IELTS: Tips and Strategies

John RogersCornerstones Language and Learning Center

1InstructorJohn RogersMobile 6645 9129

2Syllabus

3Aims of this courseImprove understanding of IELTS and how to teach IELTSHow to improve scoresEvery time we meet, I want you to leave with some ideas that you can use in your class tomorrow.41. How many parts are there on the IELTS exam?2. How many sections are there for each part of the exam? 3. How much time do the students have for each part?4. How is IELTS scored?5IELTSIELTS tests all four language skills listening, reading, writing and speaking 6ScoresThere is no pass or fail in IELTS. The score needed depends on requirements of the accepting institutionScores from 1 to 9 for each test areaScores listed as whole or half bands6.5, 7.0, 7.5, 8.0

7ScoresBand 9: Expert userBand 5: Modest userBand 3: Extremely limited userBand 1: Non-userBand 9: Expert user:has fully operational command of the language: appropriate, accurate and fluent with complete understanding.Band 5: Modest user:has partial command of the language, coping with overall meaning in most situations, though is likely to make many mistakes. Should be able to handle basic communication in own field.Band 3: Extremely limited user:conveys and understands only general meaning in very familiar situations. Frequent breakdowns in communication occur.Band 1: Non-user:essentially has no ability to use the language beyond possibly a few isolated words.

8Testing orderListeningReadingWritingSpeakingNote: might be on a different day9No Secret RecipesGood English + good test-taking skills = successNo secret recipesHard work

10General test tips and strategiesRead the directions carefullyOnly give required number of answersSpell answers correctly, particularly when already given in the question or passageUse exact wording from passage11Tip: test answers follow Q order

12General test tips and strategiesQuestions appear in passage orderAnswers from life experience vs. answers from the passageGuessStudents have to check their spelling13General test tips and strategiesFocus on IELTS-specific information

14Common topics throughout the testThere are always texts related to these topics on IELTS examsCheck the topics on the official IELTS website or your preparation book Some of these topics are:TechnologyShopping / ConsumerismHealthEnvironment

15Section information: Listening

16Listening overviewSections

Content/Duration

Number of Qs4 sections30 minutes for the test 10 minutes for transferring answers 40 QsSection 1A conversation between two speakers in a social or semi-social context /10 minutes10 QsSection 2A talk by a single speaker based on a non-academic situation /10 minutes10 QsEach recording is played ONLY ONCE

17Listening overviewSections

Content/Duration

Number of QsSection 3A conversation with up to four speakers based on academic topics or course-related situations /10 minutes10 QsSection 4A university-style lecture or talk /10 minutes10 QsEach recording is played ONLY ONCE

18Listening overviewSectionSkillsQuestion Types1Orienting yourself to the textForm filling, note-completion

Listening for specific informationTable completion, sentence completion2Identifying detailLabeling a diagram, multiple choiceFollowing a description on a map, diagram, planLabeling a map or plan, summary completion 19Listening overviewSectionSkillsQuestion Types3Identifying main ideasShort-answer questions, multiple choice questions, matching 4Following signpostsCompleting a flowchartFollowing a talk Note-completion 20Tips for Listening TestImportant: spelling is assessed, even in the Listening exam!

21Tips for Listening TestTip: transfer answers carefully10-minutes allotted

22Tips for Listening TestNo opportunity to re-listenTip: take notesOnly around 30 seconds pre-listening timeTip: use time wiselyread next question; dont transfer answers23Tip: use required number of wordsComplete the sentences below.Write NO MORE THAN ONE WORD AND/OR A NUMBER for each answer.

Hotel Novena Guest Registration formExample

Name of guest:

Room:

Wake-up call at:

Type of breakfast:

Payment by: Answer

Matthews

1 ..

2 ..

3

4 ..All questions like form/notes/summary/diagram/ flowchart/sentence completion must be answered using THREE WORDS or less. The instructions tell you the MAXIMUM NUMBER OF WORDS to use.Hotel Novena Guest Registration form

AnswerMatthews 1 ..2 ..34 ..24Section 4: differentNo assigned time for reading questions in section 4 during the recordingTip: read through all the questions first 25Question types: labeling a map or plan

Label the plan.

Write the correct letter A-H next to the questions 1-4.

