Saturday, March 03, 2012

If you have difficulty in any of the modules then Feel free to put your queries here. We are happy to help you . Happy learning :-)
Describe your favourite film.
you should say:
what film is about
who the film is about
who the main characters are
what the ending  is
And explain why it is your film.



Describe a toy you liked when you were a child 

you should say:
 what toy it was 
when you got it
where you could with it
and say whether you liked it and why



Talk about a conversation that affected your life 
you should say:
what the situation was
who you had with
what happened after the conversation and say if you benefitted from it.
Cue card questions asked in the month of February:



 Speak about a foreign music festival
Where did it take place?
Who accompanied you?
 How did you enjoy it ?



 Speak about your favourite animal.
Which is that animal?
Describe it.
Why do you like that animal?




 Speak about an industry or a factory you often visit.
Where is it ? How often you visit?
What is that industry or factory famous for?




 Speak about an incident that changed your life.
When did it happen ?
How did it happen ?
How did it change you ?



 Speak about am open air space .
 Where is it ?
 How often you visit it?
 Why do you like this place?

Saturday, February 25, 2012

 Tips for Reading:

:
Remember!!!
#At the beginning of the reading test, it is very important to look at the main topic ,key ideas like glossary,table and  flow chart in the passage. This will help you later when you answer the questions.

# For  Multiple choice questions ,choose a key word from the question and scan the text for it quickly.


#Pick from the list , which is  an another  form of multiple choice question, you  are asked to answer more than one answers .So skim for gist and then scan for detail to answer. Remember to look for synonyms and paraphrases to get accurate answers because there are high chances to get confused with the other attractive but wrong options.


#Make sure that your own idea must not influence you to select an answer while selecting an answer for true/false /Not given and Yes /no /Not given.

#There are lots of strategies to attack Yes /no /not given and True /False /Not given .

#There are lots of students who have  lost their reading scores just for exceeding the asked  word limit. So remember do not exceed the asked word limit and  use pencil for writing your answers and that too in capital letters.Make sure you use the correct number.

Posted by an  IELTS  Reading tutor.

Saturday, February 18, 2012


Importance of 'describing' in the IELTS speaking test

Often you may be asked to 'describe' something or someone or an event in the long turn of the IELTS speaking test. It would be a good idea for any student aiming a higher band score (above 7) to learn to describe in detail. I call it mental imagery or drawing a mental picture which uses the creative ability of the human brain to visualise. For instance, lets consider a topic on a place you would like to visit. Bring any place to your mind with which you can connect with, and in this case, I would choose a lakeside. I would like you to pepper your talk with a lot of adjectives to make it richer, like, a pristine landscape, a tranquil spot, a serene spot, lush verdant greenery etc. Now try to describe everything around you in detail and sooner you will get the hang of it.  It is definitely going to help you speak better and nudge you towards a higher Band in speaking. Good luck guys.
Milen Jacob
IELTS trainer@Manjooran

Today, the high sales of popular consumer goods reflect the power of advertising and not the real needs of the society in which they are sold.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?

This task was taken from the book Cambridge IELTS 6 Student's Book with answers: Examination papers from University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations (IELTS Practice Tests) by Cambridge ESOL.


Nowadays millions of companies produce billions of products and the role of advertising is quite obvious. Ads help consumers to find the goods or services of their needs. However, do our needs grow equally fast as the number of products? Some market analysts insist modern commercials are not merely matchmakers of a product and a consumer, but actively interfere with buyer’s desires, developing artificial needs.

Undoubtedly, advertisement guides people through the market, serves those who do not have time to learn differences between goods. These products are probably the same, but loyalty to a particular brand, formed by a commercial helps make a choice. When a person buys one mobile phone out of 50 models, he thinks he made his choice himself. But that was a commercial who told him about the features of this phone.

Nevertheless, ads not only inform us about new goods, but force people to want them. This can be even useful, for example for someone who suffers from back pains and without commercials he would never imagine there are new mattresses which could ease their pains.

Unfortunately, promoters now operate our minds more aggressively. Commercials no longer promote products, but lifestyles. They told us to purchase things just because they are fashionable or up to date with the image of successful person. And we buy new cars, gadgets and clothes in order to match this image and not because old ones are no longer usable.

