IELTS Podcast

Emphatic structures, or cleft sentences, are a sophisticated tool in English that help to add emphasis to certain parts of a sentence, making your speech sound more complex and formal. These structures are particularly useful in the IELTS speaking section, where demonstrating control over such complex structures can significantly boost your score.

Ben explains that these structures can be implemented across all parts of the IELTS speaking test. For instance, when asked about personal preferences or experiences, using a cleft sentence like “What I love about the countryside is its tranquility” not only emphasizes your response but also showcases your ability to manipulate sentence structures effectively.

The tutorial offers several examples to illustrate how to transform simple sentences into emphatic ones:

These examples highlight the shift from a straightforward expression to a more focused and impactful statement.

Ben suggests practical applications of these structures in various parts of the speaking exam:

Mastering these structures not only aids in elevating your language proficiency in the eyes of the examiners but also helps in making your speech more engaging and persuasive, a key component in achieving a high band score in the speaking section.

For more detailed examples and exercises on using emphatic structures, consider exploring the Advanced IELTS Speaking Techniques on IELTSPodcast. Additionally, enrolling in an Online IELTS Course can provide further guidance and personalized feedback to hone your speaking skills.

The post Advanced IELTS Speaking Techniques Emphatic Structure appeared first on IELTS Podcast.

In this lesson, you’ll learn

Achieving a high score in the IELTS writing test is a goal for many English language learners. The IELTS writing test, a crucial component of the International English Language Testing System, challenges test takers to demonstrate their ability in coherent writing, proper grammar, and extensive vocabulary. Understanding the test’s assessment criteria is key to preparing effectively and boosting one’s score.

The IELTS writing test comprises two tasks:

Success in both tasks depends heavily on fulfilling specific criteria set by the examiners, which include task achievement/response, coherence and cohesion, lexical resource, and grammatical range and accuracy.

Candidates aiming to excel should:

Mastering the IELTS writing test requires a thorough understanding of the test’s criteria, strategic preparation, and continuous practice. By focusing on these areas, test takers can enhance their ability to communicate effectively in written English, thereby achieving their desired score.

Feel free to copy and paste this post directly into your WordPress blog. It’s formatted for clarity and ease of reading, with headings and lists to break down the

You can download or listen to the audio version here:

|Direct Download Here | Stitcher | iTunes | Spotify

The post IELTS Writing Test Criteria Explained appeared first on IELTS Podcast.

This tutorial will dissect an IELTS essay poised at the 6.5 to 7 band score. We will explore the nuances that differentiate a 6.5 from a 7, analysing each sentence to identify strengths and weaknesses in the usage of grammatical structures and vocabulary.

The essay question debates whether employees should remain in a single job for life or switch jobs throughout their career. Here, we dissect a sample response, breaking down its elements to understand how the answer aligns with IELTS scoring criteria.

The introduction of the analysed essay begins with a common pitfall: unnecessary complexity and errors in article usage. The sentence structure is overly convoluted, leading to potential grammatical errors. A simpler, more concise opening would serve better.

The body paragraphs show a mix of strong collocations such as “pursue a course of study” and “launch a career”. However, grammatical mistakes, such as misuse of singular and plural forms, detract from the overall quality, underscoring the importance of accuracy in writing.

The conclusion attempts to encapsulate the discussion but suffers from similar issues as the rest of the essay—grammatical inaccuracies and awkward phrasing that could confuse readers and reduce the clarity of the argument.

The post IELTS Band 6.5 – 7 – Examiner Essay Commentary appeared first on IELTS Podcast.

When telling a story, the content is important, but the manner of storytelling is what truly matters to the examiner. Using anecdotes, details, and examples enriches your vocabulary and demonstrates your ability to use topic-specific language. This not only makes your story more engaging but also enhances your lexical resource.

The past continuous is used to describe an event that was happening over a period of time and was incomplete. For instance, “I was hanging out with my friend Juan at the park.” This sets a scene that extends over a duration without specifying when it ended. Here are some examples:

In the exam, using the past continuous helps set the context early in your story, demonstrating your flexibility with grammatical structures. For example:

Last year, I was studying economics at university. I remember the day clearly. I was sitting in class and taking notes when the professor asked an interesting question.

The past perfect continuous is used to describe an action that was ongoing in the past before another past event. It is effective for developing the context of a story and setting up anticipation for the main event. Examples include:

Using this tense can make your story more dynamic and engaging. For example:

Just a couple of days ago, I was at the bank and I had been waiting for over three hours to talk to the manager. This made me feel extremely frustrated.

