IELTS Simon

IELTS Speaking Part 3: children's toys

Here are some questions related to last week's part 2 topic:

1. Do you think it's important for boys to play with "boys' toys" and for girls to only play with "girls' toys"?

I think boys naturally seem to prefer playing with "boys' toys" and girls with "girls' toys". When I was young I had toy cars, trucks, guns and things like that, whereas my sister always wanted to play with dolls. I don't suppose it really matters if a boy plays with a doll or a girl plays with a toy car, but children learn quickly what toys are supposed to be for boys and for girls.

2. Do you think it's good if parents only buy "educational" toys for their children?

No, I don't agree with only giving children educational toys. In my opinion, children learn by playing with whatever interests them. Children invent their own games, even if they don't have any toys at all. It's important for children just to have fun; there will be plenty of time for parents to worry about education when their children get older.

IELTS Writing Task 2: 'parents and children' topic

Many people believe that parents are not as close to their children as they used to be. Suggest some reasons why this could be true.

Here is an example paragraph about the above topic:

Parents and their children seem to be less close nowadays. Perhaps the main reason for this is that both parents often work full-time and therefore spend less time with their children. Whereas women traditionally stayed at home to cook, clean and look after children, many mothers now choose to work or are forced to do so. This means that children may be left alone, or with nannies or babysitters. Busy parents have less contact with their children and less energy to enjoy family activities. Many families no longer eat meals together, and children are given the freedom to go out with friends, watch television or chat on the Internet for hours.

Please note:
A full IELTS question would also ask you to suggest how families could become closer.

Some news from Simon

From September this year, I'm planning to teach IELTS classes from Monday to Friday here in Manchester.

Students will be able to attend part-time courses of between 4 and 10 hours per week, with lessons in the afternoon or early evening.

If you are serious about passing the IELTS exam and you live in Manchester, send me an email to find out more.

IELTS Speaking: describe a toy

Below, you can read an example description of a toy (for IELTS speaking part 2). See yesterday's lesson for the full question.

Lego Car Description:

One special toy that I remember getting was a Lego car. It was a birthday present from my parents. I can't remember exactly how old I was, but I was probably about 10 or 11.

The special thing about this car was that I had to build it myself out of hundreds of pieces of Lego. The pieces came in a box with a picture of the finished car on the front, and I had to follow step-by-step instructions to put all the pieces together in the correct way. This wasn't an easy task because the car even had an engine, movable seats and gears. It took me a day or two to make, and required a lot of concentration.

When the car was finished it looked great, and I felt a sense of accomplishment. I seem to remember that I didn't play with the car very much; the fun part had been the process of building it.

Don't just read this description once. Spend some time analysing it:

• Is the description well-organised and easy to follow?
• Can you find any good 'band 7' words or phrases?
• Could you write a similar description for a different toy?

IELTS Speaking Part 2: describe a toy

Aida sent me this difficult speaking question:

Describe a toy that was special to you when you were a child.
You should say:

- when you got it
- what it looked like
- who gave it to you
- and how you used it or played with it.

If you can't remember a real toy that you had, choose something simple like a toy car (typical boy's toy) or a doll (typical girl's toy). Both of these toys are easy to describe.

I'll write some example ideas about this topic tomorrow. If you have any suggestions, please share them in the "comments" area below.

IELTS Writing Task 2: 'genetic engineering' topic

Would you be able to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of genetic engineering? Here are some ideas from my ebook:

- Genetic engineering is the practice of manipulating the genes of an organism.
- It is used to produce crops that are more resistant to insects and diseases.
- Some genetically modified crops grow more quickly.
- Some drugs and vaccines are produced by genetic engineering.
- It may become possible to change a person's genetic characteristics.
- Scientists may use genetic engineering to cure diseases.
- Inherited illnesses would no longer exist.
- Genes could be changed before a baby is born.
- It could also be possible to clone human organs.
- We could have replacement body parts.
- Humans could live longer, healthier lives.

As you can see, I've only listed the advantages. Can you think of any disadvantages?

