Showing posts with label Ielts test. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ielts test. Show all posts

IELTS TIPS - Tips to help you learn new words for the IELTS exam

Friday, April 21, 2023

Here are some tips to help you learn new words for the IELTS exam:


Read Widely: Reading regularly can help you to learn new words and increase your vocabulary. Choose a variety of materials such as novels, magazines, newspapers, academic articles, and other online resources.

  • Novels and Fiction: Reading novels and fiction books can help you learn new vocabulary and improve your reading comprehension skills. Choose a variety of genres such as romance, mystery, science fiction, and historical fiction.
  • Newspapers and Magazines: Reading newspapers and magazines can help you stay up-to-date with current events and learn new words related to politics, economics, and social issues. Consider reading publications like The Economist, Time Magazine, or The New York Times.
  • Academic Articles: Reading academic articles can help you improve your reading skills and learn new vocabulary related to specific fields such as science, medicine, and law. JSTOR and Google Scholar are excellent resources for finding academic articles.
  • Blogs and Online Articles: Reading blogs and online articles can help you learn new vocabulary related to technology, culture, and other areas of interest. Some popular blogs include The Huffington Post, Buzzfeed, and Mashable.
  • Literary Classics: Reading classic literature can help you learn new vocabulary and improve your understanding of the English language. Consider reading books such as To Kill a Mockingbird, The Great Gatsby, or Pride and Prejudice.
There are so many great books out there, it really depends on what type of book you're interested in reading. Here are a few suggestions for books that are generally well-regarded and cover a range of genres:
  • To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee: This classic novel is a must-read for anyone interested in literature. It's a poignant story about racial injustice in the Deep South.
  • 1984 by George Orwell: This dystopian novel is a chilling warning about the dangers of totalitarianism and the importance of individual freedom.
  • The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald: This novel is a masterpiece of American literature that explores the decadence and excess of the Roaring Twenties.
  • The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams: This science fiction classic is a hilarious and irreverent romp through the universe.
  • The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins: This young adult dystopian novel is a thrilling adventure story that explores themes of survival, sacrifice, and rebellion.
  • The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot: This non-fiction book tells the story of a woman whose cancer cells were taken without her knowledge and used for scientific research, leading to significant medical advances.
  • The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho: This philosophical novel is a spiritual journey about a shepherd boy who embarks on a quest for treasure.
  • The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson: This thriller is a complex and gripping mystery that follows a journalist and a computer hacker as they investigate a decades-old disappearance.
Use Contextual Clues: When you come across a new word while reading, try to guess its meaning from the context in which it is used. This will help you to understand the word's usage and build your vocabulary.

  • Word Association: Look for words that are related to the new word you are trying to learn. For example, if you come across the word "cacophony," you may notice that it is used in a sentence that describes a loud, unpleasant sound. This association can help you to understand the meaning of the word.
  • Definition in Context: Pay attention to how the new word is used in a sentence. Often, the context in which the word is used can give you a clue to its meaning. For example, if you see the word "gregarious" in a sentence like "She is a very gregarious person," you can infer that it means sociable or outgoing.
  • Prefix and Suffix: Pay attention to the prefix and suffix of a word, as they can help you to understand the meaning. For example, the prefix "un-" often means "not" or "opposite of." So if you see the word "unprecedented," you can infer that it means "not seen or done before."
  • Synonyms and Antonyms: Look for synonyms and antonyms of the new word, as they can give you a better understanding of its meaning. For example, if you come across the word "miserly," you may look for its synonyms, such as "stingy" or "tight-fisted," to help you understand its meaning.

Keep a Vocabulary Notebook: Write down new words, their meanings, and sample sentences. Regularly review and use these new words in your writing and speaking practice.
  • Definitions: Write down the definition of the new word as soon as you encounter it. This will help you to remember the meaning of the word and make it easier to review later.
  • Example Sentences: Write down one or two example sentences that use the new word. This will help you to understand how the word is used in context and make it easier to remember.
  • Synonyms and Antonyms: Write down synonyms and antonyms for the new word. This will help you to expand your vocabulary and provide you with alternatives to use when writing or speaking.
  • Personal Connections: Make a personal connection to the new word by writing down a sentence or two about how it relates to your life or experiences. This will help you to remember the word and make it more relevant to you.
  • Review: Set aside some time each day or week to review your vocabulary notebook. This will help you to reinforce what you have learned and ensure that you don't forget any of the new words you have added.

