IELTS SPEAKING: FLUENCY AND ACCURACY

The Speaking Module assesses a candidate’s ability to speak in English accurately and fluently.

A person is considered to be fluent if he/she speaks:

• at a normal pace (neither too slow nor too fast that the speech becomes incomprehensible),

• without unnatural stops and pauses (i.e. without hesitating),

• without excessive and unnecessary repetition (repeating the same thing over and over again)

• With appropriate cohesion and organization (the speech should be connected, sentences should not be left incomplete in order to jump to next idea. Ideas should be linked. Haphazard sentences about irrelevant things are inappropriate and lead to lower score.)

• Clearly so that the speech is comprehensible (not too fast so that meaning cannot be grasped by listener, no mumbling nor too loud, at an appropriate pitch, words must be spoken clearly with appropriate natural pauses)


A person’s speech is considered accurate, if he/she uses:

• Accurate grammar

• Appropriate tone (formal or informal) as demanded by the situation or topic of discussion. IELTS speaking module focuses on a semi-formal, comfortable conversation but informal terms should be completely avoided.

• Appropriate vocabulary according to the context (the topic being discussed).

• Proper pronunciation. Pronunciation plays a very important role since inaccurate pronunciation may change the meaning of the word or may render the word or even whole sentence meaningless.

VOCABULARY BUILDING: HOW TO BUILD YOUR WORD POWER

BUILD YOUR WORD POWER:

Building your word power certainly pays of in the long run. You can certainly use a good variety of words to use in the IELTS writing module. Remember, the key is to use the words accurately and appropriately (just using difficult words but inaccurately can cause the candidate to lose marks, so be careful.) 

Using a good variety of words is impressive and also useful, however words cannot be memorized merely by cramming the dictionary everyday or by learning them from other sources without reference to their usage because the words memorized will be forgotten as there is no cognitive support to help remember them. Confused? Don't be. WORDS CAN BE REMEMBERED ONLY IN CONTEXT. If you don't know their usage in real life you won't remember them!!

For example:

"GREGARIOUS" might be a difficult words to memorize and later recall and use in everyday life or even in EXAMS. However, if you know that "gregarious" is an adjective, in addition to knowing its actual meaning [which is: (for people) liking to be with others or (for animals) living in groups], you will be able to use it more properly in a sentence. Similarly if you knew its actual usage in a "sentence" you will be able to remember it even better. Here's a sentence usage:

• Jennifer is a gregarious person who loves to go out with friends and family.

• Lions are gregarious animals. They always live in groups.

So now you know:

• the word's meaning,
• what part of speech it is (it is an adjective, and adjectives describe nouns)
• and how it can be used in different types of sentences

RESOURCES:

So to learn words in context use specific vocabulary books like:

• English Vocabulary in Use by MC Carthy and Felicity O Del or
• Oxford Word Power Dictionary which help in learning words in context.
• Cambridge Online Dictionary is also a good resource

IELTS WRITING: Which Essays score well at IELTS?

Which Essays score well at IELTS? Well, this can certainly be categorized as one of the million dollar questions. IELTS is a test of English, so the first obvious reply which comes to one's mind, is that essays written in good (accurate and appropriate) English can achieve a good score. However, there is a lot more to it than just English (though good command over English is certainly important). Here are a few points which give an insight into well-written, high scoring essays:

