Mechanics Hub

Task 2: Smoking not only harms the smoker, but also those who are nearby. Therefore, smoking should be banned in public places. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

2022-10-11T22:57:00.005+05:30

Smoking not only harms the smoker, but also those who are nearby. Therefore, smoking should be banned in public places. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge and experience.

Smoking is widely known as injurious to health, still many tend to smoke very often. While some have an opinion that the administration should forbid cigarette usage in common areas, others argue it might limit some folk's privilege/privacy/freedom. I agree with the former opinion and this essay will elaborate more on my view.

On the one side, smoking can cause strain on individuals who are surrounding active smokers. This is because some people cannot even breath the smell that a cigarette produces and hence are often offended by smokers nearby. For instance, even a sniff of that fume may impact an asthmatic patient or might bring about the illness in infants close by. It may affect people with lung diseases, if the smokers will continue smoking in public places without keeping others health in notice.

Furthermore, some of the individuals tend to take a puff and ready to spend more on expensive types of smoking devices such as e-cigarettes, vapes and so on. The reason for this is that most of the teenagers pretend to act like their favorite celebrities that may create bad image of on today's generation, especially among teens. For example, recently there was a news article that stated the police detained a few higher secondary students from a reputed school in town for selling cigarette packs inside the premises of campus. If higher authorities will take appropriate actions against media programmers, a healthy and disciplined community can be built easily.

In conclusion, in my opinion, necessary steps should be taken by authorities to prohibit smoking in public localities, as it seems logical to advice that it can lead youngsters towards bad activities and many others will stand by this prohibition since it involves the future generation

Task 1: Town of Willington in 1780, 1860, and 2000

2022-09-26T14:06:00.004+05:30

The provided map details changes occurred in the town of Willington in 1780, 1860, and 2000.

Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that the village had become more residential and commercial, including new homes, access roads, a bridge, shops, and areas for recreation and sports at the expense of natural forests and farms.

In 1780, there were only 100 homes in Willington and a considerable region to the East and South was occupied by farms and woods. The river flows from North to South alongside the town, a feature that was unaltered by 2000. By 1860, some farms and forestry had been removed to construct a road leading from the river to a residential area that had doubled in size (200 homes) in the Northeast. There was also the appearance of a bridge over the river.

In 2000, the number of homes rose to 500 and the farms and forests were entirely cleared. This enabled the construction of two schools, 3 sports fields and numerous shops lining the Southern side of the river. The final addition was a large lake at the South end of the river.

Task 1: Life Cycle of Flower

2022-09-21T11:11:00.002+05:30

The diagram illustrates the stages that a flowering plant goes through in its life cycle.

Overall, the cycle is a natural, cyclical process with three main stages, including the seed's transformation, maturing and flowering.

The life commences when a mature seed from a tree is planted in the soil, during which time water is added to stimulate germination. Roots appear in this phase, and after this, the sprout with its very first leaves make their appearance. It takes one week for this young plant to grow and become mature.

Following this stage, the leaves become bigger in size and the plant starts to seedle. As they mature, bubs emerge on the plant. After three days, they change into flowers. The flowers remain on the plant for some time before their color turns darker. This is also the time when new seeds are formed, mature, and then put in the ground. The whole cycle is then likewise repeated.

Task 1: Flow Chart: Impacts of Deforestation

2022-09-14T15:43:00.002+05:30

Flow chart writing

The flow chart shows what typically occurs as a consequence of deforestation.

Overall, when trees are removed, there are four main immediate effects, which eventually result in flooding, degraded vegetation and a loss of biodiversity.

It is crystal clear that the first immediate effect is soil which has been compacted by heavy equipment becomes hard and ‘baked’ which contributes to the run off of rain water and, eventually, flooding. Another immediate consequence of logging is a reduction in the number of roots holding the soil together. This leads to soil erosion. As a consequence, the quality and variety of vegetation is compromised. The third immediate effect is burning, both deliberate and a consequence of an increased risk of forest fires. The waste that remains after loggings is destroyed and the microorganisms that feed on this material are lost. This leads to degraded vegetation. The final immediate consequence is a reduction in the amount of moisture plants return to the air. Because there is less moisture in the air, there is less precipitation and an increased incidence of drought. This too reduces plant growth and ultimately results in degraded vegetation and a loss of biodiversity.

Task 1: Coffee and tea buying and drinking habits in five Australian cities

2022-08-03T14:59:00.002+05:30

The bar chart depicts the proportion of individuals who visited cafes to buy coffee and tea in various cities across Australia during the past four weeks.

Overall, the greatest proportion of people visited cafes and bought instant coffee, while the lowest proportion purchased fresh coffee.

In terms of cafe visits, over 60% of people in Melbourne, Hobart, and Sydney did so. Brisbane's number was a little more than 55%, whereas Adelaide's was 50%. Hobart (54%) and Brisbane (53%) had the greatest rates of instant coffee consumption, followed by Melbourne (48%) and Sydney (46%).

Regarding fresh coffee purchases, more than 40% of consumers did so in Sydney (44% ) and Melbourne (43 per cent). Hobart was the next highest, at (38%), while the percentage of consumers who drank fresh coffee was almost identical to that of Brisbane and Adelaide, at about 34%.

Task 1: Summarize the data from the bar chart about Computer ownership based upon the education level of students in 2002 and 2010

2022-06-17T10:56:00.003+05:30

Task 1: Summarize the data from the bar chart about Computer ownership based upon the education level of students in 2002 and 2010

[Introduction] The given bar graphs show data on the percentage of computer ownership from the year 2002 to 2010 both by comparison of total population and education level.

[Overall] As is observed from the given graphs, the computer ownership increased over the years and this ownership among the people with higher studies was higher than others.

[Body Paragraph] According to the first graph, more than 50% people owned computers in 2002 and this percentage kept on increasing over years. After 6 years this percentage reached to over 60% and finally in 2010 the percentage of people who owned computers reached to over 70%.

From the second bar graph, we can observe that the percentage of computer ownership increased with the education level; i.e. the higher the education level the higher the percentage of computer ownership. For instance, 15% of the people who had High school graduation owned computers in 2002 and this percentage were about 60 for Bachelor degree holders and over 80 for the postgraduate degree holders. After 8 years, in 2010, the same trend could be observed and the percentage of people who owned computers increased significantly compared to 2002.

Task 1 || The chart below shows the expenditure of two countries on consumer goods in 2010.

2022-06-17T09:18:00.003+05:30

Task 1 || The chart below shows the expenditure of two countries on consumer goods in 2010.

The chart illustrates the amount of money spent on five consumer goods (cars, computers, books, perfume and cameras) in France and the UK in 2010. Units are measured in pounds sterling.

Overall, the UK spent more money on consumer goods than France in the period given. Both the British and the French spent most of their money on cars whereas the least amount of money was spent on perfume in the UK compared to cameras in France. Furthermore, the most significant difference in expenditure between the two countries was on cameras,

In terms of cars, people in the UK spent about £450,000 on this as opposed to the French at £400.000. Similarly, the British expenditure was higher on books than the French (around £400,000 and £300,000 respectively). In the UK, expenditure on cameras (just over £350,000) was over double that of France, which was only £150,000. On the other hand, the amount of money paid out on the remaining goods was higher in France. Above £350.000 was spent by the French on computers which was slightly more than the British who spent exactly £350.000. Neither of the countries spent much on perfume which accounted for £200,000 of expenditure in France but under £150,000 in the UK.

Task 1 || The chart below shows the expenditure of two countries on consumer goods in 2010.

Task1| The charts below show the number of people in Europe who were affected by four types of noise by day and night in cities and rural areas in 2007

2022-06-16T06:24:00.004+05:30

[Introduction] The bar charts illustrate/detail/depict/elucidate noise levels in Europe in 2007 delineated/describe/detail by time of day and rural or urban location.

[Overall] Looking from an overall perspective//Overall, it is readily apparent that traffic was overwhelmingly the main source of noise, followed by trains, aircraft, and finally industry. Noise levels were also higher during the day in both rural and urban areas though cities were generally noisier at all times.

[B.P-1 ] Traffic noise in cities during the day and at night was very common, affecting 64 million and 48 million residents, respectively. Rural figures for traffic noise were approximately half as high at 34 million and 24 million. Turning to noise from trains, in cities, 10 million individuals were impacted in the day and 8 million at night. In rural areas, this data was only slightly lower (8 million and 6 million).

[B.P.-2 ] Aircraft and industry accounted for considerably less noise disturbance in 2007 with just 4 million and 1 million affected by flights in cities during the day and at night, in turn. 2 million residents also heard aircrafts at night in the countryside, with half as many aware of daytime flights. In terms of industry, the data for the countryside was negligible and in cities stood at 1 million impacted during days and 0.25 during nights.

Analysis

1. The bar charts detail noise levels in Europe in 2007 delineated by time of day and rural or urban location. 2. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that traffic was overwhelmingly the main source of noise, followed by trains, aircraft, and finally industry. 3. Noise levels were also higher during the day in both rural and urban areas though cities were generally noisier at all times.