1 Car Park ..

2 Domestic Terminal

3 Lifts

4 Regional Terminal .

26Question types: labeling a diagram

27Mixed question types: fill in the blanksThe Study of Child Language AcquisitionFascinatingbecause people have an 1 . in childrens learning

2 .

because it leads to greater understanding of language

3 . because of the differences encountered

28Mixed question types: fill in the flowchart blanksComplete the flowchart below

Write NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER for each of answer. Discussion of includes the use of diaries, recordings, tests

Children become aware that they can speak

Linguistic analysis become possible

4 .Speech in children 6 . yearsSpeech in infants 5 .. of life 29Mixed question types: complete the tableComplete the table below.Write NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER for each of answer.

Animal Brought byReason1 SettlersFor foodFoxSettlers2 Cane toad3 To kill beetles30Mixed question types: complete the flowchartBeetle lay eggsEggs become grubsGrubs eat the 4 ..Sugar cane 5 ..

31Mixed question types: multiple choiceChoose the correct letter A, B, or C. 6. The cane toad originated in

A Central AmericaB HawaiiC Australia

8. The farmers plan failed because

A There were too many beetlesB Their own research was faultyC they believed the reports they read7. In Australia, the toads

A grew extremely largeB multiplied in numberC ate the cane beetles

9. The sugar cane industry

A thrives todayB has died out in some areasC survives alongside the beetleChoose the correct letter A, B, or C.

6. The cane toad originated in A Central AmericaB HawaiiC Australia7 In Australia, the toadsA grew extremely largeB multiplied in numberC ate the cane beetles8 The farmers plan failed becauseA There were too many beetlesB Their own research was faultyC they believed the reports they read9 The sugar cane industryA thrives todayB has died out in some areasC survives alongside the beetle

32Section information: reading

33Reading overviewPassages

Content/Duration

Number of Qs

3 Academic passages / 60 minutes40 Qs in totalPassage 1More descriptive passage13 to 14 Qs for each passage

Passage 2More discursive and argumentative 13 to 14 Qs for each passage

IELTS tests your ability read approximately 2,750 words 34Reading overviewPassages

Content/Duration

Number of Qs

Passage 3More discursive and argumentative 13 to 14 Qs for each passageIELTS tests your ability read approximately 2,750 words 35Reading overviewSkillsQuestion TypesUsing titles and subheadingsUsing paragraphs and main ideasFinding information in paragraphsChoosing headings for paragraphs Skimming Scanning Following referencing Short-answer questions Completing a flowchart, diagram, table36Reading overviewSkillsQuestion TypesUnderstanding paragraph structureExtracting key information Multiple choice, True / False / Not GivenNote Completion Paraphrasing the main ideasGetting gap-fill answers right Choosing headings for paragraphs Sentence completion Understanding summaries Summary completion (with a box)

37Reading overviewSkillsQuestion TypesRecognizing arguments / views in texts Choosing from a listClassification Matching Interacting with / analyzing passageMatching sentence endingsYes / No / Not given38ReadingA difficult question carries the same number of points as an easy questionTip: answer the easy questions first39ReadingNo penalty for guessingTip: answer every question40ReadingNote: no extra time to transfer answersNo specialist knowledge requiredCopy passage answers correctly: spelling! Tip: beware of singular/plural 41No title or subheading?A question may test understanding of the theme or purpose of the passage42Match the headings with paragraphsList of headingsIncreasing customer confidenceA benefit to retailersThe dangers for retailersChanging the face of the shopEncouraging online feedback

Paragraph ..Paragraph ..Paragraph ..Paragraph ..Paragraph ..43MatchingHeadings may have similar/identical words as a paragraph, but that does not mean that heading goes with that paragraph. Tip: match ideas not words44GapsThere may be two gaps, worth one or two marks. Tip: the word both in a sentence or summary signals that two answers may be required.

Complete the sentences belowWrite NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER for each answer. Esperance used to rely on . About of Esperances energy needs are met by wind. & 4. Wind farms should not be built near barriers to the wind, such as . or . 45ParaphrasingIELTS questions often use different words or phrases from those used in the passageTip: practice paraphrasing skillsessential!

46ParaphrasingQuestionPassageAUsed to rely totally onEntire needs were metBEnergy needsEnergy requirementsCIts energy outputThe power producedDChoose the best locationSelect the optimum site47Paraphrasing: London toursQ: This tour includes a functioning market.A: then (we) continue to Borough Market, where youll find it hard to choose among all the fine food and other goods on sale.(excerpts from Objective IELTS Intermediate)48KeywordsTip: dont be fooled by appearance of keywordsQ: This tour includes a functioning market.49No partial marks for partial answers Choose THREE letters. A-G.