1. Essays which are relevant to the topic with no (or only minor) digressions from the main theme give a good impression. They show that the candidate has understood the topic and has the ability to write well on a specific topic.
2. Good essays are always well planned. This means that in a well-written essay, ideas are presented in a logical sequence (and not in a haphazard manner). The essays begin with an introduction, followed by arguments one after the other in a logical pattern (and do not give the impression that the writer is writing without planning or in an irregular manner. More tips on planning in the following posts.)
3. The writer argues or proves his point of view through valid examples from real life situations, facts and figures etc. Even if there are no specific examples to be shared the arguments should be logical and verifiable.
4. Good essays always show a range of appropriate and relevant vocabulary.
5. High scoring essays show accurate usage of English with no or very few grammatical, spelling and sentence structure errors.
6. The essay should be appropriately divided into paragraphs. Well-written essays have balanced paragraphs where every paragraph presents and explains a new idea or point of view (which is relevant to the main topic and linked to the previous paragraphs).
7. The use of language should be highly appropriate and should not contain inappropriate slang words or phrases. Similarly language usage is also affected by the type of material one is writing for example formal letters need to be very meticulous, polite and straight forward while informal letters can be casual and friendly depending on the person they are being addressed to.
8. The written material should be legible, i.e. it should be clear enough for the examiner to be able to read it. A piece of writing which cannot be read properly, cannot be marked properly. Though handwriting is a skill mastered earlier in life with only minor improvements possible later in life, candidates should at least try to write clearly and in a font size which is easily visible and readable by the examiner.
9. Well-written essays always leave a good impression. This means that they are concluded properly (and the examiner is not left wondering what the final thoughts of the candidate might have been!). This is just like having a first impression in the beginning and a last good impression in the end by giving an impressive ending to the piece of writing.
10. Essays falling short of the provided word limit do not score well! Therefore candidates should write sufficiently on the given topic to at least reach the required word limit, otherwise they will miss out on vital marks.

The above mentioned points will be discussed in detail in upcoming posts to shed light on individual aspects of a well-written essay. Make sure to cover all these points and the final score will speak for itself. Good Luck!

IELTS READING: THE TOPIC SENTENCE AND HOW IT HELPS

Every passage is divided into separate paragraphs and each paragraph represents a specific idea or set of ideas presented in a sequence. Hence each paragraph contains a sentence or sometimes (but rarely) a couple of sentences which introduce the topic which is discussed in that particular paragraph. Now look at the following two examples,

The first image shows how a passage is divided into individual paragraphs: (this passage is taken from the Cambridge IELTS 5)

(this passage is taken from the Cambridge IELTS 5)

Observe that the above passage is divided into separate paragraphs and each paragraph presents a specific idea or concept. Can you spot the idea being presented? Read more to learn how to locate the topic sentence and utilize in answering the questions:

What is a Topic Sentence and how to locate it?

To put it simply a topic sentence "introduces the idea or concept being discussed in the passage."

Look at the following example: the topic sentence has been underlined in red color. The passage has been taken from Cambridge IELTS 5 with answers.

Read the above paragraph. You can see that it presents a detailed discussion of what goes in a person's brain when he/she listens to a joke and then makes an attempt to understand it. However, the whole concept is quite precisely summed up in the expression: "he found evidence that understanding a joke involves widespread mental shift" You can read the paragraph again and will agree that the paragraph explains this "widespread mental shift" in detail. Hence the main theme or topic is that "understanding a joke involves widespread mental shift".

Why is Topic  Sentence important and where can it be used?

Topic sentences are used in answering questions like:

• Choosing a "heading" for paragraph(s) from a list of choices
• Matching paragraph(s) with possible topic sentences
• Answering True, False or Not Given questions.

Activity:
Read the above paragraph and try to suggest an appropriate heading for it.

SUB TOPICS

Some paragraphs have a topic sentence which explains the main topic. However, the paragraph also has sub-topic(s) which give deeper detail of what is being discussed and in many cases they provide an idea of what will be explained further or may be in the next paragraph. This can also be easily spotted in the paragraph.

Look at the following example. Paragraph taken from Insight into IELTS by Cambridge University Press.

Read the paragraph and observe that two different sentences are underlined. One in red colour and the other in blue.

• The sentence underlined in red colour shows the topic which the writer has discussed in detail in this paragraph
• The sentence underlined in blue colour shows the:
• concept the writer is going to discuss further on.
• It is also like a conclusion he has reached or the analysis he has made from his writing experiences.

CONCLUSION:
Locating and underlining topic sentences and sub-topics (or other important ideas) in the passage can help a candidate not only understand the paragraph (and the whole passage better) but also locate vital information more easily while answering questions. Remember, all the questions are from the passage and comprehending it well can help you answer questions more accurately and get a better score. :)

IELTS SPEAKING MODULE - Know The Basics

IELTS Speaking Module - Basics

The IELTS Speaking Module starts with an introduction of the candidate. The interviewer will begin with asking questions about the candidate for example,

• Where do you live?
• What do you do? or What is your occupation?
• What is your favourite pass time? or Tell me about your hobbies? etc.