Personally I think that high sales of popular commodities are the result of new promotional technologies. The best illustration of that is that everyone now is concerned mostly about how a new mobile phone will reflect his personality, a new shirt – his image, or will a new car make colleagues feel jealous.

292 words
Expected IELTS Band – 7



IELTS Letter: Some problems at work

You recently took a part-time job working for a local company. After a few weeks you realised there were some problems with the job.
Write a letter to the manager of the company. In your letter
- explain why you took the job
- describe the problems that you experienced
- suggest what could be done about them.

This task was taken from the book Insight into IELTS Extra, with Answers: The Cambridge IELTS Course Workbook (Cambridge Books for Cambridge Exams) by Vanessa Jakeman, Clare McDowell

Dear Mr. Thompson,

I am a part-time call-centre operator at your company, started working about 4 weeks ago. I am writing to indicate the problem I encountered during my work.

Actually, I decided to took the position of a telesales specialist because consider myself able to develop a career in sales due to my skill of establishing good contact with people and make them trust me. However, I realised there are some obstacles on a way to success.

The problems started 3 weeks ago then the system administrator updated my software. At the time of a call I was querying a customer for his personal data then suddenly my computer reloaded and this person’s profile was lost. This situation repeated in the future for several times. I asked the system administrator to solve this problem, but he told me this is solely my fault and my computer skills are below required to use this program.

I am assured the complete situation makes company profits lower. I believe that software managing specialist could fix the problem if the initiative would be taken by a senior manager of your rank.

Sincerely yours,
Anna Frank

192 words
Expected IELTS Band – 7



IELTS letter: Damaged suitcase

You travelled by long distance bus recently and your suitcase was damaged.
Write a letter to the bus company. In your letter
- inform the bus company of when and to where you travelled
- describe your suitcase and what happened to it
- explain why the company should pay for a new suitcase


This task was taken from the book IELTS on Track: Test Practice General Training.


Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing to require a compensation for the property damage, taken place at the time of the travelling by the bus of your company.

I travelled from Washington, D.C. to Boston by the bus #301 on February 21, 2007. Before the trip I passed my luggage to the driver, who helped me to place my suitcase in the luggage compartment of the bus. After arrival the driver opened this back compartment and the first thing I saw was that my new and brand-name suitcase was smashed under the pressure of the weight of the other’s luggage.

My suitcase was quite firm and very beautiful in its red colour and modern design. However it obviously hasn’t been designed to resist such a weight on it. I am very depressed because I can not use anymore my broken suitcase, its handle was bended and two wheels out of 4 were detached.

Since damage stated above was caused by the careless actions of your employee, I would like to require a compensation of $200, which was the original price of my suitcase. Please, deliver a cheque to the address, written above.

Faithfully yours,
Anna Frank

197 words
Expected IELTS Band - 6.5-7


IELTS Letter: Bad service at a shop

You recently had your computer fixed at the local computer store however you are not pleased with the service you received.
Write a letter to the store manager. In the letter
- describe the situation
- explain why you are dissatisfied
- say what you want the manager to do
Write at least 150 words.
You do NOT need to write your own address.
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear Sir or Madam,


This task was taken from the Scott's English Success web-site.

Dear Sir or Madam,
I am writing to express my dissatisfaction with the service I received at your establishment.

Actually, the computer I have bought at your store on the late January was quite good, however after just half a year things got wrong. Some programs were getting frozen frequently. When I took my computer to your specialist and tried to explain the problem to the technician Michaels, he refused to take my computer into service because the problem did not appear that time. I was trying to convince him to spend more time to identify the reason it is getting stuck, but he was rude and impatient explaining this is the end of his shift. On the next day another technician listened to me carefully and fixed my computer in 10 minutes.

I suppose your employee Michaels is not suitable for his position because of his unprofessionalism. I suggest you to employ someone more skilled and with better personality in order not to cause your customers to loose their time like me.

Faithfully yours,
Anna Frank

177 words
Expected IELTS Band - 6-6.5




IELTS Letter: Homestay in a New Zealand family

You are going to visit New Zealand for an 'English and Homestay' program. You have just received details of your homestay host family.
Write your first letter to the family. In your letter
- introduce yourself
- ask the family some questions to get information that is important to you
- tell the family about your arrival date and time.


