Mohammad S Alsoufi Mohammad S Alsoufi BSc, MSc, PhD Candidate BSc, MSc, PhD Candidate February 2010 February 2010 IELTS Preparation IELTS Preparation
Aug 19, 2014
Mohammad S AlsoufiMohammad S AlsoufiBSc, MSc, PhD CandidateBSc, MSc, PhD Candidate
February 2010February 2010
IELTS PreparationIELTS Preparation
What is IELTS? Test Format and Band Scores
LListening Academic RReading Academic WWriting
SSpeaking How to Apply
Visit WWW for Help Books for IELTS
OutlinesOutlines
What is IELTSWhat is IELTS
IELTSIELTS is the IInternational EEnglish LLanguage TTesting SSystem Designed to assess the English language ability of people who
intend to study or work where English is the language of communication
Total test time 2 hours and 45 minutes excluding brakes
Test Format & Band ScoresTest Format & Band Scores
Candidates are tested in LListening, RReading, WWriting and SSpeaking
LListeningistening, RReadingeading and WWritingriting must be completed in one day without break
SSpeakingpeaking can be completed within 7 days before or after the main test day
Test Format & Band ScoresTest Format & Band Scores
Test Format & Band ScoresTest Format & Band Scores
IELTS Band Score
ListeningListening
ListeningListening
The listening material is recorded on a cassette tape which you will hear only ONECONEC !!
A range of English accent are used At the end, Candidates will be given 10 minutes10 minutes to copy the
answers onto the answer sheet Spelling is important – can use both British and American
spelling Answer sheet has two sides One for Listening testOne for Listening test One for Reading testOne for Reading test
30 Minutes04 Sections40 Items
ListeningListening
When count words Prepositions (inin, ofof, toto, atat, etc) and Articles (aa, anan, thethe) do counts as a words Each question is worth one mark
The problemThe problem Getting lost !! The solutionThe solution Read ahead !!
30 Minutes04 Sections40 Items
Before Listening:Before Listening: Read the questions
Look at all the questions in each section Read the instructions carefully
Known the form of your answer Decide what listening for
Predict the answer Time available (20-30s20-30s 15s15s 30s30s)
30 Minutes04 Sections40 Items
ListeningListening
To do well in listening:To do well in listening: Key words Main topic Synonyms
30 Minutes04 Sections40 Items
ListeningListening
ListeningListening 30 Minutes04 Sections40 Items
Section 1:Section 1: Conversation (Two Speakers – based on social and semi-official context)
Section 2:Section 2: Monologue (A talk by a single speaker based on a non-academic situation, e.g. in a film, play etc…)
Section 3:Section 3: Conversation (Four Speakers - based on academic topics or course-related situations)
Section 4:Section 4: Lecture
ListeningListening 30 Minutes04 Sections40 Items
Types of questionsTypes of questions Label the diagram
ListeningListening 30 Minutes04 Sections40 Items
Types of questionsTypes of questions Complete the table must fill all gaps with answers to get one
mark
ListeningListening 30 Minutes04 Sections40 Items
Types of questionsTypes of questions Fill in the blank write no more than threethree words and/orand/or a
number for each answer
ListeningListening 30 Minutes04 Sections40 Items
Types of questionsTypes of questions Write a short answer write no more than fivefive words
ListeningListening 30 Minutes04 Sections40 Items
PAY ATTENTION !!!PAY ATTENTION !!! In Numbers: ‘0000’ sometimes is read as ‘double 0double 0’ instead of
‘zero-zerozero-zero’ The Last Word Counts:
Generalizations:
ListeningListening 30 Minutes04 Sections40 Items
PAY ATTENTION !!!PAY ATTENTION !!! For multiple-choice questions
ListeningListening 30 Minutes04 Sections40 Items
PAY ATTENTION !!!PAY ATTENTION !!! Copy the Example’s Style
Example 1:Example 1: 55%55% means (55%55%) not (‘55 Percent55 Percent’ or ‘fifty five fifty five percentpercent’)
Example 2:Example 2: FirstFirst means (FirstFirst) not (‘1st1st’ or ‘11’) Example 3:Example 3: always write the full version of Prof. June
Professor June
Academic ReadingAcademic Reading
Academic ReadingAcademic Reading 60 Minutes03 Sections40 Items
All candidates are required to read three texts of between 500500 and 900900 words each
The texts and questions increase in difficulty The answer and the record on the answer sheet within the 6060
minutes (Remember the guy with ZERO score) Each question is worth one mark
No penalty for wrong answers Spelling is important - can use both British and American
spelling
Academic ReadingAcademic Reading 60 Minutes03 Sections40 Items
Texts are taken from books, magazines, journals and newspapers, all written for a non-specialist audience
At least one of the text contains a detailed argument The problemThe problem Not having enough time
The SolutionThe Solution Time management ‘15-20-2515-20-25’ rule (1313+22, 1818+22, 2323+22)
Academic ReadingAcademic Reading 60 Minutes03 Sections40 Items
Types of questionsTypes of questions Summary Completion
60 Minutes03 Sections40 Items
Academic ReadingAcademic Reading
Types of questionsTypes of questions Matching headings to paragraphs
Types of questionsTypes of questions Identifying the writer’s views
Academic ReadingAcademic Reading 60 Minutes03 Sections40 Items
Types of questionsTypes of questions TTrue/FFalse/NNot GGiven
PAY ATTENTION !!!PAY ATTENTION !!! Each paragraph usually contains an answer to one question.
