In this tutorial, ex-examiner Robert looks at how to answer Speaking Part 2 questions you know nothing about.

You will learn:

What the examiner is really interested in

What to do with the 60-minute preparation time in Speaking part 2

How to take notes for Speaking part 2

The difference between “Describing” vs “Explaining” in Speaking Part 2

Useful tips for answering Speaking Part 2 Questions you know nothing about

Imagine you receive the following question during part 2 of the IELTS Speaking test: 

Describe something you do to keep healthy. 

You should mention:

What it is

How often you do it 

How you do it (how easy or difficult it is to do)

Explain how it helps to keep you fit

Oh dear! That’s something you know absolutely nothing about. You don’t exercise and you eat all the wrong things. You’ve got 60 seconds to think of something to say! Help!

Yes, exams do have a nasty habit of asking the questions you least wanted. But, will a lack of knowledge or life experience affect your Band score? Do you have to follow the bullet points one by one or else expect your score to go down?

I think the answer to both those questions is “No” but both are worth looking at in more detail. 

What the examiner is really interested in

The examiner is interested in your spoken English, not your depth of knowledge or experience related to any topic. But it is still important for you to keep to the chosen topic. That means you shouldn’t change the topic or even ask for it to be changed. 

What to do with the 60-minute preparation time

So, what’s the solution when your mind goes blank? First of all, do not panic. There’s always a way. Here’s what I would do in that one-minute preparation time. 

First of all, do not panic. Take notes on how you’ll answer the questions following the bullet points. Keep an eye on your notes because, in moments of crisis, it gives you a foundation upon which you can build your 2-minute answer. 

Talk about the first bullet point truthfully. Don’t invent a false story. It will take you all your time to think of the details instead of concentrating on the English. 

Expand on the second, third and fourth bullet points. An easier way would be to talk about someone you know who is fit and healthy. 

How to take notes for Speaking part 2

There are two important issues when it comes to notes. 

How many points can you manage to write in 60 seconds?

What form should the notes take? A bullet point list style? A mind map with connecting arrows to show cause and consequence, thought bubbles or whatever? Something different? Just some key words?

There are no definitive answers to point 2 I think.  What have you found suits you best? Find that out, practice using it and feel comfortable with it. 

Point 1 is another thing, though. I read somewhere that a maximum of 5 or 6 keywords or phrases is the most you can write in 60 seconds. 

The difference between “Describing” vs “Explaining” in Speaking Part 2

Look again at the bullet points. There’s a difference between “describing” and “explaining”.  Take this example and notice how simple “describing” turns into “explaining”. 

Well, what I do most weekdays after work is that I go to this gym just near where I live. It’s on the way home from work in fact. I try to follow some kind of routine there, you know, like working on upper body strength with weights a couple of times a week and other days on the running machine or something I started a while ago and I really like it, that’s yoga. I find it really relaxes me after a stressful day at work and if I know if ...

 

In this tutorial, we provide you with sample answers to new IELTS Task 2 questions as seen in the exam in October 2022.

We look at the following:

Brainstorming tips for writing task 2 essays

Sample answers to three new IELTS Task 2 questions

How to write a high-scoring paragraph in Task 2

How to tell if you are going off-topic in your essay

Which two essay paragraphs give you the most points in Task 2

Read the questions below.

Some people think that dangerous sports should be banned. Others, however, believe that people should be free to choose sports activities. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

In today’s world, people spend a lot of money on appearance because they want to look younger. Why does this happen? Do you think this is a positive or negative development?

Many governments think that economic progress is their most important goal. Some people, however, think that other types of progress are equally important for a country. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Join many other students who have achieved IELTS success with our online IELTS course.

You can download or listen to the full tutorial here:

| Direct Download Here | Stitcher | iTunes | Spotify

 

In this tutorial, ex-examiner Robert reviews an informal letter in IELTS General Task 1.