Use Flashcards:
Flashcards are an effective tool for memorizing new words. You can create your flashcards or use online flashcard apps like Quizlet.
  • Write the word on one side of the flashcard and the definition on the other side. Test yourself by looking at the word and trying to recall its definition.
  • Write the word on one side of the flashcard and an example sentence on the other side. Test yourself by looking at the word and trying to recall how it is used in context.
  • Write the word on one side of the flashcard and a picture or illustration on the other side. This is especially useful for visual learners who may remember new words better through visual aids.
  • Write the word on one side of the flashcard and a synonym or antonym on the other side. This will help you to expand your vocabulary and provide you with alternatives to use when writing or speaking.
  • Use digital flashcards: Many apps and websites offer digital flashcards that can be customized with new words and definitions. These can be accessed on your phone or computer, making it easy to study on-the-go.

Learn Word Roots: Many words in English share the same root, which means that knowing the root can help you to understand the meaning of a new word. For example, "bene-" means "good," so words like "benefit," "benevolent," and "benign" all have positive meanings.
  • Greek and Latin Roots: Many English words are derived from Greek and Latin roots. For example, "bio" means "life" in Greek, and words like "biology" and "biography" contain this root. Learning these roots can help you understand the meanings of many English words.
  • Prefixes and Suffixes: Many words in English contain prefixes and suffixes that can change the meaning of the word. For example, the prefix "un-" often means "not" or "opposite of," as in the words "unhappy" and "unfriendly." The suffix "-ful" often means "full of," as in the words "beautiful" and "grateful." Learning these prefixes and suffixes can help you decipher the meaning of new words.
  • Root-Based Vocabulary Lists: Some websites and books offer vocabulary lists based on common roots, prefixes, and suffixes. These lists can be a helpful way to learn new words and reinforce your understanding of word roots.
  • Etymology: Etymology is the study of the history and origin of words. Learning the etymology of a word can help you understand its meaning and how it relates to other words in English. Online dictionaries and language learning apps often include information about a word's etymology.
  • Word Games: There are many word games and puzzles that can help you learn word roots, such as crosswords, word searches, and anagrams. These games can be a fun and engaging way to improve your vocabulary and reinforce your understanding of word roots.

Practice using New Words: To truly learn new words, you need to use them in your writing and speaking practice. Try to incorporate new words into your daily conversations and written responses.

  • Write Sentences: After learning a new word, try writing a sentence or two using the word in context. This will help you to reinforce your understanding of the word and how it is used in context.
  • Speak Aloud: Practice using new words in your everyday speech. Try incorporating them into conversations with friends, family, or coworkers. This will help you to become more comfortable using the words in a natural way.
  • Record Yourself: Record yourself speaking and listen back to the recording. Pay attention to how you use new words and identify areas where you could improve.
  • Read Aloud: Read articles, essays, or books that contain new words. When you come across a new word, pause and try to understand its meaning. Then, try to use the word in a sentence or two.
  • Use Language Learning Apps: Many language learning apps offer activities and games that can help you practice using new words. For example, some apps offer quizzes, fill-in-the-blank exercises, and matching games that allow you to practice using new vocabulary words in context.

Take Vocabulary Tests: There are many online vocabulary tests and quizzes available that can help you to practice and reinforce new words.

  • Practice Tests: Take practice vocabulary tests to get familiar with the types of questions and format of the test. Many online resources offer free practice tests for various exams, including the SAT, GRE, and TOEFL.
  • Review Incorrect Answers: After taking a practice test, review your answers and identify the words you didn't know or struggled with. Write these words down and look up their definitions. Then, practice using them in context by writing sentences or using them in conversation.
  • Flashcard Apps: Use flashcard apps to help you memorize new vocabulary words. These apps allow you to create your own flashcards or use pre-made ones, and provide a quick and easy way to study on-the-go.
  • Vocabulary Games: There are many online games and apps that can help you learn and test your vocabulary. For example, vocabulary quizzes, word scrambles, and crossword puzzles can be a fun and engaging way to test your knowledge.
  • Timed Tests: Practice taking timed vocabulary tests to get used to the pressure of working under a time constraint. This will help you to build your speed and accuracy when identifying and defining new vocabulary words.

Remember that building your vocabulary takes time and effort. Be consistent and patient, and you will gradually expand your vocabulary and improve your chances of success on the IELTS exam.



