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Recent IELTS exams

Real students tell about their recent IELTS exams: IELTS questions, topics, tasks, answers.

IELTS test in Serbia and India – September 2014 (General Training)

Two IELTS test takers (thanks, V and B!) shared the writing and speaking questions from a recent IELTS exam. The topics apparently were the same in Serbia and India.

Writing testIELTS test in Serbia

Writing task 1 (a letter)

You want to learn a foreign language for work purposes from a teacher in your locality. Write a letter to him/her and say

– Explain the reason for learning.
– How will it help with your work?
– Ask a few details about the course.
– How did you hear about him/her?

Writing Task 2 (an essay)

In some countries flights have become much cheaper compared to other forms of transportation. Some people think this is a good development, while others are concerned about this situation. Discuss both views and include your own opinion.

Speaking test

Interview

– What is your full name?
– Can I see your ID?
– Where are you from?
– Where is this place?
– Is it a place where your parents were born?
– Is it a good place to grow up in? Why?
– Do you like to write letters?
– Do you consider your handwriting to be clear?
– Do you like to receive letters?
– Do you work or study?
– Do you like your job? Why?
– Is it easy to find a job in your country?
– Do you think there is a difference between working conditions now and in the past?

Cue Card 1

Describe something you have worked on that was a total waste of time. Please say
– What was it?
– When and where did it take place?
– Why do you think it was a waste of time?

Cue Card 2

Describe a job that is very important in your country. Please say

– Why do you think it is important?
– What is needed to be able to do this job?
– Why do you think it is important to have such people in the country?

Discussion

– What age is suitable for young people to start working a full time job?
– Are there many young people who decide not to study after they finish high school in your country?
– Why do you think it is happening?
– How can young people be motivated to do their job better?
– Do you think that money aspect is important when looking for a job?

IELTS test in Australia and Nepal – September 2014 (Academic Module)

Our friends from Australia and Nepal shared the details of their recent IELTS exams, and the writing and speaking questions were the same in both countries – here is what they remembered:

Writing testIELTS test in Australia

Writing task 1 (a report)

We were given a table showing the length of high speed trains in Japan, China and France in 1990, 2010 and projected 2020. We had 6 figures to compare.

Writing task 2 (an essay)

Some people believe that environmental problems are too big to be solved by individuals. Others say people can take some actions to help the environment. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Speaking test

Interview

– What is your full name?
– Can I see your ID?
– Where are you from?
– Do you work or study?
– Do you like the place you live in now?
– Is it a good place to live with children?
– What type of food do you like? Why?
– Did your preferences in food change since childhood?
– Tell me about an interesting place that you have visited.
– Why do people stay in hotels?
– What is the relationship between luxury facilities of a hotel and the staff?
– Do you think people travel a lot these days? Why?
– What is the difference between a museum and an art gallery?

Cue Card 1

Talk about your favourite place that you have visited recently. Please say

– Where and what was it?
– Why do you like it?
– What was the reason for you to go there?

Cue Card 2

Describe a school that you have attended. Please say

– Where and what school was it?
– Describe the appearance of the classrooms.
– Did you like it there? Why?

Discussion

– What do you think good qualities of a teacher should be?
– Do you think people like to teach children more than adults? Why?
– Did the education system change in your country? How?