This is to allow the candidate to introduce themselves, feel comfortable and confident as the candidate will be speaking about things he/she knows.

Then the interviewer will provide the candidate with a topic. The candidate will also be provided with a question paper with the topic written on it. The candidate will be allowed one minute to think about the topic and take down notes or points if he/she wishes to about the topic. The candidate will then have to talk for about two minutes on the topic.

The interviewer will move on to asking questions about the topic after the candidate has finished speaking. The questions will be relevant to the topic but may also slightly touch other related areas. The questions will be open ended. This means that there is no right or wrong answer. The candidate has to express their own point of view.

What is assessed in the Speaking Module?

The Speaking Module assesses a candidate's ability to communicate verbally in English. This includes:

• The candidate understands what the interviewer has asked them, hence his/her answers should be relevant and show their understanding. (The candidate can always ask the interviewer to repeat their question if they haven't understood what was asked.)
• Speak clearly and fluently in English (with normal stops and breaks as used in everyday spoken English).
• Use appropriate language (accurate grammar and relevant vocabulary as far as possible). For example, if the candidate is talking about a football he once bought, he may say that the ball was quite big, but not fat! Similarly if talking about a person, he may say ' the man was fat', however, if he says 'the man was thick', it will be absolutely wrong and inappropriate use of vocabulary....so candidates need to make sure they do not confuse words and use them appropriately even when speaking fluently.

(More information on using appropriate vocabulary both in speaking and writing will be provided in later posts)

IELTS PREPARATION IN A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME

How to prepare for IELTS in a short period of time?

Running out of time to prepare for your IELTS exam? Do not despair. Here are a few very practical and useful tips to get you back on track and ready for your IELTS exam.
Firstly, keep in mind that in this crucial time you should not harp on learning "new" stuff, you should make most of the skills and knowledge you already have. Here's how to do so:

1. Completely familiarize yourself with every single aspect of every module (Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking). It is highly essential. For example,

o How many parts does each module have?

o How many questions are there in each part?

o How much time is allowed for each module and the individual parts of that module?

o What is expected from the candidates?

o What does the answering sheet look like?

o Will I get time to transfer answers to sheet (like in Listening Module) or not (like in Reading Module.

 These are absolutely essential things and unfortunately many candidates waste time on other things while ignoring them completely. If you do not know what the paper looks like chances are that you might panic on seeing it the first time on exam day. If you already know what the "pattern" of the paper is you will feel at ease and more comfortable in attempting the questions.

2. You must have heard, "practice makes perfect", and rightly so. Practice prepares your brain for the real thing, the IELTS test. The more you expose yourself to the real exam material, the more you will get familiar with it, the more your mind will get adapted and the more "comfortable" you will feel in attempting the real exam on the big day. So practice IELTS past papers whole-heartedly and soon you will start feeling a difference.

3. Practicing also has another major benefit: it exposes you to more information and "enhances" your existing knowledge. So when practicing IELTS papers, when you encounter new and difficult words, write them down in your diary or journal and look up their meaning to give a boost to your vocabulary. So this will be like killing two birds with one stone. You will be practicing the exam papers while building your word power at the same time. (By the way, it pays to build your word power!)

4. As you practice, also take not of useful idioms and phrases which you might be able to use in your own writing in the Writing Module. Remember idioms and phrases (like killing two birds with one stone OR it pays to build your word power OR an apple a day keeps the doctor away etc.) are universal. "Everyone" can use idioms and phrases in their writing! Just make sure the phrase or idiom you are using is correct and you know how to use it accurately!

5. When you are practicing try to complete the tests within the time frame. When you start preparing, you do not need to do all the modules in one go. Do one module at a time but try to remain within the time allowed. This will prepare you for attempting the paper within the time frame on the big day.