Here is a sample vocabulary test:

Instructions: Choose the best word to complete each sentence.

1. The _______________ of the restaurant was so good that I went back the next day for lunch. 
a) ambience 
b) arrogance
c) adversity 
d) apathy


2. My boss is always _______________ and never takes time to listen to my concerns. 
a) benevolent 
b) candid 
c) condescending 
d) deferential


3. The _______________ of the painting was so realistic that it looked like a photograph. 
a) composition
b) candor 
c) concurrence 
d) complacency


4. The _______________ of the actor's performance was so convincing that it brought the audience to tears.
a) efficacy 
b) eloquence 
c) enmity 
d) empathy


5. After the long hike, we finally reached the _______________ and were able to take a break. 
a) precipice 
b) pinnacle 
c) plateau 
d) promontory

Answers:
1. a) ambience
2. c) condescending
3. a) composition
4. d) empathy
5. c) plateau

Note: This is just a sample test, and the level of difficulty can be adjusted based on the intended audience and purpose of the test.

For Australian Life Culture please visit: https://aus-life-culture.blogspot.com/ For Video about Australia please visit: https://www.youtube.com/@aus-life-culture.

READ MORE - IELTS TIPS - Tips to help you learn new words for the IELTS exam

IELTS Tips - How to Get the Highest Score in IELTS

Thursday, August 11, 2011



Here are some steps that might help to guarantee success for you in IELTS.



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IELTS Book - Focus on IELTS Teachers Book

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Focus on IELTS Teachers Book by Longman written by Sue' o Connell is a comprehensive, integrated pre-IELTS course offered by the development of practical skills and classification.

This Book includes texts and materials of interest to keep students motivated, key structures and rapid boxes useful to highlight the points of grammar, learning strategies and projects to promote do-it-yourself outside the classroom studies to accelerate progress, the Key practice Language Bank provides additional support and practice of grammar and vocabulary - ideal for mixed level classes and self-study, writing of the Bank, in practice, the basic skills of writing, the tasks and model answers driving.

You may also like:


The Teacher's Book includes: * Full teaching notes * Photocopiable resources * Answer keys to exercises * Full audio script

Wanna find good books to study? Click here to go to IELTS BOOK STORE




Leave comments below to share your favourite IELTS BOOKS to everyone.
READ MORE - IELTS Book - Focus on IELTS Teachers Book

IELTS Listening - Some Tips and Activities to Help You With the Listening Exam

Monday, August 8, 2011

Do you find the IELTS listening exam more difficult than other listening exams you have done?  What makes it seem difficult?  It has the same format as other exams – filling in spaces, completing information, matching exercises, and a variety of accents.  So why does it seem more complicated?

Here are some tips and activities to help you with the listening exam:

IELTS Listening tips 1

IELTS Listening tips 2

Source: British Council

READ MORE - IELTS Listening - Some Tips and Activities to Help You With the Listening Exam

IELTS Listening - Ielts Listening 19 (Language School)

Sunday, August 7, 2011




Click here to do the test

Source: English Online

 
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IELTS Listening - Ielts Listening 18 (In a Post Office)





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Source: English Online

 
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IELTS Listening - Ielts Listening 17 (Helpline)




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Source: English Online

 
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IELTS Listening - Ielts Listening 16 (Difficulties of Having a Car)




Click here to do the test

Source: English Online

 
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IELTS Reading - 9 Free Resources to Help You Get a Better Score

Saturday, August 6, 2011

READ MORE - IELTS Reading - 9 Free Resources to Help You Get a Better Score

IELTS Writing - Task 1 - Table (Consumer Durables in Britain)

Thursday, August 4, 2011

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
The table below shows the consumer durables (telephone, refrigerator, etc...) owned in Britain from 1972 to 1983.
Write a report for a university lecturer describing the information shown below.
You should write at least 150 words.
Consumer durables
1972
1974
1976
1978
1979
1981
1982
1983
Percentage of households with:








central heating
39
43
48
52
55
59
60
64
television
93
95
96
96
97
97
97
98
video







18
vacuum cleaner
87
89
92
92
93
94
95

refrigerator
73
81
88
91
92
93
93
94
washing machine
66
68
71
75
74
78
79
80
dishwasher



3
3
4
4
5
telephone
42
50
54
60
67
75
76
77
Model answer:


The data in the chart indicates a steady rise in the number of British households that own various consumer durables from 1972 to 1983. The most significant increase was seen in telephone ownership, going from 42% to 77% in that period. Central heating was the next in line with a rise from 37% to 64% of households having it. The possession of refrigerators increased by 21%, while the ownership of washing machines saw a 14% rise. Vacuum cleaners, televisions and dishwashers experienced a growth of 8%, 5% and 2% respectively. In 1983, the year of its inception, 18% of households had a video recorder.

