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IELTS Course

Which IELTS Course Should I Choose?

There is no such thing as one IELTS course or school that is perfect for everyone. Therefore, you must find out what kind of tuition suits YOUR

5 Ways to Improve Your IELTS Speaking Preparation

We recently posted a video which featured the top 5 ways you can improve your IELTS speaking preparation. This advice came straight from our former

IELTS Writing Task 2: 8 Steps to Success

Do you need to improve your Writing Task 2 score but don't know where to start? This article will give you a free slideshow that will guide you

5 Things You Need to Know about IELTS Vocabulary

A strong vocabulary is a vital tool for anyone that needs to improve their IELTS skills. In this week’s blog post, I’ll highlight 5 things you must

How to Talk About an Unfamiliar Topic in IELTS Speaking

It’s common for IELTS students to worry about getting an unfamiliar topic on the speaking exam. However, this article will outline the reasons why

VIP Course: Reviews from our Students

I know how difficult it is choosing the IELTS course that’s right for you. There are so many different IELTS websites out there that it can be

How long will it take me to get Band ‘X’?

Do you need to prepare for the IELTS exam but have no idea how long it will take you? Perhaps you fear that you’re running out of time before your

How to get the IELTS score you need

This article is only intended for those that wish to improve their IELTS scores by investing the time and energy required. Are you tired of

IELTS Beginners: Do I Need Help From a Teacher?

Designed to answer one of the most frequently asked questions we receive, this article will help you decide whether you need a professional’s help to

IELTS Beginners: Which Methods Should I Follow for Writing and Speaking?

This article will direct you towards the best methods you should use to improve your Writing and Speaking skills from home. If you’re completely new

IELTS Beginners: What is IELTS?

This post is the first of a five-part series for IELTS beginners, designed to answer some of the most commonly asked questions we get about the IELTS

How to Complete IELTS Reading in Less than an Hour

One of the most challenging parts of IELTS Reading is completing it within the time that you are allocated. With just one hour to complete 40

IELTS Tips and Tricks

If you are reading this article, it is because you are looking for some easy tips and tricks to prepare you for the IELTS exam. However, before we get

How to Get Band 7+ in 5 Steps

Do you need to score a high band in the IELTS exam but don’t know how to achieve it? This post will highlight a simple five-step strategy you must

Which test is better for medical Professionals?

IELTS vs. OET: Which is better for medical professionals?

The NMC and GMC now accept both IELTS and OET as proof that you can use the English language to the required level. With this news, I've had a huge

IELTS Writing Task 2- Coherence and Cohesion

https://youtu.be/Dq8N3MqJju0 Below is a transcript of the video above:  Hey, guys. Chris here from ieltsadvantage.com. Today, what we're going

7 Ways to Use IELTS Speaking Sample Questions

Of all the stupid things you can do while preparing for your IELTS test, and there are quite a few of them, collecting lots of IELTS Speaking sample

IELTS Writing Practice

IELTS Writing Practice: Improving Your Writing Score

IELTS Writing practice is essential for anyone who wants to improve their score, but you must know where to find real IELTS questions and you must

IELTS general writing

IELTS General Writing: Your General Training Guide

This article will show you the differences between IELTS General Writing and IELTS Academic Writing and also show you exactly where to find all the

IELTS Reading practice

IELTS Reading Practice: Practice at Home for Free

IELTS reading practice tests are freely available on the internet and you can also use any reading material to sharpen your reading skills before your

IELTS Speaking Practice

IELTS Speaking Practice: How To Practice For Free

IELTS speaking practice can be tricky. You know you need to practice in order to improve, but you probably have no idea how to practice effectively or

IELTS Practice: Your Ultimate Free Guide

This article will tell you everything you need to know about practising for the IELTS exam, including:  How to find the best practice

Governments should spend more money on railways rather than roads- Sample Answer

Governments should spend more money on railways rather than roads. To what extent do you agree or disagree? One of my students attempted this

Using Collocations to Boost Your IELTS Score

The correct use of collocations is an essential part of improving your English level and boosting your IELTS score. Using collocations correctly

25 Most Frequently Asked Questions

I get around 1000 questions per day from students through email and during my Facebook Live sessions. Nearly all of them are one of the 25 below, so I

A Guide to Telling the IELTS Examiner Lies

I was chatting to an IELTS examiner about things that stop students doing well on their speaking and writing tests and one thing he said was really

7 Ways Idioms Can LOWER Your IELTS Score

7 Ways Idioms Can LOWER Your IELTS Score

I probably get asked more questions about idioms than any other single thing. Every day I get questions like: Will using idioms increase my score?

