Prepare for your IELTS test

  

Make sure you are ready to demonstrate your English language skills

 

Understand the ielts test format

 

Familiarise yourself with the format of the ielts test by reviewing the content of the test, as well as the question and task types for each section. It’s also important to read through the IELTS rules and regulations. These are laid out in the Notice to Candidates and Declaration which are included in the application form.

 

 

 IELTS Test format

 

The IELTS test assesses your abilities in listening, reading, writing and speaking – in less than three hours.

 

There are two types of the IELTS test:  IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training. Listening and Speaking are the same for both tests, but the subject matter of the Reading and Writing components differs depending on which test you take.

 

The Listening, Reading and Writing components of all IELTS tests are completed on the same day, with no breaks in between them.

 

The Speaking component, however, can be completed up to a week before or after the other tests. Your test centre will advise.

 

The total test time is 2 hours and 45 minutes.

 

• Listening
• Academic Reading
• General Training Reading
• Academic Writing
• General Training Writing
• Speaking

 

Test format – Listening

 

30 minutes

 

You will listen to four recordings of native English speakers and then write your answers to a series of questions.

 

• Recording 1 – a conversation between two people set in an everyday social context.
• Recording 2 - a monologue set in an everyday social context, e.g. a speech about local facilities.
• Recording 3 – a conversation between up to four people set in an educational or training context, e.g. a university tutor and a student discussing an assignment.
• Recording 4 - a monologue on an academic subject, e.g. a university lecture.

 

Assessors will be looking for evidence of your ability to understand the main ideas and detailed factual information, the opinions and attitudes of speakers, the purpose of an utterance and evidence of your ability to follow the development of ideas.

 

IELTS Listening description

 

Paper format	There are four sections with ten questions each. The questions are designed so that the answers appear in the order they are heard in the audio. The first two sections deal with situations set in everyday social contexts. In Section 1, there is a conversation between two speakers (for example, a conversation about travel arrangements), and in Section 2, there is a monologue in (for example, a speech about local facilities). The final two sections deal with situations set in educational and training contexts. In Section 3, there is a conversation between two main speakers (for example, two university students in discussion, perhaps guided by a tutor), and in Section 4, there is a monologue on an academic subject. The recordings are heard only once. They include a range of accents, including British, Australian, New Zealand, American and Canadian.
Timing	Approximately 30 minutes (plus 10 minutes transfer time).
No. of questions	40
Task types	A variety of question types are used, chosen from the following: multiple choice, matching, plan/map/diagram labelling, form/note/table/flow-chart/summary completion, sentence completion.
Answering	Test takers write their answers on the question paper as they listen and at the end of the test are given 10 minutes to transfer their answers to an answer sheet. Care should be taken when writing answers on the answer sheet as poor spelling and grammar are penalised.
Marks	Each question is worth 1 mark.

 

IELTS Listening in detail

 

Task type 1 – Multiple choice

 

Task type and format	In multiple choice tasks, there is a question followed by three possible answers, or the beginning of a sentence followed by three possible ways to complete the sentence. Test takers are required to choose the one correct answer - A, B or C.   Sometimes, test takers are given a longer list of possible answers and told that they have to choose more than one. In this case, they should read the question carefully to check how many answers are required.
Task focus	Multiple choice questions are used to test a wide range of skills. The test taker may be required to have a detailed understanding of specific points or an overall understanding of the main points of the listening text.
No. of questions	Variable

 

Task type 2 – Matching

 

Task type and format	Test takers are required to match a numbered list of items from the listening text to a set of options on the question paper. The set of options may be criteria of some kind.
Task focus	Matching assesses the skill of listening for detail and whether a test taker can understand information given in a conversation on an everyday topic, such as the different types of hotel or guest house accommodation. It also assesses the ability to follow a conversation between two people. It may also be used to assess test takers’ ability to recognise relationships and connections between facts in the listening text.
No. of questions	Variable

 

Task type 3 – Plan, map, diagram labelling

 

Task type and format	Test takers are required to complete labels on a plan (eg of a building), map (eg of part of a town) or diagram (e.g. of a piece of equipment). The answers are usually selected from a list on the question paper.
Task focus	This type of task assesses the ability to understand, for example, a description of a place, and to relate this to a visual representation. This may include being able to follow language expressing spatial relationships and directions (e.g. straight on/through the far door).
No. of questions	Variable

 

Task type 4 – Form, note, table, flow-chart, summary completion

 

Task type and format	Test takers are required to fill in the gaps in an outline of part or of all of the listening text. The outline will focus on the main ideas/facts in the text. It may be:   1. a form: often used to record factual details such as names  2. a set of notes: used to summarise any type of information using the layout to show how different items relate to one another  3. a table: used as a way of summarising information which relates to clear categories – e.g. place/time/price,   4. a flow-chart: used to summarise a process which has clear stages, with the direction of the process shown by arrows.   Test takers may have to select their answers from a list on the question paper or identify the missing words from the recording, keeping to the word limit stated in the instructions. Test takers do not have to change the words from the recording in any way.   Test takers should read the instructions very carefully as the number of words or numbers they should use to fill the gaps will vary. A word limit is given, for example, ‘NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER’. Test takers are penalised for writing more than the stated number of words, and test takers should check this word limit carefully for each task. Contracted words will not be tested. Hyphenated words count as single words.
Task focus	This focuses on the main points which a listener would naturally record in this type of situation.
No. of questions	Variable

 

Task type 5 – Sentence completion

 

Task type and format	Test takers are required to read a set of sentences summarising key information from all the listening text or from one part of it. They then fill a gap in each sentence using information from the listening text. A word limit is given, for example, ‘NO MORE THAN ONE WORD AND/OR A NUMBER’.   Test takers are penalised for writing more than the stated number of words. (Test takers should check this word limit carefully for each task: the limit is either ONE, TWO or THREE words). Contracted words will not be tested. Hyphenated words count as single words.
Task focus	Sentence completion focuses on the ability to identify the key information in a listening text. Test takers have to understand functional relationships such as cause and effect.
No. of questions	Variable

 

Task type 6 – Short-answer questions

 

Task type and format	Test takers are required to read a question and then write a short answer using information from the listening text. A word limit is given, for example, ‘NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER’. Test takers are penalised for writing more than the stated number of words. (Test takers should check this word limit carefully for each task.) Contracted words will not be tested. Hyphenated words count as single words. Sometimes test takers are given a question which asks them to list two or three points.
Task focus	Sentence completion focuses on the ability to listen for concrete facts, such as places, prices or times, within the listening text.
No. of questions	Variable

 

IELTS Listening – how it's marked

 

The Listening test is marked by certificated markers, who are regularly monitored to ensure their reliability. All answer sheets, after being marked, are further analysed by Cambridge Assessment English.

