How To Boost Your IELTS Writing Score: You can improve your IELTS Writing test score and pass your IELTS test by remembering just one thing. To get a high score in the IELTS essay (Task 2), you need to be able to clearly describe your point of view in a few sentences. To practice this you need to decide what you think or believe about a certain topic and why you think it. Here is an example: The question topic is: “There is more crime on the streets nowadays” How would you describe in a few sentences your point of view? Remember that the IELTS essay usually includes the instruction “Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience” . You must do this to score well. Example: I believe that the recent rise in local crime is unprecedented and dangerous for the local population. 1 Only last week there was a series of armed robberies against people walking on the streets 2 in my city and people ar...

Are you looking for a university in the USA with IELTS 5.5? Here is a comprehensive list of universities and educational institutions in the USA which accept IELTS 5.5 for admission to undergraduate programs. Not all undergraduate study programs (English, Engineering, Business Administration, etc.) may be available based on an IELTS score of 5.5 so you should check directly with an individual university or institution to make sure that the course of study you want is available. Universities in USA Accepting IELTS 5.5 for Admisssion Abilene Christian University Abilene, TX IELTS 5.5 Adams State College Distance degree Alamosa, CO IELTS 5.5 Alverno College Milwaukee, WI IELTS 5.5 Arkansas State University Jonesboro, AR IELTS 5.5 Art Institute of Boston at Lesley University Boston, MA IELTS 5.5 Azusa Pacific University Azusa, CA IELTS 5.5 Bemidji State University Bemidji, MN IELTS 5.5 Benedictine University Lisle, IL IELTS 5.5 Buffalo State College (State University of...

Best Strategy for IELTS Speaking Test | Functional Language Many IELTS test takers worry a lot about the speaking topics which come up in the IELTS speaking test . Some test takers even practice memorizing sample answers for various topics – but this is largely a waste of time. There is a better strategy to improve your IELTS speaking score . It’s impossible to predict which topics will come up in a particular test, although some of the same topics might appear across the world in the same month. But there are literally hundreds of different topics which can be selected – and just because one IELTS speaking test, for example in Australia, has a certain topic one week does not mean that the same topic will be used again the following week or the next month. In Part 1 of the IELTS speaking test some of the topics are more predictable, for example, the examiner normally asks you about yourself, your work , your studies , and where you live – but there are many other possible ques...

Talk about an exciting message that you have received by email or phone. You should say: who sent it to you what the message was about who you shared it with IELTS Speaking Answer | An Exciting Message Okay, so about a month ago my friend called me to let me know some important news. She has been accepted for a really interesting position at an international company. She is going to work in recruitment selection, I think they call it head hunting or executive search selection. She has been trying to get into this line of work for some time now, so I'm really happy for her because I know that she really wants to do this type of work. We spent about two hours talking that evening, most of it was about her new job, but we also spoke about some other things. She was very excitied by the news and couldn't stop telling me how delighted she was to finally get such a position. Apparently she will have to do quite a bit of traveling, visiting clients and doing research as ...

Number of students studying abroad at UK elite universities doubles in 10 years The quantity of students electing to study abroad at top UK universities has almost doubled in the last 10 years according to figures just released. Official data provided by top UK universities such as Cambridge, Oxford, Birmingham and Durham clearly demonstrate a growing trend in the quantity of undergraduate students who have chosen to study abroad in the UK, an overall increase of around 192% since 2005. Among the UK universities considered as the top academic establishments in the country, Exeter University has experienced the largest increase in international students studying there – an increase of around 367%. In many cases, the largest single group of international students is young Chinese who have opted to study in the UK. Sheffield University reported that their Chinese student population was less than 1,000 in 2005 but it has grown to more than 4,000 currently - a staggering 580%...

This latest book (April 2015) in the well established exam preparation series from Cambridge English gives IELTS candidates the chance to become familiar with the format of the IELTS test and learn to apply specific IELTS test strategies with these authentic IELTS exam papers compiled by Cambridge. The book has four different Academic IELTS tests, each one complete with Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking sections. There are also Reading and Writing sections for the IELTS General Training exam. Cambridge IELTS 10 includes an overview of each IELTS exam section as well as a comprehensive guide to how the IELTS exam is evaluated in terms of the different IELTS Band scores. Also included in Cambridge IELTS 10 is a complete answer key for all sections and transcripts of all the audio recordings, making it an ideal self-study resource for candidates preparing for the IELTS exam, or students who do not have access to an IELTS preparation course or IELTS tutors. Cambridge IE...

Modal verbs can could In English grammar , the modal verbs ( can, could, may, might, must, will, would, shall, should, ought to, need ) are auxiliary verbs used to describe ability , possibility or necessity . Use an English modal verb + infinitive form of the verb without to . Do not change their form: She could speak German and Spanish .(NOT She could to speak...) Could you speak German before you went to live in Germany? (NOT Did you could speak German...) 1. Ability Use the following English modal verbs to express ability: Present tense : can, can’t, be able to, manage to I can’t drive. I manage to concentrate, but it’s difficult sometimes. I’m able to speak three languages. Past tense : could, couldn’t, be able to, manage to They weren’t able to find the address of the shop. Perfect tenses : be able to, manage to Have you managed to complete the assignment yet? Future tense : be able to, manage to He won’t be able to come to the meeting this afternoon. Use...

