How to talk about Eating Out

Speaking Part 1 and Speaking Part 2

Food and Eating preferences is a common topic in Speaking Exams (IELTS, FCE) so if you want to stand out from the other candidates and impress the examiner, you need to use a variety of key phrases and collocations.

Try writing a paragraph using the above vocabulary so that you feel confident with these new words. Let me know how it goes!

How to structure an academic essay

How to structure an academic essay: I always strongly recommend planning your essay before you start writing. And when I ask my students, "how long do you need to plan?" I often hear "2 minutes Teacher....maybe 3". This is not enough time to think about your ideas in full (idea, because, example, result). I believe students often overlook the vital planning stage because they do not know what is expected in the introduction, main body and conclusion. To help you next time.....try asking yourself the following questions. ‪#‎ielts‬ ‪#‎writing‬ ‪#‎academicessay‬ ‪#‎english‬ ‪#‎learning‬

Eid Mubarak Said

How to be a superhero and save the planet

My colleague's upper intermediate class created this infographic. "How to be a superhero and save the planet!" You will see that the students come from different countries around the world, but they are united in their belief that protecting our planet is of vital importance. Which top tip is your favourite? ‪#‎savetheplanet‬ ‪#‎strongertogether‬

English Proverbs

I took this photograph in Plitvice Lakes National Park while backpacking around Croatia. The feather is actually under the water, not floating on the top! In light of recent world events it is worth remembering that all of us hope for peace and it is best achieved when working together ‪#‎strongertogether‬

What are the advantages and disadvantages of social media?

What are the advantages and disadvantages of using social media to maintain relationships and make new ones? This question is relevant to IELTS writing task 2 and IELTS speaking part 3. Here are some ideas: do you agree? ‪#‎socialmedia‬ ‪#‎learnenglish‬ ‪#‎studyielts‬

Planning!

I can not stress enough the importance of writing a plan before you starting writing the essay. It is important to think through from the idea stage, through to an example and end with the result or outcome.

A clear and well thought out plan will help you to write a fantastic essay.

Key Vocabulary - Friendship

Here are some useful phrases to talk about your friends. Who is your closest friend? How do you stay in contact with your friends? This is a key topic in IELTS so make sure you have the language to talk about it! ‪#‎friendship‬

Useful Vocabulary - Giving full answers in IELTS Writing and Speaking

How can I improve my IELTS speaking and writing scores?

Step 1:

Understand that as with other exams, IELTS is trying to test your level of English language. So the way to improve your band score is to improve your level of English fluency, accuracy and range.

Step 2:

Understand how the speaking and writing test are assessed. What is the examiner looking for? In my previous post you will see that the band score increases in line with the complexity, coherence, fluency and range of your English.

For example, in the Speaking exam you will gain a much higher score if you can (1) use complex grammar structures (conditionals, perfect tenses, future tenses) accurately (2) use idioms, adjectives and adverbs to make what you are saying more interesting (3) speak in a fluent and natural way (4) connect your ideas with linking words (so, and, because, then, although).

Step 3:

Now that you know what the examiner is looking for, plan how you can incorporate that into your own writing and speaking. BUT don't fall into the trap of memorizing large chunks of information and then trying to use it in any situation. You will not sound natural, and you will lose points.

Instead build up a range of phrases and idioms that you can apply to a variety of contexts.

Step 4:

Be confident! Understand that the examiner is not trying to catch you out or purposely confuse you. They want you to do well. Breathe, relax and shine!

IELTS Band Scores Explained

Phrase of the week - Once in a blue moon!

http://www.sciencealert.com/a-blue-moon-and-a-red-mars-will-pair-up-this-week-here-s-how-to-watch

Phrase of the week - Once in a blue moon!

This weekend there will be an actual blue moon in our skies. In English we use this expression to explain that an event is not usual, hardly ever happens. 

For example: 
A: How often do you go to the gym? 
B: Since I've had children I go once in a blue moon these days!