Paraphrase what the table shows.
Write a clear overview summarising the differences.
You might need another sentence for your overview.

1. Traffic noise in cities during the day and at night was very common, affecting 64 million and 48 million residents, respectively. 2. Rural figures for traffic noise were approximately half as high at 34 million and 24 million. 3. Turning to noise from trains, in cities, 10 million individuals were impacted in the day and 8 million at night. 4. In rural areas, this data was only slightly lower (8 million and 6 million).

Begin writing about the data for the first categories.
Make sure you compare as much as possible.
Keep describing and comparing.
This one has lots of data so is a little longer than normal.

1. Aircraft and industry accounted for considerably less noise disturbance in 2007 with just 4 million and 1 million affected by flights in cities during the day and at night, in turn. 2. 2 million residents also heard aircrafts at night in the countryside, with half as many aware of daytime flights. 3. In terms of industry, the data for the countryside was negligible and in cities stood at 1 million impacted during days and .25 during nights.

Write about the final, other parts of the graph – include everything!
Compare the categories.
Finish all the data.

Vocabulary

The bar charts detail noise levels in Europe in 2007 delineated by time of day and rural or urban location. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that traffic was overwhelmingly the main source of noise, followed by trains, aircraft, and finally industry. Noise levels were also higher during the day in both rural and urban areas though cities were generally noisier at all times.

Traffic noise in cities during the day and at night was very common, affecting 64 million and 48 million residents, respectively. Rural figures for traffic noise were approximately half as high at 34 million and 24 million. Turning to noise from trains, in cities, 10 million individuals were impacted in the day and 8 million at night. In rural areas, this data was only slightly lower (8 million and 6 million).

Aircraft and industry accounted for considerably less noise disturbance in 2007 with just 4 million and 1 million affected by flights in cities during the day and at night, in turn. 2 million residents also heard aircrafts at night in the countryside, with half as many aware of daytime flights. In terms of industry, the data for the countryside was negligible and in cities stood at 1 million impacted during days and .25 during nights.

Answers

Try to write down or think of an antonym/opposite word for further practice:

detail show

noise how loud it is

delineated describe, detail

rural countryside

urban location from cities

Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that traffic overall

overwhelmingly a lot more

main source where most comes from

aircraft planes

industry business, factories, etc.

higher larger than

though despite

generally overall

at all times always

common prevalent

affecting impacting

respectively in turn

figures data

approximately about

half as high 50%

Turning to next

impacted affected

slightly lower a lot less

accounted for was reported at

considerably less a lot less

disturbance being annoyed by

in turn respectively

residents people

heard listened to

half as many 50% as much

aware know about

In terms of concerning

negligible not important at all

stood at was at

Task 2: Many people today don’t feel safe either at home or when they are out. What are the causes? What are the solutions?

2022-06-01T15:27:00.007+05:30

Writing Task 2: Many people today don’t feel safe either at home or when they are out.

What are the causes? What are the solutions?

It is considered by an ample number of individuals that safety at home as well as outside has become a burgeoning problem nowadays. There are numerous factors which have led to this problem and remedies to solve it which will be explained in upcoming paragraphs.

On the one hand, there are many reasons for having the security problem. Perhaps the major reason is the rise in the crime rate in society. This is because the government has failed to curb the crime which has allowed criminals to breach the law which is raising the difficulties for common people. For instance, it is seen in most countries that even celebrities are not safe and many of them have lost their lives due to criminal activities which have arose many questions about the safety of the public both at their home and outside. If the crime rate will continue to increase like this, it would become the biggest concern for common people to live a happy and prosperous life.

On the other hand, there are several solutions which may help to solve this burning issue such as the governance model should be improved to reduce anti-social acts. The reason for this is that when higher authorities will pay attention to the security of the public by enacting laws against crime by implementing stringent punishments, the miscreants may get frightened and stop committing criminal activities· For example, in the United States, strict punishments are formed for offenders who do not follow the rules which have contributed in the reduction of ill activities. If the government will focus on the model to provide safety to the public, it would not only create a peaceful environment for people but also reduce delinquent acts.

In conclusion, from the aforementioned information, it is crystal that although there are multifarious reasons for not having safe life, many solutions are there to address this great problem. Government should pay more attention to finding appropriate solutions to make their nationals feel safe everywhere in the country.

Writing Task 2: Many people today don’t feel safe either at home or when they are out.

What are the causes? What are the solutions?

IELTS TASK 1: Women in Australia had their first child from 1966 to 2006

2022-05-31T14:58:00.002+05:30

IELTS TASK 1: Women in Australia had their first child from 1966 to 2006

Introduction

· The bar chart details/describes/elaborates when women in Australia had their first child in the provided time period from 1966 to 2006.

Overall

· Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that women in the past tended to have their first child earlier in life, especially very young women. Having a child in one’s 30s became much more common, though after 30s it remained relatively rare.

IELTS TASK 1: Women in Australia had their first child from 1966 to 2006

Body Paragraph

1. In 1966, 33% of women had their first child under the age of 19. This figure dropped considerably to reach 11% by 2006.

2. The data for women 19-24 underwent a similar drop, falling from 62% to 50% and finally 28%.

3. In contrast, 36% of women were 19-24 years old when they first gave birth in 1966 and this number rose to 50% in 1986 before dropping back to just above the original figure to end the period.

4. The largest rise occurred in the 30-34 age range which was more than its quarter/quadrupled (11% to 18% to 45%).

5. This paralleled the growth for ages 34-39, nearly doubling every 20 years from 9% to 17% and lastly 30%.

6. Finally, there was little change among proportion of Australian women over 40 despite marginal growth from 3% to 5%.

Analysis

1. The bar chart details when women in Australia had their first child from 1966 to 2006.

2. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that women in the past tended to have their first child earlier in life, especially very young women.

3. Having a child in one’s 30s became much more common, though after one’s 30s it remained relatively rare.

Paraphrase what the table shows.
Write a clear overview summarising the differences.
You might need another sentence for your overview.

1. In 1966, 33% of women had their first child under the age of 19. This figure dropped precipitously to reach 11% by 2006.

2. The data for women 19-24 underwent a similar drop, falling from 62% to 50% and finally 28%.

Begin writing about the data for the first categories.
Make sure you compare as much as possible.

1. In contrast, 36% of women were 19-24 years old when they first gave birth in 1966 and this number then rose to 50% in 1986 before dropping back to just above the original figure to end the period.

2. The largest rise occurred in the 30-34 age range which more than quadrupled (11% to 18% to 45%).

3. This paralleled the growth for ages 34-39, nearly doubling every 20 years from 9% to 17% and lastly 30%.

4. Finally, there was little change for women over 40 despite marginal growth from 3% to 5%.

Write about the final, other parts of the graph – include everything!
Compare the categories.

IELTS TASK 1: Women in Australia had their first child from 1966 to 2006

ALTERNATIVE METHOD

The chart shows the percentage of different age groups of first-time mothers in Australia in three different years, 1966, 1986 and 2006.

Overall, Australian women were more inclined towards having their first child during their later adulthood. The percentage of first-time mothers aged 30 or over was on the increase while women giving birth to their first child at the age of 30 or under saw an opposite trend.

Looking at the younger women, the majority of women aged 19 to 24 were first-time mothers, at 60%, and this number was two times higher than 35% of those at the age of under 19 and 25 to 30 when delivering their first child. In the next forty years, the percentage of 25-30 year old first-time mothers peaked at 50% in 1986, later it declined to under 40% in 2006 while the figure for women from 2 younger groups halved to 20% and 30%.

In other groups, there was a dramatic growth in the percentage of women aged 30 to 34 and 34 to 39 giving birth to their first child from 13% to 45% and 8% to 30% respectively during the given period. In contrast, the percentage of over 40-year-old first-time mothers saw a relative stability at 5%.

Some people believe that air travel should be restricted because it causes serious pollution and uses up the world's fuel resources. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

2022-05-21T14:51:00.002+05:30

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

You should write at least 250 words.

Model Answer:

Air travel has become highly popular and it can easily be understood if we only look at the upcoming and departed number of flights. Since the air travel saves a great deal of time, most of the business persons today chose air travel prior to any other root. Travelling through the air has many advantages as well as many disadvantages.

On the one hand, reaching fast to the destination cannot be possible by using other modes of transport than an air transport can. This is because, people, especially who are well-known business executives need this route to reach to their destination fast as they have to manage their businesses which are out of the state or in foreign nations. For instance, travelling from India to the USA is quite impossible through road, ship or in any other vehicle and people in these cases have no alternative than to using an airway. If they will stop using the air services, they may face big losses.

In contrast, it is a good idea to stop the facilities of air transportation for near destinations. The reason for this is that, nowadays it has become a fashion for people to use airways even for a very short distance which is consuming large portion of world's reserve fuel and affecting the environment by polluting it. For example, when a destination takes only 2-4 hours through roads then the idea of travelling through air is pointless. If the short distance travelling will keeps on going in future also, the world may face the extinction of non-renewable sources quite soon.

In conclusion, it is advisable that government should apply stringent rules so that not only the airline companies but the environment can also get benefits.

