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IELTS Writing Task 2 entails you to write an academic-style essay on usual topics. A common type of IELTS task 2 essays is the  Problem Solution ,  Causes Solution  or Advantages and Disadvantages  essay. Despite being very common, lots of students fail to do well in these questions. Many students are unable to deliver a good introduction which is where the examiner gets an impression of what to expect in the answer. Here are 5 common problems that students face while producing a good introduction in IELTS Writing Task 2: Talking casually about the topic Many students start off their essays with general information about the topic. Majority of essays open with ‘Nowadays……’ or ‘In modern life….’. This in my opinion is an absolutely wrong way to frame the introduction. The question requires you to answer the question precisely and not casually. Thesis statement Thesis statement is a statement that sketches out the problems and its probable solutions. Your ma...

Many students find IELTS Reading to be very harsh. The vocabulary is exceptionally difficult, not to mention the extensive variety of question types. Smart and steady preparation is the only way to score good in IELTS Reading. Maintaining the speed is of grave importance to do well on the IELTS Reading paper. Sixty minutes is not enough to get through all the passages and answer 40 questions. The most logical way is to divide the 3 sections equally—spending 20 minutes per section, since each question carries same marks.The technique that is known to be best is Skimming and Scanning. Skimming         Instead of reading each passage carefully, it works much better for most people to “skim” the Reading passages. Skimming refers to looking only for the general or main ideas. You hone in on what is important to your purpose. The way is to cast your eyes over the words that carry actual information, nouns and verbs, which convey the overall message....

For most international students, IELTS band 7 is the ultimate goal. IELTS band 7 is an evidence of your good English and opens your way to join any university course,some as good as the elite Oxbridge and Ivy League institutions.Only a few degree programs require a higher IELTS band score than band 7 and these tend to be language intensive courses like literature, law and linguistics. If you are constantly preparing for IELTS band 7 and your score is stuck on 6 or 6.5 then along with practice you need a change of approach. If you are getting the same result in the retakes, you definitely need to change the way you are taking your exam.  Remember, the IELTS exam is not the method of preparation but a final step in your study. Some people think, the more they appear in exam the more their IELTS band score will improve. While this may be true for lower band scores, taking a leap from IELTS band 6 to IELTS band 7 or 8 requires different approach. Following are the 7 steps to band 7 ...

Rajinder is one of my good friend, who was preparing for his IELTS. He had already taken the IELTS exam twice and his score did not meet the requirement which was band 7.5 overall, with a minimum of band 7 in each section. Though his listening and speaking section were good, but reading and writing were jammed at 5.5 and 6 respectively. Rajinder’s 3 rd IELTS test was scheduled just a month away. Here are the steps Rajinder followed to move his IELTS band score from 6.5 to 7.5 in just 4-weeks. During the rigorous training, his reading improved remarkably. He put into effect the following points to improve his IELTS reading band: Cutting down the amount of time spent on reading the passage. Enforcing the technique of skim and scan and revolving around key-words. Binding one minute to each question. The improvement in writing section was difficult to accomplish. In spite of the intensive practice, the growth was slow. To improve IELTS writing band score, one requires adapting th...

The improvement in IELTS writing section is difficult to accomplish. To improve IELTS writing band score, one requires adapting the following things: Forming complex sentence structures Using good vocabulary Avoiding grammatical errors Here’s the Ultimate 10-Step  Strategy for Moving your IELTS Writing from Band 6.5 to Band 7: Practice regularly   It is virtually impossible to accomplish IELTS band 7 or 8 writing skills in just a few days. You need to practice daily. Practicing daily does not necessarily include writing a lot of passages in one day. Your intensive practicing schedule may include just writing introductions to a couple of passages only. Brainstorm the topics for task 2 and the letter or analyze the data for task 1 and write down some ideas that are connected. Look at the ideas and see which ones you can develop or write about well. Planning Planning an outline of your ideas and the information to support them, making notes of the keywords and jotting...

It’s difficult for even native speakers to start writing automatically without giving the topic much of a thought. For those who have English as their second language, the difficulty level is increased several folds. It’s natural to go off the topic, make grammatical, punctuation and silly spelling errors and forgetting about the time limits. All of these factors keep you a foot away from your desired IELTS band 7. To score band 7 in your IELTS writing section, you need to work on following points: Make sure you keep on topic Manage your cohesion and coherence well Provide excellent language and vocabulary Avoid repeating things Include enough complex sentences and a good range of linking words Fit all the ideas in the given word limit Manage time. Planning an outline of your ideas and the information to support them, making notes of the keywords and jotting down the vocabulary and sentence structures you wish to use can make your task easier and better. Much of this can be...

