Getting that Elusive 9: Speaking

So how do IELTS Niners do it? Below are the links to the articles I’ve been reading from the British Council site  that I think will be useful for our preparation for the speaking part. Hopefully this will all help us get that elusive nine for whatever reason we are trying to achieve them.

• Most Important Speaking Skill – This article provides information on: (1) The areas assessed during a Speaking Exam; (2) Tips on Pronunciation; and (3) Possible band scores relative to pronunciation.
• IELTS Interview Skills – This provides situational what-to-do videos. Sample videos are: (1) What do you do when you didn’t catch the facilitator’s question? And (2) What if the question seem like a yes-or-no question? I’m sure you’ll find the information here, interesting 🙂

There. I hope that helps. If you have other suggestions or pointers to share, post them on the comments below so we can help one another get that elusive 9.Ü

Getting that Elusive 9: Writing

So how do IELTS Niners do it? I’ve been going though some review materials and this is an update of the things I’m learning. Hopefully this will all help us get that elusive nine for whatever reason we are trying to achieve them.

WRITING:

• Just like any other section, this is a timed test.

TASK ONE

• Task One is  report based on some graphic information. It could be one of the five forms: line graph,  bar graph, pie chart, table or diagram illustrating a process. The shown information must be described in a report of no less than 150 words.
• In this task, you are not asked to give your opinion. Just describe the graph objectively.
• You might want to use the following Guidelines in crafting your answer:

Does the report have a suitable structure?

• Does it have an introduction, body and conclusion?
• Does it include connective words to make the writing cohesive within sentences and paragraphs?

Does the report user suitable grammar and vocabulary?

• Does it include a variety of sentence structure?
• Does it include a range of appropriate vocabulary?

Does the report meet the requirements of the task?

• Does it meet the word requirements?
• Does it describe the whole graph adequately?
• Does it focus on the important trends presented in the graph?

TASK TWO

• Task Two is an essay based on given topic. You should be able to create a writeup of no less than 250 words.
• The essay should have a structure: introduction, body and conclusion.
• Focus on the topic and avoid inconsistencies.
• Structure and cohesion should be evident within and between paragraphs and within and between  sentences.

There. I hope that helps. Next post will be for speaking. If you have other suggestions or pointers to share, post them on the comments below so we can help one another get that elusive 9.Ü

Getting that Elusive 9: Listening and Reading

So how do IELTS Niners do it? I’ve been going though some review materials and this is an update of the things I’m learning. Hopefully this will all help us get that elusive nine for whatever reason we are trying to achieve them.

LISTENING:

• Listen carefully (That’s obvious).
• The 1st 2 sections are on topics of general interest. Normally, the 1st is a dialogue and the 2nd is a monologue.
• Sections 3 and 4 focuses on education and training. It will either be a lecture or a discussion between 2 to 4 persons.
• To get a high score: PRACTICE.

READING

• Question types: Summary completion, Matching headings to paragraphs, Identifying the writer’s views, Multiple choice, Selecting factors, Table completion, Matching causes and effects, Sentence completion, Short answer questions.
• Read instructions carefully.
• Skim thought the questions so you will have an idea what information to look for in the text.
• While reading, note which sections of the text the questions cover.
• Mark the text. Mark names, dates, the words you saw from the questions and all other information you think is relevant to the questions you’ve read earlier.

There. I hope that helps. Next post will be for writing. If you have other suggestions or pointers to share, post them on the comments below so we can help one another get that elusive 9.Ü

P.S. Thanks to Rita for the spelling corrections.

Getting that Elusive 9

Few more weeks to go and we will be taking the IELTS again. According to our company, it is one of our main competencies so we must make sure we do well on this test. Truth be told, I could have opted not to worry about it. It’s not like I’m applying for immigration or won’t be accepted for a job abroad  if i don’t pass the test. But it has monetary implications for us so we prepare hard for it (This incentive put my brother to school and provide medical security for my parents).

So how do Niners do it? I’m going through some review materials and will update you of the things I’m learning. Hopefully this will all help us get that elusive nine for whatever reason we are trying to achieve them.

Be the best that you can be.
Carmi Salas-Sarte