Task 2 || Some people believe that air travel should be restricted because it causes serious pollution and uses up the world's fuel resources. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Many countries today are experiencing problems associated with noise pollution (excessive noise above a normal background noise.) What are the causes of this phenomenon, and what effects does it have on the people affected?

2022-05-20T11:30:00.001+05:30

Explanation of the Task

This is an Ideas>Cause/Effect essay. You should introduce the topic, then suggest two or three causes,
plus two or three effects, and then summarize in the conclusion.

Remember that this type of Task is not asking for your opinion (eg whether you think noise pollution is important or not) but for some ideas about causes and effects. Notice that this particular Task does not ask you to suggest any solutions.

INTRO

Noise pollution is a less-discussed form of pollution, but one which can have depressing effects on the people. There seem to be several causes, and a number of effects, which this essay will discuss in upcoming paragraphs.

BP-1

On the one hand, possibly the main cause is the increased volume of traffic moving through and over our countries, especially in the urban areas. This is because the ever-rising use of road vehicles and aircraft leads to high noise levels throughout the day and night, which can be exacerbated by poor levels of sound insulation in homes, schools and other. For example, in India, count of cars and industries have almost become multiple times of what it was in 20th century. If the use of machinery for this purpose will not be regulated. It may results in increment in decibel levels of noise which can be dangerous for human beings.

BP-2

On the other hand, effects of this problem on people can be quite serious. The most prominent is that increased stress levels are experienced because of the difficulty in thinking properly with high background noise. The reason for this is that it can be especially damaging for children, whose academic performance can get affected in some cases. For instance, such cases can be seen in London or Moscow, where people suffer from intensive high levels of noise. If local people will start getting tired and demotivated of their studies and work, they would not be able to concentrate that is quite dangerous for them. Consequently, there is the long-term impact of depopulation, as people move away from flight paths and busy roads.

Conclusion

Overall, traffic and construction seem to be the main causes, and they affect both individuals and the movement of population in the areas affected.

Task 1 | The chart below shows how much money is spent in the budget on different sectors by the UAE government in 2000

2022-05-09T12:07:00.002+05:30

Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant. You should write at least 150 words.

Where the money goes

Pie chart

The pie chart shows the national expenditure of the United Arab Emirates government in 2000.

Overall, the UAE government had a budget of over 300 billion AED and the highest portion of this budget was spent on social security and health & social services.

As is given in the diagram, the UAE government spent more than 300 billion AED in ten different sectors in 2000.

Social security for the citizens cost the highest budget and it was exactly 100 billion AED.

Health and personal social services, on the other hand, required more than 50 billion and this was the second largest budget money allocation for the UAE government in 2000.

The UAE authority used 38 billion for education, 17 billion for law and order and 13 billion for job, industry and agriculture.

Defence sector cost them 22 billion that was slightly lower than the debt interests the government paid in this year.

Housing, heritage and environment got 15 billion which was nearly the same as it was allocated for law and order.

Finally, 9 billion was spent on the transportation sector and 23 million for other sectors which are not specifically mentioned in the chart.

TASK 2: Some people believe that all children should have a pet or an animal to look after. Other people disagree, however, saying that this depends on a child’s circumstances. Consider these opposing views, and give your own opinion.

2022-05-06T12:48:00.007+05:30

Explanation of the Task

This is an Opinion>Discussion type Task. You should introduce the topic, discuss both sides of the argument, and give your opinion in the conclusion.

INTRO:

It is often said that children benefit from caring for domestic animals, especially in today’s technology-focused world. However, the issue is not entirely straightforward, and arguments can also be made against the idea. This essay will discuss the debate, and give a concluding view.

BODY PARAGRAPH 1

On the one hand, those who support the ownership of pets cite the various benefits that the activity can bring to a child. The reason for this is that it can provide many benefits ranging from understanding nutrition, to learning about biology and daily routines. For example, food selection and exercise activities contribute to this strand of development, which adds greatly to a child’s all-round education. If Children will not keep or pet animals, they may not get emotional support that children can receive from pets, meaning that the child may feel more secure and thus more confident.

BODY PARAGRAPH 2

By contrast/ On the other hand, opponents of this view point out that not all children live in a situation where pet keeping is advisable, or even possible. This is because many children live in unstable family environments, due to such issues as unemployment or political turbulence. For these families, pets would probably suffer neglect, meaning that it would be unfair to keep them, or possibly even dangerous. For instance, in less affluent countries, where the expense of maintaining a pet may be prohibitive. If interest young people lie elsewhere and they do not actually want to keep a pet to look after, animal ownership should not be encouraged among.

CONCLUSION

Overall, it seems advisable that the decision to keep a pet should be based on a child’s interest, ability and family circumstances, rather than on a general view that ‘all children’ should have animals. It would appear that this serves the interests of both the children and the pets involved.

Model Answer: Table & 3 Pie Charts: Total value and sources of fish imported to the US between 1988 and 2000

2022-04-18T10:52:00.004+05:30

Total value and sources of fish imported to the US between 1988 and 2000

The table shows the value of fish that was imported to the US (measured in billions of dollars) in 1988, 1992 and 2000, while the three pie charts illustrate the amount of fish that the US brought in from China, Canada and other countries in the same three years.

Overall, the value of imports rose by just under double over the period given. At the start of the period, the US imported fish predominantly from Canada but, by 1992 other countries became the main source.

Total value and sources of fish imported to the US between 1988 and 2000

Regarding the table, the value of imports started at $6.57 billion in the first year, increasing to $8.52 in 1992 and reaching $10.72 in the last year. In terms of the source of fish importation, Canada supplied the overwhelming majority in 1988 (60%) compared to China and other countries which provided only 13% and 27% respectively. The imports from Canada then proceeded to fall to 28% in the final year. Conversely, by 1992, other countries had replaced Canada as the main supplier and made up 46% of all imports in 1992 and 42% by 2000. Likewise, imports from China rose over the period to reach 30% in 2000.

Total value and sources of fish imported to the US between 1988 and 2000

ielts tips | writing academic writing task 1

2022-02-04T23:21:00.002+05:30

The general format for writing academic writing task 1 is as follows:

Introduction + Basic/ General Trends + Details Description + Summary (optional).

Each part has a specific format and therefore being equipped with the necessary vocabulary will help you answer task 1 efficiently and will save a great deal of time.

Vocabulary for the Introduction Part:

Starting

Presentation Type

Verb

Description

The/ the given / the supplied / the presented / the shown / the provided

diagram / table / figure / illustration / graph / chart / flow chart / picture/ presentation/ pie chart / bar graph/ column graph / line graph / table data/ data / information / pictorial/ process diagram/ map/ pie chart and table/ bar graph and pie chart ...

shows / represents / depicts / enumerates / illustrates / presents/ gives / provides / delineates/ outlines/ describes / delineates/ expresses/ denotes/ compares/ shows contrast / indicates / figures / gives data on / gives information on/ presents information about/ shows data about/ demonstrates/ sketch out/ summarises...

the comparison of…
the differences…
the changes...
the number of…
information on…
data on…
the proportion of…
the amount of…
information on...
data about...
comparative data...
the trend of...
the percentages of...
the ratio of...
how the...

Example :

1. The diagram shows employment rates among adults in four European countries from 1925 to 1985.

2. The given pie charts represent the proportion of male and female employees in 6 broad categories, dividing into manual and non-manual occupations in Australia, between 2010 and 2015.

3. The chart gives information about consumer expenditures on six products in four countries namely Germany, Italy, Britain and France.

4. The supplied bar graph compares the number of male and female graduates in three developing countries while the table data presents the overall literacy rate in these countries.

5. The bar graph and the table data depict the water consumption in different sectors in five regions.

6. The bar graph enumerates the money spent on different research projects while the column graph demonstrates the fund sources over a decade, commencing from 1981.

7. The line graph delineates the proportion of male and female employees in three different sectors in Australia between 2010 and 2015.

Note that, some teachers prefer the "The line graph demonstrates..." instead of "The given line graph demonstrates...". However, if you write "The given/ provided/ presented...." it would be correct as well.

Tips:

1. For a single graph use 's' after the verb, like - gives data on, shows/ presents etc. However, if there are multiple graphs, DO NOT use 's' after the verb.

2. If there are multiple graphs and each one presents a different type of data, you can write which graph presents what type of data and use 'while' to show a connection. For example - 'The given bar graph shows the amount spent on fast food items in 2009 in the UK while the pie chart presents a comparison of people's ages who spent more on fast food.

3. Your introduction should be quite impressive as it makes the first impression on the examiner. It either makes or breaks your overall score.

4. For multiple graphs and/ or table(s), you can write what they present in combination instead of saying which each graph depicts.

For example, "The two pie charts and the column graph in combination depicts a picture of the crime in Australia from 2005 to 2015 and the percentages of young offenders during this period."

Caution:
Never copy word for word from the question. If you do, you would be penalised. always paraphrase the introduction in your own words.

General Statement Part:

The General statement is the first sentence (or two) you write in your reporting. It should always deal with:

What + Where + When.

