start reading recipes.
 for example
 just as
I wanted to be home already just as much as a thirsty man in the desert wanted water.
 in particular
I am referring to my exams, in particular, IELTS and TOEFL.
 such as

 namely
My friends, namely Andy and Cindy, have told me about this new exhibition in the city.
 to illustrate
Reason
 since
Since you ask, I’d like to tell you my story
 because (of)
 due to
Due to illness of the teacher, this lecture is canceled.
 owing to
 the reason why
 in other words
 leads to
This assumption leads us to believe that …
 cause
The cause of this unfortunate accident was…
Time
 before
 since
Since 2005 I have been working in …
 as
 until
Until now I wasn’t able to find anything like it.
 meanwhile
Meanwhile, I would like to ask for your patience.
 at the moment
At the moment I am experiencing financial difficulties.
 when
 whenever
Whenever I call him, he appears to be very busy.
 as soon as
 just as

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ouldn’t”. You get the idea.

Common mistake in the IELTS Listening module – watch

out!
 Hey, you're new here! I love new people, welcome.
You may want to subscribe to IELTS-Blog and get all the updates via email or via RSS
feed. Thanks for visiting!

In a couple of day’s time many of you will be sitting IELTS exams and I thought this would
be a good time to tell you about one common mistake that has been hurting the scores of
other test takers.
As you know the Listening test consists of 4 sections. Before each section you will hear some
instructions and there will be some time to look at the questions. Then the recording begins
playing and you need to listen and write down your answers. You will be writing the answers
right in the Listening booklet, next to the questions they belong to.
As you also know, at the end of the Listening test the answers must be written on the Answer
Sheet. And here is the part you need to pay attention to: some people mistakenly choose to
copy the answers to the Answer Sheet during the time they are given before each section
begins. This is a BIG mistake, because that time is for you to concentrate on reading the
questions about the new section (that is about to begin), it is the time to try and understand
what’s coming – not for looking back and not for copying questions.
After the test you will be given 10 whole minutes to copy all your answers to the Answer
Sheet and only then you need to be doing that. Any time spent on copying during the actual
test is WASTED, it’s not doing you any good – in fact it distracts you and therefore harms
your score.
Making technology work for you
When you have to study for IELTS Reading, Writing or Listening
tests, you don’t really need anyone to help you, but what about
the Speaking test? Do you just speak to the mirror?
My idea was to use a MP3 player that can record voice. I bought one especially for that
purpose, to record myself speak. It helped me to recognize and admit all of my problems: bad
pronunciation, long pauses between words, super long complicated sentences. What you do is
just speak on some topic, record yourself, listen and analyze it later. It is really necessary to
recognize all of those weaknesses in advance, so you can work and improve them. Make a list
of things that need improvement and look at it every time before you start speaking.
Speaking to a live partner is better, of course, but if you’re on your own – MP3 player a great
solution. Another plus here is that you can use it for listening exercises – fill it with audio
books in English or IELTS Listening tests you download from the Internet and take it with
you wherever you go. This way you won’t waste any time – driving, eating lunch or walking
your dog can be done while listening to English on your MP3 player.
Another idea is to prepare for the IELTS Speaking test using Skype - a very popular
software that lets you talk to anyone who also has Skype. All you need to do is to install it
on your and your friend’s computer, plug in a set of headphones and a microphone and call
your friend using Skype. Y0u can actually make international call, talk as much as you want,
the voice quality is great and it costs nothing!