Students' questions

1. I'm new to IELTS reading. Should I start by doing some general tests?

I think that's quite a good idea. The general tests are a bit easier than the academic ones, so you could start with them and practise the techniques I suggest in lessons here on the site.

2. How can I improve my vocabulary and my reading ability?

Basically you need to read a lot, use a dictionary, and keep a vocabulary notebook. Have a look at this lesson.

3. Will it affect my score if I say too much (e.g. a long example in part 3)?

Don't worry about saying too much in parts 2 and 3 of the speaking test; the examiner will stop you if he/she wants to. Just try to give short, direct answers in part 1.

4. Is it ok to write a sentence beginning "This essay will..." in the introduction to task 2?

I prefer to simply answer the question directly (have a look through my lessons to see how I write introductions), but it definitely isn't wrong to write "This essay will...". It won't affect your score either way.

5. What is the difference between could, should and would?

For this kind of question, I'd recommend that you consult a dedicated grammar book or website. This grammar website looks quite good.

Comments

[Kamal]

For speaking Module especially who would like to raise score more than 7 come and join.

Kamal
skype id: mdkamalhossain1976

[taher]

Kamal,where you from?

[Nguyen]

Dear Simon,

Thanks so much for your valued advice.

May I ask you a question which is that "may I use the phrase: Last but not least for the IELTS's writing part 2 instead of the Finally, or things like that".

Again thank Mr. Simon,

Nguyen

[Arron]

Dear Simon,

Here is the question from the Cambridge IELTS Book 7.

Some people prefer to live in a house,while others feel that there are more advantages to living in an apartment.

Are there more advantages than disadvantages of living in a house compared with living in an apartment?

Do you think what is the best way to tackle this question? What I did was writing one main paragraph about the advantages of living in a house compared with living in an apartment( bigger space, better privacy) and the other paragraph was the disadvantages of living in a house compared to an apartment( longer cleaning time and the lack of a sense of community)

It seems to me that the question wants us to talk about 4 aspects.

1, the advantages of living in a house
2, the disadvantages of living in a house
3, the advantages of living in an apartment
4, the disadvantages of living in an apartment

Is that okay if I just describe the advantages of each preference by comparing it with the other or I have to mention all 4 aspects in order to fully response the question.

Regards,

Arron