Example: The diagram presents information on the percentages of teachers who have expressed their views about the different problems they face when dealing with children in three Australian schools from 2001 to 2005.

What = the percentages of teachers...
Where = three Australian schools...
When = from 2001 to 2005...

A good General statement should always have these parts.

Vocabulary for the General Trend Part:

1. In general...
2. In common...
3. Generally speaking...
4. Overall...
5. It is obvious...
6. As it is observed...
7. As a general trend...
8. As can be seen...
9. As an overall trend/ As overall trend...
10. As it is presented...
11. It can be clearly seen that...
12. At the first glance...
13. It is clear,
14. At the onset...
15. It is clear that...
16. A glance at the graph(s) reveals that...

Example:

1. In general, the employment opportunities increased till 1970 and then declined throughout the next decade.

2. As it is observed, the figures for imprisonment in the five mentioned countries show no overall pattern, rather shows the considerable fluctuations from country to country.

3. Generally speaking, citizens in the USA had a far better life standard than that of the remaining countries.

4. As can be seen, the highest number of passengers used the London Underground station at 8:00 in the morning and at 6:00 in the evening.

4. Generally speaking, more men were engaged in managerial positions in 1987 than that of women in New York this year.

5. As an overall trend, the number of crimes reported increased fairly rapidly until the mid-seventies, remained constant for five years and finally, dropped to 20 cases a week after 1982.

6. At a first glance, it is clear that more percentages of native university pupils violated regulations and rules than the foreign students did during this period.

7. At the onset, it is clear that drinking in public and drink-driving were the most common reasons for US citizens to be arrested in 2014.

8. Overall, the leisure hours enjoyed by males, regardless of their employment status, was much higher than that of women.

The structure of the IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 (Report Writing):

Introduction:

Introduction (never copy word for word from the question) + Overview/ General trend (what the diagrams indicate at a first glance).

Reporting Details:

Main features in the Details

+ Comparison and Contrast of the data. (Do not give all the figures.)
+ Most striking features of the graph.

ielts | Task 1 | The diagram details the process of making leather products. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

2022-01-06T17:15:00.000+05:30

The diagram details the process of making leather products. Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

IELTS Task 1 IELTS

The diagram details/elaborates/explains the process by which leather is processed and products are made for retail.

Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that there are 3 main steps to this entirely man-made process which is beginning with initial transportation of the raw material (leather) to the factory, followed by preparation and processing of the material, and finally the production of consumer products.

Firstly, the leather skins from various animals are dried. Subsequent to this, they are taken to a factory by truck where they are washed in water and lime. The skins are then soaked in more lime for a period of time before being run through a machine with large rollers that flattens them out. Next, the flattened skins are soaked in tannin, which is composed of water and vegetable matter. They are then polished by another rolling device and taken to another factory by trucks. In this factory, the final products are crafted and available to consumer shops.

To strengthen your Lexical Resources and Word Power: Read below

Try practicing with the vocabulary below by writing an antonym/opposite word on a piece of paper (or just thinking of one):

diagram details process how’s

process diagram

leather products made from animal skins, usually from cows

retail for sale

Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that overall

main steps biggest stages

entirely completely

man-made process done by humans

beginning with starting with

initial transportation first sending

raw material basic substance

factory place to make items

followed by next

preparation being made

processing making into

finally in the end

production making into something

consumer products objecets for sale

firstly to start

skins the hide of an animal

dried not wet

subsequent to this after this

taken sent to

truck big car

washed cleaned

lime cleaning substance

soaked left in water

a period of time some period

run through put through

machine device

large rollers big objects for flattening

flattens them out stretches them

next after this

tannin a chemical protein

composed of made of

vegetable matter comes from vegetables

polished made shiny

rolling device circular object for flattening or spreading

final end

crafted made

available can be bought

consumer shops stores

IELTS Tips | For each module: What IELTS is looking for?

2021-12-31T23:51:00.005+05:30

IELTS Tips for each module: What IELTS is looking for?

A. Listening Tips :

· Listen to each and every word of the test audio
· Underline/highlight key words in both question, as well as in all options.
· Keep question key words in mind and listen for key words in audio for all options and keep crossing until you get the right answer.
· Right answer usually lies in between or at the end of each question audio.
· Listen and be careful about distractions.
· Listen for deeper meanings behind every word, understand various likes, dislikes, attitudes, concerns etc of the speakers and differentiate between accurate and non-accurate attitudes and then look for them in options.
· Never assume an answer until the audio for that specific question finishes.
· Be wary of number of words required by Question prompt to write in space provide.
· Be careful about articles, signpost words, singular, plural forms, numbers, dates, time, durations etc.
· Always keep 2 questions and their options ahead in mind.
· Pay close attention to intonation and voice stress of the speakers.
· Always double check spellings of the answer you have written in space provided.
· Use capital letters for all answers. 
B. Reading Tips:

· Try to finish Section 1 and Section 2 in 20-25 minutes and leave section 3 for the rest of the time as its is the most difficult one.
· Cross verify at least twice the spelling and your answer choice for each question.
· For CBT, you can copy and paste answers, no need to type.
· Look for key words from question in text for fill in the blanks and what passage contains what information type questions (most common type these days).
· Read first 2 and last 2 lines of each paragraph for Headings questions. Sometimes you have to read whole passage to understand the theme of the passage.
· Never assume anything for T, F, NG questions.
· If even 1 % information is missing from question in text, the answer is NOT GIVEN.
· If even 1 % information in text is opposite from that in question, the answer is FALSE/NO.
· If meaning of information in question and text matches 100 %, the answer is TRUE/YES.
· Be careful about word limit for each answer.
· Read each and every word in whole passage or text for T,F,NG and all difficult questions.
· Never use skimming and scanning for difficult questions which have deeper meanings.
· Never assume for any question answer. If information is nowhere in text, it means answer is not in text.
· Time management and accuracy to look and understand information is the key to high score in reading part.
C. Writing Part Task 2: BAND 8 Steps
✓ Make sure your ideas are directly related to the topic.
✓ Use ideas and examples that you are familiar with that related to the topic directly.
✓ Extend your answer to include a number of ideas that will support the question.
✓ Never include irrelevant information.
✓ Avoid overgeneralization.
✓ Never use memorized sentences or whole essay.
✓ Never use recent research or article or statistics examples or data.
✓ Read the question carefully and decide how many parts are in.
✓ Answer all parts of the question 100 %.
✓ Present your opinion in introduction and support it throughout your response.
✓ If asked to present both views, make sure each view is represented equally( similar paragraph length).
✓ Watch for plurals, if you are asked to give advantages, you must present at least 2.
✓ Watch for the word “and” in the question, if comes you may need to comment on more than one element of the question.
✓ Write more than 250 words, shorter than that will be penalized.
✓ Never ignore any part of the question.
✓ Make sure your opinion is clear throughout the whole response by using personal pronouns.
✓ Organize your essay and ideas logically with clear progression throughout the response using liking words or phrases, but don’t over or under use them.
✓ Use adverbial phrases rather than single basic linkers.
✓ Use referencing and substitution to avoid repetition whenever feasible. E.g. this, them, the issue, the problem, etc.
✓ Use punctuation to make sure your writing is coherent( easy to understand).
✓ Avoid punctuation, articles and word choice mistakes.
✓ Use the best possible word in the right context and collocation.
✓ Never start every sentence with a linker, try to put them in the middle of each sentence if required.
✓ Avoid basic linkers such as Firstly, Finally, rather you can use phrases for that…such as the first reason for this is that…..the first point worth considering/making is that……A final issue/factor/point/reason that is impacting……
✓ Avoid using any kind of numbers, symbols, abbreviations, contractions.
✓ Avoid headings or subheadings
✓ Avoid underlining words or phrases.
✓ Organize your essay into paragraphs logically.
✓ Each paragraph must contain a clear central topic, theme or idea that is then fully developed, supported.
✓ It must have a minimum of 2 sentences and maximum 6.
✓ Use linkers between and within paragraphs.
✓ Leave one line space between each paragraph.
✓ Use a separate paragraph for each topic.
✓ Use an introduction and a conclusion.
✓ Avoid very long paragraphs that cover a whole paper.
✓ Underuse paragraphs 3 or less.
✓ In an adv/disadv. Essay, write 3 adv/disadv. for the side you agree with and 2 for the side you disagree.
✓ Avoid spelling mistakes.
✓ Must use a variety of uncommon lexical items related to the topic of the essay with accurate collocations and word choice.
✓ Old-fashioned words and those that are not used in everyday speech should not be used.
✓ Synonyms must be used with similar meaning and does not alter the meaning of the whole idea.
✓ Use collocations and phrasal verbs.
✓ Never mix US and British spellings, use only one of them to write whole of your response.
✓ Avoid slang or short words.
✓ Avoid overuse of synonyms, if you cannot find another synonym, use the original word or its form.
✓ Avoid idioms or clichés, unless you understand them correctly under topic context.
✓ Use correct prepositions with phrasal verbs. ✓ Never use informal phrases and overused ones. E.g. Nowadays, controversial issue, pros and cons, firstly, secondly, crux of the discussion, stuff/thing, e.g., every coin has two sides, In a nutshell.
✓ You should use clear language. ✓ Phrases you should use in place of above mentioned. In recent times, Major issue, Benefits and drawbacks, The primary reason why…, Lack of education is another reason why…the main or key issue is….
✓ Use a variety of simple, compound and complex sentence structures. E.g. relative clauses, who/that/which….
✓ Use the correct conditional sentence for the correct clause type….e.g. 1st, 2nd,3rd…
✓ Use a variety of tenses.eg. present/past/future simple, continuous, perfect, perfect continuous…
✓ Use correct past participle with passive sentences.
✓ Use gerunds correctly.
✓ Avoid errors with singular and plural nouns, subject-verb agreements.
✓ Accuracy and variety is the key thing to remember while using complex structures.
✓ Complex sentences should not be long and complicated.
Writing band descriptor: Checklist for Band 8
A. Task Response:
✓ Did you answer all parts of the question sufficiently?
✓ Are all of your ideas and support directly relevant to the topic?
✓ Did you avoid overgeneralizing the topic?
✓ Does the examiner know exactly what you think, and did you present this position clear throughout the whole response?
✓ Did you support your ideas with clear examples and avoided vague research and survey results?
✓ Did you write over 250 words?
B. Coherence( Easy to understand) and Cohesion( Logically connected):
✓ Can the examiner follow your ideas from the very first sentence until the end of your essay?
✓ Does it progress clearly?(main ideas, supporting examples, conclusion)
✓ Did you use a range of linking words and phrases?
✓ Did you avoid repetition and avoided to start every sentence with a linker?
✓ Did you use referencing and substitution?
✓ Did you use sufficient paragraphs?
✓ Did you use one paragraph to develop one idea?
✓ Is there a clear introductory and concluding paragraph?
C. Lexical Resource:
✓ Did you use a range of uncommon topic-specific vocabulary?
✓ Did you make precise vocabulary choices?
✓ Did you avoid memorised language, proverbs, clichés?
✓ Did you use collocations correctly?
✓ Did you use uncommon words appropriately?
✓ Did you correct your spelling or typo mistakes?
✓ Did you use the correct form of the word?(adverbs, nouns, adjectives, verbs)
D. Grammatical Range and Accuracy:
✓ Did you use simple and complex structures accurately?
✓ Did you use a range of structures?( conditionals, relative clauses, present perfect, modal verbs)
✓ Did you avoid long, complicated sentences?
✓ Are your sentences error-free?
✓ Did you punctuate correctly?
✓ Did you use capital letters to start sentences and to proper nouns?
✓ Did you use commas in your complex sentences, where needed?
✓ Did you use full stops to end sentences?