‪#‎onceinabluemoon‬ ‪#‎astronomy‬‪#‎englishidioms‬

Useful Phrases - Talking about a Past Experience

Key Topic - Immigration

Reading is a great way to improve your English. When reading different types of material, first ask yourself: Why am I reading?

(1) Fun - jump over the words you don't know. Read quickly and try to understand the general message.

(2) Answer questions - focus on the words you KNOW for sure and contextual clues to find the answers.

(3) Learn new vocabulary - focus on the phrases you do NOT know. Use an English-English dictionary to discover meaning.

https://www.facebook.com/theguardian/posts/10154178876391323

Phrase of the Day - I'm in two minds

Phrase of the Day - "I'm in two minds..."

We use this phrase when we are trying to decide between two choices. For example: "I'm in two minds whether to go swimming or do my homework."

Can you think of any other phrases with the word "mind"? Post your comments below.

How to answer IELTS Writing Task 2 - Family

IELTS Writing Task 2 is an academic style essay often about current affairs. Family is a common topic and you could be asked either to give an opinion on a controversial issue or to discuss possible problems and solutions.

Possible Questions

1. In modern times it is common for mothers as well as fathers to work. As a result children are spending less quality time with their parents. What are the reasons for this situation? What are the possible consequences?

2. Some people think that the idea of the traditional family is a thing of the past as these days families are so diverse. While others argue that the nuclear family model provided the best environment in which to raise children. How far do you agree with this opinion?

3. One group of people hold the opinion that the role of parents is to discipline their children and teach them right from wrong. An opposing group suggests that parents should nurture their sons and daughters and encourage their curiosity. Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.

4. In some societies around the world grandparents still play a part in helping to raise their grandchildren. What are the benefits and drawbacks of this?



Try writing the plan for one of these questions and email it to me. I will be happy to provide feedback. 

How to answer Speaking Part 2 - Animals

IELTS Speaking Part 2

Also known as the "Long Turn" in this part of the speaking exam the examiner will give you a topic card with several related questions. You have 1 minute to prepare your ideas. You will then need to speak about this topic for 1 - 2 minutes. The examiner will stop you after 2 minutes and will ask you 1 or 2 follow up questions.

For Example:

Describe a time when you visited a place with animals.

You should say:
# where it was
# who you were with
# why you visited that place
# was it interesting 

To get a good score in Part 2 of the IELTS Speaking test it is best to try and tell an anecdote as naturally as possible. Imagine you are telling this story to a friend, rather than an examiner. 

Model Answer:

I've been a huge animal lover for as long as I can remember. We always had pets growing up and so I guess that's where it stems from. I remember one time my parents took me to a wildlife park for my birthday. It was amazing to see such a range of different species; there were lions, tigers, elephants, giraffes and zebras. The zoo keepers talked about their natural habitats and it was fascinating to see them up close, rather than on TV. Also I'll never forget how small the zebras were, I was surprised, I had expected them to be much bigger. 

Key Vocabulary Animals

Key IELTS Vocabulary - Shopping

10 Most Common IELTS Topics

Any of these topics could come up in the IELTS speaking and writing exam. It is important that you have the necessary vocabulary and ideas to be able to discuss these with relevant examples.

How can you get what you need?

How to answer: How are you?

IELTS Speaking Part 1: You have probably been asked the same question a million times; how are you? It was probably one of the first phrases you learnt in English. No doubt you were taught the response: I'm fine thanks, and you?

But there are so many more interesting responses both positive and negative. By using a different answer you will stand out during the speaking exam, impress the examiner and hopefully get the score you need.

Positive: 
I'm great thanks, how about you? 
I can't complain.
I've been worse.
Not bad at all, and yourself?
Alright, and you?

Your intonation should go up and don't forget to smile :)

Negative:
I'm a little under the weather, but it's ok.
I feel a little tired /nervous to be honest.
Best not to ask. (said with a smile)

Your intonation should fall slightly, but still smile at the end.

Try recording your voice repeating the different phrases until you sound as natural as you can.

