IELTS_Live

2022-07-08T21:44:00.002-07:00

Spoken English – Stress Timing: Saying every word clearly leads to poor spoken English! Good speech comes from stressing the right words – this is because English is a time-stressed language. Here's how: Spoken English focuses on specific stressed words while moving quickly over the other, non-stressed, words. Stressed words are usually important information words: nouns e.g. kitchen, Peter, verbs e.g. visit, stand, adjectives e.g. beautiful, interesting, adverbs e.g. often, carefully. Non-stressed words are usually grammar words: e.g. the, a, am, were, before, of, but, they, she. Read the following sentence aloud: The beautiful mountain stood alone in the distance. Read the following sentence aloud: He can come on Sunday if he doesn't have to do any homework in the evening. Even though the second sentence is approximately 30% longer than the first, the sentences take the same time to speak. This is because there are five stressed words in each sentence. Stressed words are spoken with a higher pitch and more slowly than non-stressed words. The vowel sounds in non-stressed words often change to /ə/. Listen to the vowel sound in "can" in "He can come on Sunday ...". Compare the vowel sound in "man" with "postman". When listening to native speakers, focus on how those speakers stress certain words and begin to copy this.

Image: Fragment, Grecian, Wikiart creative commons

How do IELTS examiners evaluate your Speaking?

2021-05-19T06:09:00.006-07:00

Do you know the four criteria that examiners use for the IELTS Speaking Test?

They are Fluency and Coherence, Lexical Resource, Grammatical Range and Accuracy and Pronunciation.

For more details, go to
http://takeielts.britishcouncil.org/find-out-about-results/ielts-assessment-criteria
or ask your IELTS preparation teacher to explain.

With thanks to The British Council

Painting by Édouard Manet

Learn English / Prepare for IELTS with me online by Skype or Zoom

2021-05-14T05:36:00.001-07:00

Here is my web page, for anyone interested in learning English or preparing for IELTS with me online with Skype or Zoom:

http://www.englishteachinglive.com/index.html

20 Misused English Words

2021-05-13T06:00:00.004-07:00

Even native speakers can make mistakes! Check this list of 20 misused English words to make sure you don't slip up: https://qz.com/432285/20-misused-words-that-make-smart-people-look-dumb/

What happens in the IELTS Speaking Test?

2021-05-07T19:45:00.003-07:00

The official IELTS website, http://www.ielts.org/ , has published recordings and transcripts of a sample IELTS speaking test at http://www.ielts.org/test_takers_information/test_sample/speaking_sample.aspx .

Checking the information on this page is highly recommended if you're planning to take the IELTS test. The series of interviews published by IELTS Official is also extremely helpful. Here's a link to an interview with a speaaker at Band 7 level: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5T6zglM1Onc

Painting: L"Art de la Conversation by Rene Magritte

How long does it take to become fluent in English?

2021-05-07T00:06:00.002-07:00

Many, many students have asked their teachers how long it will take to master English. Many, many teachers have answered, "It depends on several factors...". A new BBC Channel 4 documentary - Why Don't You Speak English? - explores this topic, looking at four immigrants who have struggled with English since arriving in the UK a year ago. "Age is the most important factor in language acquisition, says Mila Vulchanova, professor of linguistics at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology. "There is a sensitive period in language learning, which is biologically determined, with an onset at birth and a decline around puberty. So the younger the immigrant, the better. Since this decline is only gradual, teenagers are at an advantage over adults." Would you like more details? Read the rest of the article at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-23407265">http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-23407265 .

What NOT to do before or after the IELTS Speaking test

2021-05-06T03:24:00.005-07:00

What you should NOT do before or after the IELTS Speaking Test Don’t give information about yourself before the test starts. The examiner will ask for your name and ID when ready. Don’t try to “chat” with the examiner before or after the test starts. Don’t compliment the examiner on the way they look (or the clarity of their speech, or anything else). Don’t tell the examiner about previous test attempts or results. Don’t ask the examiner your result after the test. Doing any of the above will not have a negative effect on your result but it won’t affect it positively, either!

