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March 2009

IELTS exam in Mexico – March 2009 (General Training)

This update about a General Training IELTS exam is courtesy of A. from Mexico. Thanks, A!

Listening test

I remember a conversation about a recycling contest and how to manage the garbage.

Reading test

One of the passages had four advertisements of homes for rent. Another passage was about an international student course at some college and the last one was about the research into whale songs around the Australian coasts, including facts on certain decades of the past century.

Writing test

Writing Task 1 (letter)
You are about to move to an English-speaking country to study. You have a friend living there and you want to find a part-time job. Write a letter to your friend
– Explaining your scholar plans,
– Your reasons to get a part-time job,
– Suggest how he/she can help you finding a job.

Writing Task 2 (essay)
Nowadays historic buildings are being destroyed to build new constructions, is this a positive development? Explain your point of view.

Speaking test

Interview
My examiner started by asking about what I do, study or work, if I like my job, why don’t people like their jobs and more questions about jobs.

Cue card
Talk about the most successful experience you’ve had.
– When it happened
– What was it
– Why it was so important to you.

Discussion
Next questions were on the same topic:
– How the personal success may affect people’s jobs?
– How employers should recognize the success their employees reach?
And then we moved on to another topic.
– How often do you party?
– Whom do you like to party with, friends or family? Why?
– Who do you think enjoys partying the most, young people or adults?
– What you dont like about parties?

IELTS exam in Chicago, USA – March 2009 (General Training)

I don’t get many updates from USA (which is quite surprising, considering the number of IELTS candidates there), but today I was lucky – here is what J remembers about his General Training exam in Chicago, Illinois.

Writing test

Writing Task 1 (letter)
You are planing to study in an English-speaking country and would be interested in a part time job. Ask your friend to help you find out about a job.

Writing Task 2 (essay)
In some countries historical buildings are destroyed to make room for new buildings. Discuss, what is your opinion?

Speaking Test

Interview
General questions:
– What is your name
– What your husband doing,
– What you are doing during the day, etc
– What kind of sports facilities are available in your country?
– What sport would like to play in future?

Cue card
Talk about toy you had as a child, you should say
– Why its important?
– What toy was that?
– How much time you spent playing with that toy?

Discussion
– What are the outdoor sports of your country?
– Are electronic and computer games available in your country?
– Do you believe that some kids have too many toys?
– Are board games popular in your country?
and more questions related to toys.