This task was taken from the book IELTS on Track: Test Practice General Training.


Dear Mr Jones,

I have just received details of my future homestay at your family and writing to introduce myself and ask for some further information.

My name is Anna Frank, I am 21 and live with my family in Lyon, France, which is my hometown. My native language is French and I am looking forward to improving my English during the trip to New Zealand.

I would be grateful if you could provide more information about your family and its lifestyle. To begin with, I would like to ask you about your usual diet. It is very important to me since I am a vegetarian. Secondly, I would like to learn more about your family’s day routines, like games you used to play together, in order to get familiar with these activities while I am here. This could help me to participate in all your routines like a relative.

I am very eager to meet you in person! By the way, I have already bought the plane ticket and would be happy if you could meet me at the airport because this will be my first time abroad. I will arrive on September 13, at 10 am, Wellington time.

I am looking forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely yours,
Anna Frank.

213 words
Expected IELTS Band - 7

 

IELTS Letter: Unable to attend a course

You are employed full-time and also doing a part time evening course. You are not able to continue the course.
Write a letter to the course lecturer. In the letter
- explain why you cannot continue the course
- describe the situation
- say what you will be doing
Write at least 150 words.
You do NOT need to write your own address.
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear …………….,

This task was taken from the Scott's English Success web-site.

Dear Dr. Jones,

I am writing to inform you that I no longer have a possibility to attend your evening lectures on treating emergencies.

As I told you earlier, I received a position of a nurse at the Thompson Hospital. My shift ends at 5 pm and since I have got a lot of overtime job recently, I found myself unable to be on time at your lectures, which start at 5.30 pm. This disappoints me a lot since I value and respect your course and your experience.

I would be grateful if you could consider letting me to study your course myself. Because of my job is closely related to the accidents treatment, I feel able to learn every point of the course in practice. In addition, I have already read almost every book you recommended as the supplementary reading for your lectures.

I hope to get your approval on this matter soon. I am looking forward to receiving your response.

Sincerely yours,
Anna Frank

166 words
Expected IELTS Band - 6-6.5

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Today, the high sales of popular consumer goods reflect the power of advertising and not the real needs of the society in which they are sold.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?

This task was taken from the book Cambridge IELTS 6 Student's Book with answers: Examination papers from University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations (IELTS Practice Tests) by Cambridge ESOL.


Nowadays millions of companies produce billions of products and the role of advertising is quite obvious. Ads help consumers to find the goods or services of their needs. However, do our needs grow equally fast as the number of products? Some market analysts insist modern commercials are not merely matchmakers of a product and a consumer, but actively interfere with buyer’s desires, developing artificial needs.

Undoubtedly, advertisement guides people through the market, serves those who do not have time to learn differences between goods. These products are probably the same, but loyalty to a particular brand, formed by a commercial helps make a choice. When a person buys one mobile phone out of 50 models, he thinks he made his choice himself. But that was a commercial who told him about the features of this phone.

Nevertheless, ads not only inform us about new goods, but force people to want them. This can be even useful, for example for someone who suffers from back pains and without commercials he would never imagine there are new mattresses which could ease their pains.

Unfortunately, promoters now operate our minds more aggressively. Commercials no longer promote products, but lifestyles. They told us to purchase things just because they are fashionable or up to date with the image of successful person. And we buy new cars, gadgets and clothes in order to match this image and not because old ones are no longer usable.

Personally I think that high sales of popular commodities are the result of new promotional technologies. The best illustration of that is that everyone now is concerned mostly about how a new mobile phone will reflect his personality, a new shirt – his image, or will a new car make colleagues feel jealous.

292 words
Expected IELTS Band – 7

THURSDAY, JUNE 26, 2008

IELTS Letter: Some problems at work

You recently took a part-time job working for a local company. After a few weeks you realised there were some problems with the job.
Write a letter to the manager of the company. In your letter
- explain why you took the job
- describe the problems that you experienced
- suggest what could be done about them.