Painting, "The Scream" by Edvard Munch #IELTS #speaking #test #tips

What are the benefits of learning other languages?

2017-04-17T11:28:00.001-07:00

Learning other languages brings many benefits, such as helping open our minds to other ways of thinking.

Here is an excellent article with short video which explains the importance of exploring other languages and cultures. (Click on the link below to view the article and video.)

https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2016/12/learning-a-language-has-a-lot-of-benefits-including-making-you-more-tolerant

Can you suggest any more reasons for learning other languages?

Season's Greetings!

2016-12-22T20:24:00.002-08:00

Wishing you much joy, adventure and success in 2017!

What do you see in the sky?

2016-11-11T16:41:00.002-08:00

Is the dove of peace flying above the trees?

Today is November 11th, or Remembrance Day, when we remember all who have died in wars.

A great opportunity! Free 5-week online course for IELTS preparation

2016-07-26T06:31:00.000-07:00

A great opportunity! Register for a free 5-week online course from the experts who produce the test here at Cambridge English. The course involves 3 hours' work a week and learners can take part in their spare time.

Inside IELTS: Preparing for the Test with the Experts will give test takers a clearer idea of what and how to study, both to prepare for the IELTS test and to develop their academic English skills.

It is especially useful for learners who want to take IELTS Academic and go to university.

Over the 5-week course, participants will find out:
what skills are important for success in the IELTS Academic test
how IELTS examiners assess their level
what they need to do in order to improve their IELTS band score.

Participants can interact with experts and with other learners from around the world, and will also have the chance to try authentic IELTS practice tasks.

https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/cambridge-english-ielts

What's your favourite colour?

2016-06-27T15:15:00.002-07:00

What's your favourite colour?

My favourite colour is green. I especially like emerald green and some bluish-greens like aquamarine. I've always loved green, in all its shades. Green is vibrant and represents life.

Free resource from Cambridge English: Learn, use & remember vocab for IELTS or academic study

2016-01-20T07:06:00.000-08:00

A free resource from Cambridge English: Learn, use and remember vocabulary for your IELTS test or academic study on your computer, tablet or smartphone.

Improve your English through short, frequent activities every day.

Take a look!

http://www.cambridgeenglish.org/exams/ielts/preparation/vocabulary-and-writing/

Topics: Education ~ Creating schools that prepare for the future

2016-01-11T10:01:00.002-08:00

Topics: Education ~ Creating schools that prepare for the future

Highly recommended viewing! (1:06) Richard Gerver's an inspiring speaker with great ideas to share. Change doesn't need to be complex or difficult!

Talk by Richard Gerver, former head of Grange primary school, Long Eaton, UK, and an expert in leadership, creativity and organizational change.

https://youtu.be/9mrnhq1uAbA

You can also read about education and change at www.richardgerver.com/

IELTS Speaking Test - Intensive Preparation Package

2015-12-04T08:11:00.002-08:00

IELTS Speaking Test - Intensive Preparation Package: A program for candidates aiming to lift their spoken English to the next level in the IELTS test - see more at http://www.englishteachinglive.com/

IELTS Topics: Art ~ Who are your favourite artists?

2015-11-21T07:10:00.001-08:00

Who are your favourite artists? What kind of art do you like most?

Today is the birthday of René Magritte, born on this day in Belgium in 1898! Magritte is known and loved for his surrealist art.

“I despise my own past and that of others. I despise resignation, patience, professional heroism and all the obligatory sentiments. I also despise the decorative arts, folklore, advertising, radio announcers' voices, aerodynamics, the Boy Scouts, the smell of naphtha, the news, and drunks.
I like subversive humor, freckles, women's knees and long hair, the laughter of playing children, and a girl running down the street.
I hope for vibrant love, the impossible, the chimerical.
I dread knowing precisely my own limitations.”

