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 unique lesson will give you a free document 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 Academy: Reviews from our Students
I know how difficult it is choosing the IELTS course that’s right for you.To help you decide whether you’re a suitable candidate for one of our
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
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
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/Dq8N3MqJju0Below 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: 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: Your General Training Guide
This article will show you the differences between IELTS General Writing and IELTS Academy Writing and also show you exactly where to find all the
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: 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 material
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
Top 10 IELTS Articles of 2016
Here are the most popular IELTS posts, on my site, over the past year. Enjoy!Top 10 Most Common Task 2 Topics Writing Task 2 Structures
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 Task 2 Samples
Writing Task 2 Sample Answers: How should I use them? Writing Task 2 sample answers are great because they provide a good model for you to compare
5 Common Task 1 Mistakes That Stop You Getting Over a Band 6
Last month I launched our new writing correction service and after marking hundreds of Task 1 essays I noticed that most students make the same
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
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
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
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
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 Good Supporting Paragraph
Most IELTS task 2 essays follow the same basic four paragraph structure:Introduction Supporting Paragraph 1 Supporting Paragraph 2
IELTS Listening Practice
This post is about IELTS listening practice and how you can improve your listening skills at home. First, let me tell you a story…I was teaching a
IELTS Speaking Topics- Part 1
On this page, you will find common IELTS speaking topics and sample answers.My plan is to add to this about once a month, so please check back
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 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
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 they
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- Summary Completion
In these kinds of questions, 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 this IELTS reading question, you will be given a list of incomplete sentences with no endings and another list with possible endings. Your job is
IELTS Reading- Sentence Completion Tips and Strategy
In this kind of question, you will be given a number of sentences with gaps in them and asked to complete the sentences with words from the reading
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
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
25% of your marks in the writing and speaking tests come from using appropriate grammar structures that are error free. Unfortunately, when learning a
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 1Paraphrase questionParagraph 2Overview 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 dying out.Every year several languages die out. Some people think that
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
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
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
How to Write a Thesis Statement
This post will show you how to write a good thesis statement and how we need to vary them according to which kind of question we are asked in 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
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
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
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 PronunciationIf you look at the IELTS speaking marking criteria, you will notice that pronunciation makes up 25% of the total marks. In
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 essay and give you two sample answers.This will focus on IELTS task 2 opinion (agree or disagree)
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