This task was taken from the book Insight into IELTS Extra, with Answers: The Cambridge IELTS Course Workbook (Cambridge Books for Cambridge Exams) by Vanessa Jakeman, Clare McDowell

Dear Mr. Thompson,

I am a part-time call-centre operator at your company, started working about 4 weeks ago. I am writing to indicate the problem I encountered during my work.

Actually, I decided to took the position of a telesales specialist because consider myself able to develop a career in sales due to my skill of establishing good contact with people and make them trust me. However, I realised there are some obstacles on a way to success.

The problems started 3 weeks ago then the system administrator updated my software. At the time of a call I was querying a customer for his personal data then suddenly my computer reloaded and this person’s profile was lost. This situation repeated in the future for several times. I asked the system administrator to solve this problem, but he told me this is solely my fault and my computer skills are below required to use this program.

I am assured the complete situation makes company profits lower. I believe that software managing specialist could fix the problem if the initiative would be taken by a senior manager of your rank.

Sincerely yours,
Anna Frank

192 words
Expected IELTS Band - 7

MONDAY, JUNE 23, 2008

IELTS letter: Damaged suitcase

You travelled by long distance bus recently and your suitcase was damaged.
Write a letter to the bus company. In your letter
- inform the bus company of when and to where you travelled
- describe your suitcase and what happened to it
- explain why the company should pay for a new suitcase


This task was taken from the book IELTS on Track: Test Practice General Training.


Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing to require a compensation for the property damage, taken place at the time of the travelling by the bus of your company.

I travelled from Washington, D.C. to Boston by the bus #301 on February 21, 2007. Before the trip I passed my luggage to the driver, who helped me to place my suitcase in the luggage compartment of the bus. After arrival the driver opened this back compartment and the first thing I saw was that my new and brand-name suitcase was smashed under the pressure of the weight of the other’s luggage.

My suitcase was quite firm and very beautiful in its red colour and modern design. However it obviously hasn’t been designed to resist such a weight on it. I am very depressed because I can not use anymore my broken suitcase, its handle was bended and two wheels out of 4 were detached.

Since damage stated above was caused by the careless actions of your employee, I would like to require a compensation of $200, which was the original price of my suitcase. Please, deliver a cheque to the address, written above.

Faithfully yours,
Anna Frank

197 words
Expected IELTS Band - 6.5-7

SUNDAY, JUNE 15, 2008

IELTS Letter: Bad service at a shop

You recently had your computer fixed at the local computer store however you are not pleased with the service you received.
Write a letter to the store manager. In the letter
- describe the situation
- explain why you are dissatisfied
- say what you want the manager to do
Write at least 150 words.
You do NOT need to write your own address.
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear Sir or Madam,


This task was taken from the Scott's English Success web-site.
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am writing to express my dissatisfaction with the service I received at your establishment.

Actually, the computer I have bought at your store on the late January was quite good, however after just half a year things got wrong. Some programs were getting frozen frequently. When I took my computer to your specialist and tried to explain the problem to the technician Michaels, he refused to take my computer into service because the problem did not appear that time. I was trying to convince him to spend more time to identify the reason it is getting stuck, but he was rude and impatient explaining this is the end of his shift. On the next day another technician listened to me carefully and fixed my computer in 10 minutes.

I suppose your employee Michaels is not suitable for his position because of his unprofessionalism. I suggest you to employ someone more skilled and with better personality in order not to cause your customers to loose their time like me.

Faithfully yours,
Anna Frank

177 words
Expected IELTS Band - 6-6.5

SATURDAY, JUNE 14, 2008

IELTS Letter: Homestay in a New Zealand family

You are going to visit New Zealand for an 'English and Homestay' program. You have just received details of your homestay host family.
Write your first letter to the family. In your letter
- introduce yourself
- ask the family some questions to get information that is important to you
- tell the family about your arrival date and time.


This task was taken from the book IELTS on Track: Test Practice General Training.


Dear Mr Jones,

I have just received details of my future homestay at your family and writing to introduce myself and ask for some further information.

My name is Anna Frank, I am 21 and live with my family in Lyon, France, which is my hometown. My native language is French and I am looking forward to improving my English during the trip to New Zealand.