 

 

Band score conversion

 

 A Band Score conversion table is produced for each version of the Listening test which translates scores out of 40 into the IELTS 9-band scale. Scores are reported in whole bands and half bands.

 

One mark is awarded for each correct answer in the 40-item test. Care should be taken when writing answers on the answer sheet as poor spelling and grammar are penalised.

 

Practise with sample test questions

 

Completing sample test materials is helpful in preparing for your test. These will give you an idea of what to expect in the Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking tests.

 

Official IELTS practice materials

 

You may find it helpful to do a practice test. IELTS has developed two sets of official practice materials, designed to help you understand the test format and the types of test questions.

 

 

Vol. 1 Official IELTS Practice Materials (with CD)

Vol. 2 Official IELTS Practice Materials (with DVD)

Both volumes of the practice materials offer samples of the Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking tests with sample answers and examiner comments. The CD in Vol. 1 offers samples of the Listening test and the DVD in Vol. 2 shows test takers taking the Speaking test. These are the only IELTS practice materials endorsed by the IELTS partners. You can purchase official IELTS sample materials from Cambridge University Press (click on the links above), or from an IELTS test centre.

 

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Consider an IELTS preparation course

 

If you would like assistance with test preparation, IELTS centres and language schools around the world offer IELTS preparation courses. You don’t have to attend a preparation course, but many test takers find that doing so helps them improve their performance. Talk to your local IELTS test centre to find out more.

 

Take one the best ielts course ...

 

 

 Register for your ielts as soon as possible

 

When you feel you are ready to take the test, you need to register for a test date with an IELTS centre. We have over 1,200 test locations in more than 140 countries. The number of test takers who can take the test on a particular date may be limited, so contact the centre as soon as possible. You will need to pay the test fee when you register.

 

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IELTS test in Uzbekistan – January 2019 (Academic Module)

 

Reading test

 

Passage 1. About a song and its lyrics.

Passage 2. About solar power and sailboats.

Passage 3. Don’t remember.

 

Writing test

 

Writing task 1 (a report)

 

We were given a table showing water distribution in four countries. We had to summarise and describe it.

 

Writing Task 2 (an essay)

 

While recruiting a new employee, the employer should pay more attention to their personal qualities, rather than qualifications and experience. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Give your opinion and include relevant examples.

 

Speaking test

 

Interview

 

– What is your full name?

– Can I see your ID?

– Where are you from?

– Where do you live now?

– Do you work or study?

– What are the advantages and disadvantages of your hometown?

– Why do you think so?

– What is your favourite colour?

– What colour would you use on your bedroom walls?

– Did you wear bright coloured clothing as a child?

– Do you know your neighbours well?

– Do you meet them often?

– When did you go to a park or a garden last time?

– What do you prefer, to visit outdoor or indoor gardens?

 

Cue Card

 

Describe a skill that took you a long time to master. Please say

 

– What is it?

– Who helped you to master it?

– How long did it take?

 

Discussion

 

– How did you feel after learning it?

– Most people think new skills are difficult to learn. Why do they think so?

– What jobs require one to be patient?

IELTS reading actual test main subjects in 2018 and 2019

 

نمونه سوالات واقعی آزمون های آیلتس در سال 2018 و 2019 در بخش reaing

 

دوره فشرده Reading آیلتس در 10 جلسه با دکتر آرین کریمی

 

 

They are NOT predicted by IELTS teachers they are reported by IELTS test takers who take part in IELTS official tests recentely.

 

January 2018

 

Reading 1: Groucho Marx Arthur Sheekman

Reading 2: An Earth – Shaking discovery

Reading 3: Think happy

Reading 4: Working in the movies

Reading 5: Complementary and alternative medicine

Reading 6: The cloud messenger

 

February 2018

 

Reading 7: Walking with dinosaurs

Reading 8: Endangered languages

Reading 9: The robots are coming

Reading 10: Keep a Watchful Eye on the Bridges

Reading 11: Activities for Children

Reading 12: Roller coaster

Reading 13: Aphantasia: A life without mental images

Reading 14: Life lessons from villains, crooks and gangsters

Reading 15: Mysterious Dark Matter May Not Always Have Been Dark

Reading 16: Scientists Are Mapping the World's Largest Volcano

Reading 17: We know the city where HIV first emerged

Reading 18: Penguins' anti-ice trick revealed

 

April 2018

 

Reading 19: What is it that draws us to these creatures?

Reading 20: How did science fiction writer HG Wells predict its invention three decades before the first detonations?

Reading 21: The growth of intelligence

Reading 22: DISORDERS: AN OVERVIEW

Reading 23: THE DEVELOPING WORLD

Reading 24: BIOMETRICS

 

May 2018

 

Reading 25: Nushu — A Secret Language

Reading 26: Venus Flytrap

Reading 27: Growth Model

Reading 28: The Development of Travel under the Ocean

Reading 29: Vitamins - To supplement or not?

Reading 30: The Birth of Suburbia

 

June 2018

 

Reading 31: “Freebie” Marketing

Reading 32: Tacoma Narrows Bridge – Disaster Strikes

Reading 33: Ebonics

Reading 34: Bioluminescence

Reading 35: CHANGES IN MALE BODY IMAGE

Reading 36: EATS, SHOOTS AND LEAVES - A Book Review

 

January 2019

 

Reading 37: Teaching styles and their application

Reading 38: THE FLAVOUR INDUSTRY

Reading 39: Britain needs strong TV industry

Reading 40: A Disaster of Titanic Proportions

Reading 41: Three – Dimensional Films

Reading 42: Does Water Have Memory?

