IELTS: Tips and Strategies

IELTS: Overview, Tips and StrategiesTESOL New Orleans 2011March 18, 2011Ozgur PalaDavid Bartsch

Intended audienceNew to IELTSGeneral information

OverviewGeneral information about IELTSGeneral information for each test sectionTips and strategies

Hard to separate tips/strategies from the general information3So many tips!Moving quicklyWrite down what you canAvailable at www.slideshare.net/bartschSo many tips!Mr. Osborne, may I be excused? My brain is full.

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_naHgYc2uwFc/S_AxvAnd7fI/AAAAAAABSNw/JAcQVf5qggk/farside-cartoon.jpgGeneral information

IELTSIELTS (International English Language Testing System) tests English proficiency across the globeManaged by British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia and the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations

7IELTSIELTS tests all four language skills listening, reading, writing and speaking Two versions: Academic and General8IELTSAcademic TestGeneral TestFor academic purposes such as entry into universitiesFor visa purposes or for entry into overseas high schoolsWriting and reading sections are simplified Well focus on Academic version9Why Take IELTSReliable 9-band scoring systemPredictively valid Consistent test administrationQuality-controlled system of examinersRecruitment, training, benchmarking, certification and monitoringReliable in the technical assessment sense: benchmarked and understood worldwide. (reliability)IELTS markers are regularly monitored and tested every two years to retain their certification. (reliability)examiners follow the same procedures around the world.10Why Take IELTSAccessible More than800 test centers world-wide 51 cities in the USRecognizedMore than 6000 institutions and programs3000 in the US

enables universities and employers to authenticate test report forms. Predicts student, employee success effectively. It is interactive and as close to a real-life situation as a test can get. 11Why Take IELTSFree IELTS Test Report Form Verification ServiceFor some, preferable to TOEFL iBTNo typingNo integration tasksFace-to-face speaking tasks

enables universities and employers to authenticate test report forms. Predicts student, employee success effectively. It is interactive and as close to a real-life situation as a test can get. 12DetailsExams offered at each testing center roughly 4 times a monthAgain: check for academic vs. generalRoughly US$180-200 Results recommended as valid for two yearsProcedureRegister online at www.ielts.orgRegister earlyPay the fee Bring passport-sized photo (without glasses)ProcedureBring a photocopy of passport picture pageCopy of national identity card is okayTest results are announced in about 2 weeksIndividual centers: picked up in-person or sent via mailNo results over the phone or by fax or email.ScoresThere is no pass or fail in IELTS. The score needed depends on requirements of the accepting institutionScores from 1 to 9 for each test areaScores listed as whole or half bands6.5, 7.0, 7.5, 8.0

ScoresBand 9: Expert userBand 5: Modest userBand 3: Extremely limited userBand 1: Non-userBand 9: Expert user:has fully operational command of the language: appropriate, accurate and fluent with complete understanding.Band 5: Modest user:has partial command of the language, coping with overall meaning in most situations, though is likely to make many mistakes. Should be able to handle basic communication in own field.Band 3: Extremely limited user:conveys and understands only general meaning in very familiar situations. Frequent breakdowns in communication occur.Band 1: Non-user:essentially has no ability to use the language beyond possibly a few isolated words.

17Testing orderListeningReadingWritingSpeakingNote: might be on a different dayTypical improvementCan improve XXX score in XXXX timeNo magic bulletsGood English + good test-taking skills = successNo secret recipesNo magic bulletsIve gotten over my fear of tests, but now I seem to have developed studying anxiety.

No magic bulletsPracticeand practice wellExam can be taken multiple timesGeneral test tips and strategiesEvery testEvery timeGeneral test tips and strategiesRead the directions carefullySkim/scan Only give required number of answersSpell answers correctly, particularly when already given in the question or passageUse exact wording from passageGeneral test tips and strategiesQuestions appear in passage orderAnswers from life experience vs. answers from the passageUnderline key words in QsUse prediction skillsNumbers, amounts, parts of speech, etc.