IELTS Reading

How to Improve IELTS Reading and Listening Skills

Students often ask me 'How do I improve my reading and listening skills?' The short answer is 'Read and listen more.' However, this is not a very

IELTS Reading – Skimming and Scanning

Skimming and scanning are two of the most misunderstood and misused skills in the whole IELTS test. This is mostly down to poor advice from teachers

Is Writing Task 1 Important?

Is Writing Task 1 Important?

At least once a week I get a student who emails me saying that they got a 6.5 yet again and they are stuck on this score. When we look at the main

Recent Confusing Questions

Recent Confusing Questions

A lot of you send me your Writing questions after you do your exam. Recently, there have been a few very confusing questions. One student even emailed

Speaking Part 3 Tips

Speaking Part 3 Tips

After your 2 minute monologue in Part 2 of the Speaking test, the examiner will ask you around 4-5 more abstract questions about the same general

IELTS Speaking Part 2 Tips

IELTS Speaking Part 2 Tips

Many consider Speaking Part 2 to be the most difficult part of the IELTS Speaking test because it is a monologue. A monologue is different from the

IELTS Speaking Part 1- Dos and Don'ts

IELTS Speaking Part 1- Dos and Don’ts

Speaking Part 1 lasts between 4-5 minutes and you will be asked questions about familiar topics, such as: Your job/studies Your family Your

Easy Ways to Extend Your Part 1 Answers

This article will look at how long your answers should be in Part 1 of the Speaking test and some simple ways to make your answers better. I am often

Using Personal Pronouns in IELTS Essays

Using Personal Pronouns in IELTS Essays

Last week I produced a video of me writing an IELTS essay live and I got lots of great feedback, but also some negative emails too. I love to receive

IELTS Writing Samples

One of the most misunderstood aspects of IELTS preparation is how to use IELTS writing samples. IELTS Writing Sample Answers: How should I use

5 Common Task 1 Mistakes That Stop You Getting Over a Band 6

5 Common IELTS Writing Task 1 Mistakes That Stop You From Getting Over a Band 6

After marking hundreds of Task 1 reports on my VIP Course, I've noticed that most students make the same mistakes over and over that prevent them from

Band 9 Student Answer With Examiner’s Report

My essay correction service has been running for just over a month now and I was delighted to mark my first Band 9 essay yesterday. This is truly a

The Danger of Synonyms

Introduction Synonyms are different words that have exactly the same or nearly the same meaning, such as male and man or third-level education and

Task 1 Sample Answer: Abroad Students

The chart below shows the percentage change in the share of international students among university graduates in different Canadian provinces between

Cohesive Devices

Introduction Cohesive devices, sometimes called linking words, linkers, connectors, discourse markers or transitional words, are one of the most

Agree or Disagree Sample Essay - Arts at Primary Level

Agree or Disagree Sample Essay – Arts at Primary Level

Some say that music, art and drama are as important as other school subjects, especially at the primary level. Do you agree or disagree? It is argued

Agree or Disagree Sample Essay- Technology

Life was better when technology was simpler. To what extent do you agree and disagree? It is argued that our lives were more fulfilling when

Using Examples in Writing Task 2

Introduction If you look at the official Writing Task 2 Marking Criteria you will notice that to get a Band 9 you must: present a fully developed

Discuss Both Views Sample Essay- Mixed Schools

Some people think that it is better to educate boys and girls in separate schools. Others, however, believe that boys and girls benefit more from

IELTS Pronunciation Guide

Introduction On the IELTS Speaking test you will be graded on four different things: Vocabulary (25%) Grammar (25%) Fluency and Coherence

Advantages and Disadvantages Sample Essay

Multinational companies are becoming increasingly common in developing countries.  What are the advantages and disadvantages of this? More and more

IELTS Writing Task 1: Process Questions

Introduction In Part 1 of the IELTS Writing test, you might be asked to describe a process. IELTS Task 1 process questions are not as common as

A Problem Solution Essay

Below is a problem solution essay that achieved a band score of 9. I have also included an examiner’s report to help you understand how this candidate

Aim of Education – IELTS Task 2 Sample Answer

Some people believe the aim of university education is to help graduates get better jobs. Others believe there are much wider benefits of university