(Source: IDP IELTS Official Youtube)
Thanks all and Good Luck

ielts speaking | Vocabulary for IELTS Speaking Topics

2021-12-25T14:36:00.006+05:30

Vocabulary for IELTS Speaking Topics

Each link below covers a familiar topic on the speaking test along with extensive vocabulary lists, definitions, and a sample answer.

Note: (Click on the Topic below to read related useful vocabulary)

Friends and Family
Food and Nutrition
Travel and Tourism
Modern Technology
Coronavirus Vocabulary (new)
Pollution and the Environment
People, Personalities and Characters
Fitness and Health
School and Education
Work and Careers
University and Student Life
Accommodation
Books, Film and Art
Climate Change (popular topic)
Working From Home
Social Media (popular topic)
Advertising
Fashion and Shopping

Is vocabulary the quickest win?

Yes.

Even native speakers are impressed by other native speakers who have an expansive vocabulary. Similarly, a reduced vocabulary is often associated to reduced intelligence

I always remember my English tutor saying ‘Never use the word nice’. Nice is an incredibly plain and over used word. It is probably among the first 100 words you learnt in English.

There are so many more richer more elegant words for you to use in your IELTS exam::

Being nice helps to develop confidence. vs. Being pleasant helps to develop confidence.

Her spoken English skills are really nice. vs Her spoken English skills are profound.

It is nice to hear phrasal verbs used correctly. vs. It is delightful to hear phrasal verbs used correctly.

Active vocabulary helps your fluency

If the word you are searching for only comes after 5 seconds of waiting and there are pauses in your speaking, you do not sound fluent. Your vocabulary is not activated / it is passive.

Therefore having an extensive vocabulary is useless unless it is activated. Practice exercises to activate your vocabulary must consist of using the word various times after learning it.

Make sure the word is used in context though.

Word lists can be helpful if you follow the above rule of using the word various times after learning it.

Mimicking

Listening and repeating authentic native English speaker material on common topics will not only help your pronunciation, your vocabulary but also your fluency.

In English individual words are often pushed together in what is called connective speech. Mimicking helps you get a feel for connected speech.

It is especially useful when you learn a new word because you get the context and the correct pronunciation first time.

Likewise, learning an entire phrase by mimicking it will help with your intonation and make you sound more like a native speaker.

TIP: Most people don’t know that if you know you make a mistake it is ok to go back and correct yourself, just make sure it does not happen very often otherwise it may start to affect your score. For more help on learning speaking vocabulary and tips on the IELTS speaking test check out this guide.

Reading (not the shy or perfectionists)

Although reading is definitely useful you do not want to have ‘text book English’ which means all your English is in your head and not in your mouth. Basically you know a lot but cannot use it.

This is common among shy students and perfectionists who are reluctant to make mistakes and hate being embarrassed.

Unfortunately the only way to get a high score and improve your speaking skills is to get out there and make mistakes. Get feedback and learn from the errors. Make the most of the classes at school or online by insisting your tutor either corrects you or notes down your mistakes. Otherwise the lesson is just casual chit chat between friends.

A mistake in speaking is only a failure if you failed to learn from it.

Improving your writing can help

A strong writer is often a strong communicator. Articulate writers often find their skills carry over into the speaking domain. This is especially true with the topic specific vocabulary learnt for the other modules such as writing task 2, and the reading test.

A high score through the accurate use of idioms can be achieved, if they are used naturally and accurately, here is a guide on how to use idioms in your speaking exam.

Be warned though, you must be confident you are using it aptly otherwise it can sound forced and unnatural.

Quick Speaking Tips

Tip 1. Don’t memorize your answers before the exam.

Tip 2. Develop the skill to talk spontaneously on different topics.

Tip 3. Practice your IELTS speaking using sample questions with other students.

Tip 4. Don’t be shy to ask for clarification.

Tip 5. Elaborate, explain, and develop your answers. If possible try to use more academic language.

Tip 6. Don’t rush your answers. Speak slowly and clearly (it may seem slow to you but will most likely be a natural pace).

Tip 7. Don’t panic if you make a mistake.

Tip 8. Practice fluency and accuracy separately.

Tip 9. Practice speaking about different topics with native and non-native speakers.

Tip 10. Use anecdotes, especially in your practice lessons, so as to avoid errors on exam day.

Tip 11. When using examples in your responses, try to avoid hypothetical situations.

Tip 12. Learn useful phrases for the exam, especially phrases related to the IELTS speaking topics.

Tip 13. Write out your sample answers and try and upgrade them (especially the basic vocabulary!).

Tip 14. Developing your listening skills is also essential for a high score. You want to be able to understand the examiner without asking for clarification.

Get the full lesson about speaking tips here.

Take a look at some more speaking tutorials to help you in your IELTS exam.

This topic is from (Source)

ielts speaking | vocabulary about Fashion and Shopping | Speaking topic about Fashion and Shopping

2021-12-24T17:20:00.004+05:30

Definitions

Clothes horse: someone who really likes to buy nice clothes
Well put together: describes someone who looks good and who has made effort to do so
Pick up: buy
Bargain price: a discounted price
Be up on the latest trends: to be informed of what is fashionable
Social media feed: the updated list of new content available on various social media platforms
In fashion: fashionable
Replicate: to copy
Looks: appearance
Lower priced: inexpensive, cheap
A fraction of the cost: a small part of the total cost
A (great) eye for something: able to notice or make correct judgments about something
Clothes rack: rail where clothes are hung for display
Shoe display: place where shoes are shown
Level of attention: the amount of attention someone pays to something
Luxury goods: things that are very expensive to buy but are not considered necessities
High-end designers: people who design products sold at very high prices
Out of my price range: describes something that is too expensive for someone to buy
Incomparable: cannot be compared because it is so good
Over the top: extreme, excessive, exaggerated
Avant garde: describes music, art, etc, that are unconventional or experimental
Ambience: the atmosphere of a location
Unparalleled: exceptional; in a category of its own because of its excellence
Customer service: the assistance given to customers of a product or service
Top-notch: high quality
Blow money on something: spend large amounts of money
“it” item: something very fashionable
Place pressure on: to try to influence or persuade
Stay current: to be up to date
Spoiled for choice: to have a lot of options available to you
High street: the main street where shops, banks and businesses are located.
Unfathomable: unimaginable
e-shops: stores that do business online
click of a button: on a computer or device, something that requires very little effort
at your doorstep: at your home or near where you live
superimposed: when something is placed over something else so that the image of both items is clear
frame: the size and shape of someone’s body
digital imagery: the collection of pixels on a screen that create an image
brick and mortar stores: a physical shop as opposed to an online shop
counterparts: someone who does the same job as someone else somewhere else

IELTS speaking part 1 - sample questions and answers

Examiner: Do you enjoy shopping?