منابع آیلتس در آدیس آبابا در اتیوپی در سال  2019 در بخش اسپیکینگ آیلتس گزارش شده توسط یکی از شرکت کنندگان آیلتس

 

 

what an IELTS taker remember about  his IELTS Speaking questions In Addis Ababa, Ethiopia:

 

Speaking test

 

Interview

 

– What is your full name?

– Can I see your ID?

– Where are you from?

– Do you work or study?

– What do you do?

– What do you enjoy about your job?

– Lets talk about public holidays.

– Do you like the New Year celebration?

– How many public holidays are there in your country?

– What do you do during these holidays?

– Which places are normally crowded in your country during holidays?

– Do you enjoy being in crowded places?

 

Cue Card

 

Talk about an instance when you received bad service. Please say

 

– Where and when was it?

– Who provided the service?

– What did you do after that?

 

Discussion

 

– Do you receive bad service often?

– Why do you think it is happening?

– What should people do about it?

– Why do you think some people choose to be quiet and walk away after receiving bad service?

خانه آیلتس ( ielts ) شهرک غرب و سعادت آباد برگزار میکند :

 

 

دوره نیمه خصوصی آیلتس 4 نفره با دکتر آرین کریمی

 

 

!!! فقط با هزینه ای معادل ثبت نام یک آزمون آیلتس !!!

 

 

25 جلسه 2 ساعته آموزشی آیلتس 3 روز در هفته در شهرک غرب و سعادت آباد ساعت 7 الی 9 شب

 

 

با برنامه مطالعاتی خود خوان آیلتس برای 1 ماهه جهت آمادگی بیشتر برای شرکت در این دوره آیلتس

 

 

هر چه سریعتر جای خود را رزرو نمایید

 

چرا که از لحظه ثبت نام یک ماه انتظار خواهید داشت برای شروع این دوره آیلتس

 

این دوره صرفا دوره تکنیک ها و مهارتهای آیلتس هست

 

ولی به آیلتس آموزان برنامه مطالعاتی برای تقویت زبان پایه و پیری آیلتس داده خواهد شد

IELTS test in Canada – December 2018 (Academic Module)

 

Listening test

 

Section 1. An insurance company application form.

Section 2. A map description of a university and its facilities.

Section 3,4. Don’t remember.

 

Writing test

 

Writing task 1 (a report)

 

We were given a line graph showing the percentage of people owning a car in one European country.

 

Writing task 2 (an essay)

 

Some people think subjects taught in school are a waste of time, while others disagree and believe that this type of education is useful for students. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

 

 

IELTS test in Malaysia – December 2018 (General Training)

 

Writing test

 

Writing task 1 (a letter)

 

You have received a record that needs to be translated. Write a letter to a translating agency and say

 

– What is there on the record?

– Why do you want to translate it?

– Why is it so urgent for you to get it translated?

 

Writing Task 2 (an essay)

 

Some people prefer cold weather conditions, while others don’t. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

 

Speaking test

 

Interview

 

– What is your full name?

– Can I see your ID?

– Where are you from?

– Do you work or study?

– What do you do?

– Do you like your job?

 

Cue Card

 

Talk about a city you know well. Please say

 

– What city is it?

– What do you like about it?

– What are the interesting places there?

 

Discussion

 

– How big is the population of that city?

– Do you prefer a car or a public transport?

– Do you drink tap water or bottled water?

– What is the difference between cities and countryside?

– What is the difference between one city and another?

– Did you travel by car recently?

– Where did you go?

سوالات اخیر آیلتس آکادمیک در اندونزی در سال 2018 ( محتمل در آزمونه آیلتس بعدی در ایران )

 

IELTS test in Indonesia – December 2018 (Academic Module)

 

Writing test

 

Writing task 1 (a report)

 

We were given a bar graph showing the consumption of vegetables and fruit in the UK between 2001 and 2007. We had to summarize the data.

 

Writing task 2 (an essay)

 

Many famous athletes advertise different products. What are the advantages and disadvantages of it?

 

Speaking test

 

Interview

– What is your full name?
– Can I see your ID?
– Where are you from?
– Do you work or study?
– Can you describe your hometown?
– Can you describe people of your country?
– Do you know your neighbours well?
– Are you in a good relationship with them?
– What is your favourite season?
– Describe different seasons in your country.
– What do you like to do in different seasons?

 

Cue Card

 

Talk about an interesting talk or lecture that you attended recently. Please say

– When and where was it?
– Who gave the lecture?
– What was the main topic?

 

Discussion

 

– What qualities are important for public speaking?
– Do you think confidence is more important than other skills?
– What occupations in your country need public speaking skills?
– Do you think it is important for children to learn these skills?
– How can people improve their public speaking skills?

تدریس خصوصی آیلتس - منابع آیلتس محتمل در ایران برگزار شده در ویتنام

 

IELTS Speaking Questions people askd in Vietnam –on December 2018

 

IELTS Speaking Interview

 

– What is your full name?

– Can I see your ID?

– Where are you from?

– Do you work or study?

– What do you do?

– Do you wear sunglasses?

– Do you buy sunglasses online?

– Do you like music?

– What type of music don’t you like?

 

IELTS Cue Card Topic

 

Describe a beautiful city in your country. Please say

 

– What city and where is it?

– Why is it beautiful in your opinion?

– Why do you like it?

 

IELTS Discussion Questions

 

– Should the government look after historical buildings?

– Why do you think tourists like to visit historical places?

– Do modern cities look the same?

– What problems do governments face while maintaining historical places?

– What are the negative aspects of big and congested cities?

– Do you think that architectural design of a city is important?

Academic IELTS in the UK, Newcastle on December 2018

 

Listening Test

 

Section 1. Holiday booking form.

Section 2. About a new gym in the neighbourhood.