Teenage Years – IELTS Task 2 Essay

This post gives you a band 9 sample answer and a structure to help you answer questions like this on test day. It is a General Training essay but is

IELTS Listening- Summary Completion Lesson

This lesson will help you prepare for the IELTS listening test by familiarising you with summary completion questions, giving you some tips and a

IELTS Task 2 Essay- Some people believe that unpaid community…

Some people believe that unpaid community service should be a compulsory part of high school programmes (for example working for a charity, improving

How to Write Effective IELTS Conclusions

This post will help you write effective conclusions for IELTS writing task 2 essay questions. It is suitable for both General Training and Academic

Writing Task 2 Sample Essay- Public Health

Some people say that the best way to improve public health is by increasing the number of sports facilities. Others, however, say that this would have

IELTS Reading- Short Answer Questions

This post will help you answer short answer questions more effectively by looking at a sample question, identifying common problems and giving you a

IELTS Listening- Multiple Choice Questions

This post will show you how to effectively answer multiple choice questions in the IELTS listening test. It will show you the three different types of

IELTS Listening- Labeling a Map or Plan

This post will help you answer labeling map or plan IELTS questions more effectively by looking at common problems, useful language and giving you a

How To Write an Informal IELTS Letter

This post will show you how to write an informal IELTS letter to a friend in task 1 of the General Training module. If you are doing the Academic

How To Write a Formal IELTS Letter

This post will show you how to write a formal letter in task 1 of the IELTS writing test. This post is for students doing the General Training module.

IELTS Letter Writing Tips

This post will help you to write better letters in task 1 of the General Training IELTS paper. If you are doing the Academic module please take a look

Introduction to IELTS Writing Task 1 Video Lesson

The British Council have some great videos about the IELTS test. I decided to use one of them to introduce task 1 (academic) to a new

How to Prepare for IELTS Speaking

This article will show you how to prepare for the IELTS speaking test. Understand the Speaking Test Format This might seem like an obvious point, but

IELTS Speaking Tips

These are the speaking tips I share with all of my IELTS classes. You can use these tips for speaking in both the academic and general IELTS

IELTS Bar Chart Sample Essay

Static or Dynamic? Before writing an IELTS task 1 bar chart or line graph answer it is important that we analyse the question correctly. Taking a few

Some people think that universities should provide graduates….Task 2 Band 9 Sample Essay

Some people think that universities should provide graduates with the knowledge and skills needed in the workplace. Others think that the true

IELTS Advantages and Disadvantages Essay Lesson

IELTS advantages and disadvantages questions normally give you a statement and ask you to comment on the advantages and disadvantages of that

An IELTS Task 2 Essay Most Students Got Wrong

I recently gave this question for homework to a very high-level class and unfortunately lots of them failed to answer the question correctly. This led

How to Write a Task 2 Main Body Paragraph

Most IELTS task 2 essays follow the same basic four paragraph structure: Introduction Supporting Paragraph 1 Supporting Paragraph 2

IELTS Listening Practice

IELTS Listening Practice - What you NEED to know! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jWxeXGyP7-g If you need to score a Band 7, 8 or 9 in IELTS

IELTS Speaking Topics

On this page, you will find common IELTS Speaking topics and sample answers. You should not memorise answers and if the examiner thinks that you

IELTS Writing Tips

These are IELTS writing tips for people doing the academic paper, but you will also find them useful for the general paper. Most of these tips are for

IELTS Task 1- How to Write an Overview

The overview is probably the most important paragraph in the whole essay. In fact, as we will see later in this post, it is very difficult to score 7

IELTS Task 1 Multiple Graphs

This post will help you answer task 1 questions that feature more than one graph. A common question on the IELTS academic task 1 paper asks you to

IELTS task 2 band 9

IELTS Task 2 Band 9 Sample Essay- Student Behaviour

Here is a sample band 9 task 2 essay on the topic of student behaviour. In many countries schools have severe problems with student behaviour.