Prompt: Talk about a situation when a person you know didn’t tell you the truth. Who the person was, why the person told the lie, and how you felt.

I’d like to tell you about an old friend named Matt. We were very close, but this incident changed everything. One evening, I had been expecting him to come over, but he didn’t show up. Later, my sister mentioned seeing someone peeping through her window, wearing a jacket like Matt’s. When I confronted him, he denied it, but I was 99% sure it was him. This left me feeling tremendously disappointed and confused. Eventually, I decided to end our friendship as I couldn’t tolerate such dishonesty.

Prompt: Describe an intelligent person you know. Who the person is, how you know them, and why you think they are intelligent.

A tremendously intelligent person I know is my uncle Allan. He retired at 50, much earlier than most people. He’s a UK chess master champion and had a dazzling career as a tax adviser at prestigious firms like PricewaterhouseCoopers and Deloitte. I first met him at a family wedding, and recently at a funeral, he shared his fascinating research into our family history. His expertise in complex subjects like tax and chess, and his early retirement, make him a person I truly admire.

Prompt: Describe a singer you like. Who the singer is, what specific elements you like about the singer, and the style of the singer.

The singer I’d like to tell you about is Freddie Mercury. He was British with Iranian roots and had an incredibly powerful voice that covered the entire musical range. For example, in the song “Barcelona,” he performed alongside a famous opera singer, showcasing his versatility. His style varied from powerful, explosive vocals to smooth, melodic tunes. Freddie Mercury was a true icon in the band Queen, and his unique voice and style continue to inspire me.

Using advanced grammatical structures like the past continuous and past perfect continuous can significantly enhance your storytelling in the IELTS Speaking exam. Remember to practise with various cue cards, write out your answers, improve them, and seek feedback. For more practical tips and personalised feedback, consider enrolling in our Speaking Confidence online course.

Keep practising, and remember, you only fail when you give up. Good luck with your IELTS preparation!

For more materials and resources, visit IELTSPodcast.com.

The post IELTS Speaking: Part 2 – Past and Past Perfect appeared first on IELTS Podcast.

By Ben Worthington, founder and manager of IELTSPodcast.com. An expert IELTS tutor with over 12 years of experience, Ben has helped thousands of students each year achieve Band 7 or higher on their IELTS exams.

Many words in Academic Task 1 can function as both nouns and verbs with only slight modifications. Understanding how to distinguish and use these forms correctly is crucial for clarity in your writing.

Recognising and using common grammatical patterns such as Adjective + Noun and Verb + Adverb can significantly enhance the quality of your Academic Task 1 responses.

Distinguishing between adjectives and adverbs is key to mastering grammar for IELTS Task 1. Understanding their proper usage can greatly improve the precision of your descriptions.

Using precise comparison vocabulary is indispensable in academic writing. Learn to specify the extent of differences or similarities with appropriate terms to enhance clarity and impact.

Enriching your vocabulary with a variety of adjectives and appropriate prepositions can elevate the quality of your writing, making it more engaging and effective.

For additional learning, check out educational materials at University of Oxford.

The post Five Key Skills for IELTS Academic Task 1 appeared first on IELTS Podcast.

Hello there IELTS students, my name is Ben Worthington. For over 12 years, I’ve specialized in preparing students for the IELTS, helping them achieve Band 7 or higher. Today, we delve into the costs associated with studying and living in the United Kingdom.

Joining me is our expert, Fedoua, to discuss everything from tuition fees to living expenses. Let’s unpack the financial aspect of studying abroad in the UK.

International students can expect a range in tuition fees depending on the institution and the type of course. Fees might start as low as £12,600 with a scholarship and can go up to £30,000 per academic year. Understanding this range can help you plan your education budget effectively.

The cost of living can vary greatly depending on where you choose to study in the UK. For instance, accommodation costs in London could range from £650 to £1,200 a month. It’s important to factor in other expenses like food, transportation, and leisure, which can quickly add up.

Many universities offer financial aid and scholarships, which can significantly reduce the financial burden. These are often competitive and may cover only a portion of the total fees. Additionally, students can work part-time to supplement their income, with international students allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during term time.

Effective budgeting is crucial for managing your finances abroad. Cooking at home, using student discounts, and exploring second-hand shops are practical ways to save money.

For more insights and resources, visit our main site.

Ben Worthington, founder of IELTSpodcast, has dedicated over a decade to teaching IELTS and helping students worldwide achieve their best scores. Ben’s approach combines practical strategies with intensive practice to ensure students succeed.

|Direct Download Here | Stitcher | iTunes | Spotify | Soundcloud |

The post Cost of Studying and Living in the UK appeared first on IELTS Podcast.

