Saturday 17 May 2014

IELTS Task 1, lost wallet

Task 1

When travelling back home on the train last week you lost your wallet.  The wallet contains some valuable things. In your letter, write to the Station Manager:

  • say when and where you left your wallet
  • describe the wallet and what was in it
  • say how you will collect the wallet

Write at least 150 words.

 

Dear Sir/Madam,

A few days ago I was travelling by train from work do my home and unfortunately I lost my wallet. It was on Monday 12.05.2014 about 8.30 pm in train from Paris to Rome. I got off the train on station called "Small Paris".

The wallet had a great value for me because it was a gift from my mother for my 18th birthday. Moreover it contained all my credit cards, debit cards, my ID card, driving license, 300 euro and list of telephones to my old friends. My wallet was black, made of leather and on the front side there were written letters "M.M.M".

I am able to collect my wallet from Central Station in Paris. Usually I am there at least once a week so it is the most convenient place for me to meet you.

I really appreciate your help.

I look forward to hearing a good news from you soon.

Yours faithfully,

Mark Michael Michhh

160 words

IELTS Reading

Using connecting words and phrases

1. Cause and effect
2. Addition
3. Contrast
4. Explanation
5. Sequence
6. Importance
--------------------
1. Cause and effect
Sentence/paragraph connectives Clause connectives
effect
For this reason,
Consequently,
As a consequence,
As a result,
Thus,
Hence,
Therefore, cause
because of
as a result of
due to
attributed to
caused by
effect
lead to
result in


2. Addition
Sentence/paragraph connectives Clause connectives
Additionally,
An additional ... is that
In addition, 
A further ... is that
Moreover,
Also,
Besides (this/that), as well as
in addition to
besides
and


3. Contrast
Sentence/paragraph connectives Clause connectives
On the other hand,
However,
Instead,
Conversely,
In contrast, but
yet
while
whereas
although
though
even though
Let's look at examples of the two types of contrast connective words.
Sentence/paragraph connectives Clause connectives
Studying in a foreign country can be an exciting experience.However, some students may find it very difficult at the beginning. Even though studying in a foreign country can be a very exciting experience, some students may find it very difficult at the beginning.


 
4. Explanation
Look at the following extract from an IELTS reading passage that uses a sentence connective to give an explanation.
Example 1
The Bedouin tribes of the Arabian Peninsula were able to adapt well to the harsh desert conditions in which they lived. Indeed, it was their exceptional management of the desert's limited resources – wells, camels and grazing land that allowed them to live a sustainable lifestyle.
The writer uses the sentence connective 'Indeed' to introduce an explanation of how the Bedouin tribes adapted to harsh conditions ('it was their exceptional management of the desert's limited resources – wells, camels and grazing land').
Let's look at other sentence connective words and phrases used to give an explanation.
The Bedouin tribes of the Arabian Peninsula were able to adapt well to the harsh desert conditions in which they lived. In fact,
That is,
In other words, it was their exceptional management of the desert's limited resources – wells, camels and grazing land that allowed them to live a sustainable lifestyle.


 
5. Sequence
Look at the following extract from an IELTS reading passage that uses clause connectives indicating a sequence or time order.
Example
Coal is transported from the mine to the power station by rail. After arrival, it is stored in bunkers and then, when required, fed into large furnaces where it is burnt.
The connective words 'After' and 'then' indicate a sequence of events, so the relationship between ideas is sequence/time order. Note that these types of connectives are often used to describe a process.
Below is a list of other connective words and phrases used to indicate sequence or time order.
Sequence
Sentence/paragraph connectives Clause connectives
First,
Firstly,
First of all,
Then
Now
Next
Soon
Meanwhile,
After that,
Since then,
Lastly,
Finally, as
after
as soon as
before
until
when
while
Let's look at examples of the two types of sequence connective words.
Sentence/paragraph connectives Clause connectives
First, the telephone number that appears at the back of the international phonecard is dialled and the pin number is entered.Then the destination number is dialled and the call is connected. Before dialling the destination number, the pin number that appears at the back of the international phonecard needs to be entered.

 
6. Importance
Look at the following extract from an IELTS reading passage that uses a sentence connective indicating order of importance.
First and foremost, a reputable agent should represent the interests of the home-buyer, and not the seller. They should also point out the weaknesses and strengths of a property and tell you if they think the home you wish to purchase is overpriced.
In this example, the writer uses a connective phrase 'First and foremost' to indicate that representing the interests of the home-buyer is the most important obligation of an agent.
Below are some other connective words and phrases used to indicate the importance of an idea.
First and foremost,
Above all,
Above all else,
Most importantly,
Most significantly,
Primarily, a reputable agent should represent the interests of the home-buyer, and not the seller. They should also point out the weaknesses and strengths of a property and tell you if they think the home you wish to purchase is overpriced.