IELTS Challenge #7 Today’s IELTS topic | Natural Resources & Alternative Fuels 1. Brainstorm as many verbs, adjectives, phrases and other vocabulary related to natural resources and alternative fuels as you can in 2 minutes. 2. Can you name 4 fossil fuels? Can you name 7 natural energy resources? Choose two of the examples you thought of and list the advantages and possible problems associated with each. 3. Road traffic is considered to be one of the biggest contributors to environmental pollution. Why? What is the name of the substance that is produced by cars, buses, trucks and other methods of transport which use fossil fuels? 4. How can we reduce the amount of this substance being produced? Can you think of any examples of schems in your country to try and reduce these emissions? What is involved? How are they organised? Are they successful? Why/why not? 5. Give examples of actions individuals can take to change the way they use energy at home/at work. What shou...

IELTS workout of the day (WOD) #6 Today’s topic | Hobbies / Pastimes / Leisure activities 1. Brainstorm 5 indoor activities, 5 outdoor activities and 5 activities which can be done both indoors and outdoors. 2. Give 5 examples of hobbies / pastimes / leisure activities which are popular in your country. Now think of 5 different adjectives to describe each of your examples. 3. Give 2 reasons why you think each one is popular. 4. Many people think it is important to have a hobby / pastime. - Think of 3 possible benefits of having a hobby / pastime. - Now, using modal verbs of possibility/probability, make suppositions about why some of the hobbies / pastimes you identified earlier might offer benefits to those people who do them. Example: People who do a lot of sport may feel better and could be healthier. 5. Identify 3 reasons why a person might take up a hobby or pastime. 6. Do you have a hobby / pastime? Can you write a paragraph explaining what your hobby / past...

IELTS workout of the day (WOD)#5 Today’s topic | The Media 1. How many different types of media can you think of in 1 minute? 2. Brainstorm as many verbs or phrases associated with the media as you can in 1 minute. 3. Which is the most popular form of media for news in your country? - for adults - for young people Is it different? Can you give two or three reasons why different ages prefer different media? 4. Prepositions: Here are some sentences related to the media. Each sentence contains a preposition. Decide if the preposition is the correct one or not in each case. Many people love commenting in social media pages. Satellite TV programs are broadcast all over the world. Most national newspapers are published in a daily basis. The man read the headlines on the newspaper. 5. Can you think of 5 adjectives commonly used to describe news stories. 6. Identify 5 sections which normally appear in a newspaper, news website or similar publication. What kind of content would you...

IELTS workout of the day #4 Today's topic | The Economy 1. Think about the economy of your country. What are the main sectors? Can you name at least 5 of them? 2. How would you describe your country? Is it an importer of goods or an exporter of goods? What kinds of things does it import/export? TIP: If you’re not sure – go to Wikipedia and look for the relevant information about your own country. 3. What are the main challenges/problems facing the economy in your country at the moment? Examples: unemployment, loss of traditional industry, international competition How many problems can you identify? Can you describe a fast-moving sector of your national economy? What is it and why do you think it’s growing rapidly? 4. Can you think of 5 adverbs to describe changes in the economy or markets? 5. Identify 5 factors which can affect the economy. How can these factors be an influence on the economy of a country? Write 5 sentences (one for each factor) describing the poss...

IELTS workout of the day (WOD) #3 IELTS workout of the day (WOD) is designed to help you develop your speed and thinking skills, as well as review and learn vocabulary and grammar related to common IELTS topics. They are NOT all-inclusive vocabulary or grammar resources. They are designed to get you thinking and focussing on typical vocabulary you may need for the IELTS test. If you think these IELTS exercises are difficult, then you probably need to learn more vocabulary first, or review grammar (there are many books and other resources here you can access for this.) IELTS WODs are a challenge, you should try and do them as fast as you can. Take note of the parts that cause problems for you - and then study to improve your knowledge. You should be able to complete this WOD in around 30 minutes. If it takes you more time, don't worry, just keep practising and you will get faster, better and more confident. Good Luck! Today's topic | Buildings 1. Brainstorm 15 vocabul...

IELTS workout of the day #2 Today's topic | Health You should be able to complete this WOD in around 30 minutes. If it takes you more time, don't worry, just keep practising and you will get faster, better and more confident. Good Luck! 1. Brainstorm 10 common health problems/conditions. 2. Give 5 examples of adjectives you could use in relation to health. 3. Identify at least 3 life threatening diseases/conditions. 4. What are the most common causes of these diseases/conditions? 5. Describe the typical treatment or solution for one of these diseases/conditions in no more than three sentences. 6. Rewrite the following sentence in as many different ways as you can in 1 minute. In many developed countries, obesity is overtaking smoking as one of the leading causes of health problems. 7. Give 3 examples of things/activities/habits which are detrimental to your health in general, and 3 examples of good/healthy lifestyle choices. 8. Complete the following 5 condi...

