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?