General test tips and strategiesFocus on IELTS-specific information

Common topics throughout the testThere are always texts related to these topics on IELTS examsCheck the topics on the official IELTS website or your preparation book Some of these topics are:TechnologyConsumerismHealthNatural world

Section information: Listening

Listening overviewSections

Content/Duration

Number of Qs4 sections30 minutes for the test 10 minutes for transferring answers 40 QsSection 1A conversation between two speakers in a social or semi-social context /10 minutes10 QsSection 2A talk by a single speaker based on a non-academic situation /10 minutes10 QsEach recording is played ONLY ONCE

29Listening overviewSections

Content/Duration

Number of QsSection 3A conversation with up to four speakers based on academic topics or course-related situations /10 minutes10 QsSection 4A university-style lecture or talk /10 minutes10 QsEach recording is played ONLY ONCE

30Listening overviewSectionSkillsQuestion Types1Orienting yourself to the textForm filling, note-completion

Listening for specific informationTable completion, sentence completion2Identifying detailLabeling a diagram, multiple choiceFollowing a description on a map, diagram, planLabeling a map or plan, summary completion Listening overviewSectionSkillsQuestion Types3Identifying main ideasShort-answer questions, multiple choice questions, matching 4Following signpostsCompleting a flowchartFollowing a talk Note-completion Tips for Listening TestI find the easiest way to expand my vocabulary is to make up words.http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iVF377b8kY0/S741gQW0fhI/AAAAAAAAEDs/KwLtXDhBpyw/s1600/7697_english_cartoon.gif

Tips for Listening TestImportant: spelling is assessed, even in the Listening exam!

Tips for Listening Exam

http://myexpatgermany.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/foreign-language-school-cartoon2-300x297.jpgBoth British and American variants are accepted.

Tips for Listening TestTip: transfer answers carefully10-minutes allotted

Tips for Listening TestNo opportunity to re-listenTip: take notesOnly around 30 seconds pre-listening timeTip: use time wiselyread next question; dont transfer answersTip: use required number of wordsComplete the sentences below.Write NO MORE THAN ONE WORD AND/OR A NUMBER for each answer.

Hotel Novena Guest Registration formExample

Name of guest:

Room:

Wake-up call at:

Type of breakfast:

Payment by: Answer

Matthews

1 ..

2 ..

3

4 ..All questions like form/notes/summary/diagram/ flowchart/sentence completion must be answered using THREE WORDS or less. The instructions tell you the MAXIMUM NUMBER OF WORDS to use.Hotel Novena Guest Registration form

AnswerMatthews 1 ..2 ..34 ..38Section 4: differentNo assigned time for reading questions in section 4 during the recordingTip: read through all the questions first Tip: test answers follow Q order

40Q typesImportant: significantly different than TOEFLTip: be familiar with Q typesWill just skim through question types41Question types: labeling a map or plan

Label the plan.

Write the correct letter A-H next to the questions 1-4.

1 Car Park ..

2 Domestic Terminal

3 Lifts

4 Regional Terminal .

42Question types: labeling a diagram

43Mixed question types: fill in the blanksThe Study of Child Language AcquisitionFascinatingbecause people have an 1 . in childrens learning

2 .

because it leads to greater understanding of language

3 . because of the differences encountered

Mixed question types: fill in the flowchart blanksComplete the flowchart below

Write NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER for each of answer. Discussion of includes the use of diaries, recordings, tests

Children become aware that they can speak

Linguistic analysis become possible

4 .Speech in children 6 . yearsSpeech in infants 5 .. of life Mixed question types: complete the tableComplete the table below.Write NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER for each of answer.

Animal Brought byReason1 SettlersFor foodFoxSettlers2 Cane toad3 To kill beetlesMixed question types: complete the flowchartBeetle lay eggsEggs become grubsGrubs eat the 4 ..Sugar cane 5 ..

Mixed question types: multiple choiceChoose the correct letter A, B, or C. 6. The cane toad originated in

A Central AmericaB HawaiiC Australia

8. The farmers plan failed because

A There were too many beetlesB Their own research was faultyC they believed the reports they read7. In Australia, the toads

A grew extremely largeB multiplied in numberC ate the cane beetles

9. The sugar cane industry

A thrives todayB has died out in some areasC survives alongside the beetleChoose the correct letter A, B, or C.

