IELTS Simon

IELTS Grammar: more mistakes!

Try to correct the mistakes in the following sentences:

1. I am completely agree that job satisfaction for workers are important.
2. On the other side, maybe it is difficult for all workers to be happy in their jobs.
3. Although, we all need to work in order to pay our bills etc, but we also need to enjoy our jobs.

Be careful with "although". Most English learners make mistakes with this word.

IELTS Writing Task 1: active & passive for processes

When describing a process, verbs may be 'active' or 'passive'.

Active: A chicken lays an egg.
Passive: An egg is laid (by a chicken).

We often use the active to describe a natural process and the passive to describe a man-made process. The sentences below come from this lesson. I've underlined the active and passive verbs.

Life cycle (natural process):
The adult moth lays its eggs.
The silkworm larva produces silk thread.

Production of silk cloth (man-made process):
The cocoon is boiled in water.
The silk thread is unwound, twisted and then dyed.

IELTS Writing Task 2: 'robots' topic

A student sent me this question:

Some people believe that robots will play an important role in future societies, while others argue that robots might have negative effects on society.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Today my students planned an essay for this topic. The photo below shows the ideas they had in the lesson:

IELTS Reading: paragraph headings test

Today I'm attaching a 'paragraph headings' question.

The best technique for these questions is to do the shortest paragraphs first. Do long paragraphs last when you have fewer headings to choose from.

Here's the question: Download paragraph headings question
Please leave your answers in the "comments" area.

IELTS Grammar: find the mistakes

Correct the mistakes in the sentences below.

1. With developments in nuclear technology, the risk of accidents are being reduced.
2. Scientists need to make more researches to improve the safety of nuclear power stations.
3. Using of nuclear power not only does it produce cheap electricity, but also it does not have any pollution.

I'll put my answers in the "comments" area tomorrow.

IELTS Advice: essay introductions

On Wednesday I wrote a lesson about introductions for IELTS writing task 2. Since then, several students have asked me this question:

"Will my introduction get a good score?"

Answer: your introduction alone will not get you a high score, even if it is perfect. The introduction is necessary, but the main body paragraphs decide your score.

Write a short, clear introduction. Then spend most of your time on the main body of the essay.

IELTS Speaking Part 2: describe a foreign person

Jay sent me this interesting IELTS question:

Describe a foreign person that you like. You should say:

- where you met him/her
- why you like him/her
- and explain what you learnt from him/her

Some advice:

1. The easy choice would be to describe an English teacher. You could then talk about your lessons and easily explain what you learnt.
2. I think it would be acceptable to describe someone you have never met. Just say "I've never met the person I'm going to describe, but I hope to meet him/her one day".
3. If you do number 2 above, choose your hero. It's best to choose someone you know a lot about. Give as much real information as possible. Do some Google research to get ideas.

Finally, remember that this is a "describe a person" question. Hopefully you can use some of the ideas from this lesson.

IELTS Writing Task 2: introductions

Here are some example introductions for 3 different types of essay. My technique is to write 2 sentences:

1. A sentence to introduce the topic
2. A sentence giving a general response to the question or instruction

Problem & Solution Essay:

It is true that children's behaviour seems to be getting worse. There are various reasons for this, and both schools and parents need to work together to improve the situation.

Discussion (& Opinion) Essay:

People have different views about how children should be taught. While there are some good arguments in favour of teaching children to be competitive, I believe that it is better to encourage co-operation.

Opinion (Agree / Disagree) Essay:

In recent years it has become more common for women to return to work after having a child. However, I do not agree that this has been the cause of problems for young people.

My advice:
Keep your introduction short. Main body paragraphs are more important.

Please share your exam questions

I've created a new page for sharing recent IELTS exam questions.

Until now, people have been sending me their questions by email or sharing them below different lessons. I think it's better to put them all in one place.

Click here to go to the sharing page. Hopefully this will be useful.

IELTS Advice: did you notice?

There was a lot of useful grammar and vocabulary in this week's lessons. Did you notice it, or did you just read the lessons quickly?

For example, did you notice:

1. which verb is used with the noun 'expectations'?
2. another way to say 'linked to'?
3. two uses of the word 'self'?
4. any new words or phrases e.g. 'the big pcture'?

Most people read things quickly and think that they understand. A few language students study everything carefully and notice the little details that make the difference.

IELTS Writing Task 2: 'academic ability' topic

Some people think schools should group pupils according to their academic ability, but others believe pupils with different abilities should be educated together. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Here are some "band 7" (or higher) ideas from my ebook:

For grouping by ability:

• Teachers can work at the right speed for their students.
• Teachers can plan more suitable lessons.
• High-level groups may progress faster.
• Lower level groups can benefit from a slower pace.

Against grouping by ability:

• Grouping by ability may have a negative impact on students.
• Children do not want to be seen as less intelligent than others.
• Being in a lower level group could damage their self esteem.
• Mixed ability classes encourage children of all abilities to cooperate.