Students' questions

1. Can I ask for an explanation if I don't understand a question in the speaking test?

In part 1, you can ask the examiner to repeat a question, but he/she is not allowed to explain what the question means. In part 2, the examiner will not help you. In part 3, you can ask him/her to explain the question in a different way.

2. How can I get band 7 in all four parts?

This is a big problem for many people, and I'm afraid there is no easy solution. You just need to keep practising. Click here for some more advice.

3. Do I need to mention all of the numbers in writing task 1?

No, you don't need to mention all of the numbers; just select the key information. On the other hand, if you don't mention any numbers, you'll get a lower score.

4. Are you sure we don't need a conclusion in writing task 1?

Completely sure. A conclusion is really a 'final judgment', so I prefer to use the word 'summary'. You can put the summary either after the introduction or at the end.

5. Can I improve from 5.5 to 7 in one month?

Probably not. Click here to read my advice.

Comments

[ozi]

Hi simon,
Why cant Ielts be an open exam, so that I can take your ebook. I think, I will certainly get the required band.:)

[Suman]

Hi Simon,
Here is a task 2 question. You answered only introduction and one body paragraph. Will you please post rest of the answer?

The question is:

Marriages are bigger and more expensive nowadays than in the past. Why is this is the case?
Is it a positive or negative development?

One more task 2 question, which you have done introduction, one body paragraph and conclusion.

The question is:

Successful sports professionals can earn a great deal more money than people in other important professions some people think this is fully justified while others think it is unfair. Discuss both this view and give your own opinion.

Could you please post rest of the answer in next reading lessons?

I'm greatfull to you. Thank you so much for daily apt lessons.

Have a nice weekend.

Regard's
Suman

[Panda]

Is it difficult to get a band score of 4 in speaking section?

[ozi]

Hi simon,

Plz tell me the way to write this essay. Do I completely need to agree and disagree. Or can I take a partial agreement.

Some people think that cooking food at home is a waste of time. Therefore, they believe buy food from fast food restaurant can make modern life easier and less stressful. Do you agree or disagree?

[syuko]

Hi Simon,
I have been wondering if we could write in script for the writing tasks. I have used block letters in case on the last exam but it would be quicker if I could use cursive one.

Many thanks in advance, it's been really nice to see this blog...

Best
Syuko

[kate]

Hi Simon,

I need to improve my writing from band 7 to band 8 , could you please give me some practical advice that I can follow?

Best，
Kate

[KW]

Hi Simon.

I have taken the Speaking test today (3/6/2013) in Malaysia and I would like to share my questions.

Part 1:
What is your name?
Are you working or studying?
How many languages do children in Malaysia learn? Why?
Lets talk about boats. Have you experience a ride on boats?
Would you like to own a boat if you have a chance?
Do you think boats are popular in Malaysia?

Part 2:
Describe a language that you would like to learn. (EXCEPT ENGLISH)
You should say:
- what language it is
- how you can learn the language
- and explain why you would like to learn the language

Part 3:
-Do you think children should learn a few (one or two) foreign languages? Why?
-Who do you think is more suitable to learn foreign languages? Children or older people? Why?
-Does learning a new language affects the personality of an individual? Why?
-What if politicians communicate with the same language? What are the benefits for communicating in a common language?
-Does learning language help on understanding the cultures and practices in foreign countries? Why?

********************************************

[KW]

Hi Simon.
I have taken the Speaking test today (3/6/2013) in Malaysia and I would like to share my questions.
Part 1:
What is your name?
Are you working or studying?
How many languages do children in Malaysia learn? Why?
Lets talk about boats. Have you experience a ride on boats?
Would you like to own a boat if you have a chance?
Do you think boats are popular in Malaysia?
Part 2:
Describe a language that you would like to learn. (EXCEPT ENGLISH)
You should say:
- what language it is
- how you can learn the language
- and explain why you would like to learn the language

[KW]

Part 3:
-Do you think children should learn a few (one or two) foreign languages? Why?
-Who do you think is more suitable to learn foreign languages? Children or older people? Why?
-Does learning a new language affects the personality of an individual? Why?
-What if politicians communicate with the same language? What are the benefits for communicating in a common language?
-Does learning language help on understanding the cultures and practices in foreign countries? Why?

