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March 2009

Attention! A change in the IELTS Reading Paper (General Training)

The IELTS official website announced a change they are making in the General Training Reading from 1 May 2009.

At the moment Passage 2 of the Reading paper is focusing on training content (university, courses, etc). From 1 May it will be focusing on work context (e.g. applying for jobs, company policies, pay and conditions, workplace facilities, staff development etc).

The reason for this small change is that now more employers, professional associations and immigration authorities recognize the IELTS test. This change will ensure that the module will be adapted to real life situations and because of it will more closely meet the needs of candidates who take the IELTS test for employment or immigration purposes.

Nothing else will be changed, the rest of the passages remain as they were.

And here is an example of the new General Training Reading passage:

Click here to view.

There is even an answer key!

IELTS exam in Philippines – March 2009 (Academic Module)

A generous student from Philippines sent me the topics from her Academic IELTS exam. Thanks, E!

Writing test

Writing Task 1 (report)
We had two bar charts, one was about the trade between Australia and China and the other was on imports from China to Australia.

Writing Task 2 (essay)
Some people think that music has a significant role in the society. Others think that its just a form of entertainment, comment on both views.

Speaking test

Interview
– Where do you come from?
– What do you like or enjoy doing and why?
– When was the last time you were on holidays?
– When you are on holidays what do you like to do?
– What things do you avoid doing?

Cue Card
– What would you like to buy in the future?
– Do you think you will have enough money to buy it?

Discussion
– Have you ever made something and given it to a friend?
– On what occasions do you give gifts?
– Is it right to give expensive gifts? If so, why?
– Do you think you people are good at shopping?
– How much time do they spend on shopping?
– Why is time important when shopping?
– What form of advertising is the best?
– Are discounts a good way of promotion and why?
– Do you think that businesses should advertise?