1. What is the difference between bands 7.5 and 8 in writing and speaking?
The difference is small. In the writing test, you need a small improvement in one of the following four areas: 1) answering the question in a bit more depth 2) developing your ideas in a more organised way 3) using a wider range of vocabulary 4) making fewer mistakes. In the speaking test, my advice is to focus on adding detail to your answers in parts 2 and 3.
2. If the question is about 'working at home', is it ok to repeat those words?
Yes. It is inevitable that you will repeat some of the words from the question in both writing tasks. Try to add some variety where you can, but don't get stuck trying to think of five different ways to say the word "work" or "home"!
3. The examiner laughed at one of my answers. Is that a bad sign?
No, it's probably a good sign. Maybe you said something unexpected and the examiner liked it!
4. In writing task 1, can we join the introduction and overview together?
Yes, it's fine to put the introduction and overview together as one paragraph. Just make sure that your overview is good because it's an important part of your essay.
5. Can we use quotations in writing task 2 and the speaking test?
Personally I don't recommend including quotations because it's difficult to use them in a natural and relevant way. It usually seems like the student has 'forced' the quotation into his/her work, and this won't impress the examiner.
I have been looking for ways to improve my writing from 7.5 to 8 and your answer gives me an idea on how to improve. Thank you .
Posted by: oviya | November 24, 2012 at 21:42
Hi Simon I have took my Ielts ytd and I am a bit confused
I came across in listening test, Part I:
Instruction told to write : not more than three words and/or a number.
The recording heard was the complete: day, date and year. (25/2/1975)
According to the instruction, how should I write?
25 Feb 1975 (wrong, 1 word but 2 numbers)
25/2/1975 (wrong, 3 numbers)
Or should I omit the year?
Appreciate if anyone knows the answer.
Thanks so much,
Posted by: YT | November 25, 2012 at 01:04
Hi Simon,
I have a question. I just sat for my IELTS speaking test earlier today. I was doing alright until I misread the question in Part 2. It was, describe a garden you've visited, but I talked about a garden that I HAVEN'T visited, instead. Other than that, I thought I was doing okay. Do you think it'd affect my score? Any feedback would be appreciated! Thank you!
Posted by: Yong | November 26, 2012 at 08:04
Hi Simon,
In you answer of question 1 you said that we need a small improvement in one of the following areas. Do you mean any one of the four areas or all of the mentioned areas?
It will be highly appreciated if you clarify please.
Posted by: crazy4ielts | November 26, 2012 at 20:37
Hi Simon,
I just had my IELTS exam today. My writing task 2 asked about a development and they need us to give our opinion whether it is a positive or negative development on individual and society.
I wrote my answers about individual in a positive way but i forgot to wrote about the society.
May I know if this will affect my band score a lot?
What is the highest i can get for this?
Posted by: daisuke | December 01, 2012 at 06:37