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IELTS Preparation tips

Writing tips for the IELTS General module

Yesterday I received an email from a loyal visitor of IELTS-blog (hi, Ankur!) and it made me sit down and finally write some tips for the IELTS Writing test.

Right now I am working on a book that will include everything you need to know to ACE The IELTS. But I know that you can’t wait and you’ve got to study RIGHT NOW, so here are some tips to keep you working :).

As you know there are 2 parts, the Writing task 1 and the Writing task 2.

In the Writing task 1 you receive a “scenario” and you have to write a letter. Not many people know that there are 4 types of letters in the IELTS test:

  • Complaint / Request (of information) letter
  • Formal business letter
  • Job application letter
  • Personal letter

    • In any letter you write IELTS examiners will be looking for these 3 important components: structure, vocabulary and fluency of language.

    Structure means that your letter must have paragraphs, at least 3 of them. Every paragraph has its job.

  • The first one must define the purpose of your letter in one – two sentences.
  • The second one must explain more about why you are writing this letter.
  • The third must say what kind of answer you expect.

    • Vocabulary means that you should use some “smart” words. In case you are writing a Complaint, a Business or a Job application letter you must use formal language, but not for the Personal letter.

    Fluency of language means phrases people usually use in letters. The best advice I can give you here is to read every IELTS Sample Letter you can get. This way you develop proper language for any type of letter.

    You can find some examples in the right side-bar of IELTS-blog, under “Writing Practice” (or Click Here) and I will continue to add more links to sample letters there.

    Listening: The right way to answer

    Continuing the previous post, here comes

    Listening Tip # 4 – Answer as you listen

    What I mean here is that you need to listen and write the answer at the same time.
    Make no mistake – it is not a very natural thing for you, so you have to practice a lot doing this.

    The reason you have to “answer as you listen” is that you immediately forget the sentences after you have heard them. This is what the stress, listening to foreign language and constant flow of information do – they make you forget. After hearing the third sentence you won’t be able to repeat the first. It means that when any part of the Listening test is over – you won’t be able to remember any of the answers.

    So write them as you hear them, leave nothing for later.