For example, if Q.1Q.1 in Paragraph AParagraph A, then Q.2Q.2 will probable be in Paragraph BParagraph B
Academic ReadingAcademic Reading 60 Minutes03 Sections40 Items
Types of questionsTypes of questions Multiple choice
Academic ReadingAcademic Reading 60 Minutes03 Sections40 Items
Types of questionsTypes of questions Table completion (using words taken from reading passage)(using words taken from reading passage)
Academic ReadingAcademic Reading 60 Minutes03 Sections40 Items
60 Minutes03 Sections40 Items
Academic ReadingAcademic Reading
Types of questionsTypes of questions Matching Causes and Effects
60 Minutes03 Sections40 Items
Academic ReadingAcademic Reading
Types of questionsTypes of questions Sentence Completion (using words taken from the reading (using words taken from the reading
passage)passage)
Short answer questions
Academic WritingAcademic Writing
Academic WritingAcademic Writing
Allocate about 20 minutes Task 1Task 1 Allocate about 40 minutes Task 2Task 2
Task 2 is worth more marks Task 1:Task 1: write description of at least 150 words based on
material found in a chart, table, graph or diagram Task 2:Task 2: essay of at least 250 words in response to a statement
or question
60 Minutes02 Sections400 Words
Academic WritingAcademic Writing 60 Minutes02 Sections400 Words
Task 1 - TipsTask 1 - Tips Do not copy phrases from the question
Do not include information not in the graph or picture Do not take more than 20 minutes
Do not forget to leave time to read it through
Academic WritingAcademic Writing
Task 1 - ExamplesTask 1 - Examples
Flow ChartFlow Chart
Bar Chart/Bar Bar Chart/Bar GraphGraph
Pie ChartPie Chart
GraphGraph
DiagramDiagram
TableTable
Academic WritingAcademic Writing 60 Minutes02 Sections400 Words
Task 1 – The Language of ChangeTask 1 – The Language of Change
Academic WritingAcademic Writing 60 Minutes02 Sections400 Words
Task 1 – The Language of ChangeTask 1 – The Language of Change
Academic WritingAcademic Writing 60 Minutes02 Sections400 Words
Task 1 – The Language of ChangeTask 1 – The Language of Change
Academic WritingAcademic Writing 60 Minutes02 Sections400 Words
Task 1 – The Language of ChangeTask 1 – The Language of Change
Academic WritingAcademic Writing 60 Minutes02 Sections400 Words
Task 1 – The Language of ChangeTask 1 – The Language of Change
Academic WritingAcademic Writing 60 Minutes02 Sections400 Words
Task 1 – The Language of ChangeTask 1 – The Language of Change
Academic WritingAcademic Writing 60 Minutes02 Sections400 Words
Task 1 – The Language of ChangeTask 1 – The Language of Change
D
B
60 Minutes02 Sections400 Words
Academic WritingAcademic Writing
Task 1 (Example)Task 1 (Example) You should spend about 20 minutes on this task
The graph below gives information about changes in the birth The graph below gives information about changes in the birth and death rates in New Zealand between 1901 and 2101and death rates in New Zealand between 1901 and 2101
Write a report for a university lecturer describing the information shown below
The graph shows changes in the birth and death rates in New Zealand since 1901, and forecasts trends up until 2101
Between 1901 and the present day, the birth rate has been consistently higher than the death rate. It stood at 20,000 at the
start of this period and increased to a peak of 66,000 in 1961. Since then, the rate has fluctuated between 65 and 50 thousand and it is
expected to decline slowly to around 45,000 births by the end of the century
In contrast, the death rate started below 10,000 and has increased steadily until the present time. This increase is expected to be
more rapid between 2021 and 2051 when the rate will probably level off at around 60,000 before dropping slightly in 2101