IELTS Task 2 Sample Answer- Health and Fitness

In some countries the average weight of people is increasing and their levels of health and fitness are decreasing. What do you think are the

IELTS Writing Task 2 Problem and Solution Essay Lesson

Problem Solution Essay This lesson on how to write a problem solution essay will: discuss common mistakes; show you how to analyse the

IELTSSpeed Reading: How to Increase Your Reading Speed

Many students fail to finish the IELTS Reading test because they read at a very slow pace. The two main reasons for this are poor exam technique and

Using Idioms in the IELTS Speaking Test

One of the things that separate native English speakers from those learning the language is the correct use of idioms. In the IELTS speaking test,

IELTS Reading – Matching Information to Paragraphs

Matching Information to Paragraphs In this kind of question, you are asked to match statements to paragraphs in the reading text. Click here for an

Secret to Getting a 9 on the IELTS Reading Test

Let me tell you a secret. The IELTS reading test is not really a reading test. Sure you need to use reading skills like skimming and scanning but,

IELTS Reading – Matching Names Tips and Strategy

In IELTS Reading matching names questions, you will be asked to match someone's name, normally an expert, researcher or scientist, to a statement. In

IELTS Reading- Summary Completion

In summary completion question types, you will be given a summary of information from the text and there will be some gaps in that summary. You will

IELTS Reading- Matching Sentence Endings Tips and Strategy

In IELTS reading, might be asked to complete a 'matching sentence endings' question type. In this question, you will be given a list of incomplete

IELTS Reading- Sentence Completion Tips and Strategy

In sentence completion question types, you will be given a number of sentences with gaps in them and asked to complete the sentences with words from

IELTS Reading- Labeling a Diagram Tips and Strategy

On the IELTS reading test, you might get a question that asks you to label a diagram. This post will: show you examples look at common

Task 2 Discussion Essay Sample (Student Rewards)

This question came up last weekend in Vietnam. Below is a sample answer. What band score would you give it? Remember that the examiner will give you

Technology Vocabulary

Below are 20 word circles containing common words associated with technology. They contain meanings, example sentences, collocations and synonyms to

Top 10 IELTS Grammar Mistakes and How To Avoid Them

When helping students prepare for the IELTS test, one of the biggest fears is how to do well in IELTS Grammar. IELTS Grammar is assessed in both

Difference Between Band 5 and 8 in IELTS Writing Task 2 – Band Scores Explained

This post explains the difference between band 5 and band 8 task 2 answers. One of the keys to success in the IELTS writing test is understanding

IELTS Task 2 Sample Essay – Young and Old People in the Job Market

Nowadays more and more people have to compete with young people for the same jobs. What problems does this cause? What are some possible

IELTS Task 1 Process- Cement and Concrete Production

Below is a sample band 9 answer to a process task 1 question on concrete production. Source: Cambridge English IELTS Past Papers. Question-

Writing Task 1 Pie Chart Answer (Italy and Yemen Populations)

This post features a sample band 9 task 1 pie chart answer and examiner feedback. Below is a writing task 1 pie chart question on the changing

25 Free Online Language Learning Tools

These days there are lots of online resources to help you learn English at home for free. Although the best resource is always a good teacher, you

Writing Task 1 Line Graph Sample Answer (US Consumption of Energy)

Below is a sample Task 1 question on line graphs. It uses the following structure. Paragraph 1 Paraphrase question Paragraph 2 Overview of

Every Year Several Languages Die Out- Task 2 Sample Answer

Here is a sample band 9 IELTS task 2 answer on the topics of languages for you. Every year several languages die out. Some people think that it is

Every Year Several Languages Die Out- Task 2 Sample Answer

Here is a sample band 9 IELTS task 2 answer on the topics of languages dying out. Every year several languages die out. Some people think that it

IELTS Task 1 Charts Sample Answer (UK Telephone Calls)

Here is a band 9 sample answer for you and question analysis. Question: The chart below shows the total number of minutes (in billions) of

IELTS Task 2 Discussion Essay Including Examiner’s Report

Here are two sample IELTS task 2 answers on the topic of who should look after children during the day when parents are working. Last week I posted

IELTS Speaking Part 3- 7 Common Questions

This post will help you prepare for the IELTS speaking test by learning 7 common question types and the language we use to talk about them. IELTS

Examples of Task 2 Discussion Essays

This question was recently on the IELTS academic paper in Vietnam. The topic is childcare. Some parents think that childcare centres provide the best

how to write an ielts thesis statement

How to Write a Thesis Statement

This post will show you how to write a strong IELTS thesis statement. It will also explain why you should vary your thesis statement according to the

How to Paraphrase in the IELTS Test

Paraphrasing is an essential IELTS skill. This post will show you how to paraphrase effectively. Paraphrasing is simply re-writing a phrase or

24 Hour English Warm Up

What do singers, athletes and actors all do before they perform? They warm up. Why? To improve their performance. This is exactly the same in the

IELTS Writing- How To Write a Complex Sentence

Introduction One of the biggest mistakes students make in IELTS writing is to try and show off and be overly ambitious with their grammar. This is

Improving IELTS Listening Through Connected Speech

Ask your IELTS students which skill they are most worried about and listening will probably be top of the list. Most courses seem to put most emphasis

IELTS Speaking Part 3 Guide

This post will cover: what to do if you don't understand the question what to do if you can't think of an answer how to extend your answer One

IELTS Writing Task 1 Maps Lesson

Introduction This guide on IELTS Writing Task 1 maps questions will cover: Different kinds of map question Structure Describing specific

How many words should I write in the IELTS exam?