Section 3. About active volcanoes in the world.

Section 4. About baobab trees in Africa.

 

Reading Test

 

Passage 1. About koalas in Australia.

Passage 2. About intelligence and logical thinking.

Passage 3. Don’t remember.

 

Writing Test

 

Writing task 1 (a report)

 

We were given a bar chart showing snow depth in Canada in six cold months for 3 consecutive years.

 

Writing task 2 (an essay)

 

Children and teenagers are committing more and more crimes in many countries. Why is this happening? How can we stop or at least reduce youth crime?

 

Speaking Test

 

Interview

 

– What is your full name?

– Can I see your ID?

– Where are you from?

– Do you work or study?

– What do you do?

– What weather do you like? Why?

 

Cue Card

 

Describe a sport that you watch and would like to practice it. Please say

 

– what sport this is

– why you like it

– when and how you would start doing it.

 

Discussion

 

– What is the importance of sport in our society?

– How is sport related to business?

Details of the IELTS Reading Test

 

Dr.Arian karimi's IELTS Reading Class

 

 

 

 

کلاس تخصصی ریدینگ آیلتس دکتر آرین کریمی

 

The Reading Type of Questions

1. Multiple choice

2. Short answer questions

3. Sentence completion questions

4. Notes/ table/ form/ summary/ flow chart/diagram /completion questions

5. Yes, no, not given or True, false, not given

6. Classification questions

7. Matching

8. Choosing headings

9. Scanning & identifying location of information

10. Labelling a diagram which has numbered parts

 

Procedure of the Test

 

The reading module is the second test you do on the test day.

You are given a question booklet and an answer sheet. There is no time, unlike in the listening test, at the end to transfer answers so you have to write your answers directly onto the answer sheet.

You are given 60 minutes for the test.

The test instructions indicate how much time you should spend on each section of the test.

 

Structure of the Test

 

The test is divided into three sections.

You are given a reading passage with questions in each section. The questions can be both before and after the passages.
The topics of the passages are of general interest and come from magazines, journals, books and newspapers. At least one of the passages will present a logical argument.

The texts increase in difficulty as the test progresses. There may be a glossary of technical words.

There are 40 questions in total. Each of the three sections has around 10-15 questions and there are at least two types of questions in each section.

 

IELTS Scoring

You are given a mark for each of the 40 questions. Your result is converted into a score which corresponds to one of the bands from 1-9. You will see the band on your result sheet. You can be awarded a whole band or a half band for the reading section.

1. Multiple Choice

There are three types of multiple choice questions in the IELTS reading exam.

Type 1. Where there is one possible answer.

Type 2. Where there are multiple answers for only one mark.

Type 3. Where there are multiple answers and one mark for each.

 

For these questions you may be given the start of a sentence which you have to complete with one out of four choices. Or you may be presented with a question and asked to find two, three or four items in a list of answers.

You could be asked to identify facts or opinions in the texts.

Multiple choice questions can test both your global understanding of the text or ask you for specific information. This means you will have to make the decision yourself whether to skim or scan the text.

 

Look at the 3 examples below.

 

Type 1 : Questions 1-3

 

Choose the appropriate letters A-D and write them in boxes 1-3 on your answer sheet.

 

1 According to information in the text, asparagine

A is poisonous.
B can cause cancer.
C is harmless unless heated.

D should only be eaten in small amounts.

 

2 According to information in the text, acrylamide

 

A has been found in lots of fried food.

B has been found in snacks in Sweden.

C is only found in western cooking.

D is in water.

 

3 According to information in the text, process foods

A should be avoided.

B are cheaper.

C are full of chemicals.

D are the most tasty foods.

 

Type 2 : Question 4

Write TWO letters A-F in box 4 on your answer sheet.

 

4 Which TWO examples of food is asparagine found in?

A peanuts

B rice

C French fries

D asparagus

E chocolate

F bananas

Type 3 : Questions 5 - 7

 

The list below gives some of the problems for dieters raised by Dr Jones.

 

Which THREE of these problems are mentioned by the writer of text?

 

A Accessible junk food.

B Coffee bars and after-work drinks.

C Partners.

D Stress & emotional situations.

E Saboteurs and false friends.

F Weakened resolve.

 

Also note that you may be asked to circle ONE, TWO, THREE or FOUR letters.

 

How to do the multiple choice questions

 

Read the instructions carefully and check how many letters you need to circle.

Skim all the questions and the answer choices quickly. As you do this,underline the key words (the words that give you the most
information).

Try to get an idea of the topic you will be reading about from the vocabulary of the questions.

Look at any illustrations or diagrams that go with the text.

Go back to the first question. Decide if you are looking for specific information or whether the question requires you to understand the whole text . Then either scan or skim the text, as appropriate, to find the answer.

Read the relevant part of the text very carefully.

Don’t leave any questions unanswered.

 

Keep in Mind

To read the stem or question carefully.

To eliminate unlikely answers.

 

Do as many of the following multiple choice questions as you can:

Focus on IELTS: p.45, p.73, p.91

IELTS Preparation & Practice (R&W): pp.7-8, p.20, pp.29-30, p.41

Cambridge IELTS 1: p.26-27

Cambridge IELTS 2: p.40, p.44, p.89.

Cambridge IELTS 3: p.21, p.46, p.71, p.90, p.95.

Cambridge IELTS 4: p.29, p.67, p.69, p.91

Cambridge IELTS 5: p.18, p.22, p.27, p.42, p.74

Cambridge IELTS 6: p.66, p.96

Cambridge IELTS 7: p.28, p.43, p.73, p.77, p.98

IELTS Foundation: p.22, p.25, p.26, p.32, p.34, p.36

IELTS Academic Practice Tests: p.33, p.40, p.45, p.65, p.66

Action Plan for IELTS: p.98

Test Builder: p.30, p.50, p.51, p.57, p.62, p.81, p.92, p.111, p.116

IELTS to Success: p.72, p.81, p.89

 

2. Short answer questions

 

There are two types of short answer questions in the IELTS reading exam.