Here’s what you will learn:

4 things you must do after reading your Task 1 Question

Paragraph-by-paragraph review of the Task 1 Letter

How an IELTS examiner would grade this letter

How many words should you write in IELTS Task 1 Letter

How to use contractions correctly in IELTS Task 1

Sample IELTS Task 1 Question

When you look at IELTS General Training Writing Task 1 questions, the first thing you notice is how clear the instructions are. They describe a situation and tell you what direction your letter must take. 

Your friend works as a fitness instructor in a gym. You would like to receive his/her advice.

Write a letter to your friend. In your letter you should:

– describe your exercise programme

– explain what your goals are

– ask for advice on how you can improve your fitness

Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

The three bullet points clearly tell you what to include. They ask you to describe, explain and seek advice and we also have a clear idea of how formal your letter should be. This example is informal. Others might be formal or semi-formal. 

The level of formality influences the way we write in every way: the grammar, the vocabulary, the greeting and the ending. 

4 things you must do after reading your Task 1 Question

Remember that each paragraph must have a definite purpose. 

Think about the connection between these purposes and the three bullet points that you have to write about in the letter

Make sure your letter has a good opening and ending. 

Think about the vocabulary and maybe the grammar too. This is a letter to a friend asking for advice. Ask yourself which words, expressions and grammar show that this is written in an informal style

Paragraph-by-paragraph review of the Task 1 Letter

Paragraph 1 

Dear Mark, 

How are you? I’m sorry I haven’t been in touch but things here have been busy. 

Comments

Paragraph 1 opens with a classic greeting and a sentence that links the writer to the recipient. 

Paragraph 2

I guess you’re working hard as usual in the gym. In fact, that’s partly why I’m writing. With this new job, I’ve become so lazy. I’m hardly doing any exercise at all apart from walking to work sometimes and doing some stretching exercises and work with weights at home. Well, on Sundays I go jogging in the park but that’s about it! 

Comments

Paragraph 2 outlines the reasons why he is writing. He introduces the topic of exercise routines and describes what he is currently doing to keep fit. 

Paragraph 3

Actually, what worries me is that everyone in the company takes part in an annual half-marathon event for charity but, honestly, I really need to get into shape for it. Luckily, it’s next spring so I have a few months to prepare. 

Comments

Paragraph 3 explains the real motive for his desire to get into shape. 

Paragraph 4

 I’d really appreciate your thoughts on what to do. If I joined the local gym and started a serious workout programme, would that be the best idea? I know I need to strengthen my leg muscles so I could buy a running machine. And do you think riding a bike is a good idea?

Comments

Paragraph 4 asks for specific advice from his friend on what to do. 

Paragraph 5

I can’t wait to hear your advice and don’t forget that open invitation to come for the weekend. It would be great to see you.

Take care, 

Rob. 

Comments

 

In this tutorial, ex-IELTS examiner Robert reviews a Band 7 Task 2 Essay.

We look at:

* Why an examiner would give this essay a Band 7 instead of Band 9

A paragraph-by-paragraph ex-examiner review of the Band 7 essay

Tips to improve your Band 7 essay to Band 9 level

Read the Task 2 Question below

Some people believe that professionals such as doctors and engineers should be required to work in the country where they did their training. Others believe they should be free to work in another country if they wish. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Let’s read through the essay paragraph by paragraph, stopping after each one to look at some key elements. 

Sample Band 7 Task 2 Essay: Introduction

There are two points of view about if professional workers must live and work in the country they come from or can go and work in another country. In this essay, I will write about these two points of view. In my view, professionals like doctors and engineers need to stay and help their countries for a few years.

Ex-examiner Review

The paraphrase of the task question is pretty good, quite “safe” if you like, although the use of “points of view about” is uncomfortable. We would probably use …”concerning / on the subject of instead”

The use of modal verbs in this first paragraph – must live, can go  – makes sense but neither is used completely accurately in that “should” conveys the idea of some kind of moral responsibility or duty compared to “must” meaning no choice, obligation. Similarly, “can” is tricky. It is open to many interpretations. How could we rewrite that first sentence? Try it yourselves. How about “ought to” as a synonym for “should” and perhaps “are free to” for “can”?