Archie: I do enjoy shopping – perhaps more than I should! My friends say that I am something of a clothes horse! I like to be well put together but I typically wait for the sales though so that I can pick up what I want at a bargain price.

Examiner: What things do you like shopping for?

Esther: Like many women my age, I enjoy shopping for clothes and accessories. I try to be up on the latest trends, so first I scan my social media feed for what’s in fashion and I try to replicate the looks with the lower priced items I buy – at a fraction of the cost of what influencers pay!

Examiner: Do you prefer to shop alone or with other people?

Sonya: If I have to buy something for an important function, then I typically bring my mother with me because she has a great eye for clothes. She knows what cut and style suits me. However, if I just want to pass the time, then I prefer going alone, especially in the morning when the shops are less crowded. I like inspecting the clothes racks or shoe displays.

IELTS speaking part 2 sample cue card

Describe a shop you like going to say:

where the shop is
what things it sells
how often you go there
and why you like shopping there

Samantha: The shop I like going to is one that I don’t visit very often as it is extremely expensive but whenever I have gone, I have enjoyed the experience very much. The shop is in the center of the city in a beautiful neoclassical building with a spiral staircase.

There are large velvet sofas where you can rest while you are served. When you walk through the double doors, a shop assistant greets you and offers coffee and tea. They are very friendly and really try to get to know the customer.

Usually, I would find this level of attention from a shop person irritating, but here they do it in such a way that you feel they are really trying to accommodate you. The shop sells luxury goods from high-end designers. Many people feel their items are overpriced but I guess there is a market for these goods.

As I said, I don’t go their often – it is out of my price range – but I did go when my brother was getting married to look for shoes. The selection and quality of their goods are incomparable – from over-the-top avantgarde designer items to classics that can become family heirlooms.

So it is the combination of factors – the store ambience, the unparalleled customer service and of course, the top-notch products – that make this a store I enjoy shopping at. I hope that one day I will be able to afford to shop there on a regular basis.

IELTS speaking part 3 sample answer

Some people think women shop more than men. Do you think this is true?

Paolo: Generally there seems to be some truth to this. I know some men who like to keep up with the latest fashions and are capable of blowing enormous sums of money on “it” sneakers and jeans, but on the whole, shopping seems to be a pastime more favored by women.

Firstly, I think society places more pressure on women to have an attractive and modern appearance, so to stay current, they have to update their look regularly. The fashion industry knows this, of course, and as a result the selection women have to choose from is infinite. It’s not like men’s clothes where your choice of trouser colors is black, grey or blue!

How is shopping different now compared to how it was in the past?

Gunther: Well, first of all, today we are spoilt for choice. Thanks to globalization, you no longer have to go to France to buy French goods, for example. In my city, on the high street we have brands from Spain, Italy, France, China and Japan.

This was unfathomable a few decades ago. A new element in shopping is also e-shops. These have made the items of your choices accessible with the click of a button, regardless of the location. The items arrive at your doorstep, sometimes even on the same day.

How do you think shopping will change in the future?

Ollie: It’s difficult to say. I think technology will take the online shopping experience to a whole new level. For example, shopping will soon become even more personalized. Some sites today can recommend the best size for you based on information you provide.

I am certain that in the future this will be done merely by sending an image of yourself and the item will be superimposed on your frame! I imagine shipping will be even more efficient so that you won’t have to wait a week for your item to arrive.

I also suspect digital imagery online will improve so that you can truly understand the details of the item you are purchasing. As far as in person shopping is concerned, brick and mortar stores will have a tough time competing with their online counterparts so the experience will have to become more efficient and more enjoyable.

ielts speaking | vocabulary about Advertising | Speaking topic about Advertising

2021-12-24T17:17:00.007+05:30

Vocabulary list for advertising topic:

Commercials: an advert on tv or radio
Imagery: visual images
Tantalizing: something that creates desire and excitement
Live up to its hype: when something is as good as you expected it to be
Product placement: a practice in movies or tv shows when a product or its brand name appear on screen visibly in order to gain exposure
Celebrity endorsement: when a famous person advertises a product by saying he or she uses it
Grating: describes sounds that are annoying
Inclined to purchase: likely to buy
Potential customers: people who might possibly buy your product
Turn someone off: to make someone uninterested in something
Pop-ups: advertisements that suddenly appear on a computer or device screen.
Subconscious: the part of the brain that sees, hears or remembers things that you do not actively remember
Subliminal: describes something that can influence the subconscious mind without the conscious mind realizing it
Billboards: a large outdoor board, usually alongside large roads, used to display an ad
Flyer: a small paper advertising a product, business or event
Website traffic: the internet users who visit a website
Brand awareness: when customers recognize or remember a brand and its qualities
Jingle: music that accompanies commercials
Telemarketing: the marketing of good or services over the phone
Bombard: attack continuously
Buying power: the money someone has to buy things
Free-for-all: a situation with no rules, limits or restrictions
Impressionable: describes a person who is easily influenced

IELTS speaking part 1

Examiner: Do you remember any adverts you saw when you were younger?

Lena: Oh certainly! I remember a dollhouse that was featured for quite some time on television but I also remember commercials for adult products like bath soap or beer. I can’t really say what was so memorable about these commercials – perhaps the imagery or the jingle, but years later I most definitely remember them.

Examiner: Do you often buy things after seeing an advert?

Sonya: Sometimes I do, yes. If I believe that a product satisfies a particular need I have, then I may purchase it. Sometimes, in the case of food, the products displayed are so tantalizing that you may try the product just to see if it lives up to its hype.

Examiner: Do you like it when celebrities advertise products?

Sandeep: No, actually I don’t. I think celebrity endorsements cheapen the celebrity and insult the public’s intelligence. It’s fairly obvious that the celebrity is advertising the product only to earn a large amount of money and quite frankly, even if he or she does use the product, that does not automatically mean the product is right for me or will make me more similar to the celebrity.

What is even worse than celebrity endorsements is when you see product placements in movies. There have been times when a soft drink was so prominently displayed on the screen that it was laughable. These types of ads repel me rather than attract me.

IELTS speaking part 2 (sample cue card)

Describe an advert you saw recently. You should say:

What the product/ service was
Where you saw it
How was the product/ advertised
And how you felt about it

Leyla: To be honest, I don’t watch a lot of television although it is on in my house rather often. Lately, I have repeatedly heard adverts for a brand of cheese available in my country. I say I ”heard” them because it was the music that has stuck out in my mind. The commercial uses a folk song throughout the commercial that I find rather grating.

It’s the kind of jingle – and commercial that makes me want to change the channel immediately!!! However, I think that this kind of advertising is very effective; if you like the song then you may be more inclined to purchase the product. If though you are like me and don’t like the song, then the ad is still successful because it has gotten my attention!

Examiner: Do you think advertising will change in the future?

Shahla: I think advertising is probably one of the fastest changing industries today. It must always adapt and find new ways of getting the attention of potential customers without turning them off. I think several years ago we could have in no way imagined how important Youtube or Facebook would be for advertisers so I believe in the future we will see more changes as more apps and sites become popular.

Examiner: How is advertising different now in relation to the past?

Minnie: Advertising in the past relied more heavily on print, like magazines, newspapers and billboards. I can’t recall the last time I noticed a billboard while driving. Radio too is less important and maybe a great medium for local products and services. I believe TV ads remain very popular but advertising on the internet has really taken over. We are bombarded with so many adverts online that I don’t think we even notice them anymore.

Examiner: Some people think it is unethical to advertise to children. Do you agree?

Rana: Apparently, in some countries children are a very powerful market with considerable buying power! So, it only makes sense that advertisers would want to advertise to them. However, this must be done extremely carefully. In my country there are laws forbidding advertisers from advertising toys when cartoons are playing.

In my husband’s country though it is a free-for-all where commercials during Saturday morning cartoons promote toys, unhealthy snacks, theme parks – anything and everything that a child could – and undoubtedly does- ask for! Children are very impressionable so yes, it does seem unethical although with such financial strength I can understand why advertisers are tempted.

ielts speaking | vocabulary about Social Media | Speaking topic about Social Media

2021-12-24T17:13:00.007+05:30

IELTS speaking part 1

Examiner: Is social media popular in your country?

Philippe: “ Very much. Many people, especially the young, are trying to become vloggers and influencers. The try to accumulate as many followers as possible. Apparently, there are people in my country earning a considerable income from this.”

Examiner: Do you use social media often?

Samanpreet: I must confess that I am an avid user of social media. I am constantly DMing my friends the newest memes and the latest viral videos. It’s a way to connect with them even when we can’t be together.

Why do some people choose not to use social media?

