Many students (and some teachers!) have the wrong idea about what a band 7, 8 or 9 essay looks like. For example, a few people commented that they thought the essay in this lesson wasn't good enough for a high score.
Please remember that the IELTS exam is a test for non-native speakers of English, not professional English writers. It's much easier than some people think to write a good IELTS essay. Don't try to use strange or 'difficult' language; just keep it clear and simple, and try to develop your ideas so that you fully answer the question.
Some people won't want to believe me, but the essay in Wednesday's lesson would get a band 9.
Dear Simon, I totally agree with you...
Posted by: orxan | March 29, 2014 at 16:40
Cant agree more!
Posted by: nan | March 29, 2014 at 16:46
simon sir i agree with you fully
Posted by: naz | March 29, 2014 at 17:47
I totally agree with you sir ..
Posted by: Sam | March 29, 2014 at 18:46
I do not think we as studentsare allowed to assess Mr Simon's essays. first of all it is not our job to do that.secondly assessing any essay by ielts bands is not an easy job even for professionals.thirdly teachers who gave their feedbacks abour simon's essay are confusing other teachers and students that is on one hand, on the second hand , theses teachers I am sure they are not professionals because it looks their knowledge on dealing with non english speakers is very marginal
Posted by: khoory | March 29, 2014 at 18:48
I do not think we are allowed to assess Mr Simon's essays. first of all it is not our job to do that. secondly assessing any essay with ielts bands according to British Council regulations is not an easy job. Not to mention unqualified professionals. Thirdly teachers who gave their feedbacks about simon's essay are firstly-confusing other teachers and students . Secondly- Regarding teachers or students who gave their bands about Simon’s essay, I am sure they are not professionals because it looks that their knowledge in dealing with non English speakers is very marginal.
Please read carefully Mr Simon’s notes carefully and tell us what do you understand from those notes.
Note:
1-As usual, try to analyse this essay in terms of task response (does it fully answer the question?), organisation, 'band 7-9' vocabulary, and grammar.
2-Some people won't want to believe me, but the essay in Wednesday's lesson would get a band 9.
Posted by: khoory | March 29, 2014 at 19:40
HI khoory ,i m completely agree with you.
Posted by: neet | March 29, 2014 at 21:23
Hi all,
Could I have a question: Should I register IELTS exam in IDP or British Council? Which one could help me more chance to achieve band 6.5? I am confused because my friends have a lot of different advice. Thanks
Regards.
Posted by: José Mourinho | March 30, 2014 at 02:39
It depends on you José.I didn't give it much thoughts, though my friends said that taking the test in Idp stands better chance of getting higher bands than that in BC,and something like that. I think Idp and Bc are both ok, but the matter is you. Be well prepared, and hard-working, you will get the desirable band no matter where you take the IELTS test.Good luck:)
Posted by: Phan Anh | March 30, 2014 at 03:01
great information.
Posted by: mojtaba | March 30, 2014 at 07:08
hi everyone
I totally and strongly agree with Simon. I took the exam last month and I don't think how well I have done on writing , but I got 7.5. It really surprised me and I can only say that I expressed clear flow and opinion in my essay and that was really the point. Just follow the lessons from Simon and you will get the score you want. I also really want to say thank you, Simon. I've benefited a lot from your lessons !!
Posted by: Felicia Wu | March 30, 2014 at 11:30
I completely agree with Simon . I have taken this exam 5 times . In my first 4 attempts i tried new vocabulary but always got 6.5 in wtriting and recently iItook exam on 8th March and follows Simon's advice and used the correct technique instead of new and strange vocabulary and I got desired 7 bands.
Posted by: BARINDER DHALIWAL | March 30, 2014 at 11:31
Hi
I completely agree with Simon, as I've said earlier on this site, some teachers think that a candidate should be rather Shakespeare to get band 9 in writing. Most of the essays you see on sites, even though provided by native speakers, aren't written under exam circumstances. For example, the writer doesn't hold time or already takes a look on the Internet to find ideas or check the other thing. However, Simon here is doing great job, as he always comes with easiest method to teach candidates unlike others who want to show off rather than stick up to methods which are practical.
Posted by: Brian | March 30, 2014 at 16:21
Simon, you should explain it clearly how the scores in IELTS differs. You might know there are a lot of books regarding IELTS available on the bookstore. I read one Chinese IELTS Speaking book, written by Mat Clark, emphasizing on producing more usages of complex sentences by hook or cook, where some sentences are really awkward.
Almighty bless you!
Posted by: M H Ziko | March 31, 2014 at 00:14
i wish i could write well like you. Those people just have their jealousy. ignore them :)
Posted by: Evelyn | March 31, 2014 at 07:52
Dear Ziko,
I use the book too. My recommendation is that you should only learn vocab, idioms,... and use the cue card for part 2.
I have a friend who did all Mat Clark suggests and only got 5.5 Speaking.
Simon has very beneficial speaking lessions. You should use them as your main material.
Posted by: Le Vu | April 01, 2014 at 11:50
Hey guys,
I am Le Vu.
I am confident that I know a lot about the IELTS exam. Doesn't mean that I am a good English speaker though. From now on, I will answer your questions. You can trust me, really! So just let me help you!
Posted by: Le Vu | April 01, 2014 at 12:27
thank you. It makes me more comfortable with task 2. my teachers often make me scare about task 2. I brainstorm so simply and i worried so lot about how to write a professional essay.thanks you so much again. you bring beliefs to my life
Posted by: cuncun | April 03, 2014 at 05:00
Hello,my name is mabel
I have taken ielts seversl times but cannot get the desired band 7
I always have 6.5 and have the highest in speaking only
What do u think i can do?
Posted by: mabel | April 03, 2014 at 11:14
I am preparing for another test and i need advice
Posted by: mabel | April 03, 2014 at 11:18
Hi mabel add me up on skype lets practice speaking. Me too wants to get a 7 band. Its theodecker10
Posted by: Theodecker | April 06, 2014 at 03:25
Bravo! Very well said Sir Simon. Thank you very much for everything. It is very kind of you for sharing your knowledge in order for us to get our target band score. Please don't be disheartened by those criticisms. You know yourself very well & we do believe in you. More powers & God bless.
Posted by: LYN | April 08, 2014 at 05:45
Thank you, teacher
Posted by: Vi | December 07, 2016 at 13:00