I would be grateful if you could provide more information about your family and its lifestyle. To begin with, I would like to ask you about your usual diet. It is very important to me since I am a vegetarian. Secondly, I would like to learn more about your family’s day routines, like games you used to play together, in order to get familiar with these activities while I am here. This could help me to participate in all your routines like a relative.

I am very eager to meet you in person! By the way, I have already bought the plane ticket and would be happy if you could meet me at the airport because this will be my first time abroad. I will arrive on September 13, at 10 am, Wellington time.

I am looking forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely yours,
Anna Frank.

213 words
Expected IELTS Band - 7

FRIDAY, JUNE 6, 2008

IELTS Letter: Unable to attend a course

You are employed full-time and also doing a part time evening course. You are not able to continue the course.
Write a letter to the course lecturer. In the letter
- explain why you cannot continue the course
- describe the situation
- say what you will be doing
Write at least 150 words.
You do NOT need to write your own address.
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear …………….,
This task was taken from the 
Scott's English Success web-site.

Dear Dr. Jones,

I am writing to inform you that I no longer have a possibility to attend your evening lectures on treating emergencies.

As I told you earlier, I received a position of a nurse at the Thompson Hospital. My shift ends at 5 pm and since I have got a lot of overtime job recently, I found myself unable to be on time at your lectures, which start at 5.30 pm. This disappoints me a lot since I value and respect your course and your experience.

I would be grateful if you could consider letting me to study your course myself. Because of my job is closely related to the accidents treatment, I feel able to learn every point of the course in practice. In addition, I have already read almost every book you recommended as the supplementary reading for your lectures.

I hope to get your approval on this matter soon. I am looking forward to receiving your response.

Sincerely yours,
Anna Frank

166 words
Expected IELTS Band - 6-6.5

Saturday, February 11, 2012


INDUSTRALIZATION IS THE BACKBONE OF ANY ECONOMY. BUT SOME CLAIMS THAT INDUSTRALIZATION ALSO RESULTS IN REGIONAL DISPARITY. DO YOU ABREE OR DISAGREE WITH THE STATEMENT.GIVE REASONS TO SUBSTANTIATE YOUR OPINION.



Growth of a country depends on its economy which is constituted by many factors. Industrialization is one of the components which shape the economy of any nation. In the current scenario, it is encompassed by Globalization, Privatization and Liberalization which are inevitable to promote good and rapid economical growth. Some people on the contrary have the opinion that this promotes regional inequality.

                                        The term Industrialization signifies the birth and growth of industries in any premises with the support of the government or any other institution. It brings a total alteration in the society. It augments regional growth by providing more employment opportunities, better amenities and standard of living to the local people. The reputation and popularity acquired by china among the world nations is literally the result of Industrialization. I don’t think there is any contradiction or contention in the statement that Industrialization promotes economical growth.

                                                 Industrialization is obviously the cradle for economic growth. On the contrary we have to accept the reality that it also brings regional imbalance and disparity. Urbanization is the direct impact of this. We see a spur in the growth of cities. People tend to reside in cities because of better job opportunities and amenities. Today we see that development and industrialization is just confined to cities. The growth of village has stagnated due to rapid development in cities, deliberately ignoring the village people. This leads to grave consequences like stagnation of economy and stricken poverty. Every nation has to contemplate on this issue and should bring a positive change.

                       Ghandhiji stated that the heart of India lies in villages. We can strive an overall development of India by peeling off the regional disparity. We can bridge the gap between the have and the have-nots by focusing on overall promotion of industrialization everywhere.


Why this answer a perfect and precise one.
                  
                                  

·         It is a relevant subject.
·         Explanation is given  in a logic manner
·         Each paragraph highlights specific issues.
·         Vocabulary is of an academic standard.
·         Examples, reasons and remedial measures have manifested well.
·         The topic promotes arguments and contentions.



Analyzing paragraph 1 :


Growth of a country depends on its economy which is constituted by many factors. Industrialization is one of the components which shape the economy of any nation. In the current scenario, it is encompassed by Globalization, Privatization and Liberalization which are inevitable to promote good and rapid economical growth. Some people on the contrary have the opinion that this promotes regional inequality

                                        
Notes:
·         The paragraph is brief and precisely defines the topic.
·         We see an argument in the first paragraph itself.
·         Paragraph reflects the whole topic.
·         The reader is introduced to both sides of the argument.