Overall, these opposing trends mean that the death rate will probably overtake the birth rate in around 2041 and the large gap
between the two levels will be reversed in the later part of this century
Intro
duct
ion
Mai
n Bo
dyCo
nclu
sion
60 Minutes02 Sections400 Words
Academic WritingAcademic Writing
60 Minutes02 Sections400 Words
Academic WritingAcademic Writing
Task 2 - TipsTask 2 - Tips Study question carefully
Underline key points Quickly brainstorm the topic
Decide on the main points and supporting details Organise points in a plan
Structure according to the type of essay
60 Minutes02 Sections400 Words
Academic WritingAcademic Writing
Task 2 - TypesTask 2 - Types Arguments
Advantages and Disadvantages Problems and Solutions
60 Minutes02 Sections400 Words
Academic WritingAcademic Writing
Task 2 – Strength of ClaimTask 2 – Strength of Claim
60 Minutes02 Sections400 Words
Academic WritingAcademic Writing
Task 2 – Examples of Different StructuresTask 2 – Examples of Different Structures
60 Minutes02 Sections400 Words
Academic WritingAcademic Writing
Task 2 (Example)Task 2 (Example) You should spend about 40 minutes on this task
Dealing with juvenile delinquencyDealing with juvenile delinquency
Youth Crime Low Class in Inner City Areas Custody Approved School and Remand School Community Service Punishment Behaviour Attitude
SpeakingSpeaking
SpeakingSpeaking
Time: 11 – 14 minutes Individual oral interview (Three PartsThree Parts)
All Speaking tests are recordedHow the speaking component is assessedHow the speaking component is assessed
Fluency and Coherence Vocabulary
Grammatical Range and Accuracy Pronunciation
Transition signals
SpeakingSpeaking
When you entre the exam room:When you entre the exam room: Smile and act confident
Look at the examiner in the eyes Confidently introduce yourself
Eliminate nervous gestures Wear smart clothing
Remember !!!Remember !!! Speak clearly
Project your voice Avoid repeating phrases
Always say more than Yes or No !!
Part 1 (Introduction)Part 1 (Introduction) This section of the test lasts 4-5 minutes and in it you may
need to give longer answers to questions to ensure you display your best ability
SpeakingSpeaking
Part 2 (Individual Talk)Part 2 (Individual Talk) Candidate is given a verbal prompt on a card and is asked to
talk on a particular topic. 1 minute preparation time before speaking at length for up to 2 minutes
The examiner then asks 1 or 2 rounding-off questions
SpeakingSpeaking
Part 3 (Discussion Topics)Part 3 (Discussion Topics) The examiner and candidate engage in a discussion of more
abstract issue and concepts which are linked to the topic in Part 2
The discussion lasts between 4 and 5 minutes
SpeakingSpeaking
Part 3 (Discussion Topics)Part 3 (Discussion Topics)Examples:Examples:
Can you tell me more about that? Please explain ? Yes, that would be fine
Well, the first thingthing/ideaidea that comes to mind is ......
You mentioned ... Why do you say that? Actually, that is difficult question to answer;
nevertheless, in my opinion ......
SpeakingSpeaking
SpeakingSpeaking
Part 3 (Discussion Topics)Part 3 (Discussion Topics) Be prepared to speculate about the future
How to ApplyHow to Apply
An application form Bring your original valid passport
Two photos (passport size) and the background must be white or light blue only
The IELTS test fee
Visit WWW for helpVisit WWW for help
IELTS Academic Reading helpwww.cambridgeesol.org/teach/ielts/academic_reading
IELTS Writing helpwww.cambridgeesol.org/teach/ielts/academic_writing
IELTS listening helpwww.cambridgeesol.org/teach/ielts/listening
IELTS speaking helphttp://www.cambridgeesol.org/teach/ielts/speaking
Scott’s English Success
Books for IELTSBooks for IELTS
Recommended study materials for students who want an IELTS score of 6.5 or higher
Questions !Questions !