Type 1. Questions

Type 2. Lists

 

These questions will usually tell you to write your answers in NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS. So you can answer with one word, two words or three words but no more. However, this is not always the case, so check the rubric carefully.

For these questions, like the multiple choice questions, you have to apply both skimming and scanning techniques.

Also note that the answers should not require a hyphenated word (e.g. non-smoker ) or a contraction (e.g. They’ve).

If the answer requires a number, you can write it as a numeral (e.g. 6) or a word (e.g. six) or a combination of a numeral and a word(e.g. 6 million).

 

Look at the 2 examples below.

 

Type 1 :  Questions 1 and 2

 

Write NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS, answering the following questions.

 

Write your answers in boxes 1 and 2 on your answer sheet.

 

1 How old was Spencer when he did his first degree?

2 Which teacher was instrumental in Spencer’s success?

 

Type 2 : Questions 3 - 5

 

List FOUR reasons for Spencer being a child prodigy.

 

Write NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS for each answer.

 

Write your answers in boxes 3-5 on your answer sheet.

3 ……………………………………………….

4 ……………………………………………….

5 ………………………………………………..

 

How to do short answer questions

 

Read the instructions carefully.

Skim all the questions quickly. As you do this: underline the key words.

Decide what information you need to find in the text.

Look out for question words like ‘where’ and ‘who’ which indicate you should listen for specific things like places and people.

Go back to the first question and decide what part of the text you need to read.

Read the part carefully to find the answer.

You may use your own words. You don’t have to write a complete sentence but it does have to be grammatically correct.

 

Notice that,

If you don’t know the meaning of any of the words in the questions, look at the other questions. They might have some associated vocabulary in them to help you guess the meaning.

The answer could be one word, two words or three words but not four or more.

If you think you need more than three words your answer is probably incorrect.

 

Practice

Do as many of the following short answer questions as you can:

 

Focus on IELTS: p.36, p.66, p.114, p.169

Cambridge IELTS 2: p.8, p.11, p.32, p.78

Cambridge IELTS 4: p.26, p. 73, p.77

Cambridge IELTS 6: p.21

Cambridge IELTS 7: p.20, p.29, p.47, p.68, p.91, p.99,

IELTS Foundation: p.28, p.32

IELTS Academic Practice Tests: p.41, p.45, p.53

Test Builder: p.86, p.112

IELTS to Success: p.69, p.89, p.90, p.93

 

3. Sentence completion questions

There are two types of sentence completion questions in the reading exam.

Type 1. With a selection of possible answers.

Type 2. Without a choice of possible answers.

These questions require you to complete the end of a sentence.

The questions appear in the same order as the information in the text.

Type 2 questions are similar to the short answer questions in that they will always tell you to write your answers in NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS . So you can answer with one word, two words or three words but not more. They will also tell you to use words from the reading passage.

As with short answer questions: Also note that the answers should not require a hyphenated word (e.g. non-smoker) or a contraction (e.g. They’ve). Also, if the answer requires a number, you can write it as a numeral (e.g. 6) or a word (e.g. six) or a combination (e.g. 6 million).

 

Look at the example below.

 

Type 1 : Questions 1 – 3

 

Complete each of the following statements (Questions 1-3) with the best ending A-F from the box below.

 

Write the appropriate letters A-F on our answer sheet.

 

1 Incorporating organic and inorganic matter

2 Spent mushroom compost

3 Adding potassium regularly

A makes the soil more alkaline.

B will help to encourage flowering and fruiting.

C makes roots stronger.

D encourages vigorous growth.

E will help hold moisture in the soil.

F will improve aeration.

Type 2 : Questions 4-6

 

Complete the sentences below with words taken from the passage.

 

Use NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS for each answer.

 

Write your answers in boxes 4-6 on your answer sheet.

 

4. Bulbs should be stored ………. .

5. Seeds may deteriorate if exposed to ………. .

6. Summer flowering annuals should not be planted until after ……… .

 

strategy for doing sentence completion questions

 

Read the instructions carefully.

Quickly read through all the sentences halves. As you do this underlinethekey words.

Try to work out what information you need.

Think about the grammatical form as well as the vocabulary that should follow immediately from the stem.

Go back to the first sentence and decide what information you need to complete it.

Find the place where the information should be in the text and read it carefully.

Look out for synonyms and parallel expressions because the questions are not likely to use the same words as those in the text.

Make sure your sentences make sense both logically and grammatically.

 

Remember

For type two, the answer could be one word, two words or three words but not four or more.

If you think you need more than three words your answer is probably incorrect.

 

Practice

 

Do the following sentence completion questions:

 

Focus on IELTS: p.30

Cambridge IELTS 1: p.90

Cambridge IELTS 2: p.100

Cambridge IELTS 3: p.22, p.72

Cambridge IELTS 4: p.90

Cambridge IELTS 5: p.47, p. 97

Cambridge IELTS 6: p.47, p.50

Cambridge IELTS 7: p.21, p.52, p.95

IELTS Foundation: p.32, p.33, p.34, p.35, p.36

Action Plan for IELTS: p.97

Test Builder: p.18, p.80, p.91, p.112

IELTS to Success: p.73, p.80, p.81, p.93

 

4. Notes / table / form / summary / flow chart / diagram / completion questions

These questions ask for specific information.

There are two types of these completion questions in the IELTS reading exam.

Type 1. With a selection of possible answers.

Type 2. Without a choice of possible answers.

 

These questions require you to:

Ø insert a word or phrase in the middle of a sentence

Ø insert a word in the middle and another word at the end of a sentence

Ø write words or phrases that are not in sentences

Ø write a letter that represents a word or phrase

 

For Type 1 questions the words or phrases provided will be different from the words in the text. There will be more words than gaps.

 

Type 2 questions are similar to the short answer questions in that they will tell you to write your answers in NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS. So you can answer with one word, two words or three words but no more.

 

As with short answer questions: Also note that the answers should not require a hyphenated word (e.g. non-smoker) or a contraction (e.g. They’ve).