6. The cane toad originated in A Central AmericaB HawaiiC Australia7 In Australia, the toadsA grew extremely largeB multiplied in numberC ate the cane beetles8 The farmers plan failed becauseA There were too many beetlesB Their own research was faultyC they believed the reports they read9 The sugar cane industryA thrives todayB has died out in some areasC survives alongside the beetle

48Section information: reading

Reading overviewPassages

Content/Duration

Number of Qs

3 Academic passages / 60 minutes40 Qs in totalPassage 1More descriptive passage13 to 14 Qs for each passage

Passage 2More discursive and argumentative 13 to 14 Qs for each passage

IELTS tests your ability read approximately 2,750 words 50Reading overviewPassages

Content/Duration

Number of Qs

Passage 3More discursive and argumentative 13 to 14 Qs for each passageIELTS tests your ability read approximately 2,750 words 51Reading overviewSkillsQuestion TypesUsing titles and subheadingsUsing paragraphs and main ideasFinding information in paragraphsChoosing headings for paragraphs Skimming Scanning Following referencing Short-answer questions Completing a flowchart, diagram, tableReading overviewSkillsQuestion TypesUnderstanding paragraph structureExtracting key information Multiple choice, True / False / Not GivenNote Completion Paraphrasing the main ideasGetting gap-fill answers right Choosing headings for paragraphs Sentence completion Understanding summaries Summary completion (with a box)

Reading overviewSkillsQuestion TypesRecognizing arguments / views in texts Choosing from a listClassification Matching Interacting with / analyzing passageMatching sentence endingsYes / No / Not givenReadingA difficult question carries the same number of points as an easy questionTip: answer the easy questions firstGuessingWhen can I stop making wild guesses and start making educated guesses?

http://www.cartoonstock.com/newscartoons/cartoonists/jha/lowres/jhan289l.jpgReadingNo penalty for guessingTip: answer every questionReadingNote: no extra time to transfer answersNo specialist knowledge requiredCopy passage answers correctly: spelling! Tip: beware of singular/plural No title or subheading?A question may test understanding of the theme or purpose of the passageMatch the headings with paragraphsList of headingsIncreasing customer confidenceA benefit to retailersThe dangers for retailersChanging the face of the shopEncouraging online feedback

Paragraph ..Paragraph ..Paragraph ..Paragraph ..Paragraph ..MatchingHeadings may have similar/identical words as a paragraph, but that does not mean that heading goes with that paragraph. Tip: match ideas not wordsProblem: speedPassages are too longTip: work on speedHow? Extensive readingHow? Read chunks, not words, etc.GapsThere may be two gaps, worth one or two marks. Tip: the word both in a sentence or summary signals that two answers may be required.

Complete the sentences belowWrite NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER for each answer. Esperance used to rely on . About of Esperances energy needs are met by wind. & 4. Wind farms should not be built near barriers to the wind, such as . or . ParaphrasingIELTS questions often use different words or phrases from those used in the passageTip: practice paraphrasing skillsessential!

ParaphrasingQuestionPassageAUsed to rely totally onEntire needs were metBEnergy needsEnergy requirementsCIts energy outputThe power producedDChoose the best locationSelect the optimum siteParaphrasing: London toursQ: On this tour you can see where an artificial watercourse used to end.A: We passthe original termination of the New River, constructed to bring water to London from springs over 30km away.Paraphrasing: London toursQ: This tour includes a functioning market.A: then (we) continue to Borough Market, where youll find it hard to choose among all the fine food and other goods on sale.(excerpts from Objective IELTS Intermediate)KeywordsTip: dont be fooled by appearance of keywordsQ: This tour includes a functioning market.KeywordsA: For more than 250 years Mayfair has been the most upmarket district in LondonA: We walk along to St. John Street, where animals used to be driven on their way to Smithfield Market.A: then (we) continue to Borough MarketNo partial marks for partial answers Choose THREE letters. A-G.

