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recent ielts exam

IELTS test in New Zealand – April 2013 (General Training)

An IELTS test taker from New Zealand (thanks T!) remembered the following details about a recent exam there:

Writing testIELTS test in New Zealand

Writing task 1 (a letter)

A friend who is living overseas should visit you soon and would love to stay at your place. Write a letter and explain

– Why cannot he/she stay at your place this time?
– Suggest an alternative arrangement.
– Invite him/her to stay in the future.

Writing Task 2 (an essay)

Some people say that school studies are not useful and most important things are learnt outside the school. Do you agree or disagree? Give your opinion and examples.

Speaking test

Interview

– What is your full name?
– Can I see your ID?
– Where are you from?
– Do you work or study?
– What is the most used kind of transport in your country? Why?
– What needs to be done to encourage people to use public transport?
– Does your job require concentration and attention to detail?
– How do you concentrate, when you need to?

Cue Card

Describe an event where it was very crowded. Please say

– What event was it?
– Why did you attend it?
– How did you feel at the event?

Discussion

– What do you think about traveling in groups?
– What are the advantages or disadvantages of such a trip?
– Who do you think travels in groups more: younger or older people?

IELTS test in Kazakhstan and the UAE – April 2013 (Academic Module)

The questions below were shared by two IELTS test takers (thanks E and M!), who remembered the following about the writing and speaking sections of their exams:

Writing testIELTS test in Kazakhstan

Writing task 1 (a report)

We were given a diagram showing the participation of both girls and boys in six different kinds of sports in 2010.

Writing task 2 (an essay)

These days more emphasis is being placed on university education. Vocational training is not encouraged, and thus there are few qualified tradespeople. To which extent do you agree or disagree?

Speaking test

Interview

– What is your full name?
– Can I see your ID?
– Where are you from?
– Do you work or study?
– Do you live in a house or an apartment?
– Do you like your home?
– What would your dream home look like?
– What old building do tourists usually visit in your country?

Cue Card 1

Describe your favorite room at home. Please say
– What are the main features of this room?
– Why do you like to spend your time there?
– What do you usually do there?

Discussion 1

– Do you use a boat?
– What do people in your country use boats for?
– Would you like to have your own boat? Why?

Cue Card 2

Talk about your favorite subject at school/university. Please say
– What was the subject?
– What did you learn about?
– Why was it your favorite subject?

Discussion 2

– What do you think about new methods of teaching children?
– What are those methods?
– Do you think our current education system will change in the future?