The vocabulary is a little repetitive as well with “two points of view” used twice. 

Sample Band 7 Task 2 Essay: Body Paragraph 1

Many people think that young doctors and engineers must continue to live and work in their countries because usually governments have paid for their studies. As a result, these people should pay that back by working to help their countries in the future. Also, developing countries need as many people as possible to work, especially in hospitals and schools and so on. So, a country should not lose talented graduates to other countries, for example doctors and nurses going to work in the UK. 

Ex-examiner Review

The paragraph looks fine with good sentence structures, and cohesive devices like “because, also so”. 

Two related central ideas – studies paid by the government and so there is the obligation to repay that through work – and therefore not so complex thematically as the Band 9 essay. 

Sample Band 7 Task 2 Essay: Body Paragraph 2

On the other hand, others think that anyone can decide where to work or live, then after many years studying to become a professional, he or she will have a choice to go to another place to live, it is a good idea. Maybe the doctor or engineer will obtain more salary or study more in another country. Also, many people like office workers, construction workers and even football players can go anywhere they want, so why not doctors, engineers and other professions?

Ex-examiner Review

The first sentence can be improved. The use of the comma followed by “then” is typical. A connector is needed: “and then” or we begin a new sentence with “after”. The sentence loses absolute clarity, drifting on with another comma and the “it is a good idea” clause. Perhaps add a “so” before that?

Sentence 2 contains a poor collocation “will obtain more salary” and “more” is repeated. What would be better here?

 

In this tutorial, ex-examiner Robert looks at IELTS Task 1 writing tips for describing two maps or plans.

In this specific type of Task 1 essay, you’re asked to compare two maps or plans or a kind of “Before” and “After” task. 

This type of essay has a lot in common with the statistical elements we see in pie charts and graphs. But, instead of looking for trends by comparing numbers, we are comparing two-dimensional plans.   

We discuss:

Four important tips for writing essays describing plans

Sample IELTS Task 1 Question about describing two maps or plans

Sample Answer to IELTS Task 1 Question with ex-examiner’s review

Four important tips for writing essays describing plans in IELTS Task 1

The most important thing to mention is the most striking changes. Take a minute or so to look carefully at the information presented to you. Take note of the major differences or changes you see between the two plans

Know the right verb tenses to use. Some questions may have a futuristic element to them, for example: What will the downtown area look like in 10 years’ time? You should be very sure of which verb tenses you need to use because there’s a possible mix between present and future tenses. 

In your answer, make sure to not only describe the changes but also explain why.

Remember the overview. It’s a great idea to mention something important right at the end.

Sample IELTS Task 1 Question about describing two maps or plans

Here’s the task question. It’s taken from Cambridge IELTS 16, Test 3.

Here are the plans

 

Sample Answer to IELTS Task 1 Question with ex-examiner’s review

There are 4 paragraphs. 

Paragraph 1: Introduction

The plans provide details of proposals for the renovation of Southwest Airport which compare the current layout of the departure and arrivals areas to what they will look like when the work is completed next year.

Ex-IELTS Examiner Review

The first sentence paraphrases the question. Here the examiner will be on the lookout for your ability to paraphrase using appropriate synonyms. So, we have 

* “provide details of proposals” for the original “show the…”, 

* “the current layout of the departure and arrival areas” for the original “the site of an airport now”

* Using information in the question and in the diagram,  “what they will look like when the work is completed” for “how it will look after redevelopment”. 

Notice also how we can use the present tense ….

”when the work is completed” ….to refer to future events. 

Paragraph 2

In general terms, the main new features will be an expansion to the number of gates together with a range of new facilities such as shops, an ATM and a car hire service.

Ex-IELTS Examiner Review

The second paragraph provides a general overview of the information. 

Make sure you show the examiner that you have clearly identified the most important features

Write the most important features you identified in very simple, clear terms. 