IELTS Grammar: some typical mistakes

Find 5 common mistakes in the paragraph below:

Some people believe that, all police officers should carry a gun. While, others disagree with this idea, and argue that it is intimidating to see armed police officers on the streets. From my view, the advantages of police officers carrying guns have overweighed the disadvantages. Because the police need to be able to protect both themselves and the general public.

Feel free to share your answers in the "comments" area below. I'll reveal the correct answers tomorrow.

IELTS Writing Task 1: describe a map

According to some students, 'map' questions have been popular in recent IELTS exams. There are 2 types of map:

1. A map that shows a comparison (see this lesson)
2. A map that shows development of an area.

For a good example of the second type of map, have a look at this question from Cambridge IELTS book 1 (go down to page 91), or look at the same map here.

To help you think about how to describe the map, answer these questions:

1. How could you paraphrase "the map shows the development of the village"?
2. How many periods of development are shown, and which period saw the most development?
3. What is the relationship between transport and the growth of the village?
4. How could you group the information in order to write two 'specific details' paragraphs?

I'll give you my answers to these questions tomorrow, and I'll write the full essay for next week.

IELTS Listening: world population

Watch this fascinating presentation about world population changes. It's full of good 'IELTS language'. I recommend watching with the subtitles on.

 

PS. The presenter is not a native English speaker, but his grammar is perfect. The only mistakes are in his pronunciation of 'digital' and 'nuclear'.

Yesterday's IELTS Questions

Here are yesterday's IELTS questions (UK and Ireland). Thanks to Zahra for sharing.

IELTS Writing Task 1
Charts showing production in different parts of the world from 1840 to 2000.

IELTS Writing Task 2
Should governments make decisions about people's lifestyle, or should people make their own decisions?

I'm not sure if the above question asked candidates to discuss both sides or whether it was an 'agree/disagree' question.

IELTS Essay Correction: July only

Many students have asked me to check their IELTS essays. For July only, I can offer this service, but I'm afraid it will not be free.

• For £20 I will give you a score and some advice. I will also correct your mistakes.
• For £10 I will give you a score and some advice (a short comment).

The prices above are for one essay (either task 1 or task 2). If you send me two essays, the price will be double.

So, if you want to check your writing progress, here's what you need to do:

1. Send me one essay (task 1 or task 2) by email. Put the essay in the email, not as an attachment. Tell me whether you want the £10 or £20 service.
2. I will send you an email with a link to pay me using PayPal.
3. When I receive the payment I will check your essay. I will try to return your essay the next day.

Hopefully, by using the website, the ebook, and now the essay correction service, you can make real progress with your writing this month.

If you have any questions, use the "comments" area below. To send an essay, email me at [email protected].

IELTS Writing Task 2: 'immigration' topic

What are the benefits and drawbacks of immigration or multi-cultural societies?

Here is a paragraph giving some of the economic benefits of immigration:

From an economic perspective, immigration can be extremely positive. Many immigrants have skills that are needed in the country they move to. For example, countries sometimes lack key workers like doctors and nurses, and immigration is therefore encouraged. Immigrants who find work contribute to the economy of their new country with the skills they bring and the taxes they pay. At the same time, many immigrants send money to help family members in their home country, therefore helping to boost that economy too.

Can you think of any social benefits of immigration? Are there any economic or social disadvantages?

PS. I'll send a few extra paragraphs about this topic to people on my email list (people who have bought the ebook).

Recent IELTS Tests

Here are some recent IELTS test questions. Thanks to Sachin and Aida for sharing.

IELTS Writing Task 1 (UK):

• Four pie charts showing the population divided into three age brackets in Yemen and Italy in the year 2000 and 2050.

IELTS Writing Task 2 (UK and Dubai):

• Learning a foreign language at primary school is better than learning a language at secondary school. Do you agree or disagree?
• Some students decide to work for a year or two before going to university or college, while others prefer to go straight into higher education. Which decision has more benefits?

IELTS Speaking Part 2 (UK and Dubai):

• Describe a modern building.
• Describe a TV or radio presenter that you like.