It’s generally believed that the candidates cannot do anything to elevate their IELTS band score in a short period of time. Webeg to differ and do believe that with enough determination, hard work, practice and accurate strategies, one can achieve the desired band score. Overall higher band in IELTS exam is not really far-fetched and IELTS listening can be your best bet. Here is a 7-step strategy to score higher band such as 8 or 8.5 in IELTS Listening module: Familiarize yourself with the possible types of questions in IELTS Listening.Make sure you have reference books and full range of IELTS listening material. There are many websites including BBC, CNN etc. which provide both audio based and video based modules, also a mix of audio and video. Prefer a mix, since video based though are more fun but they are less helpful. You need to get used to the British accent as well as other main accents to get through the IELTS listening test. Watching movies and TV shows without subtitles...

First impression is often considered as the last impression. The same applies to task 2 in IELTS Writing exam. A good introduction earns you great credibility for your essay. Following are some examples of good and bad introduction in IELTS Writing task 2: Question- In some countries levels of health and fitness are decreasing and average weights are increasing.What do you think are the causes of these problems and what are some possible solutions? GOOD INTRODUCTION Nations worldwide are dealing with the growing issue of obesity and declining health. This is a reason for distress for all age groups. There are two main causes, over consumption of fast food and lack of exercise. The way forward would be to introduce a government tax on fast food and special incentives on gym membership to get people exercising. BAD INTRODUCTION Nowadays, the health of people is degrading all around the globe. In some countries levels of health and fitness are decreasing and average weights are inc...

There is no specific section in IELTS exam for judging your spelling or vocabulary. Instead, both of these parameters are assessed in every part of your IELTS test. A proper grasp of vocabulary is, without doubt, an important criterion in IELTS test. Not only does vocabulary make up 25% of your marks in IELTS Writing and Speaking, but it also plays a crucial part in IELTS Listening and Reading. However, a majority of IELTS learners either don’t focus on their vocabulary or don’t build it up in the required way. Learning by memorizing is, in essence, most absurd way of increasing your vocabulary. Scientific research shows, an average of 15 to 20 repetitions are required for a person to put a word from foreign language in their vocabulary. Learning by context, basically means that they don’t completely expose the words within a sentence and paragraph, thereby not figuring out how to use them properly. Each section of IELTS features either academic vocabulary, conversational vocabulary...

Getting band 8 in IELTS reading is difficult but not impossible. Band 8 or higher in IELTS exam is the result of months of groundwork that the candidate lays. Utmost concentration and sound strategy can help one achieve the desired band. Given below are 7 Secrets from Top Candidates to Score Band 7/8 in IELTS Reading Exam: Don’t believe in everything you read online about IELTS Reading There are innumerable articles on web, discussing the tips and tricks to crack IELTS and achieve high band score. Without doubt, some of these are helpful but most of them are just shortcuts and irrational advises promising you a higher band. These shortcuts restrict your growth and limit your reading skills. So, why focus on tricks when you can concentrate on building up your overall capabilities Remember there are no shortcuts to success. For band 7 or 8 in IELTS good reading skills are pre-requisite While the tricks mentioned online may help you score an IELTS band 5 or 6, to score band 7 or 8 y...

Speaking module is considered as the most terrifying of the sub tests in IELTS exam. This fear is the result of the element of surprise in the test. Each part of the IELTS speaking test requires you to frame answers in a slightly different way from the other, which basically demands you to prepare strategies and techniques for each part in your own way. Listed below are some usual problems that candidates face in the IELTS Speaking test, and a few approaches to overcome them. Problem 1 in IELTS Speaking Test – Extending your Answers Efficiently Candidates usually get startled in the very first part wherein the examiner asks 12 introductory questions which are to be answered in about 4 minutes. Many people go about memorizing and give scripted answers to create a good impression. This in turn produces completely opposite result, since the answers are obvious and examiners are skilled in spotting them. Candidates usually face issues in direct and simple questions. Answers to these qu...

A good teacher can not only educate you but also motivate you. Opting for a good IELTS tutor is a decision that can have game changing effects on your band score. Other than knowledge and work experience, what makes a teacher perfect for you, is the teacher’s way of addressing your personal needs. Following are the basic criteria to find the best IELTS exam teacher for you to ensure a 7 or 8 band score: DECIDE YOUR LEARNING PREFERENCES The fundamental step in the process of selecting a teacher is to decide what works for you efficiently; online or offline. If peer pressure holds positive effects on you and sitting in front of the screen for hours together in a row, is not your cup of tea, try looking for language school that offers IELTS in small groups or classes. On the contrary, if one-on-one lessons suit your needs better and you have limited time to offer, go for online training sessions which can be affirmatively flexible. You can schedule your lessons around your daily routi...