Which THREE of the arguments below are stated in the passage? A Penguins are not afraid of people. B Penguins are becoming an endangered species. C Tourists are not a threat their existence. D Penguins are hard to research.E Penguins dont leave their nest.F A penguins behavior depends on its species.G Penguin stress may result from being with other penguins. Section information: writing

Writing overviewTasks

Content/Duration

2 Tasks60 minutesTask 1Write a summary of the graphic/pictorial information provided150 words20 minutes suggestedTask 2Write an academic-style essay250 words long 40 minutes suggested72Writing overviewSkillsInterpreting visual informationBar chartsLine graphsTablesDiagrams Pie charts

Writing an overview Picking out significant trends Selecting / illustrating main points Highlighting main stages of a processWriting overviewSkillsComparing informationDescribing how something worksGrouping information Task 1Description of a graph, table, process or a combination of the three Purpose: describe and compare data Tip: dont suggest causes or reasons for the data Tip: dont simply list the information Note dates and times in the dataTip: use the appropriate tenseTask 2Description: academic-style essayPurpose: write a well-organized essay with appropriate support of opinionGuidelinesApproachReason Before writingNote key points and decide on an overview (T1)Misinterpreting the data or diagram will result in lost pointsGuidelines

http://www.cloverbar.ca/article_images/40/math%20exam%20cartoon.jpgGuidelines

GuidelinesApproachReason Before writingRead the task carefully and decide number of parts, and position to support (T2)Answers should relevantly address all parts of the questionGuidelinesApproachReason While writingIntroduce the information in an overview, using your own words (T1)Summarize the key points and use data to illustrate those key points (T1)Copying the question will not count toward word total Lost marks for missing key points or failing to illustrate themGuidelinesApproachReason While writingIntroduce, present and support ideas clearlyCopied material will not count as part of word total Logical conclusion and a consistent position must be present (T2)GuidelinesApproachReason While writingInclude a general observation summarizing the main points/trends (T1)(Diagrams) Use the key words in the labels; divide description around main stages or processes (T1)

Marks lost if no overview GuidelinesApproachReasonGood writingUse own words wherever possibleDivide answer into paragraphs and use linking words to connect ideasDoing this will earn more pointsMore marks for well-organized answer using a range of linking and reference wordsGuidelinesApproachReasonGood writingPresent a balanced argument. If asked for an opinion, show both sides before showing preferred choice in the conclusion (T2)

If no clear position with relevant support, lower gradeGuidelinesApproachReasonAfter writingCount wordsquickly!to make sure that word count is metCheck grammar, spelling and punctuation Short answers lose marks. (There are no extra marks for long answers.)Mistakes reduce scoreCan you believe I got a C in English? And I was doing so good!

http://www.cartoonstock.com/newscartoons/cartoonists/jlv/lowres/jlvn494l.jpgRange of structures: importantVerbsPhrasesTo riseTo fallTo peakFive out of tenFifty per cent ofA third of the studentsAdjectives and AdverbsSharp(ly)Dramatic(ally)Significant(ly)Considerable(ably)Slight(ly)Gentle(ly)Writing strategiesParagraphsHave one idea per paragraphContentAvoid informal languageDont memorize model answersOpinion: no correct answer, just a clear position and good support

Write neatly and clearly. There is no score for legibility or tidiness, but poor handwriting may put the examiner in a bad mood.

89Writing strategiesProcedureBe careful with timing - don't rush Task Two is longer and is worth more pointsLeave time to editWrite neatly and clearly. There is no score for legibility or tidiness, but poor handwriting may put the examiner in a bad mood.

90Writing strategies

Yes well, legibility and correct punctuation might not be streetbut thats how I roll, dude.http://bigeyedeer.files.wordpress.com/2008/07/graf.gif?w=500&h=402Punctuation and legibility are important91Writing assessment: 4 key issuesContentGrammarVocabularyCohesion Was the question adequately answered? Is it correct? Is there a wide range of structures? Is it appropriate and correctly spelled? Is there a wide range of words? Is the essay well structured? Is there a variety of effectively-used linking words?

92Ways to affect a scoreMobiles phones have changed the way many people communicate. Nowadays people cannot live without them if they want to be a part of society.

To what extent do you think this is true?

Why do you think some people have not adapted to this type of communication?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. Ways to affect a scoreFor a two-part answer, both parts must be addressed; otherwise, no more than Band 5 for content If main ideas are related but off-topic, no more than Band 5

Section information: speaking

NoteListening, Reading and Writing=same daySpeaking=same dayor up to a week before or afterSpeaking overviewParts

What?