These statistics showcase the profound social changes that took place during this period. The proportion of British homes with central heating went up from a third to two-thirds and the number of homes with a telephone rose from less than half to over three-quarters. These changes, along with the significant increase in ownership of washing machines and refrigerators, reflect the improvement in living standards and the trend towards a lifestyle centered on comfort and convenience.


READ MORE - IELTS Writing - Task 1 - Table (Consumer Durables in Britain)

IELTS Listening - Ielts Listening 15 (Ordering a Pizza)





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Source: English Online

 
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IELTS Listening - Ielts Listening 14 (Student Interview)



 
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Source: English Online
 
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IELTS Listening - Ielts Listening 13 (Weather Report)



 
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Source: English Online
 
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IELTS Listening - Ielts Listening 12 (Work Problems)



 
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Source: English Online
 
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IELTS Writing - Task 1 - Single Line Graph and Table (Annual Visits to Australia by Overseas Residents)

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
The line graph below shows the number of annual visits to Australia by overseas residents. The table below gives information on the country of origin where the visitors came from. Write a report for a university lecturer describing the information given.
You should write at least 150 words.


NUMBER OF VISITORS (million)
1975
2005
SOUTH KOREA

JAPAN

CHINA

USA

BRITAIN

EUROPE
2.9

3.2

0.3

0.4

0.9

1.1
9.1

12.0

0.8

1.1

2.9

4.5
Total
8.8
30.4
Model answer:
The given line graph illustrates information on the number of overseas visitors traveling to Australia in millions of people. Overall, one notable trend seems to be that Australia has steadily become more popular as a destination spot. For example, there were 20 million more visitors to Australia in 2005 than in 1975. That's a jump from 10 million to 30 million in 20 years.

The second table gives statistics showing the countries whose residents went to Australia between 1975 and 2005. In both years, the largest number of visitors came from Japan, followed by South Korea and Europe. Britain, the United States and China also had many people traveling to Australia in these years. In fact, the number of people visiting Australia grew in every one of these countries. For example, in 2005, 12 million people went there from Japan compared with only 3.2 million in 1975.

(147 words)

Source: http://www.ielts-exam.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=184&Itemid=32 

READ MORE - IELTS Writing - Task 1 - Single Line Graph and Table (Annual Visits to Australia by Overseas Residents)

IELTS Writing - Task 1 - Bar Graphs and Pie Chart (Enrolment in Different Colleges in the Higher Colleges of Technology)

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
The graphs show enrolment in different colleges in the Higher Colleges of Technology in 1999.
Write a total of 150 - 200 words about the information in the three graphs.
Write a report for a university lecturer describing the information given.
You should write at least 150 words.



model answer:
The charts shows student enrolment by gender and level in different colleges of the Higher Colleges of Technology colleges in the UAE.

There are clear differences in male and female enrolment. Females outnumber men in all the colleges, with almost 25% more students in Dubai Women's college than in Dubai Men's. Ras Al-Khaimah Women's College has almost 180 students, compared to only 100 in the Men's college.

Females also outnumber males by level, with almost double the number of men at Higher Diploma level (330 compared to 181). Only at Diploma level does the number of men slightly exceed that of women.

Over half the students are in Certificate level, with less than a quarter at Higher Diploma or Bachelor level.

In conclusion, most students in the Higher Colleges are enrolled at Diploma level or below, and the majority of students are women.
(143 words)
Source: Luyentienganh.com 

READ MORE - IELTS Writing - Task 1 - Bar Graphs and Pie Chart (Enrolment in Different Colleges in the Higher Colleges of Technology)

IELTS Writing - Task 1 - Double Bar Graph (Mobile Phones and Land Lines)

Monday, August 1, 2011

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
The chart shows the number of mobile phones and landlines per 100 people in selected countries.
Write a report for a university lecturer describing the information given.
You should write at least 150 words.
Model answer:
The graph illustrates the proportion of mobile phones and landlines among 100 people for selected countries. Generally, the majority of countries depicted have more mobile phone subscribers than landline users.

