IELTS Simon

IELTS Writing Task 2: 'children' topic

What problems do children face in today's world? What should we do to address or solve these problems?

Here are some ideas from my ebook to get you thinking about this topic:

• The lack of closeness in families can have a negative effect on children.
• Many parents have no idea how their children spend their time.
• Friends, television and the Internet have become the main influences on children’s behaviour.
• Teenagers are influenced by peer pressure.
• Juvenile delinquency is on the increase.
• Parents should be more involved with their children’s upbringing.
• Young people need positive role models.

Can you think of any more problems that children face, or suggest other solutions? Is it the responsibility of parents, schools or governments to tackle these problems?

IELTS Listening: good websites

I've used a lot of videos from ted.com on this website. Here's another really good website for interesting videos: fora.tv

Of course, these are not IELTS websites, but you will not improve your listening skills by doing IELTS tests alone.

If you need to use English for study or work purposes, you should do as much listening as possible. Have a look at fora.tv and tell me what you think.

Yesterday's IELTS Questions

Here are some of the questions from yesterday's IELTS test in the UK. Thanks to Zahra and Riyad for sharing.

IELTS Writing Task 1
Two pie charts about the main causes for choosing University among students aged 14-16 and students aged 16 or more.

IELTS Writing Task 2
Some people think that governments should spend money on road systems, while others think that drivers should pay. Discuss both points of view.

IELTS Speaking Part 2
Talk about your favourite TV programme.

IELTS Writing Task 2: public/private healthcare

A recent IELTS Writing Task 2 question was about the advantages and disadvantages of private healthcare. Here are some ideas from my ebook:

State Health Systems: Advantages

• Good healthcare should be available to everyone for free.
• State healthcare is paid by the government using money from taxes.
• Everyone has access to the same quality of care and treatment.
• Private healthcare is unfair because only wealthy people can afford it.
• The National Health Service in the UK provides free healthcare for every resident. (use this as an example)

Private Healthcare: Advantages

• State hospitals are often very large and difficult to run.
• Private hospitals have shorter waiting lists for operations and appointments.
• Patients can benefit from faster treatment.
• Many people prefer to pay for a more personal service.
• Patients have their own room and more comfortable facilities.

Note:
You can use the advantages of state healthcare when discussing the disadvantages of private healthcare.

Recent IELTS Questions

Here are some IELTS exam questions from the last few weeks:

IELTS Writing Task 2:
- Many people claim that massive investment in technology for space exploration is a waste of money. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
- Do the disadvantages of private health care outweigh the advantages?

IELTS Writing Task 1:
- Table about population, birth rate and elderly people
- Bar chart showing how 4 countries deal with waste (landfill, burn, biological treatment, recycling)

IELTS Speaking Part 2:
- Describe a film
- Describe a hobby
- Describe traditional music in your country

Advice:
You don't need to know anything about space exploration for the first question. I would just agree that it's a waste of money, and argue that governments should spend this money on schools, hospitals etc.

IELTS Writing Task 1: general to specific

My IELTS Writing Task 1 essays follow a "general to specific" structure.

• The introduction is the most general part of the essay; it simply tells the reader what the graph is about.
• Then I write a paragraph about the main points or a general trend.
• Finally, I write 2 paragraphs describing specific facts or figures.
• I don't write a conclusion because I have already summarised the information in paragraph 2.

Look at the graph below. First, make sure you understand it. Then look for a general trend. Finally, select specific points on the graph to describe in detail.

IELTS Listening: the learning revolution

Here's another good video from ted.com. The presenter speaks very clearly, but it's still a good idea to turn the subtitles on.