ContentDuration3 PartsSpeaking 11-14 minutesPart 1Introduction & InterviewTalk about self and familiar topics with the examiner. Answer examiners questions neither too short nor too long.4-5 minutesIELTS tests your ability read approximately 2,750 words 97Speaking overviewParts

What?

ContentDurationPart 2Short talkTalk for 1-2 minutes on a topic chosen by the examiner. 1 minute for preparation and around 2 minutes for a non-stop talk.3-4 minutesIELTS tests your ability read approximately 2,750 words 98Speaking overviewParts

What?

ContentDurationPart 3Two-way discussionAnswer more abstract questions related to the topic in part 2. Demonstrate control of language, ability to express abstract ideas and support opinions appropriately 4-5 minutes IELTS tests your ability read approximately 2,750 words 99Speaking overviewSkillsPartsAnswering questions on familiar topics Expanding answers1Linking and expanding ideas using linking vocabulary 1Speaking overviewSkillsPartsUnderstanding the topic Checking notes2Using notesUsing rhythm and timing to talk fluently 2Speaking overviewSkillsPartsMaking ideas clear3Giving two sides of an argument Speculating Extending a conversation 3Part 1Very short answers=lost pointsTip: aim for two to four spoken sentences for each answer.

Part 1I didnt feel answers were necessary. All the questions seemed rhetorical.

http://www.cartoonstock.com/newscartoons/cartoonists/mba/lowres/mban839l.jpgPart 1 examplesWhat is the best way to stay healthy? I think walking is good for you, as well as watching what you eat. So I try to take some exercise every day and on top of that I eat lots of fruit and vegetables.

What kind of music are you interested in? Well I really enjoy listening to songs, particularly songs from my country. And I like to have music playing when Im studying. In fact, I cant study without music. Part 2Take notes on key points asked in the question.Tip: dont write full sentences No credit for repeating words in the taskPractice speaking for at least a minuteharder than it soundsTip: using a watch during the exam is permitted Part 2 promptsDescribe a place you have lived in that you particularly liked.

You should say: when you lived there who you lived with what was most memorable about this place and explain why you liked it so much. End the talk by mentioning the last part of the talk. ??

107Part 2 promptsDescribe a family member who is the most successful.

You should say: who this person is how often you see each other what this person does and explain why he/she is successful.End the talk by mentioning the last part of the talk. ??

108Part 3 samplesHow important is it to enjoy your work? Why?Does tourism bring mainly positive or negative things to a country? Having somewhere to live is a basic right. So should the state provide cheap housing for people who dont earn a lot of money? Why? To what extent do you think the climate of a country affects the kind of houses or homes that are built? Part 3 samplesWell in my view, climate probably has to do a lot with the way we design our houses. So for instance, in countries where it snows a lot, you find houses with something like a steep roof so that the snow cant settle there, and you know damage the roof. But in warm climates, I think the houses are often built to keep the sun out. Part 3Goal: a well-reasoned, smoothly-connect, justified answer No wrong answers: quality and content of speech are graded, not opinions No knowledge of topic? Too bad! Tip: specifically practice speaking about obscure topics (fake it!)Part 3Rephrase the question in your own words to help you explore the issues raisedThink about desired action: explain, compare, describe, speculate, etc.Quickly develop ideas and jot them downSpeaking strategiesDesired: effective communication, not perfect answersTip: don't memorize answers Develop answers as much as possibleTip: never give one-word answers to questions Carefully consider appropriate tense and vocabulary

Appropriate vocabulary!

http://myexpatgermany.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/foreign-language-school-pig-cartoon.jpgDue to his grammar mistake, Wilbur found a position. It just wasnt the one he wanted.Speaking strategiesExaminers may repeat questionsTip: dont be afraid to ask Speaking clearly and using stress and intonation will help communicate ideas

Speaking assessment: 4 aspectsFluencyGrammar VocabularyPronunciationSourcesNew Insights into IELTS by Jakeman and McDowellObjective IELTS Intermediate by Black and SharpMany otherssee the vendors in the exhibit hall Contacting usOzgur Palaozgur.pala@qu.edu.qaDavid Bartschdavid.bartsch@qu.edu.qaAvailable at www.slideshare.net/bartsch