Paragraph 3

Entrance to the departure and arrivals sections will largely go unaltered although additional doors will be installed in both. At present, departures has just a check-in desk and a café but the proposal is to move the check-in from the left to the right to accommodate a bag drop area and to re-locate the café to the left of the main entrance.  Arrivals will also see a café added as well as an ATM and a car hire business, the last of which means building an extension to provide adequate space.

Ex-IELTS Examiner Review

Three sentences offering details on the changes to the departure and arrival sec...

 

In this tutorial, we discuss five tips for Academic Writing for non-native speakers with Cheryl Ernst from the University of Oregon.

We look at:

Common mistakes non-native English speakers make in essay writing

5 Tips for academic writing for non-native English speakers

Advice for non-native English speakers learning English for IELTS

The best way to improve English vocabulary for non-native English speakers?

Study opportunities for international students at the University of Oregon

If you’re a prospective international student and need to pass IELTS for university then we can help you achieve IELTS success. Click here to get started.

You can download or listen to the audio version here:

| Direct Download Here | Stitcher | iTunes | Spotify |

 

In this tutorial, we discuss four tips for writing a process description in IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 with ex-examiner Robert.

We look at:

The first step to writing a process description in Task 1

How to use passive voice and passive infinitive verbs correctly

What a good process description should include

How to structure your response to process description questions

Sample answer to a Task 1 Process description question

An academic writing task 1 which asks you to describe a process is not as common as those with tables, graphs and pie charts. All the more reason to take a look at what you have to do. 

Describing a process may look easy enough, it’s just joining up a series of steps, but IELTS test takers could take advantage of these four very clear tips on how to write a Band 7 or 8 Task 1 essay of this type.  

The first step to writing a process description in Task 1

The first step to writing a process description in IELTS is to pause and think about how we describe processes. What if I asked you how to make something, a recipe maybe? You’d probably think first about the ingredients, what you need to make whatever it is. Then you’d want to go through the stages of preparation and to do that you’d probably use simple sequencing and divide those steps into key stages, you know, peeling, cutting, mixing, adding or whatever and then maybe putting something into the oven to bake, like a cake for example. 

Now, it’s exactly the same with our IELTS process descriptions but with a little twist of formality. After all, if you’re giving me a description, it’s likely you’ll keep it as easy for me to follow as you can using a “Well, first you peel the potatoes and then you cut them into thin slices, like this.”  

Of course, you could use imperative verb forms, especially in short written accounts, very much like you see in recipe books. For example, Peel the potatoes and then cut them into slices…

How to use passive voice to describe the process

Using the passive voice then is our Tip Number 1. 

 So, instead of saying “Peel the potatoes”, we’re going to write:

The potatoes are peeled and then cut into slices …(as the subject potatoes stays the same, there’s no need to include “they are ..cut”. 

A lot of people get worried or confused when teachers use the “passive voice” or “active voice” labels. Passive voice is used when you’re more focused on what happened to something or somebody than the person or object that caused something. You’re telling the story from the point of view of the potato and not the cook.  

NOTE: It is the passive voice in the present tense that we’re using here as well as the possible use of modal verbs used passively, such as: can be, must be, should be. For example: “the Spanish omelette can be served either hot or cold”. 

How to use passive infinitive verbs

Another verb form used occasionally is the passive infinitive. What’s that? Well, have you ever watched a TV show, maybe one of those exciting mysteries, but just when you think they’re going to reveal the name of the master criminal, a message comes on the screen saying:

“To be continued”

That’s the passive infinitive. 

What a good process description should include

Any good process description should include

A clear sense of progress

An outline of not sequential steps (first, second, then, finally) 

A clear marking of relationships between parts (once …when)

How to structure your response to process description questions

A recognisable overview makes all the difference between a Band 6 and a good 7 or 8. I think It’s best with this type of essay to put your overview in the first paragraph.  It’s best to show the examiner that you clearly see what the process...

 

In this tutorial Robert, an ex-IELTS examiner reviews a band 9 task 2 essay.