― René Magritte

On view: "The Healer," 1967
Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden in Washinton DC, USA http://siarchives.si.edu/history/exhibits/pictures/hirshhorn-museum-and-sculpture-garden

"Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can." ~ Arthur Ashe

2015-11-15T11:39:00.000-08:00

"Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can." ~ Arthur Ashe

Postcards

2015-08-15T14:59:00.000-07:00

Today I received a cool postcard from Hong Kong. If you enjoy writing to others and receiving cards from around the globe, check out https://www.postcrossing.com . It's a great way to learn more about the world and practise your English, too!

Times of the Day

2015-08-08T18:00:00.000-07:00

What is your favourite time of day? How do you most like to spend that time?

Many people like the transitional times of day, such as dawn or sunset.

Great short (free) videos for listening practice!

2015-05-20T08:24:00.001-07:00

Here's a really excellent selection of short videos on interesting, important and highly current topics. Not only are these excellent for listening practice but also to help you develop ideas for discussion along with the necessary vocabulary:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvhsiQGy_zcNCiSbeXEjhLg .

Don't forget that you can select "subtitles" if you need help while you listen.

The videos are produced by the RSA, a British non-profit organisation."The mission of the RSA (Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce) is to enrich society through ideas and action." You can learn more about the work of the RSA at https://www.thersa.org/ .

Enjoy!

IELTS Essay Writing ~ Power Writing Plan

2015-03-16T07:46:00.001-07:00

Here's another excellent video from the British Council to help you prepare for the IELTS writing test.

This video shows how to approach the essay in Part 2 of the Writing test:

Go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dUJV_okEACo to watch the video.

I suggest you watch the video two or three times and make notes. Then, try practising your power writing!

Would you like to live on a dessert island?

2015-01-16T07:01:00.002-08:00

(Image from shoebox.com)

English spelling can be a little tricky at times! ;)

Dictionary.com is a great, free online resource for checking spelling and much, much more. Let's see:

dessert
[dih-zurt]

noun
1.
cake, pie, fruit, pudding, ice cream, etc., served as the final course of a meal.
2.
British. a serving of fresh fruit after the main course of a meal.

desert
[dez-ert]

noun
1.
a region so arid because of little rainfall that it supports only sparse and widely spaced vegetation or no vegetation at all:
The Sahara is a vast sandy desert.
Synonyms: waste, wasteland, barren wilderness.
2.
any area in which few forms of life can exist because of lack of water, permanent frost, or absence of soil.
Synonyms: wasteland, barren wilderness.
3.
an area of the ocean in which it is believed no marine life exists.
4.
(formerly) any unsettled area between the Mississippi and the Rocky Mountains thought to be unsuitable for human habitation.
5.
any place lacking in something:
The town was a cultural desert.
Synonyms: wasteland.
adjective
6.
of, relating to, or like a desert.
Synonyms: desolate; barren, infertile; arid.
7.
occurring, living, or flourishing in the desert:
a desert tribe; a desert palm.
8.
designed or suitable for wear in the desert, as cool, protective clothing:
a big, wide-brimmed desert hat.

desert island
noun
1.
a small remote tropical island

Clear now? :)

Image from shoebox.com

The True Scholar ~ Emerson

2014-12-15T07:45:00.001-08:00

“Shall I tell you the secret of the true scholar? It is this: every man I meet is my master in some point, and in that I learn of him.”

― Ralph Waldo Emerson (American essayist, poet, and popular philosopher, 1803–1882)

Grammar Police

2014-11-09T13:17:00.000-08:00

What is the purpose of reading?

2014-10-10T04:37:00.001-07:00

What are the main purposes of reading, in your view? List your ideas:

Read the text and watch the short video at http://www.brainpickings.org/2014/10/09/school-of-life-literature-reading/ , making a list of the four main purposes of reading described there.

1.

2.

3.

4.

(Check answers below)

Combine your ideas with the ideas from the link. How many purposes of reading can you now identify?

Which is the most important function of reading, in your opinion?

1. Saves time 2. Makes us nicer 3. Cures loneliness 4. Prepares us for failure