Task 1 – Maps

I recently had a question about how to write an IELTS report about maps. Here are some resources to help:

https://www.ieltsadvantage.com/2015/03/24/ielts-writing-task-1-maps-lesson/

https://ieltsfocus.com/2017/10/12/ielts-writing-task-1-maps/

http://ieltsmega.com/directions-and-prepositions-for-maps/

Letter Writing Advice

Here are a few links to help you with writing letters. (Remember: plan and organize first, use appropriate tone, make the purpose clear and include all necessary – but no irrelevant – detail)

https://takeielts.britishcouncil.org/prepare-your-test/test-day-advice/writing-test-advice

http://ieltsliz.com/ielts-letter-writing-essential-tips/

http://www.goodluckielts.com/IELTS-letter-writing-tips.html

 

Essays

Here are a few links to IELTS essay questions and samples. I believe IELTS Liz is trustworthy. However, in general, if you are going to read essays from the Internet that claim to be Band 9, be skeptical. (It may be fine, but most reliable websites label their essays with adjectives like “very good” rather than a band score)

http://ieltsliz.com/ielts-writing-task-2/

https://www.ielts-exam.net/ielts_writing_samples_task_2/

https://www.ieltsadvantage.com/2015/09/18/ielts-writing-task-2-sample/

Online Practice Tests

Here is a list of sites with online practice tests. I haven’t checked them all personally, but take a look and leave a comment if something does not work.

http://ieltscanadatest.com/prepare-for-ielts/practice-tests/

https://www.ieltsessentials.com/global/prepare/freepracticetests

http://ieltsonlinetests.com/catalogue

http://www.canadavisa.com/ielts/free-practice-tests.html

 

More vocabulary building

The vocabulary that you need for IELTS will vary depending on the subject matter. Here are two websites that give you some good information.

This one has 20 adjectives to start with. They are quite good, but there is no practice so you need to practice on your own in order to remember them properly.
http://ieltsspeakingtips.com/IELTS_synonyms_20.pdf

This one has a variety of topics. It gives the word and definition, and there is a link to listen to her read the information with a clear British accent. There is practice using the words at the bottom.
http://ieltsliz.com/vocabulary/

British Accents

I know that a lot of students have trouble with the British accent. In order to understand better, the best thing you can do is practice! Here is a Youtube channel that has some documentaries similar to listening part 2 or 4:

Anything from the BBC is pretty good. There is lots on Netflix as well if you have a subscription.

Paraphrasing

On the IELTS test, you must be able to paraphrase for your writing test (and a little bit for your speaking test). Additionally, understanding paraphrase is essential for listening and reading.

Here is some practice:

http://ieltsliz.com/ielts-writing-task-2-paraphrasing-practice/

http://ieltscanadatest.com/2017/03/task-1-2-paraphrasing/

http://ielts-simon.com/ielts-help-and-english-pr/2014/11/ielts-writing-task-2-paraphrasing-practice.html

http://www.businessenglishace.com/academic-ielts-extra-skill-paraphrasing/

 

Practice Listening Test

Here is a link to a practice listening test. The sound quality is OK, and it has the full 40 questions.

http://www.ielts-mentor.com/listening-sample/208-ielts-listening-sample-1

General Writing

Here are some samples of letters for the IELTS test.

https://www.ielts-exam.net/general_writing_samples_task_1/