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How to stay motivated when studying IELTS

How to stay motivated when studying IELTS? 
I have seen the same scenario countless times over the last 10 years where a student is super motivated and committed to studying hard for that elusive Band 6.5 plus in IELTS, however after several weeks of hard slog their motivation starts to decrease and self-doubt starts to creep in. At this point rather than improving upon their IELTS score, students plateau or worse their band score drops. 

But, this doesn't have to be the case. If you follow my STUDY SKILLS advice below, you will be able to maintain your enthusiasm and keep moving forward. 

1. PLAN your WEEK - use a weekly planner and write in your study time for each skill (writing, reading, listening, speaking). Remember to allocate more time to your weaker skills.

2. REST - plan in time where you will relax and stop thinking about IELTS. Your brain needs time for new information to sink in and to recharge. So, do not feel guilty about meeting up with friends, going to the cinema, playing sport or getting back to nature. In fact it is a vital part to remaining positive. 

3. SMART OBJECTIVES - give yourself daily, weekly or even monthly goals to aim for. But, make sure they are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Timed. For example: I will write an IELTS task 2 essay within 40 minutes, get it graded by a teacher and then re-write it within the next 3 days. This will focus your mind and help to ensure you are using your energies on the right things. 

4. MIX IT UP - variety is the spice of life as the saying goes, varying your routine will keep things feeling fresh. So rather than just doing past papers to practise your listening skills, why not check out a TED talk or a relelvant Podcast instead? If you usually study alone, try inviting some friends to join you one day. 

5. FAILING IS GOOD - making mistakes is a good thing as it shows you are trying. Mistakes can be valuable lessons which put you back on the right path. Remember that all the top business people, athletes, scientists failed far more than they succeeded. The difference was that they didn't give up on their dream because of a setback. 

Keep going, you will get there! 

If you would like 1:1 support from an experienced IELTS teacher then subscribe to the blog with your email and we'll get in touch. 

IELTS Writing Task 2: Obesity

Obesity is a common problem in many countries throughout the world. This topic often comes up in the IELTS exam either in the Writing or Speaking sections. Typically students are asked to comment on the causes and possible solutions to this epidemic.

Looking at this poster, it is shocking to think how much sugar is contained in everyday popular drinks, especially those aimed at children. Worryingly children and teenagers consume large quantities of these drinks week in week out and never think about the sugar content.

Should governments and drink manufacturers be more responsible and strictly limit the sugar content of these drinks?

I would love to hear your thoughts on this topic, why not write a comment?

Or try writing the essay! Simply email it to me and I will correct and grade it for you by subscribing to the blog.  

Phrase of the Day - "It's on the tip of my tongue"

We use this expression when we are trying to remember a specific detail, such as a name or date, but we are struggling.

    For example: 

    Examiner:  Do you enjoy going to the cinema?

"Yes I'm a big fan of movies and I regularly go to my local cinema. The last film I saw was an action movie, it was called.....oh the name is on the tip of my tongue.....sorry I can't remember it exactly."

This is a natural phrase for use in the IELTS speaking exam (especially part 1 which focuses on personal information).

For expert help with IELTS speaking subscribe by sending your email :)

100 days till Rio Olympics 2016

So it's Olympic year again and this time around the best the world has to offer will be competing in Rio, Brazil. It's now officially 100 days until the start of the games, which got me thinking: what could be achieved within exactly 100 days?

Have a look at my infographic for some ideas!
#100daystogo #Rio2016

Phrase of the Day: "look"

I love the determination and confidence in his eyes as he looks to the future! 
There are many expressions with "look" in English:

(1) Look forward to doing something: we use this expression when we are excited about a future plan.

For example: I'm looking forward to going to the concert next week, they're my favourite band. 

(2) Look up to someone: we use this expression when talking about people we respect and admire, such as role models.

For example: I look up to my older brother because he is so thoughtful, compassionate and hard-working. I would love to be more like him. 

What is your favourite "look" expression? 

Education - key topic vocabulary