You will learn:

What the examiner is looking out for 

The criteria used to award band 9 in IELTS writing task 2

A paragraph-by-paragraph review of the sample band 9 essay

What you need to do to reach band 9 level

Read the question below: 

Some people believe that professionals such as doctors and engineers should be required to work in the country where they did their training. Others believe they should be free to work in another country if they wish. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

What the examiner is looking out for 

This is a classic “discuss both views” essay, ideally suited to a 4-paragraph answer: 

Introduction, where we paraphrase the task and state our point of view. 

Two paragraphs, each devoted to the two sides of the argument

Finally, a conclusion. 

The best and fairest way to grade an IELTS essay is to read it at least twice. The first time to obtain a good overall impression of all four categories namely:

Task Response

Cohesion and Coherence

Lexical Resource 

Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA)

The second time in detail while noting and grading each part using the writing test descriptors. 

The criteria used to award band 9 in IELTS writing task 2

* Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA)

Working in reverse, let’s start with GRA. A Band 9 in GRA states that sentences are essentially error-free, and structured in suitable mixes of the complex and less complex. Verb tenses should be used appropriately and some good examples of, say, conditionals, modal verbs and passives. 

* Lexical Resource 

Lexical range shows that the writer has a wide and deep vocabulary with proficient use of collocations and the use of some idiomatic phrases. 

* Cohesion and Coherence

A Band 9 in cohesion and coherence is when linking words like although and however are used appropriately but never overused.

* Task Response

Task response is measured by the number of ideas and how they are put together. In paragraphs 2 and 3, points are made and supported. 

 

A paragraph-by-paragraph review of Band 9 Task 2 essay

Let’s take this essay example paragraph by paragraph, adding comments with regard to each category, and looking at strong points that are worth mentioning.

Paragraph 1:

Should domestically trained specialists in areas such as medicine and engineering be obliged to pursue their careers in their homeland or should they be given the choice of working abroad? In this essay, I shall discuss both sides of this controversial issue before going on to state why I tend to agree with the need for them to remain in their countries at least in the short-term. 

Review

A very strong opening paragraph, paraphrasing the task and then outlining the writer’s views. What makes it a Band 9? Well, the use of the question form in the first sentence is impressive instead of the more common IELTS essay opening of writing a statement. There is also a clear point of view. Vocabulary and cohesion are very well-handled through synonyms: trained specialists for professionals; homeland for their countries; this controversial issue for the two opposing views, to mention just the more obvious features. Both sentences are complex and contain what many consider to be more advanced structures: passives should be obliged to; use of the gerund after the preposition, before going on.

Paragraph 2:

Those in favour of making graduates from these highly skilled professions stay and work in...

 

Meet Alex, a pharmacist from Poland. Alex is one of our recent IELTS students who jumped from band 6.5 to band 7 in writing within 3 weeks of joining our online IELTS Writing course.

In this episode, you will learn how we helped Alex score Band 7 in IELTS Writing after three unsuccessful tries.

You will learn:

* How Alex discovered the IELTS Podcast Writing Course

* How Alex found out what his writing was missing

* Why focusing only on vocabulary was not enough

Alex needed to pass IELTS because he received a life-changing job offer in Scotland.

Before discovering the IELTS Podcast, Alex had attempted the exam three times and scored 6.5 in writing each time but he needed Band 7 for his immigration plans.

The first three times he wrote the exam, Alex practised on his own using online resources, Youtube videos, and an online essay correction tool but this simply was not enough.

How Alex discovered the IELTS Podcast Writing Course

Before joining our course, Alex was convinced he could pass on his own because he only needed 0.5 points to get to his desired score but he was wrong.

After failing the exam three times, Alex was frustrated and finally decided to stop wasting money and get professional help to improve his writing.

A friend who was an IELTS Podcast student suggested that Alex enroll in our online course.

How Alex found out what his writing was missing

By using our online course, Alex discovered what his writing had been missing the whole time. We helped Alex find out that he was not answering the IELTS Writing questions completely and was losing points in task response.