Which THREE of the arguments below are stated in the passage? A Penguins are not afraid of people. B Penguins are becoming an endangered species. C Tourists are not a threat their existence. D Penguins are hard to research.E Penguins dont leave their nest.F A penguins behavior depends on its species.G Penguin stress may result from being with other penguins. 50Section information: writing

51Writing overviewTasks

Content/Duration

2 Tasks60 minutesTask 1150 wordsAcademic: GraphGeneral: Letter / Prompt52Tasks

Content/Duration

Task 2Writing an academic style essay in response to a topic / prompt250 words53Writing overviewSkillsInterpreting visual informationBar chartsLine graphsTablesDiagrams Pie charts

Writing an overview Picking out significant trends Selecting / illustrating main points Highlighting main stages of a process54Writing overviewSkillsComparing informationDescribing how something worksGrouping information 55Task 1Description of a graph, table, process or a combination of the three Purpose: describe and compare data Tip: dont suggest causes or reasons for the data Tip: dont simply list the information Note dates and times in the dataTip: use the appropriate tense56Important: correctly interpret data

Number of employees (1000)57Basic outline for T1Write an overview of the chartThis chart showsNOT (topic=sales of chocolate) Chocolate is my favorite sweet, and its the favorite one of everyone in the worldWrite the important trends58Basic outline for T1Give examples (i.e. specific numbers) for those trends)Wrap up with a concluding ideaAs can be seen from the chart59Task 2Description: academic-style essayPurpose: write a well-organized essay with appropriate support of opinion60Range of structures: importantVerbsPhrasesTo riseTo fallTo peakFive out of tenFifty per cent ofA third of the studentsAdjectives and AdverbsSharp(ly)Dramatic(ally)Significant(ly)Considerable(ably)Slight(ly)Gentle(ly)61Writing strategiesParagraphsHave one idea per paragraphContentAvoid informal languageDont memorize model answersOpinion: no correct answer, just a clear position and good support

Write neatly and clearly. There is no score for legibility or tidiness, but poor handwriting may put the examiner in a bad mood.

62Writing strategiesProcedureBe careful with timing - don't rush Task Two is longer and is worth more pointsLeave time to editBe legibleWrite neatly and clearly. There is no score for legibility or tidiness, but poor handwriting may put the examiner in a bad mood.

63Writing assessment: 4 key issuesContentGrammarVocabularyCohesion Was the question adequately answered? Is it correct? Is there a wide range of structures? Is it appropriate and correctly spelled? Is there a wide range of words? Is the essay well structured? Is there a variety of effectively-used linking words?

64Ways to affect a scoreMobiles phones have changed the way many people communicate. Nowadays people cannot live without them if they want to be a part of society.

To what extent do you think this is true?

Why do you think some people have not adapted to this type of communication?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. 65Ways to affect a scoreFor a two-part answer, both parts must be addressed; otherwise, no more than Band 5 for content If main ideas are related but off-topic, no more than Band 5

66Section information: speaking

67NoteListening, Reading and Writing=same daySpeaking=same dayor up to a week before or after68Speaking overviewParts

What?

ContentDuration3 PartsSpeaking 11-14 minutesPart 1Introduction & InterviewTalk about self and familiar topics with the examiner.4-5 minutesIELTS tests your ability read approximately 2,750 words 69Speaking overviewParts

What?

ContentDurationPart 2Short talkTalk for 1-2 minutes on a topic chosen by the examiner. 1 minute for preparation and around 2 minutes for a non-stop talk.3-4 minutesIELTS tests your ability read approximately 2,750 words 70Speaking overviewParts

What?

ContentDurationPart 3Two-way discussionAnswer more abstract questions related to the topic in part 2. 4-5 minutes IELTS tests your ability read approximately 2,750 words 71Part 1Very short answers=lost opportunity

For example:Question: Are you a student?Answer: Yes.

72Question: Are you a student?Answer: Yes, I am a student. Im studying in the Foundation Program at Qatar University.73Part 1 examplesWhat is the best way to stay healthy? I think walking is good for you, as well as watching what you eat. So I try to take some exercise every day and on top of that I eat lots of fruit and vegetables.

What kind of music are you interested in? Well I really enjoy listening to songs, particularly songs from my country. And I like to have music playing when Im studying. In fact, I cant study without music. 74Part 2Take notes on key points asked in the question.Tip: dont write full sentences No credit for repeating words in the taskPractice speaking for at least a minuteharder than it soundsTip: using a watch during the exam is permitted 75Part 2 promptsDescribe a place you have lived in that you particularly liked.

