A lot of students write to me saying "I gave the IELTS test yesterday". Please note that "give an exam" is not correct.
Don't say:
- I gave an exam.
- I gave the IELTS test.
Do say:
- I took the IELTS exam/test.
- I passed the exam. (i.e. you were successful)
In other words, use "take" not "give".
Dear Simon,
I am utterly confused about what is being count in writing. Particularly I would like to ask if it is better to use noun clauses, relative clauses, as well as complex sentences or write more readable essays?
does readable essay means using more simple sentences?
thank you very much.
Posted by: ali ahmadi | April 07, 2012 at 17:42
can i say : I had my exam Yesterday or i did my exam yestarday?
thanks in advance
Posted by: luna | April 07, 2012 at 19:39
Is it correct for a teacher say "I gave a test to my students yesterday"?
Posted by: Noel | April 09, 2012 at 13:34
Hi Ali,
My advice is: forget about types of sentence construction, and focus on answering the question well, using good ideas and vocabulary. Look through my essays here on the site to see how I do it.
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Hi Luna,
Both are correct!
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Hi Noel,
Yes, exactly.
Posted by: Simon | April 09, 2012 at 16:34
Is it correct to say, "I wrote IELTS exam 2 days back?"
Posted by: Bhupen | April 21, 2012 at 01:59
Hi Bhupen,
I'd write "I took the IELTS exam 2 days ago" ("2 days back" is ok).
Posted by: Simon | April 21, 2012 at 16:47
Hi Simon,
Could you possibly write about the differences between compared to, compared with, in comparison with, in comparison to and in comparison?
I am a bit confused, and I am currently revising for my IELTs exam.
PS. this website is very helpful, it was recommended by my teacher, and she said that many of your tips and the way you express it are exactly the same as her way of teaching~ so even my teacher is a great fan of yours!
Jasmine
Posted by: Jasmine | April 27, 2012 at 19:19
Hi Jasmine,
They all mean the same thing, and they can be used in the same contexts, so you don't need to worry!
I'm glad you like the site. Please thank your teacher for me!
Posted by: Simon | April 30, 2012 at 10:05
Dear Mr Simon,
May i use " to sit an exam/test" in stead of "to take an exam "
Posted by: Huy Quang Doan | May 15, 2013 at 06:32