6. When practicing IELTS papers, remember to check your answers and give yourself honest marks (but only after you have finished doing the test). This will not only give you a clear picture of where you stand, how much effort you need to put in but also help you monitor your own progress and give you a sense of achievement as you improve! This acts as a huge motivation. It’s a must try!

7. Since time is crucial, make everywhere and anywhere your learning arena. Confused? Don't be. You read the newspaper everyday or at least different articles on the Internet. Make the most of them. After you have read them ask yourself. What was it about? Was it well written? How did it benefit me? Or just simply, did I like it? If possible write down your ideas in your diary, or type on a MS document, you can even write it in an email and share with a friend. Then again, listening to the radio or news (in English) can boost your learning. Try to concentrate on what is being said. Seek out important information from just every day news. Try writing a summary of the most important news or try talking about it with a friend. You can even record it on a tape recorder or your cell phone. This will improve your speaking power and give you confidence to speak fluently.

8. Improve your concentration span. The longer you can stay focused on the set target, the better the chances of success. Do not let yourself get distracted when you have sat down to study. Keep study time separate from entertainment, work and other stuff especially when practicing papers. Try to keep conditions as close to the real exam conditions as possible, especially when you are approaching the exam day.

9. Use all the practical tactics when attempting the IELTS test (practice exam or real test). Read for meaning, underline key words in passages and in questions for better comprehension, write clearly and use accurate grammar as far as possible (as much as you know), do not waste time on one question, go on to the next, you can always come back to it. If you waste too much time on one question then you might not get time to answer other questions to which the answers you might know very well. So use time effectively; it is precious, especially in exam conditions.

10. Take lots of rest and eat a balanced diet. Do not neglect your health while preparing for exams. Health is wealth, after all. (An other useful phrase for you). So do not stay up too late, studying or "watching TV" or "surfing the Internet just for nothing", rest, sleep well and see the difference. You will be pleasantly surprised how good you feel and how ready you are for exam preparation and the real exam when you have rested and slept well. Do not take it for granted and do not ignore your own well being at any cost. This is vital for doing well in the exam.

Finally, stay focused, monitor your own progress, practice the exam papers and go well prepared on the exam day and you will see that you will feel a lot more confident in attempting the paper. The better prepared you are and the more confident you are, the greater the chances of success! Best of Luck!

IELTS Reading - COMPREHENSION SKILL: Understanding the “theme” of the whole passage

You can improve your score by improving your comprehension skills. An important part of "comprehending" a given passage or part of the passage (a paragraph) is to understand the essence and theme of it.

 

What is the theme of a passage/paragraph?
A theme is the “main” idea or concept.

 

If a reader can locate and/or understand the theme or main idea then comprehending the rest of the passage becomes a lot easier.

 

How to locate and comprehend the “theme”?

The theme of the “whole passage” can usually be found in the heading and subheading. For example look at the following examples of headings:

 

 

1. APICULTURE.

 

Beekeeping has been practiced by humans for ages.

 

 

 

2. AT THE MERCY OF HUMANS

 

Ecosystem under threat because of the development done by humans

 

 

 

3. INSOMNIA

 

Inability to sleep

 

 

• What comes to your mind after reading each of the above headings?

 

• What do you think the passage which follows will be about?

 

• Do you find it helpful to have an initial idea of what the passage might be about?

 

Most candidates of IELTS test feel more comfortable in attempting the questions if they have an idea of what the passage is about. The easiest way to do so is to read the “heading”. Most headings clearly define the theme of the passage.

 

The above headings clearly give us an idea what the passage will be about:

• Heading #1 tells us that the passage will be about “beekeeping”.
• Heading#2 tells that the passage will be about how ecosystem is badly affected by the developments being made by humans. 
• Heading#3 tells us that passage will be about “sleeplessness” (the inability to sleep).

 

FURTHER PRACTICE:

 

Magazines, News Papers, Newsletters etc both paper based and electronic (available electronically on the Internet) are excellent resources for reading headings and sub-headings in order to understand the possible theme of the passage. As you practice more, you will feel a lot more comfortable in reading different texts of which you have no prior knowledge. You will specifically be focusing on the given text and that’s what the IELTS test expects you to do: read and understand the text and then answer the questions!