Europe boasts high mobile phone utilization, with Italy having the highest usage with 88 mobile phones per 100 individuals. Italy also has twice as many mobile phones compared to landlines (88 vs. 45). Meanwhile, mobile phone usage is lower in Canada, with fewer than 40 phones per 100 people. Denmark stands out with slightly more landlines than mobile phones.

However, some countries like the USA have more landlines than mobile phones, with 50 mobiles and 70 landlines per 100 people. Canada also follows this pattern. Denmark has the highest number of landlines, approximately 90 per 100 people, while Italy and the UK have the lowest figures for landlines.

In summary, mobile phone use appears to be more widespread in Europe compared to North America.

 
READ MORE - IELTS Writing - Task 1 - Double Bar Graph (Mobile Phones and Land Lines)

IELTS Speaking - Sample Test 5 - Shopping Center

Sunday, July 31, 2011

Introduction (1minute)
Interviewer greets the candidate and introduces himself or herself.
Interviewer asks the candidate to state his or her name clearly for the recorder.
Interviewer asks to see the candidate's passport and verification of the same.
Section 1 –Short Interview (3-4 minute)
  • Where do you come from? Can you tell me some famous landscapes or scenic spots in your hometown?
  • Describe a restaurant or a cafe. You should say, Where it is?
  • What it looks like? What kind of services is provided?
  • What kind of food you like there?.
  • What kind of food is famous? Why you like it?


Section 2-Individual long turn Monologue.

Candidate has to speak about the topic given in the task card (1-2 minutes).Candidate can
use pen or pencil to jot down the points about the topic in task card.
  Task card
Describe one of the shopping centers you often go to
           1) Where is the shopping center?
           2) How often do you go to the center?
           3) Why do you often go to it and its characteristics?


Follow up Questions/Discussion / Dialogue ( 4-5 minutes )
  • Will smaller shops survive in the current business system?
  • What are the characteristics of shopping malls and smaller shops and their difference?
  • What is the trend of future shopping centers?
  • Talk about Internet shopping.
READ MORE - IELTS Speaking - Sample Test 5 - Shopping Center

IELTS Speaking - Sample Test 4 - Advertisement

Introduction (1minute)Interviewer greets the candidate and introduces himself or herself.
Interviewer asks the candidate to state his or her name clearly for the recorder.
Interviewer asks to see the candidate's passport and verification of the same.
Section 1 –Short Interview (3-4 minute)
  • Are you a student or do you have a job?
  • What do you like most about your study? What do you usually do in your spare time?
  • Describe a well-known person.
  • You should say, Who he/she is? What makes him/her famous? Why you admire him/her?

Section 2-Individual long turn Monologue.

Candidate has to speak about the topic given in the task card (1-2 minutes).Candidate can
use pen or pencil to jot down the points about the topic in task card.
Task card Advertisement
           1) What are the forms of advertisement?
           2) What are the functions of advertisement?
           3) What is the effect of advertisement to people?


Follow up Questions/Discussion / Dialogue ( 4-5 minutes )

  • Do you feel bored and disgusted about advertisement?
  • What do you think are the criteria of assessing a good piece of advertisement?
  • What will happen if unauthoritative advertisements prevail in the market?
READ MORE - IELTS Speaking - Sample Test 4 - Advertisement

IELTS Speaking - Sample Test 3 - A Historical Place

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Introduction (1minute)Interviewer greets the candidate and introduces himself or herself.
Interviewer asks the candidate to state his or her name clearly for the recorder.
Interviewer asks to see the candidate's passport and verification of the same.


Section 1 –Short Interview (3-4 minute)
  • Describe how you spend your leisure time with your friends.
  • Describe a traditional festival in your state
  • You should say, What it is?.When is it celebrated?
  • How to celebrate? / what you usually do on that day.
  • What you like and what you don’t like.

Section 2-Individual long turn Monologue.

Candidate has to speak about the topic given in the task card (1-2 minutes).Candidate can use pen or pencil to jot down the points about the topic in task card.


Task card
  Describe a historical place
           1) What is the place?
           2) Where is it located?
           3) What is the historical meaning of the place


Follow up Questions/Discussion / Dialogue ( 4-5 minutes )

  • What do you think of the future trend of historic places?
  • Will government strengthen its protection toward historic places?
  • What are the changes brought about by the historic place in local economy, people, etc?
  • What is the effect of tourists on the place?
READ MORE - IELTS Speaking - Sample Test 3 - A Historical Place

 
 
 

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