Any exam brings fears of various kinds to most candidates. It is important to have a sound strategy, appropriate cope up mechanism and extensive preparation, to lower the pre-exam adrenaline rush, if not completely avoid the exam stress. The international standardized test for English level proficiency, IELTS (International English Language Testing Scheme), comes with numerous intimidating aspects which undermine a candidate’s confidence and abilities. It is important to beat this intimidation, stress and pressure to perform to achieve the desired band score. However, the first step is to recognize your fears and then find ways to overcome them. Following are the common fears that IELTS exam candidates have experienced: MISSING A PART IN LISTENING MODULE While in the listening module if you skipped a particular part, answering the questions precisely would not be possible. Not only that, the following questions will be affected too, since it’ll take time for you to get back on tra...

To score band 7 or 8 in IELTS reading section, completing the reading section in the allocated time is crucial. One thing that you need to meticulously practice is to put into effect a strict time allotment to each section. If you are unable to complete all the questions in the requisite time, you are involuntarily reducing the total possible score. So, for example, if you fail to complete the last 5 questions (something many students report to me) or simply guess them then your final score is now out of a possible 35 or so as the final passage is the most challenging and the chances of guessing correctly are reduced. Here are the three secrets to complete IELTS reading in 50 minutes: READING HABITS Enjoying reading as a hobby and for pleasure, attributes greatly to a high score in IELTS reading section. Being a good reader gives you an advantage of understanding the organization of text and framework of words. They are well versed and hence their instincts work better and faster t...

IELTS writing exam is an area where students are up against the clock, which causes unwanted stress and worry. 60 minutes and 2 tasks to complete can be a daunting and tiresome charge to comprehend. It is important to complete the exam on time and to check your answers before submitting. Most students who score a Band 7 and above are able to plan, complete and review their exam within the given 60 minutes. It is important to understand that the IELTS Writing section  requires you to manage your time in such a way that your prime focus is on the grammatical and analytic aspects. It may look difficult to focus on vocabulary, grammar, content ideas and time management, but these are all important aspects and equally vital to score the desired band score. If you work systematically and follow the below 7 tricks, you will be able to complete IELTS writing section within 60 minutes and get a desired Band score as well. 7 Tricks to Complete IELTS Writing Section in 60 Minutes: VOCABUL...

The world’s largest island, Australia, is situated in the Indian and Pacific Ocean and is cited as one of the most preferred destinations for Indian students. It is not just a country but also a continent. Its cultural diversity, friendly laid back nature of natives, unique approach towards vocational and technical segments and high standard of living makes it a dream destination for many international students. Listed below are 5 Powerful Reasons and Benefits of Studying in Australia for Indian Students: Global Recognition An Australian government authorized system; Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) covers most of the courses and training. Hence, Australian qualifications are acknowledged by all the leading educational institutions across the globe. Australia enjoys an international reputation of delivering practical and career accustomed training, thus giving the graduates confidence of their skills. The universities are also known for their ability to adapt new technolog...

Last minute preparation forms the most vital part of your yearlong groundwork that you’ve been doing to clear IELTS examination. To run through the entire syllabus in a jiffy can be a tricky thing to do. Having a planned sketch can reduce the pre exam anxiety and help you use your full potential during the examination. So pack your schedule with the following to-do list before the examination. Below are the tips and tricks to pass each section of the test with flying colours. IELTS Writing Last Minute Preparation Tips The foremost thing is to organize your time during the hour-long Writing Test. Giving 20 minutes to the first section and 40 minutes to the second is believed to be the best way to finish the section in time, keeping in mind that Task 2 is worth two-thirds of the total marks in the writing test. Don’t focus on Task 1 so that you have insufficient time to do Task 2. Distribute your time to each stage in the following manner; Planning- 5-10 minutes Writing- 20-30 minu...

Perth, the world’s fourth “most liveable city”, is the capital of Western Australia (abbreviated as WA). Western Australia gives an authentic Australian experience and the state covers the western third part. Famous for long sunny days, brilliant blue bleaches, it has achieved recognition globally for its low unemployment rate, roaring economy and sophisticated development in various sectors including science and technology. Like rest of the Australia, Perth harbours enrollments from 140 countries annually, attracting over 42,000 students towards its exclusive learning environment. Listed below are 7 Reasons Why Studying in Perth and Western Australia Makes Sense for Indian Students: World class education The quality of of scholarly programs is much superior in Perth and Western Australia. Education system of WA’s is globally recognized as one of the finest. The array of world class universities, schools, institutions and English language colleges, based in WA are best in their cl...