By Ben Worthington, founder and manager of IELTSPodcast.com. With over 12 years as an expert IELTS tutor, Ben has helped thousands of students annually achieve a Band 7 or higher on their IELTS exams.

Join us in our latest podcast episode where we delve into the intricacies of tackling the IELTS Academic Task 1. Learn the secrets to success in this critical component of the IELTS exam with valuable insights and practical tips.

Discover strategies for selecting relevant information, effectively analysing visual data, and structuring your response to maximise impact in the IELTS Academic Task 1.

Explore proven techniques to enhance vocabulary, ensure coherence, and improve overall writing proficiency, with insider advice from experienced educators and successful test-takers.

Share on WhatsAppShare on Facebook

Share on LinkedIn

Improve your understanding further with academic resources from edX, an educational platform offering courses from top universities.

The post IELTS Academic Task 1: Dos and Don’ts Unveiled – 2024 appeared first on IELTS Podcast.

By Ben Worthington, founder of ieltspodcast.com

Ben has over 20 years of experience teaching English and helping students achieve Band 7 or higher in IELTS. He has pioneered AI tools for essay checking to further aid students on their journey to success.

In a detailed discussion on the IELTS Podcast, Ben Worthington introduces Fedoua, a seasoned expert in international education, to share crucial insights for students considering studying abroad. Drawing from her extensive experience in international education, Fedoua offers invaluable tips for prospective international students.

Starting early with thorough research is crucial. Understanding the nuances of living and studying in a new country is vital for a smooth transition. This includes knowledge of visa requirements, cultural norms, and educational expectations.

It is essential to plan your finances meticulously. This includes tuition fees, living expenses, and emergency funds. Fedoua emphasizes the importance of proving financial stability for visa applications, particularly noting that funds should be maintained in your account for at least 28 days before applying.

Adjusting to a new cultural environment can be challenging. Fedoua suggests that students mentally prepare for cultural differences and seek out communities that can offer a sense of belonging and support abroad.

Choosing the right accommodation is crucial for your safety and comfort. It’s also important to familiarize yourself with local safety norms and healthcare facilities.

Connect with Ben and the community on LinkedIn, Facebook, and WhatsApp.

|Direct Download Here | Stitcher | iTunes | Spotify | Soundcloud |

The post What are Our 5 Tips for Students Looking at Studying Abroad appeared first on IELTS Podcast.

By Ben Worthington, founder and manager of IELTSPodcast.com. Ben is an expert IELTS tutor with over 12 years of experience, helping thousands of students each year achieve Band 7 or higher in their IELTS exams.

In the IELTS Listening exam, understanding connected speech is crucial for high scoring. Connected speech involves the flow of sounds, words, and phrases in spoken language, often changing pronunciation and linking words. This article delves into connected speech, exploring practical examples, common issues, and offering advice to enhance listening skills.

Connected speech features such as elision, linking, and reduction are essential for understanding real-life conversations and exam recordings. Recognising these can dramatically improve comprehension.

Examples like “I’m gonna” for “I am going to” and “Whatcha doin?” for “What are you doing?” demonstrate how connected speech operates in everyday language.

Techniques for mastering connected speech include listening to native speakers, transcribing spoken English, and engaging with authentic materials like podcasts and movies. Practicing these techniques can significantly boost your listening accuracy.

Share on Facebook

Share on LinkedIn

Further your understanding of connected speech with resources from Cambridge University’s Language Education Department.

The post Unlocking the Mysteries of Connected Speech in the IELTS Listening Exam appeared first on IELTS Podcast.

By Ben Worthington, founder and manager of IELTSpodcast.com. An expert IELTS tutor with over 12 years of experience, Ben has helped thousands of students achieve Band 7 or higher on their IELTS exams.

Through UCAS, international students can generally apply for up to five courses at different universities, except for medicine, which has a limit of four. This article delves into the nuances of these applications, offering invaluable tips from industry expert, Fedwa, a seasoned educational consultant with a decade of experience in helping students navigate UK university admissions.

For more insights and tips on IELTS and studying in the UK, consider visiting:

Explore these links for a deeper understanding of the IELTS and application processes.

Follow us on social media and share this guide with others who might find it helpful:

LinkedIn | Facebook | WhatsApp

External resource: Visit UCAS Official Site

|Direct Download Here | Stitcher | iTunes | Spotify | Soundcloud |

The post STUDY ABROAD: How Many Courses Can I Apply For appeared first on IELTS Podcast.