 

If the answer requires a number, you can write it as a numeral (e.g. 6) or a word (e.g. six) or a combination (e.g. 6 million).

 

Look at the 2 examples below.

 

Type 1 : Questions 1-5

 

Complete the table below using the words from the box.

Write the appropriate letters A-G against Questions 1-5.

 

Health Problem	Food
High blood	(1) ………..
pressure &
cholesterol
Cancer of the	(2) ………..
colon
Heart Disease	(3) ………..
Infections	(4) ………..
Diabetes	(5) ………..

 

A oats & rice

B honey

C corn & wheat

D spices

E nuts & seeds

F herbs

G oils

 

 

 

 

 

Type 2 : Questions 6 –8

 

Complete the notes below.

 

Choose NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS from the reading passage for each answer.

 

Write your answers in boxes 6-8 on your answer sheet.

 

Some foods like shellfish, meats and ….6… may cause food poisoning if they have been infected by …7 … . One of the most common types of food poisoning is …8… .

Strategy for doing these completion questions

 

Read the instructions carefully.

Look at the table or form etc carefully:

Examine any headings or subheadings

Try to get an idea of the topic.

Decide what section of the passage the exercise covers.

Anticipate grammatical formas well as vocabulary.

If a box of answers is given, see if you can guess any of the matches & eliminate unlikely answers.

If the question is in the form of a table,work out which way it is best to read it – horizontally or vertically.

If the question is in the form of a summary, read through it firstand see if you can guess any of the missing words.

Take each gap one by one and search the text for the best word(s) to fill the gap.

 

Remember

If there is a box of answers, there will be at least two you don’t need.

If there is no box, the answer could be one word, two words or three words but not four or more.

If you think you need more than three words your answer is probably incorrect.

There may be alternative rubrics for these completion questions e.g.

‘complete the notice’ or ‘complete the explanation’ or ‘complete the news report’.

Practice

Do the following completion questions, examining the differences between them as you do them:

 

Focus on IELTS: p.66, p.98

notes: p. 20, p.50, p52, p.82, p97, p.98, p.130, p.169, p.172

table: p.36, p.38, p.133, p.146, p.161, p.163, p.172

form: p.65, p.114

flow chart: p.146, p.163

diagram: p.170

Cambridge IELTS 2:

form: p.7, p. 31,

notes: p.9, p.36, p.58,

table: p.11, p.12, p.13, p.30, p.34, p.37, p.58

Cambridge IELTS 4:

table: p.25, p.68, p.76

summary: p.30, p.44, p.49, p.95

Cambridge IELTS 5:

summary: p.18, p.28, p.40, p.50, p.70, p.92

flowchart: p.41

diagram: p.46

table: p.51, p.88

Cambridge IELTS 6:

summary: p.25, p.29, p.46, p.91, p.97

flowchart: p.74

Cambridge IELTS 7:

summary: p.20, p.29, p.47, p.68, p.91, p.99

table: p.72

IELTS Foundation:

table: p.21, p.25

notes: p.34

summary: p.36

IELTS Academic Practice Tests:

summary: p.37, p.50, p.66

Action Plan for IELTS:

summary: p.103

Test Builder:

table: p.18, p.30

summary: p.57, p.120

chart: p.81

IELTS to Success:

table: p.68

summary: p.80

Insight into IELTS:

table: p.11, p.27

form: p.12

notes: p.18, p.24, p.26

IELTS Preparation & Practice (R&W): summary: p.16, p.25, p.44, p.50 table: p17, p.46, p.48

table: p.22, p.42

form: p.37, p.41

notes: p.40, p.51

 

5. Yes, no, not given or True, false, not given

 

These tasks either ask you to identify the writer’s views or claims in the text or identify information in the text.

 

You will be given a list of statements which are either opinions or facts and you have to decide for:

 

Type 1 if they are opinions, whether they are the opinions of the writer or not or not given in the text.

 

Type 2 if they are facts, whether they are true, false or not given in the text.

 

For type 1 the writers views may not be directly stated, so you may have to work out what is implied.

 

The questions will be in the same order as the text.

 

Look at the 2 examples on the next page.

Type 1: Questions 1-3

 

Do the following statements reflect the situation as described by the writer in the reading passage?

 

In boxes 1–3 on your answer sheet write

 

YES if the statement reflects the situation as described by the writer

NO if the statement contradicts the writer

NOT GIVEN if it is impossible to know what the situation is from the passage

 

1 Increasing the tunnel toll of the new tunnel will result in more people using the other tunnels.

2 The congestion at peak hours was worse before the new tunnel was built.

3 The cost of running a car does not deter purchasing.

Type 2 : Questions 4-6

 

Do the following statements agree with the information given in the reading passage?

 

In boxes 4-6 on your answer sheet write

 

TRUE if the statement is true according to the passage

FALSE if the statement is false according to the passage

NOT GIVEN if the information is not given in the passage

 

4 Most people spend about two hours a day traveling to and from work.

5 The problems of road rage have doubled in the last 10 years.

6 More road accidents happen where drivers are familiar with the roads.

 

How to do Yes, no, not given or True, false, not given questions

 

Read the instructions carefully.

Quickly read through all the statements to get an idea about the topic.

Read the first statement more carefully. Underline the key words so you understand the main point.

Search for the section of the text which deals with the idea or fact.

Once you have found the relevant section, read it carefully. For type 1, if the statement disagrees with the writer’s opinion, then select ‘no’ and if the author doesn’t give an opinion, select ‘not given’. For type 2, if the statement is the opposite to the information in the text, then select ‘false’ and if there is no mention of it, select ‘not given’.

Continue with the rest of the statements.