 
7. Examples
Look at the following extracts from IELTS reading passages that use sentence and clause connectives indicating an example.
Example 1
In ideal situations, an egalitarian style, as opposed to the traditional pattern, is typified by a more or less equal division in household tasks between the entire family. For instance, one parent does the washing for one week, the other cooks, while children in the family may assist with the dishes or taking out the garbage.
The writer uses the sentence connective 'For instance' to introduce an example ('one parent does the washing for one week, the other cooks, while children in the family may assist with the dishes or taking out the garbage') to support the idea in the previous sentence.
Example 2
Tourists who carry with them items of obvious value like cameras or jewellery are susceptible to theft from locals.
The writer uses the clause connective 'like' to introduce examples of valuable items (i.e., 'cameras and jewellery').
 
Let's look some other connective words and phrases used to indicate examples.
Examples
sentence connectives clause connectives
For example,
For instance,
An example of this is/could be
To illustrate this, for instance
for example,
like
such as
i.e.,
Let's look at examples of these example connective words.
Sentence/paragraph connectives Clause connectives
Smoking can affect people's health. For example, it can cause lung cancer. Several health problems are attributed to smoking likeblindness, loss of hearing and asthma.

Putting it together
Let's review the connective words and phrases we have learnt in Part 4.
Idea Connective words/phrases
Cause and effect due to
because
accordingly
as a result
as a consequence
hence
thus
consequently
therefore
Addition firstly
also
additionally/in addition
besides
furthermore
moreover
Contrast on the other hand
in contrast
however
instead
still
nonetheless
nevertheless
alternatively
conversely
whereas
while
Explanation indeed
in fact
that is
Sequence first
second
first of all
then
next
now
soon
last
finally
meanwhile
gradually
after that
since then
Importance above all
first and foremost
more/most importantly/significantly
primarily
Example for instance
for example
such as
like





 
Part 5: Strategies for understanding unfamiliar words
Introduction
While studying for the IELTS test, you should develop your vocabulary as much as possible. Among other things, this will help you improve your fluency and comprehension skills in reading. Expand your vocabulary by reading magazines, textbooks, newspapers or other sources that interest you. Also, keep a vocabulary book and record any useful words you learn (i.e., words that are commonly used or that you think can be applied to various contexts). Review these words on a regular basis.
Outcomes
It is not possible to learn every English word and during the IELTS Reading test it is likely that you will see words that are unfamiliar. You can prepare yourself for this by practising and using some of the followingstrategies to help you understand these words:
1. Guessing the meaning of the word from the context
2. Looking for a definition in a text
3. Looking for an opposite meaning
4. Understanding prefixes


IELTS Writing Task 1 , example

Task  1

Some students have rented the apartment next to yours. Their parties are upsetting you, your family and other tenants.
Write a letter to the owner of the apartment. In your letter:

  • describe the problem
  • explain how the problem is affecting you, your family and other tenants
  • say what you would like the owner of the apartment to do.

Write at least 150 words.

 


Dear Sir/Madame,


My name is Michael and I live in neighborhood of your apartment. I am writing to complain about the students whom you are renting your apartment.  I tried to talk with them about this issue but with no results.


The problem is that they organize loud parties very often.  They drink alcohol to early hours and behave in very dangerous and irresponsible way. This is not uncommon to see them throwing away their rubbish all over the building.


Because of their screams  my family, my girlfriend and I cannot sleep well at night. And because of lack of necessary amount of sleep I am not able to concentrate at work and my brother has  a problems in school.


Please talk with your tenants. Your help in resolving this problem is really necessary. We really don't want to call the police.

I look forward to your cooperation in this matter.


Best Regards,

Michael


154 words

IELTS Writing

Writing


What is General Training Writing Task 1?
In GT Task 1 you need to write a letter responding to a given problem or situation.
The letter may be formal, semi-formal or informal, but it is in a standard format.
You may be asked to request information, make suggestions, express opinions or make complaints.
The situations are common, so that anyone can complete them.
You should do this in at least 150 words and in about 20 minutes.
The question for this task will have three sections:
Task background: From here, you will be able to see the purpose of the letter and who your reader is.
Task requirements: These will help you develop your ideas.
Task instructions: These are the overall instructions for your task.
 

