Following on from our IELTS Top Tips: Part 1 covering listening and reading, this week we bring you our guide to the productive sections of the exam: speaking and writing
Speaking
- Build a library
Collect your favourite phrasal
verbs/idioms and make sure they can be used in a variety of contexts: e.g. describing likes and dislikes. Remember, you have a limited time to impress and
it is vital you show off your knowledge
- Start your preparation early
Don’t leave speaking preparation till
the end of the course. Start using your favourite expressions soon and try to
use them every time you practise. The aim is for you to be able to produce a
range of grammar and vocabulary that will impress the examiner and not seem
forced.
- Use your voice
Don’t make the mistake of thinking
pronunciation is only about vowel and consonant sounds. While accurate
production is important you should also remember to change the speed and pitch
of your voice to add emphasise, and enhance meaning.
Writing
- What’s true for speaking is true for writing
Like speaking, start your writing
preparation early aiming to collect advanced grammar and vocabulary that you
will be able to use in part 2. One possibility is to prepare a model for part 2
into which you can insert the details of your particular topic.
- Be practical in part 1
Remember that while part 2 is
literary, part 1 is more scientific. You do not need beautiful vocabulary or a
wide range of advanced structures to succeed here. Rather, ask yourself if a
reader could recreate the graph/diagram/chart from your description. Focus on
accuracy and detail.
- Tactics, tactics, tactics
You should be able to do well in
writing as it is so tactical. Learn the rules and follow them. Pay close
attention to the word count and most importantly: ANSWER THE QUESTION and resist
the temptation to alter it to suit your interests or knowledge.
Contact us to see how we can help.
info@elacademy.co.uk +44 (0)131 226 6182
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