Practice

 

Do the following yes, no, not given or true, false, not given questions:

 

Insight into IELTS: p.55

Focus on IELTS: p.59

Cambridge IELTS 1: p.26, p.50, p70

Cambridge IELTS 2: p.22, p.26, p.50, p.64, p.68, p.84, p.90

Cambridge IELTS 3: p.21, p.26, p.40, p.49, p.62

Cambridge IELTS 4: p.20, p.45, p.48, p.69, p.90, p.99

Cambridge IELTS 5: p.19, p.23, p.26, p.42, p.45, p.50, p.65, p.69, p.77, p.78, p.88, p.93, p.96

Cambridge IELTS 6: p.24, p.43, p.51, p.65, p.70, p.73, p.88, p.92

Cambridge IELTS 7: p.25, p.29, p.42, p.46, p.51, p.67, p.76, p.91, p.94,

IELTS Foundation: p.29, 32

IELTS Academic Practice Tests: p.41, p.46, p.61

Action Plan for IELTS: p.98

Test Builder: p.17, p.24, p.57, p.61, p86, p.92, p.116, p.119

IELTS to Success: p.76, p.83, p.93

IELTS Preparation & Practice: p.35, p. 51, p.57, p.62, p.65, p.95

 

6. Classification questions

 

These questions ask you to classify information given in the reading text.

 

Classifications are often according to the writer’s opinion or according to a period of time or place.

 

You will be asked to identify a letter which represents one of the classifications for each item in a list of statements.

 

Look at the example

 

Questions 1 -4

 

Classify the following statements as referring to

 

US the United States

J Japan

G Germany

or UK the United Kingdom

 

Write the appropriate letters in boxes 1-4 on your answer sheet.

 

NB You may use any answer more than once.

 

1 The biggest spenders on personal travel.

2 Had the greatest number of international travellers in 2002.

3 Take the majority of their holidays in Western Europe.

4 Employ the most people in the tourist industry.

 

How to do these classification questions

 

Read the instructions carefully.

Make sure you know how many classifications there are and what letters you have to use. (E.g. US, J, G & UK in the exercise above.)

Read the classifications carefully and make sure you don’t confuse the letters which represent each one.

Read the statements/phrases or words beside the question numbers and underline key words.

Start with the first statement and work your way through them one by one, searching the text to find where the information is mentioned.

The questions will not necessarily be in the same order as the text and the wording will probably be different in the text so look out for synonyms and parallel expressions.

When you’ve located the reference in the text, read it carefully and select your answer.

Don’t leave any statements without a letter.

 

Practice

 

Do the following classification questions.

 

Focus on IELTS: p.149

Cambridge IELTS 2: p.35, p.57, p.59, p.82

Cambridge IELTS 3: p.13, p.79, p.82

Cambridge IELTS 4: p.99

Cambridge IELTS 5: p.64

Cambridge IELTS 6: p.20, p.73

Cambridge IELTS 7: p.73

IELTS Foundation: p.30, p.32

Action Plan for IELTS: p.103

IELTS to Success: p.73, p.92

IELTS Preparation & Practice (L&S): p.38

 

7. Matching

 

These questions require you to match a list of opinions to sources mentioned in the text. These questions are used with texts which present a number of different people’s opinions.

 

The sources are usually numbered and the opinions are given a letter each. In the answer booklet you write the letter(s) beside the numbers.

 

There could be more opinions than sources. If so, you will need to write more than one letter beside the question in the answer booklet. If there are more sources than opinions, then one of more or the opinions will be used more than once.

Look at the example on the next page.

 

This example has more opinions than sources.

 

Questions 1-4

 

Look at the following writers (Questions 1-4) and the list of their opinions below.

 

Match each person with their opinion.

Write the appropriate letters A-F in boxes 1-4 on your answer sheet.

 

NB You may use any of the writers’ names more than once.

 

1 Anna Blair

2 Dr Ian Sampson

3 Dean Frazer

4 Jane Langton

List of opinions

A Life experience is essential for a writer.

B Anyone who has a story can write.

C Discipline and organization are just as important as creativity.

D A writer has to be content to work alone.

E The first novel is the easiest to write.

F A good working relationship with ones’ editor is essential for a writer.

How to do Matching questions

 

Read the instructions carefully.

Take the names of the sources one by one and find them in the text and underline them.

When you have located a name, read carefully to see what is said about his/her opinions.

Look at the list of opinions and see if you can make a match.

Remember that the text is not likely to use the same words as the questions, so look for synonyms and parallel expressions.

Also, be aware that the sources may be referred to in more than one place in the text.

The opinions in the task are not listed in the same order as they appear in the text.

Phrases like ‘he said’ or ‘in his opinion’ should help you locate the arguments.

 

Practice

 

 

Do the following matching questions.

 

Cambridge IELTS 1: p.42

Cambridge IELTS 4: p.29, p.44, p.53
Cambridge IELTS 5: p.91
Cambridge IELTS 6: p.43, p.70
Cambridge IELTS 7: p. 77, p.100
IELTS Foundation: p.34, p.35
IELTS Academic Practice Tests: p.30, p.53, p.58, p.62, p.65
Action Plan for IELTS: p.100
IELTS to Success: p.69, p.82, p.89, p.93
Focus on IELTS: p.127
Insight into IELTS: p.52

Preparation & Practice (R&W): p.54, p.66, p.95

 

8. Choosing headings

 

There are two types of headings questions.

 

Type 1. Choosing headings for paragraphs or sections of a text.

Type 2. Choosing a heading for the whole text.

 

Type 1 questions require you to sum up the meaning of a paragraph in order to match it to a bank of possible headings. You may be asked to match every paragraph or section of the text or just a selection of paragraphs.

 

Type 2 questions require you to sum up the whole text.

 

See the 2 examples 

 

Type 1: Questions 1- 3

 

Reading Passage 2 has six paragraphs A-F.

 

From the list of headings below choose the most suitable heading for paragraphs A, B and C from the list of headings below.

 

Write the appropriate numbers i-vii in boxes 1-3 on your answer sheet.

 

List of Headings

 

i A global problem

ii A study into factory emissions

iii The responsibility of citizens

iv Legislation

v The limits of federal law

vi Clean air

1 Section A

2 Section B

3 Section C

 

Type 2 : Question 4

 

From the list below choose the most suitable title for Reading Passage 2.

 

Write the appropriate letter A-E in box 4 on your answer sheet.

 

A Legislation to reduce harmful emissions

B Problems of air pollution.