Ali: the internet is still in many ways, like the wild west with very little legislation or controls. It is extremely easy to fall prey to scammers trying to trick you out of money or even worse, your identity. Social media sites are full of trolls who only post in order to incite a reaction or haters who badger other posters or spew negativity everywhere.

IELTS speaking part 2 (sample cue card)

Talk about your favorite social media site or application

Say when you first used it

Why you use it
How often you use it
And if you recommend it to others

While many people my age have moved on to Snapchat or TikTok, Instagram remains my favorite social media site for a variety of reasons. I started using this app five years ago when I started experimenting with photography and I find that it is an application that allows me to express myself creatively, by using various filters for my photography or videos to create an effect I desire.

I have accumulated a rather large number of followers over the years, but I certainly would not call myself an influencer. I now use the application at least 3 times a week to post stories or to dm my friends and followers.

I still enjoy using Instagram very much and would absolutely recommend it to others ….but you do need to have thick skin if you amass a large following. I have had people make derogatory comments to me which can be rather upsetting but fortunately you can block them easily. I have been fortunate so far, but some people I know have been victims of catfishing, which can be traumatic.

IELTS speaking part 3

At what age are children are generally allowed to use social media in your country?

I think it really depends on which application the child is using. Some applications generally expose a child more to potential predators or cyberbullies so I think children should be at least 15 to use them. I have heard that predators create fake profiles in order to groom children – this is despicable and is just one reason why parents should monitor their children’s device use.

Do you think people will social media more or less in the future?

With so many things changing so quickly, it’s rather difficult to predict what the future holds. A few years ago we were sending emojis to one another and now everywhere you look people are dancing in front of their cameras for the world to see. So, I imagine our obsession with social media will continue although I hesitate to predict what form that will take.

Why do you think bullying on the internet has become so widespread?

I think cyberbullies and trolls generally feel that a shield of anonymity protects them. Many people are on social media area out there with dummy profiles harassing people at will and I guess like in all kinds of bullying, it makes the bully feel important or worthy. So the bully gets the validation he or she needs without any of the repercussions that might occur if the bullying were to take place in the real world.

Vocabulary

Viral: if a post/ video is viral or “has gone viral,” that means it is spreading very rapidly across the internet,
Troll: used as a verb and a noun. A troll is a person who purposely creates offensive or provocative posts or comments to arouse anger in other social media users.
Hater: a person who posts negative or critical comments about others
Vlogger: a person who regularly creates short videos to be posted online
Meme: a humorous image or text that is easily sent to others over the internet
Anonymity: The state of being anonymous, of people not knowing your identity
DM: direct message
Emoji: a small digital image used in social media/ emails/ text to display an emotion, object or idea
Badger: to bother someone repeatedly
Derogatory: offensive, hurtful, disrespectful
Censor: to keep certain images. Texts, etc from being displayed or published because it is offensive or immoral
Follow: to subscribe to the page of a person or business on social media
Harass: to create a hostile situation through written or verbal communication
Catfishing: the act of creating a false internet profile in order to deceive or scam someone
Grooming: preparing someone (often a minor) over the internet in order to eventually commit a sexual offense
Influencer: a person who promotes a product online to his/her followers so that they may purchase it
Photoshop: software that allows users to digitally alter their images
Filters: preset photo enhancements that users can select to apply to their images or videos
Block: stopping or banning someone from interacting with you on social media or viewing your posts/ profile
Scam: a dishonest attempt to trick or cheat you

ielts speaking | vocabulary about Working From Home | Speaking topic about Working From Home

2021-12-24T17:10:00.005+05:30

Vocabulary list:

Flexibility: being able to change or be changed depending on circumstances
Work-life balance: the time spent at your job in comparison to the time spent on your personal life
Distraction: something that takes away your attention from something else
Burnout: fatigue or tiredness from being overworked
Sense of community: when members of a group have a feeling of belonging and that they matter to one another
Colleagues: people you work with
Camaraderie: the feeling of friendship and trust that people who work together or spend time together share
Teamwork: when people work together to accomplish a goal
Isolation: the feeling or state of being separated from others
Productivity: how much you work you produce in relation to how much time you spend
Workplace: any location where a person performs a job
Work remotely or remote work: when an employee works from home rather than an office and uses the phone and/or computer to communication
Telecommute: same as “remote work”
Chained to a desk: when someone feels forced or obligated to work exclusively from their desk
9 to 5: the typical hours of work in many countries. Also can mean normal sometimes boring or mundane jobs.
Carbon footprint: how much carbon dioxide someone/ somethings actions create
Sustainability benefits: the results of protecting the environment through less waste and less pollution
Environmentally friendly: describes things or activities that do not harm the environment
Financially viable: describes something that allows companies to generate income, fulfill responsibilities and continue to grow
Supervision: when someone manages a person or department to make sure rules are followed and work is done correctly
Lockdown: when people are not allowed to leave an area as a security measure
Hybrid work: work from both home and office
Autonomy: when you make decisions for yourself without the control of others

IELTS speaking part 1

Examiner: Do you prefer to work from home or at an office?

Flavia: I most certainly prefer working from home. It gives me flexibility I would never have in an office environment. Plus, my work-life balance has never been better; I can get in a workout in the morning, pick my daughter up from school, plus I don’t have to spend time and money commuting to an office.

There may be some added distractions at home while I should be working but overall working from home has kept me from office burnout. To be honest, I found more distractions when I work from an office!

Examiner: Why do you think some people prefer to work in an office?

Polina: Well, there are definitely benefits! For one, you develop a sense of community with your colleagues. There is the banter, the camaraderie… even the gossip! You have an atmosphere of teamwork in a conventional work environment whereas working from home can really lead to isolation.

Examiner: Do you think more people will work from home in the future?

Thuy: The global pandemic forced many people to work from home – for some it was successful and for others less so. So I think that future trends will depend on what outcomes we see from the shift to wfh during COVID-19. IF institutions found it worked for them without a drop in productivity or an increase in costs then we may see the home as the workplace of the future.

IELTS speaking part 2 (cue card)

Describe your ideal job

You should say

What the job is
What skills are necessary to do the job
Where the job is done

And why you think this job would be interesting to do

The job I think would be interesting to do would definitely be something involving writing. I have always loved to write but what makes it ideal is that this job allows a tremendous amount of flexibility.

A writer can work either in an office or remotely. One day you might be writing from Paris and the next day from New York! Your office is wherever you are and thanks to modern technology, telecommuting works like a breeze!

Furthermore, you’re not tied to a desk 9 to 5. A writer can create a schedule that works for him or her. Personally, I am a night owl so I like working late into the night – you couldn’t do that in an office job!

IELTS speaking part 3

Examiner: Many people believe that for companies to improve their carbon footprint they should allow more employees to work from home. Do you agree?

Jorge: Working from home does have a number of sustainability benefits. When employees work from home, there is a reduction in carbon monoxide emissions from cars, so in that sense, working from home is environmentally friendly.

Also, everything must be done electronically – so there’s no unnecessary waste of paper by printing work documents. Plus, businesses can move into smaller spaces that use fewer resources like heat, water and electricity, so it’s also really financially viable.

Examiner: Why do you think some employees resist working from home?

Salima: To be honest, it can be a challenge to feel motivated when you are working without any supervision so it’s easy to slack off and some employees might not want that.

Another issue is that there is no separation of your home and work life so that might lead to burnout.

In some professions, working from home is difficult because they may not have the office equipment required to do their job properly. Of course, we can’t forget the social component of the workplace which is paramount for lots of people.

Examiner: How do you predict work will change in the future?

Min: Well, I think lockdowns have taught us a number of lessons that we will take with us into the future. For example, I think we’ll start seeing hybrid work become more common.

This would involve working both from home and from an office on certain days of the week, for certain functions, like meetings or events.

If this does happen, I think it will be a wonderful development as it really embraces the needs of the employee as an individual, different personal obligations, working styles, timetables and so on.