This is one of the most common questions my students ask me and it is always interesting to hear how many different opinions there

IELTS Reading Tips

These are the 10 IELTS reading tips I share with all of my IELTS classes. First, let's look at an overview so we can understand what the reading paper

Helping IELTS Students Practice Phonetics at Home for Free

IELTS Pronunciation If you look at the IELTS speaking marking criteria, you will notice that pronunciation makes up 25% of the total marks. In other

Writing Task 2 Discuss Both Views Essay Lesson

Introduction This lesson will help you answer IELTS Writing Task 2 discussion (or discuss both views and give your opinion) questions. These

Task Two Agree or Disagree Sample Essays

This article will help you answer task 2 opinion essays and give you two sample answers. This will focus on IELTS task 2 opinion (agree or

Top 10 IELTS Misconceptions That Stop People Getting a High Score

If you spend enough time as an IELTS teacher you will hear some pretty crazy ‘facts’ about the IELTS test. Every term I hear the same myths and below

Writing Task 1 Sample Answer- Process Question

Here is a band 9 IELTS task 2 sample answer for you about the process of silk production. In the IELTS Writing Task 1, you may get one of 7

IELTS Writing Task 1 Grammar and Vocabulary Guide

This article will help you improve your score for IELTS Writing Task 1 vocabulary and grammar. Firstly, you should know that the IELTS writing test

IELTS Writing Task 1- Charts Lesson

This post will cover: Common Problems Different Kinds of Chart Question What IELTS Examiners Expect Structure Identifying Main

Education Vocabulary

Below are twenty words associated with one of the most common IELTS topics- education. They are represented visually and include meanings, form,

Environment Vocabulary

Below are twenty words associated with one of the most common IELTS topics- the environment. They are represented visually and include meanings, form,

Health Vocabulary

Below are twenty words associated with one of the most common IELTS topics- health. They are represented visually and include meanings, form,

How to Think of Ideas for Writing Task 2

This post will show you my strategies for thinking of better ideas for Writing Task 2 questions. One of the biggest fears students have is opening

Understanding and Analyzing IELTS Writing Task 2 Questions

This article will help you understand IELTS writing questions and answer these questions more effectively. One of the main reasons students fail to

HOW TO WRITE A BAND 8 INTRODUCTION

IELTS Writing Task 2: How To Write an Effective Introduction

IELTS Writing Task 2 Introduction https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=phcPyRYcaI4 Did you know that a strong introduction can make the difference

10 Most Common IELTS Writing Task 2 Topics

The post will give you the 10 most common IELTS Writing Task 2 topics. IELTS Writing Topics A question my students keep asking, again and again,

IELTS Reading Matching Headings

This article will help you match headings more effectively in the IELTS reading test. In the IELTS reading test you may be asked to match headings

IELTS Writing Task 2 Essay Structures

IELTS Task 2 Essay Structures Knowing how to structure your IELTS Writing Task 2 essay is an essential skill that can make the difference between the

IELTS Speaking Part 2 Strategy

This post will help you give better answers in part 2 of the IELTS speaking test. In IELTS speaking part 2 you will be given a topic or cue card

IELTS Listening Form Filling Question Tips

In the first section of the IELTS listening test there is often a form filling question. Normally the answers will be one or two words long and will

10 Great Ways to Learn English at Home for Free

I'm about to reveal to you THE biggest difference between students who get the band score they want and the those who fail to meet

IELTS Writing Task 1 Tips

Here are some examiner-approved Task 1 tips for you. At the school I work in they run an IELTS academic writing course. I love teaching this course

IELTS Agree or Disagree Writing Lesson with a Sample Answer

Agree or Disagree Essays: IELTS Writing Task 2 Lesson This lesson will teach you how to write 'agree or disagree' or 'opinion' IELTS task 2 essays

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