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August 2009

IELTS in Dubai, UAE – August 2009 (General Training)

IELTS in Dubai was remembered and shared by A, and all she asked in return was that we all pray for her to get a good result. And I think that’s not too much to ask! Here is what A remembered about the exam:

Listening test

Unfortunately here A didn’t remember much because the recording was very fast, to the extent that A got lost. The lesson she learned from that experience was that you need to really focus on the recording and not as much on the questionnaire, to listen well and follow the conversation and only then you will be able to answer correctly.

Reading test

A couldn’t remember the topics / questions, but she does remember one important thing – the last passage was the most difficult, and there was something else to make things harder. The questions were in the end of the booklet (apparently the passage was at the front) and she found it difficult to flip through the entire booklet every time to get to the answers, a lot of time was wasted on that.

Writing test

Writing Task 1 (letter)
You have an evening class and your teacher gave you an essay to work on for the weekend. However, you were not able to finish the essay. Write a letter saying the following:
– outline the subject of your essay
– what happened why you did not finished it
– tell what you will do to finish it.

Writing Task 2 (essay)
People working different jobs should have holidays of different length, do you agree or disagree?

Speaking test

Interview
– What is your full name?
– Tell me where you live now.
– Is transportation difficult in your place?
– Do you drive?
– Should drivers learn in the best way possible?
– Does your school require people to drive?

Cue Card
Describe a leisure activity that you want to do, you should say
– why do you want to do it?
– where you want to do it?
– will there be a problem, when you do it?

Discussion
– Do children really waste a lot of their time on their leisure activities?
– Some people say that hobby is a waste of time, why is that so?
– What is the leisure activity famous in your country nowadays?
– What is the effect of the changes of leisure activity in your country?

A. wishes to everyone good luck and to believe in yourselves!

IELTS in South Africa – August 2009 (Academic Module)

IELTS in South Africa was described by W, who bought my study book Target Band 7 2 weeks ago. W and I exchanged a couple of emails and she kindly shared everything she remembered about her Academic exam plus some advice for people who are yet to take their exams. I swear I didn’t bribe her to write this 🙂 .

Life is good, and especially good with the EXAM behind me! Wow, what a relief …

I followed your advice. My tips to everyone:

  • buy the e-book Target Band7
  • practice, practice and practice
  • concentrate, and stay focused while doing the exam
  • I managed to complete all sections with time to spare.

    Thanks again for all your encouragement and wonderful tips.

    And here are the topics and questions W remembered:

    Writing test

    Writing Task 1 (report)
    Describe a double bar chart – trips made by men and women respectively during 2007 to 5 or 6 different destinations , eg to work, sport, shops, schools.

    Writing Task 2 (essay)
    Museums and art galleries should show art of their own culture, rather than those from other countries. Do you agree or disagree?

    Speaking test

    Interview
    – Describe your town.
    – Do you enjoy living there?
    – Do you have people come over to your home?
    – How do you entertain them?

    Cue card
    Describe an interesting stage in your life, you should say
    – when was it,
    – where was it,
    – why you find it interesting.

    Discussion
    – Describe different stages in life, that are celebrated in your culture.
    – Describe the legal ages in your country.