Preparation for IELTS:challenges and solutions

“IELTS Examination Papers”published jointly with Cambridge ESOL

What is there in the Past Papers?What is there in “IELTS Examination Papers”?

Introduction

• description of test format• duration of each part• description of scoring• interpretation of scores

What is there in the Past Papers?“IELTS Examination Papers” contain

Four tests for Academic Module: Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking (1, 2, 3, 4)

Two tests for General Training Module:

Reading and Writing (A, B)

What is there in the Past Papers?What else is there in “IELTS Examination Papers”?

• Tapescripts• Answer key• Model and sample answers for Writing

tasks• Sample answer sheets• Audio-CD

What is there in the Past Papers?Writing Task 1 (Academic module). You should spend 20 minutes on this task.

The graph below shows the demand for electricity in England during typical days in winter and summer. The pie chart shows how electricity is used in an average English home.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

Write at least 150 words.

What is there in the Past Papers?Writing Task 2 (Academic Module)You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.Write about the following topic:Creative artists should be given the freedom to

express their own ideas (in words, pictures, music or film) in whichever way they wish. There should be no government restrictions on what they do. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.

What materials provide step-by-step preparation?What materials provide step-by-step preparation?

What materials provide step-by-step preparation?

Type 1 materials: paper by paper approach for fast and focused exam preparation

What is there in the Past Papers?What is there in “New Insight into IELTS”?

Listening: 8 three-page units, Summary of IELTS Listening strategies

Reading: 7 five-page Academic Module unites, 3 six-page General Training units, Summary of IELTS Reading strategies

Writing: 4 four-page Academic Module units, 2 four-page General Training units, 4 four-page Academic and General Training units, Summary of IELTS Writing strategies, Criteria of Assessment

Speaking: 6 three-four-page units, Summary of IELTS Speaking strategies, Criteria of Assessment

What is there in the Past Papers?What else is there in the “New Insight into IELTS” Student’s Book?

• Recording scripts• Answer key• Description of IELTS test format• Sample answer sheets

and a lot of test tips in every unit

What is there in the Past Papers?Examples of test tips

The answers will come in question order on the recording (Listening)

Underlining the main idea in each paragraph will help guide you to the information you need to find (Reading)

Even if you believe the answer is not TRUE according to your knowledge and experience, you must find the evidence in the passage (Reading)

When you write your introduction, avoid copying whole phrases from the question (Writing)

Using appropriate linkers is important but don’t start every sentence with one (Writing)

If you give very short answers, you will lose scores. Aim to give 2-4 sentences for each answer (Speaking)

What is there in the Past Papers?Type 2 IELTS preparation materials are organised by themes for learning Academic English combined with IELTS preparation at a slower pace

What is there in the?There are Self-study editions of “Objective IELTS Intermediate” and “Objective IELTS Advanced”

What is there in the Past Papers?Teacher’s Books contain answers, recommendations, photocopiable tasks and

progress tests

What is there in the Past Papers?What is there in “Objective IELTS” Intermediate / Advanced Student’s Book?

Content of the IELTS Test (Format, Time, Task types)

20 four-page units10 two-page exam folders10 two-page writing foldersRevision after every 4 unitsGrammar folder (summarises grammar of each

unit)CD-ROM (packed inside) with additional practice

and tests

What is there in the Past Papers?Other components of “Objective IELTS Intermediate” and “Objective IELTS Advanced”:

Workbooks with/without answers

What is there in the Past Papers?“Grammar for IELTS” and “Vocabulary for IELTS” are a unique series of exam preparation materials

What is there in the Past Papers?Photociable book of IELTS preparation with tasks and tests

What is there in the Past Papers?“Common Mistakes at IELTS Intermediate” and “Common Mistakes at IELTS Advanced” are based on Cambridge

Learner Corpus and contain exercises helping to overcome errors

What is there in the Past Papers?If you need a short IELTS preparation course you may prefer “Step up to IELTS” with or

without answers

What is there in the Past Papers?Students may benefit from “Action Plan” – last minute self-study course

What is there in the Past Papers?

What is there in the Past Papers?Useful sites

• www.cambridge.org/elt/exams

• www.cambridge.org/elt/ru