[KW]

For Part 1 I have followed your technique. I gave short and sweet answers and extend them when necessary.
The main thing that I am concerned is that for Part 2 I don't know whether i have talked for two minutes because i was nervous. I have practice a lot of times and I roughly know how long is two minutes. However i dint have any impression about how long i presented my part 2 today, perhaps I was nervous?
The examiner interrupted me when I almost finish speaking my points, but I manage to cover all the points before she asked me follow up questions. So i guess the content should be OK.

[KW]

And the third part I gave extended answers and elaboration, there were occasional repeats in points (i was nervous and couldn't think a new point!), but i paraphrase them when i repeat the points.
The examiner nodded a few times
throughout the speaking session and I think i kept on talking. No long pauses and hesitation. I just talked non-stop though I may sometimes repeat my points.
I managed to keep my sentences flowing and logical, using simple and a little complex vocabulary which I have learnt from your lessons, for example: hectic lifestyle, mastering the way we pronounce the language, emphasises on intonation etc (I'm not sure if this is complex enough, please correct me if it isn't =) )
I really hope I'll be better this time and get a good result! at least a 6.5 (minimum requirement for my desired university) :(

[KW]

This is also the second time i retake IELTS as I got 6.0 in speaking few months ago. I have been following your lessons and read through all your notes in your "IELTS Speaking" section, and I practised everyday with my friends for three weeks! D: I really hope I will raise my band this time. At least by 0.5! :(
So Mr Simon can you please comment whether I deserve a 6.5? I hope to hear you soon. Thank you for all your lessons and I appreciate your hardwork. You are a great tutor for students who do not go for official IELTS classes but practice themselves online! Please continue with your good deeds and God bless in anything you do!
Regards,
KW

[KW]

(sorry for the long post!)

[Opal]

In my exam,reading and writing are both 5.5.I didn't have time to read the third passage in reading and to write the conclusion for task 2 in writing.I am more confident now in reading speed and skills after one month preparation.Next,I am going to focus on writing.But still I am sure not how far is it for me to get 7 for both .Could anyone give me some suggestions?
Thank you very much in advance.

[Simon]

FROM SIMON:

I'm afraid I no longer have time to answer everyone's questions individually. However, I do still read them all, and I try to use them as the basis for my lessons.

[Sunny]

Hi Simon,

Thank you so much for all your hard work and the spot-on instructions. This website is better than any other paper materials because it is alive.

Please take good care of yourself : )

Sunny

[dineah]

Dear summon.
Finally I got the results that I needed for my PR.this is my 20th try...yes..so anyone out there who's feeling Down...just don't give up.
Thanks summon for your wonderful website and the eBook.
L8,R7.5,W7.5,S7.5
Thank you all
Cheers
Dinesh

[grace]

Dear Simon，

I am desperate to improve my writing from 7.5 to 8 in a month! Please give me some practical advise that I can follow!!!thx!

[Simon]

Thanks for your kind comment Sunny!

Congratulations Dineah!

[Opal]

Dear Simon,

I understand and I can always find some useful information and knowledge from your web,thank you very much for your support.

[Tram]

Hi Simon,

I just wanna say thank you for your awesome lessons. They're all really helpful and for me this is the best website for IELTS preparation.
After all, I finish my test with 7.5, specifically L:7, R:8, W: 7.5, S:7.5

Best wishes,

[Sahin]

Hi Simon
I took IELTS 12nd April and I got 5.5 band (L:5.5 R:5.5 WRT:5.5 SP:6). But I need 6. I took again IELTS in 17th May again I got 5.5 (L:5.5 R:5.5 WRT:6 SP:5). Now I will took IELTS in order to get 6 band and it is last chance because of deadlines. I need just 6.
Could you give me any advice how to prepare IELTS in a week