You should say: when you lived there who you lived with what was most memorable about this place and explain why you liked it so much. End the talk by mentioning the last part of the talk. ??

76Part 2 promptsDescribe a family member who is the most successful.

You should say: who this person is how often you see each other what this person does and explain why he/she is successful.End the talk by mentioning the last part of the talk. ??

77Part 3 samplesHow important is it to enjoy your work? Why?Does tourism bring mainly positive or negative things to a country? Having somewhere to live is a basic right. So should the state provide cheap housing for people who dont earn a lot of money? Why? To what extent do you think the climate of a country affects the kind of houses or homes that are built? 78Part 3 samplesWell in my view, climate probably has to do a lot with the way we design our houses. So for instance, in countries where it snows a lot, you find houses with something like a steep roof so that the snow cant settle there, and you know damage the roof. But in warm climates, I think the houses are often built to keep the sun out. 79Part 3Goal: a well-reasoned, smoothly-connected, justified answer No wrong answers: quality and content of speech are graded, not opinions No knowledge of topic? Too bad! Tip: specifically practice speaking about obscure topics (fake it!)Tip: Its okay to make up information (ie. lie!)80Speaking strategiesExaminers may repeat questionsTip: dont be afraid to ask Speaking clearly and using stress and intonation will help communicate ideas

81Speaking assessment: 4 aspectsFluencyGrammar VocabularyPronunciation82More resourceswww.cambridgeesol.org

83Speaking Part 1Considered the easiest partBasic questions about school, life, work, your home, your hometown, hobbies, interests, etc.Often questions use the word describe or whats X like?E.g. Describe your home, whats your hometown like?84Example of Part 1 Prompts

85Example of Part 1

86Example of Part 1 Transcript

87How is the speaking marked?Grammar range and accuracyFluency and coherencePronunciationLexical Resource (vocabulary)88What do students need?No real tricksFamiliar with common topicsVocabulary related to these topicsBasic GrammarBe comfortable and confident answering questions about these topics89From the examiners perspectivePart 1 serves several functions:1. to calm down the student2. to give the examiner a general idea of the score of the student3. To give the student a chance to show what they know90Questions and GrammarExaminers try to mix up questions to give the student the opportunity to show what they can do:Simple Present, Past Simple, Present Perfect, Future (will & going to)91What can we do to help the students?1. Give the students lots of opportunities to practice answering the types of questions on part 1 of the exam.2. Encourage (trick) the students into expanding the vocabulary and grammatical structures they use in their answers.

92Easy Teaching Strategy (for teachers and students)Teach / Review one structure with the studentsE.g. Present perfect (I have lived in Doha for 7 years)Choose some questions that can be answered using present perfectBut dont be afraid to challenge students93Where do you live?I live in Doha. I have lived here all my life.Do you like to travel?Yes, I love travelling. I have been to France twice this year.What are your favorite subjects at school? I like Chemistry and Math, but English has always been my favorite.

94Where to get a bunch of questions*http://iteslj.org/questions/

Where to get vocabulary by topic

http://www.esl-lab.com/vocab/index.htmhttp://www.englisch-hilfen.de/en/words_list/vokabeln.htm

95Activity 1Put 5 questions on the board. Give students time and let them write their perfect answers.Let students talkask and answer their questions with each other.Monitor (build their confidence)Variation (Vocabulary, grammar, get rid of vocabulary cards)96Activity 2Print and cut out some questionsUse as warm up activity to get students moving and talking and in IELTS modeDepending on size of the class: student has to ask and answer question with 5 different people (everyone in the class?)97Activity 3Strips of paperStudents write their own questionsUse vocabulary / grammar / topicCollect, shuffle, give out98Activity 4Practice interviews (like the exam)One student is the examiner and asks questions for about 2-3 minutes, the other answers.Switch places.Variation: a third student listens for mistakesVariation: get rid of vocabulary cards99Activity 5*Truth and lies10 students, two groups of 5One group only answers, the other group asks questionsIn the answering group, 3 of the people have to answer all questions truthfully, 2 people have to not answer truthfully.The other team has to figure out who is not telling the truth.100Speaking Part 2 Prompt

101Speaking Part 2 Recording

102Tapescript

103General Tips1. Use preparation time to think of what you are going to say2. Note down any good vocabulary related to the topic3. Speak until the examiner stops you.