 
How should I organise my time for Task 1?
You have one hour to do Task 1 and Task 2. It is very important that you spend only 20 minutes on Task 1. Leave 40 minutes to do Task 2 as it requires more time and is worth more marks.
Time plan for Writing Task 1
Let's look at a possible time plan to follow when you do Writing Task 1.
Stage Suggested time 
(Total 20 minutes)

1
Read and analyse the task to understand what is expected in your answer 
1 minute

2
Plan what you are going to write
2 minutes

3
Write your answer
15 minutes

4
Check your writing
2 minutes
 

Time Plan in detail
Stage 1
Read and analyse the task to understand what is expected in your answer (about 1 minute)
Understand:
the topic or situation described in the instructions 
the function of the letter (complaint/request/enquire etc.)
the details (what/ where/ when/ how)
the instructions in each bullet point
Stage 2 Plan what you are going to write (about 2 minutes)
Plan:
the appropriate opening salutation (Dear...)  and closing salutation (Yours...)
the appropriate tone (who are you writing to?)
how many paragraphs to cover all the bullet points
Stage 3 Write your answer (about 15 minutes)
Make sure:
the purpose of your letter is clear
you have covered all three bullet points in enough detail
your layout is correct, with clearly marked paragraphs
your handwriting is clear and legible
Stage 4 Check your writing (about 3 minutes)
Check that:
you have included an appropriate opening salutation and matching closing salutation
you have included your name after the closing salutation (full name for formal letters, first name for informal)
your spelling is accurate
your grammar is accurate
your letter is easy to read and there is an overall progression
you have used a range of grammar structures
you have used a range of vocabulary


The assessment criteria for GT Writing Task 1
Your IELTS Writing Task 1 is assessed according to four assessment criteria:


Assessment Criteria
Task Achievement
Coherence and Cohesion
Lexical Resource
Grammatical Range and Accuracy

 

Sunday 17 November 2013

Task2 Do young people today make good use of their leisure time?

It is well known fact that nowadays young people have much more leisure time than their parents had years ago. But does teenagers use their free time in a good way? I am really sure that the answer for this question is negative.

I know that our leisure time can be sacrificed for almost anything.  But as an adult I am able to see that free time can be used in productive or unproductive way. I truly believe that too much watching television and playing video games is not a good way of spending time. Much more productive from physical and psychological point of view is taking part in outdoor activities. After even one hour out of home you can be really relaxed and de-stressed.

If you are a teenager you spend a lot of time at school. Your body needs physical activities and if you spend almost all your spare time before screens there is a high probability that in a near future you will have serious problems with your backbone and vision. Therefore somewhere outside of home you can meet interesting people, learn fascinating things etc. Do you know any advantages of watching television? I do not. And this is the reason why I do not even have the television at my house. Instead of watching TV I can learn something or talk to my friends or whatever. Anything is better than being a couch potato.   


 To sum up, teenagers spend too much time watching TV or playing computer games nowadays. They should be learnt how to use their time in much more productive way. It is the role of parent to do that.

IELTS Task2 Studying the past

The pace of life is very fast nowadays. It is not easy to learn new technologies especially if you know that tomorrow your knowledge will be out-of-date. So it seems not so strange that people do not see reasons for studying the past.
I disagree with them. I strongly believe that learning our history is necessary and useful. Without such knowledge people will not know who they truly are, what are their family roots, etc. It is impossible to be a real patriot without knowledge about your country, about the place where you were born. Some people say the world is now a global village. That is true. And this is the reason why you should know a lot about you and your country, about your identity.
Without the past it is rather hard to create a bright future. Making the same mistakes other people made one hundred years ago is not what you can be proud of. If you know a lot about the II World War, you will try to do almost everything to avoid potential next war. It is easy to imagine the results of bad decisions.

If children are not taught history, they will not know who they are, what is their identity.           

IELTS - Task1 The contribution of three sectors to the UK economy

The contribution of selected sectors to the UK economy has been changing over the years in the 20th century.

            At the beginning of the last century the most contribution was made by agriculture and manufacturing sectors and was between 40 and 50 percent. At the same time the contribution made by business and financial services was very low. Through the whole period described on the graph the importance of business and financial services was increasing from about 5 percent in year 1900 to almost 40 in year 2000.  In 1950 the importance of agriculture and financial services rose but the manufacturing sector's contribution - declined. There is seen on the graph that in 1975 the contribution made by manufacturing is a little below 40 percent of the whole contribution to the UK economy. At the end of the last century the most important sector from all described on the graph was business and financial services. The smallest contribution was made by agriculture. Manufacturing was important for the UK economy only in about 15 %.