    Analyzing paragraph 2:

The term Industrialization signifies the birth and growth of industries in any premises with the support of the government or any other institution. It brings a total alteration in the society. It augments regional growth by providing more employment opportunities, better amenities and standard of living to the local people. The reputation and popularity acquired by china among the world nations is literally the result o f Industrialization. I don’t think there is any contradiction or contention in the statement that Industrialization promotes economical growth.


Notes:
·         This paragraph clearly defines the term ‘Industrialization’
·         It clearly underlines the writer’s opinion.
·         Perfect example is given to vindicate the writers argument.( The reputation and popularity acquired by china.)
·         The writer support his claims by citing reasons……( providing more employment opportunities, better amenities etc.)









Analysing paragraph 3:


    Industrialization is obviously the cradle for economic growth. On the contrary we have to accept the reality that it also brings regional imbalance and disparity. Urbanization is the direct impact of this. We see a spur in the growth of cities. People tend to reside in cities because of better job opportunities and amenities. Today we see that development and industrialization is just confined to cities. The growth of village has stagnated due to rapid development in cities, deliberately ignoring the village people. This leads to grave consequences like stagnation of economy and stricken poverty. Every nation has to contemplate on this issue and should bring a positive change.



Notes:  
·         The flow of idea changes in this paragraph.
·         Here the writer probes into another different aspect of the topic.
·         He tries to bring a comprehensive idea of the topic.
·         He also admits the claim raised by some section of the society that ….(Urbanization and growth of cities  as adverse impact of industrialization)





Analyzing paragraph 4 :


Ghandhiji stated that the heart of India lies in villages. We can strive an overall development of India by peeling off the regional disparity. We can bridge the gap between the have and the have-nots by focusing on overall promotion of industrialization everywhere.

        


Notes:
·         Here the writer gives solutions to balance the arguments.
·         Final paragraph gives a comprehensive outlook with respect to the topic
·         The word count is around 270 which is good.





How I Developed This Answer
                                                (Time Taken:10 minutes)



Introduction

·         I read the question and identified the key issues.

·         I focused on the key words like Industrialization and Regional Disparity

·         I contemplated on the controversy in this topic.




Argument For:

                        The first and the most relevant idea that I conceived with regard to the topic is that, Industrialization is very vital for the promotion of any economy. It is an absolute right statement .We can’t anticipate progress without the process of industrialization.


I would write the following summary notes on the test booklet:



·         Economical growth

·         Job opportunities

·         Better amenities



Arguments Against


One of the ideas that came in to my mind is obviously economical disparity. Although Industrialization promotes economy, regional imbalance and Urbanization are the direct result of this.


I would write the following summary notes on the test booklet:


  • Urbanization

  • Regional imbalance

  • Stagnation of economy.





Conclusion:

 I tried to bring a balance between arguments for and against Industrialization and brought a view that industrialization is very necessary.


  • Bridge the gap
  • Overall promotion of industralisation
The bar chart indicates a survey on two different age groups on the factors contributing to make their environment pleasant for working. These factors are divided into external and internal factors. The internal factors are team spirit, competent boss, respect from colleagues and job satisfaction. The external factors are chance for personal development, job security, promotional prospects and money. On the internal factors above 50% in both age groups agreed that team spirit, competent boss and job satisfaction are essential to make their environment pleasant. Whereas on the external factors, there are contrasting results. On the chance for personal development and promotional aspects, 80% to 90% of the younger groups were in favor while only less than 50% of the older group thought so. A similar pattern is also noted on job security. With regards to money, 69% to 70% on both age group said it is essential. In conclusion, the internal factors have similar responses from the two age groups while they had dissimilar responses on the external factors. (170 words) This is an answer written by a candidate who achieved a Band 7 score. Here is the examiner's comment: The information contained in the bar chart has been described accurately and concisely and follows a clear progression. There is a clear introduction followed by effective comparisons between the age groups and a valid conclusion. Good formulaic phrases (the bar chart indicates, these factors are divided), although the candidate uses the same language to describe the factors in the bar chart and does not attempt to rephrase them in any way.