C Air pollution – a global problem.

D Clean Air

E Reducing harmful emissions

 

How to do choosing headings questions

 

Read the instructions carefully.

Make sure you know which paragraphs or sections you have to sum up.

Read the first paragraph or section and try to sum up, in your own words, what it is about.

Then search through the bank of headings for the best answer.

Make sure the heading you have chosen sums up the entire paragraph and not just one idea within it.

If you have to sum up the entire text. Read the whole text before looking at the bank of headings. Try to think of your own heading and then look at the options.

 

Practice

Do the following matching questions.

 

Cambridge IELTS 1: p.62, p.66, p.82

Cambridge IELTS 2: p.19, p.46, p.69
Cambridge IELTS 3: p.14, p.23, p.42, p.64
Cambridge IELTS 4: p.22, p.70, p.96
Cambridge IELTS 5: p.66, p.85
Cambridge IELTS 6: p.26, p.40, p.85, p.93
Cambridge IELTS 7: p.22, p.48, p. 69,
IELTS Foundation: p.19, p.21, p.24
IELTS Academic PracticeTests: p.30, p.36, p.47, p.55
Action Plan for IELTS: p.101
Test Builder: p.23, p.29, p.49, p.115
IELTS to Sccess: p.74, p.83, p.84
Insight into IELTS: p. 43
Focus on IELTS: p.42
Preparation & Practice (R&W): p.17, p.25, p.32, p.76, p.80, p.96

 

9. Scanning and identifying location of information

These questions require you to scan the text to find the location of information. You will be given a set of statements and you need to find the paragraph each one comes from.

 

Questions 1-5

 

The passage has ten paragraphs labelled A-J.

 

Which paragraphs contain the following information?

 

Write the appropriate letters A-J in boxes 1-4 on your answer sheet.

 

NB You may use any letter more than once.

1 Concern that recycling is not profitable.

2 Explanation of why fees for dumping waste should be increased.

3 The best way to deal with garbage.

4 The problem of decaying organic waste.

5 Recycling of automobiles.

How to do scanning and identifying location of information questions

 

Read the instructions carefully.

Quickly read the statements to get an idea of what the text is about.

Take the statements one by one. Underline the key words.

Next search the text to find where the information is mentioned.

Remember to look for synonyms and parallel expressions because it is likely that the statements express the ideas differently to the way they are expressed in the text.

 

Practice

Cambridge IELTS 1: p.86, p.89
Cambridge IELTS 2: p.67, p.90
Cambridge IELTS 4: p.52, p.94, p.95
Cambridge IELTS 5: p.22, p.64, p.73
Cambridge IELTS 6: p.20, p.24, p.65, p.67, p.92, p.97
IELTS Foundation: p.26
Action Plan for IELTS: p.101
Test Builder: p.84
Focus on IELTS: p.142

 

 

10. Labelling a diagram which has numbered parts

 

 

You will be given a diagram and asked to label it with words from the text or labels given.

Look at the example.

 

Questions 1 - 6

 

Label the booths at the exhibition.

Choose your answers from the box and write them next to questions 1-6.

 

 

			Entrance		Coffee/tea	Exit
			Booth 1			Booth 12
			Oriental Holidays		_____1	Holidays Asia
			Booth 2
					6_____	Booth 11
			Booth 3		5_____	Booth 10
			Indonesian Tourist Board
			Booth 4		_____2	Booth 9
					_____3	Malaysian Tourist Board
			Booth 5
					4_____	Booth 8
			Booth 6			Booth 7
			Postal Service			Asian Art Magazine

 

 

 

Oriental vases
Korean cabinets
Indian rugs
Chinese furniture
Thai silk
Malaysian batik
Tibetan prayer rugs
Balinese woodwork
Oriental art

How to do labeling the diagram questions

 

Read the instructions carefully.

Study the diagram and the labels if they are given.
See if you can guess any of the answers.

The information will be given in the same order as the numbers on the diagram.

Scan the text to find the information. If labels are not provided, make sure you use words from the text.

 

Practice

 

Do the following labeling the diagram questions:

 

Cambridge IELTS 1: p.59

Cambridge IELTS 3: p.31, p.56

Insight into IELTS: p.24

IELTS Foundation: p.21, p.25

IELTS Academic Practice Tests: p.37

Actin Plan for IELTS: p.98

IELTS to Success: p.90

Focus on IELTS: p.36, p.66, p.81*, p.82, p.149

with your cityu login information. This page gives you hints and tips on the test based on 12 recurrent themes.

 

General Tips – Reading

 

Before the Exam

 

Make sure you are familiar with the instructions for the different question types so you can quickly glance at the questions and know what to do.

Read as much as possible.

Work on your reading skills such as ‘guessing the meanings of unknown words’, ‘understanding reference words in texts’ and reading quickly.

 

Read newspaper articles and practise the following:

 

 

Dividing the content into facts and opinions

Finding the topic sentences of paragraphs

writing summaries

Interpreting any diagrams or tables

Thinking of headings you could give to paragraphs

Underlining the pronouns and working out what they refer to

Underlining unknown words and seeing if you can work out what they mean

Reading the first paragraph and seeing if you can predict what will come next

Work on expanding your vocabulary.

Look at the either Focus on IELTS or Insight into IELTS or the glossary in 101 Hints p.172- 174 and choose 5 new words from the vocabulary sections or articles to learn each day.

Write the words on cards and test yourself on the bus or the MTR, on your way to City U.

Do as many practice tests as you can to get used to the rubric and the task types.

 

During the Exam

 

Look through the whole reading module first.

 

Quickly look at the texts. Study any:

 

Titles

Headings

Sub headings

Illustrations

Diagrams

Words in bold type or italics

Read the questions carefully. Identify the question type. Make sure you do exactly what they say.

Read the glossary beside the passage, if there is one.

Don’t spend too long on one question.

If you don’t know the answer, guess. Incorrect answers are not penalised.

Make sure you copy all words taken from the texts correctly as incorrect spelling is penalised.

Don’t forget your answer may be given in a diagram, graph or illustration.