We’re realizing the Monday through Friday, 9 to 5 model does not fit everyone so I think embracing hybrid work more will give people the autonomy to create a work schedule that works for them, resulting in higher productivity and happier employees – and happier companies.

ielts speaking | vocabulary about Climate Change (popular topic) | Speaking topic about Climate Change

2021-12-24T17:02:00.006+05:30

Vocabulary list and definitions:

The ravages of something: destruction of something
Hybrid car: a car that uses both petrol and electricity
Carbon footprint: how much carbon dioxide is released as a result of one’s activities
Recycle: breaking down products to create new products from the materials
Growing season: the time of the year when plants grow
Yields: amount of a crop produced
Crops: a plant grown in large amounts
Eco-conscious: describes someone who shows concern for the environment
Natural fertilizer: fertilizers that come from animal waste, animal matter or plant matter
Chemical fertilizer: fertilizers that are made from synthetic materials
Contaminate: to make something impure, poisonous or polluted
Groundwater: water that is below the earth’s surface
Vegetable scraps: bits of vegetables that are discarded
Non-chemical compost: decaying matter such as food, leaves or manure used to fertilize soil
Organic: describes something that does not use chemical fertilizers
Commute: travel to and from work
Solar panels: panels that collect rays from the sun to be used as energy for electricity or heating
Household cleaning products: products that are used to clean one’s home
Time-consuming: describes something that takes a lot of time
Environmentally conscious: when a person or business is aware of their effect on the environment and attempts to minimize this affect
Green lifestyle: a way of living that attempts to reduce usage of water & power, waste and toxic substances
Sustainable: describes something that causes minimal damage to the environment
Emulate: to copy someone’s behavior out of respect
Conventional products: products that have been in use for a long time
Energy saving: describe products designed to reduce use of electricity or other form of energy
Fuel emissions: gases that lead to air pollution through the burning of fuel
Electric cars: vehicles that run on electricity
Food miles: the distance food travels from the time it is produced until it reaches its end customer
Local food: food that is produced a short distance from where it is consumed
Fossil fuels: coal, gas or oil that is used in industry, homes and vehicles
Carbon monoxide: a dangerous gas produced from the partial burning of fuels
Dispose: throw away
Waterways: lakes, rivers, oceans and canals
Ecosystem: the geographic area where animals, plants and other organisms interact
Natural habitat: the area where a plant or animal normally lives
Tackle: to try to deal with a problem
Collective effort: when a group of people try to do something
Forge: to create something strong or successful.

IELTS speaking part 1

Examiner: Is the environment a big concern in your country?

Jorge: Climate change is a topic on everyone’s lips in my country but only in a theoretical sense. I don’t see citizens or the government taking steps to reduce the ravages of climate change.

Examiner: What steps do you and your family take to protect the environment?

Louisa: Well, we are looking into purchasing a hybrid car, for one thing. My partner uses the car quite a bit for work so it is important we do not have a large carbon footprint. It goes without saying that we recycle anything we can and we also use fabric bags when we go shopping to reduce the amount of plastic waste we produce.

Examiner: Has the environment in your region changed since when you were younger?

Dimitris: Every summer it feels like the sun is getting hotter and hotter and the climate is nothing like it used to be. My country relies heavily on farming and I know farmers are increasingly concerned about how climate change is affecting their growing season and their yields. It is predicted that regions that were once too cold to grow certain crops will soon be able to.

IELTS speaking part 2(cue card)

Describe a person you know who is doing something to protect the environment

You should say

Who this person is
What this person is doing to protect the environment
How easy/difficult it is for him/her to do this

And explain how you feel about what this person is doing to protect the environment

Asha: I think everyone nowadays is doing their part to some degree to protect the environment but one person I know really does more than her fair share. This is my friend Eva, who is more eco-conscious than most people I think.

When we were in school, Eva campaigned to get a compost bin placed in our school yard so that the gardening club would have natural fertilizer. She was very concerned about chemical fertilizers contaminating groundwater.

Students, parents and teachers brought their vegetable scraps to be composted and it worked! We had an endless supply of non-chemical compost for our garden. She started using reusable cups and bottles long before they were popular and I don’t think I have ever seen her carry a plastic bag.

Nowadays, she is part of a neighborhood clean- up group that removes rubbish from our local parks and beaches. She grows organic vegetables in her garden and commutes to work with her bicycle every day. Her house uses solar panels for heating and she even makes her own household cleaning products.

Eva never complains about these activities being time-consuming or difficult; she just feels she is doing what she can to be environmentally conscious. So, Eva is a person not doing just one thing to protect the environment, but in fact following a green lifestyle in order to live more sustainably. I admire her and her efforts and she is truly a role model for all of us to try to emulate.

IELTS speaking part 3

What are some things ordinary people can do to protect the environment?

Andre: There are small and more significant actions people can take to protect the environment. Whenever there is a choice between a conventional product or more environmentally friendly one, we should always choose the latter. Light bulbs is one small example. The energy saving ones might be a little more expensive but the benefits are worth it.

We also need to think about some of our other choices that contribute to fuel emissions. Switching to hybrid or electric cars is one obvious answer but what about air travel in general? What about the products we consume? We need to think about the food miles behind what we eat and make every effort to eat local food.

What are some ways in which industries damage the environment?

Sophie: Unfortunately, industries destroy the environment in a variety of ways. Factories use fossil fuels to run machines and the smoke and carbon monoxide released lead to air pollution. Factories dispose of their waste in nearby waterways, creating water pollution.

This in turn affects the entire ecosystem as sea animals and the birds and other animals that eat them suffer as a result. Even the noise from industries affect the environment. Many animals abandon their natural habitat once a factory is built, creating an imbalance in the ecosystem.

Do you believe that international cooperation is necessary to solve environmental problems?

Emile: I think international cooperation is the only way to tackle environmental issues. It is meaningless if one country takes measures to protect the environment, but its neighbor does not.

There must be a collective effort around the world where leaders agree to the steps that must be taken. While there are many companies globally that are trying to be more green to make true progress an international agreement must be forged.

ielts speaking | vocabulary about Books, Film and Art | Speaking topic about Books, Film and Art

2021-12-24T16:56:00.000+05:30

Definitions

Curl up with a book: to get comfortable and read.
Thrillers or action books: exciting and full of events
A strong plotline: good story which keeps moving
Cover to cover: from start to finish
Rom-com movie: a romantic comedy film
Adapted from fiction: a film which was first a book
Strong characterisation: the main people are well rounded and believable
Recommended to me by a friend: someone suggested that I read it
Black humour: funny but rather dark or mysterious as well
Genre: the type of film. E.g. horror or comedy
Commercial blockbusters: films made for the mass market to generate a lot of income
A sea change in something: a fundamental shift
Online streaming: watching via the internet
To commission a film: to ask for one to be made
A valid perspective: a real view / outlook/insight to something
Cultural heritage: the background and history of a country

IELTS speaking part 1 questions

Examiner: Do you enjoy reading for pleasure?

Mario: Yes, I do, but I admit that, with all my studies right now, I don’ t have a lot of time to curl up with a book. When I do, for example on holiday, I love thrillers or action books with a strong plot line which I can read cover to cover in a few hours.

Examiner: Would you rather watch a film or read in your free time?

Maria: Oh, I would far rather distract myself with a great rom-com movie than read as by the time I get home from work I am shattered! I know movies leave less to the imagination than books, however, I do sometimes watch films which have been adapted from fiction, for example, Emma by Jane Austin, which gave me an insight into strong characterization and main themes.

Examiner: What was the last book you read and would you recommend it?

Judy: In fact, I have recently finished an inspiring book called The Human History. It was recommended to me by a colleague, and the themes are philosophy, kindness and communication. I found the narrative captivating, compelling and surprisingly comprehensible. I would definitely recommend it to anyone interested in understanding humanity a little better.

IELTS speaking part 2 questions

Describe a book or a film that had a strong impact on you.

You should say:

• What was it

• When you read or saw it

• How it influenced you

And say if you liked it and why.

Eduardo: When I used to live in Paris as a teenager, I became rather obsessed with watching what might be called ‘artistic’ French films. My favourite was called Paris at Midnight and was directed by Louis Truffaut. Often he filmed in black and white and told a rather dark story – the genre could be described as black humour or drama, I suppose.

While many of my friends were happily absorbed in the latest James Bond movie or other rather commercial blockbusters, I took pride in educating myself in the traditions of the French cinema and trying to learn a bit of French at the same time.

This film in particular had a lasting impression on me – I think in fact, it had been adapted from a best seller and since, it has inspired other cartoon spin-offs and series as well. The beautiful, mysterious heroine was both provocative and enchanting – it was impossible to predict how she would react in a situation, which kept the tension in the film very high. Added to this was a haunting musical score, written by a famous French musician, and this also became a top selling album in the charts.

This film, and others like it, inspired me to work harder on my French language skills and to really investigate the history and culture of Paris in greater depth. At the time, I would have said that I enjoyed it, but in hindsight, I think it was probably not a very relaxing watch, and today, I would opt for something less intellectual!

IELTS speaking part 3 questions

Examiner: Do you think people go to the cinema as much as they used to?

Sergi: No, and there has been a sea change in the way people chose to view films nowadays which has been reinforced by the recent pandemic when cinemas and theatres were closed. Even before this disaster, many film-goers had the option to pay for online streaming of the latest releases via the internet so they could enjoy the thrills of the cinema but without leaving their sofas. Companies like Netflix and Amazon have led the way in this new trend and now commission films and drama series of their own.

Examiner: Should art still play a role in education for students at school, as well as books and films?

Raoul: It is true that for many young adults and school children art is not part of their usual education, and they are only able to access an understanding of great, historic and influential paintings if they study art. Many educators argue that art should play as big a role as the appreciation of books or film in the curriculum as art offers an equally valid perspective on a country’s cultural background and heritage.

Examiner: What do you think about e-books?

Alline: In my opinion, paperback or hardback books are much better and reading a book from an e-reader just doesn’t feel the same for me. Many readers value the sensation of turning pages and that special smell of paper. I think that the look and feel of a book can never be replaced by an e-reader, but I understand usefulness of electronic books. It is very convenient to be able to carry hundreds of books in your pocket especially when travelling or studying.