IELTS Challenge #1 IELTS challenges are designed to help you practise/learn using vocabulary and grammar closely associated with topics and skills require in the IELTS test. They are designed to help you think faster, develop wider vocabulary and variety in expressing your ideas and to make you more creative when tackling IELTS topics, especially in the speaking and writing sections. You should be able to complete this WOD in around 30 minutes. If it takes you more time, don't worry, just keep practising and you will get faster, better and more confident. Good Luck! IELTS Challenge #1 | The Environment Write down 20 words associated with the environment. Identify at least 3 environmental problems. Identify a minimum of 3 causes of pollution. Describe a solution for one of the above (an environmental problem or cause of pollution)in no more than three sentences. Rewrite the following sentence in as many different ways as you can in 1 minute: The threat of climate change ...

Describing a graph & describing trends | Academic IELTS Writing Task 1 To get a high score in Task 1 of IELTS Academic Writing test you need to show you have a good range of vocabulary to descrive visual information.  You also need to be  accurate when you use adjectives, adverbs and phrases to describe the information. Here are some useful words and phrases to help describe trends. Nouns a rise an increase a growth a surge a fall a decline a drop a decrease a peak a fluctuation a variation a period of stability a plateau a plateux Verbs to rise to increse to grow to surge to fall to drop to decline to decrease to peak to fluctuate to vary to stabilize to plateau Phrases to show an upward trend to show a downward trend to hit the lowest point to hit a trough to reach a peak to show some fluctuation to show some variation to remain stable to remain constant to reach a plateau to level off to flatten out Adjectives & ...

TOEFL Integrated Speaking Questions 4 and 6 This video gives an overview of the TOEFL Integrated Speaking questions 4 and 6. These questions are about academic subjects. You will learn about: The structure of these questions Tips on how to approach these questions How the questions are scored A high-score sample answer Tips to build and develop your TOEFL speaking skills The video shows the structure of the questions, what they ask, how you should approach these questions, and how your answers are scored. There is also a high-score sample and tips for improving your own speaking skills for TOEFL. This is the format of Question 4: Reading passage Listening passage 30 seconds preparation time 60 seconds response time You will be given a passage to read relating to an academic topic. You will then hear part of a presentation (lecture) on the same topic. You will be given 30 seconds preparation time and then 60 seconds when you record your response to the question. This...

English Grammar | More ways of comparing We use less / the least to mean the opposite of more / the most You might imagine that the General Training IELTS test would be less difficult to pass. The morning I sat my exam was probably the least enjoyable time I've ever head. We can add emphasis with words like even , far , a great deal , a little , a lot , much + comparative: A reading comprehension test requires much greater concentration than simply reading a book. In formal English with words like slightly , considerably , significantly + comparative: The number of exam candidates in 2013 is significantly higher than that for the year 2012. The number of women sitting Academic IELTS to enter into higher education is only slightly lower than the number of men. We cannot use very with comparatives (not the number of women was very lower ). We can say two things are the same or similar with as + adjective / adverb + as : My exam preparation course i...

Future with 'Going to' The future with 'going to' is used to speak about future intentions or plans made before the present moment. Examples: We are going to study Russian next semester. Where are you going to stay in New York? She isn't going to take a vacation this year. The future with 'going to' is used to express events you have already planned in the future and your intentions for the future. We sometimes also use the present continuous for planned events in the near future. Examples: She's going to attend university and study to become a doctor. We're going to make the presentation next week. Future with Going to Structure Positive Subject + to be + going to + verb I am going to attend the meeting. He, She is going to attend the meeting. You, We, They are going to attend the meeting. Negative Subject + to be + not + going to + verb I'm not going to visit Rome next year. He, She isn't going to visit Rom...

Future Future with 'Will' the future with 'will' is used to make a future prediction or express a decision about the future made at the moment. Examples: It will be sunny tomorrow. I think the government will help the poor. I'm hungry. I'll buy something to eat. The future with 'will' is used to make future predictions and promises. Often the precise moment the action will occur is unknown or not defined. This tense is often used with the following time expressions: soon next month / year / week Basic Construction Positive Subject + will + verb + object(s) + time Expression The government will increase taxes soon. Negative Subject + will not (won't) + verb + object(s) + time Expression She won't help us much with the project. Question (Question Word) + will + subject + verb + object(s) + time Expression Why will they reduce taxes?

Present Perfect Continuous The present perfect continuous is used to express how long a current activity has been going on. It is often used in context to provide a reason for a present result. Remember that continuous forms can only be used with action verbs.  This tense is often used with the following time expressions: since + specific point in time for + amount of time Basic Construction Positive Subject + has / have + been + verb + ing + object(s) + time expression Example He's been cleaning house for two hours. Negative Subject + has / have not (hasn't / haven't) + been + verb + ing + object(s) + time expression Example Janice hasn't been studying for too long. Question (Question Word) + has / have + subject + been + verb + ing + object(s) + (time expression) Example How long have you been working in the garden?