104To improve the scoreSame things apply as from speaking part 1 (vocabulary and grammar)Words related to cohesion and coherence (conjunctions, transitions)But, and, so, because, while, although, etc.105What do we need to do?Give the students the opportunity to practice timed speaking exercises.Encourage students to use preparation time.Encourage (trick) students to expand and use vocabulary, transitions, grammatical items in their talk)106Example TopicsDescribe a subject you enjoyed studying at school.You should say:When and where you started studying itWhat lessons were likeWhat made the subject different from other subjectsAnd explain why you enjoyed the subject107Example Topic 2Describe a game or sport you enjoy playing.You should say:What kind of sport it isWho you play it withWhere you play itAnd explain why you enjoy playing it108Example Topic 3Describe someone in your family who you like.You should say:How this person is related to youWhat this person looks likeWhat kind of person he/she isAnd explain why you like this person109Activities1. Give students a speaking prompt.2. Let the students prepare in pairs or small groups (brainstorm ideas, vocabulary)3. Let them take turns speaking for one minute on the full topic.4. Monitor and offer feedback.5. Let them do it again.110Activities continuedMock examsOne student is the examiner the other is the student, and switchVariation: another student listens for mistakesVariation: get rid of your cardsVariation: text grab111Cornerstones (Im not sure if you want to put the official name and contact information here)IELTS Training SyllabusWeek

DayExam FocusWhat

Week 1MondayIELTS Overview

Exam Formatsdifference between IELTS General and Academic, Common Themes of Exams, general classroom activities to help students and improve scores

Speaking Overview

Format, Assessment

Speaking Part 1Format, common types of questions asked, common topics, assessment, what students need to be successful (focus on vocabulary), classroom activities to help prepare students

Speaking Part 2Format, assessment, common topics given to students, , what students need to be successful (focus on brainstorming vocabulary, transitions, and fillers), classroom activities to help prepare students

WednesdaySpeaking Part 3Format, assessment, types of questions given, , what students need to be successful (focus on abstract language and giving examples), classroom activities to help prepare students

Review of Speaking Exam

Format, Assessment, what students need to be successful, etc.

Consolidation of Material CoveredExample of how I would teach a speaking activity to my students

Groupwork: Trainees work in groups to brainstorm ideas on how they could use different activities in class to help prepare their students

Week 2MondayListening OverviewFormat, Assessment, Common Themes, Common Problems of Students

Types of Listening Tasks p.1Types of Listening Tasks and questions given, what students need to be successful (focus on numbers, spelling, prepositions of place and direction), classroom activities to help prepare students (focus on listening for specific information), strategies for students, classroom activities

WednesdayTypes of listening Tasks p.2Same as above, but focus on transitions, following an argument, general test taking skills).

Review of Listening Exam

Consolidation of Material CoveredExample of how I would teach a listening activity to my students

Groupwork: Trainees work in groups to brainstorm ideas on how they could use different activities in class to help prepare their students

Week 3MondayReading OverviewFormat, Assessment, Common Themes, Common Problems of Students

Types of Reading Tasks p.1Types of reading tasks and questions given, what students need to be successful (focus on skimming and scanning), strategies for students (how to approach different tasks), classroom activities

WednesdayTypes of Reading Tasks p. 2Continued from above but focus on inferring meaning from context, following an argument.

Review of Reading Exam

Consolidation of Material CoveredExample of how I would teach a reading activity to my students

Groupwork: Trainees work in groups to brainstorm ideas on how they could use different activities in class to help prepare their students

Week 4MondayWriting OverviewFormat (including difference between IELTS General and Academic), Assessment, Common Themes, Common Problems of Students

Writing P. 1 (general)Types of Writing tasks, what students need to be successful (focus on covering all required information, letter writing conventions, register), classroom activities

Writing P.1 (academic)Continued from above, but focus on choosing important information, describing trends and graphs, classroom activities

WednesdayWriting P.2 Format of essay, different types of writing tasks, what students need to be successful (focus on answering questions given, essay format, writing introductions and conclusions), classroom activities

Week 5MondayReview of Writing Exam

Consolidation of Material CoveredExample of how I would teach a writing activity to my students

Groupwork: Trainees work in groups to brainstorm ideas on how they could use different activities in class to help prepare their students

WednesdayReview of whole exam

Consolidation of Material CoveredExample of how I would combine listening, reading, speaking, and writing into a single lessonGroupwork: Trainees work in groups to brainstorm ideas on how they could combine a sequence of activities to help prepare students for different areas of the exam.

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