The detailed feedback Alex received from our tutors helped him improve his use of vocabulary, punctuation, and task response. He was also taught our secret formula that helped him write high-scoring essays almost automatically

Alex recounts how important working with one of our experienced IELTS tutors was in helping him achieve IELTS success.

Why focusing only on vocabulary was not enough

Alex spent most of his IELTS preparation time focusing on building his vocabulary and grammar alone. However, he did not realize using complex vocabulary alone cannot help you pass IELTS. It is equally important to use this new vocabulary correctly and address all parts of the question in your answers.

The feedback he received from our ex-examiner tutor helped Alex find out what was missing in his writing and gave him tips to improve and pass IELTS. 

Conclusion

Alex joined our online course only THREE weeks before his IELTS exam and jumped from 6.5 to Band 7 in writing. He also scored 9 in Listening and Reading and 7 in Speaking.

We helped Alex score 7 and achieve success in IELTS Writing. 

We can do the same for you. Sign up for our Online IELTS Writing course today!

You can download or listen to the full tutorial here:

| Direct Download Here | Stitcher | iTunes | Spotify |

 

 

When preparing for the IELTS writing test, the most intelligent place to start is to understand how the essays will be marked. Students can easily avoid common mistakes and achieve a 7.0 or higher by fully understanding the 4 IELTS score components.

If you want to score well, understand the IELTS writing criteria first. In this post, we will look at each category and provide ways to boost your test score.

The Four Criteria 

The marking criteria fall into the following four equally weighted categories, each one makes up 25% of your overall writing score: 

* Task Achievement (Task 1) and Task Response (Task 2)

* Coherence and Cohesion 

* Lexical Resource 

* Grammatical Range and Accuracy 

Task Achievement (Task 1) and Task Response (Task 2) 

To get full marks in this category you need to do what the task asks you to do. Ask yourself the following questions:

* Did you answer the question being asked? 

* Did you answer all parts of the question? 

* In Task 1, did you clearly give details of the key features, trends and differences? 

* In Task 2, did you clearly justify your position and write in a direct fashion? 

Ways to boost your score in this area: 

* Don’t rush into writing! Allow yourself time to read and fully understand the question. Often you will have 2 or 3 points to consider/answer. Underline them! 

* Determine what type of question is being asked and use the right structure. The first paragraph should be the introduction. The last paragraph should be the conclusion. The middle two / three paragraphs should be your body paragraphs. 

* Include ALL of the key points in a graph/chart. Omitting important elements can lose you points. Again, spend time reviewing the chart before you start writing. 

* Remember to state your position/opinion in the introduction.

* Use examples to explain your position in more detail in the two middle supporting paragraphs. 

* Write at least 150 words for Task 1 and 250 words for Task 2. Task 2 contributes 2x as much as Task 1 so you may want to focus on it first. 

* Watch your timing and leave enough time to answer both essays. Allow 40 minutes for Task 2 and 20 minutes for Task 1.

Coherence and Cohesion 

In this category, the examiner is looking to see if you can: logically organize information and ideas. 

Clearly, progress from one thought to another. This should be achieved by using a range of cohesive devices throughout (i.e. connecting sentences with the appropriate phrases like ‘on the one hand’, ‘on the other hand’, ‘firstly, ‘secondly’, etc). 

Present a clear central topic within each paragraph when answering the Task 2 question. 

Ways to boost your score in this area: 

* Use an idea that will be easy and simple to write about. This is not the place to show off your creative thinking. Complex ideas are often too hard to communicate and will lose you points. 

* Present only one or two ideas in each paragraph. 

* Remember to clearly state your position in the introduction and make sure that each following paragraph links back to that. 

* Cohesion is not just using linking words, it is also using demonstratives, repetition, and transitions. This tutorial about cohesion and coherence covers all of these in greater detail. 

* Perfect your punctuation! Often essays become incoherent simply because commas and semicolons are in the wrong place or full stops are missing.

Lexical Response 

In this component, we are essentially looking at the vocabulary/words that you use in your essay. Here you need to: