IELTS Podcast

Ben Worthington
  • 4.0 (85)
  • LANGUAGE LEARNING
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
IELTS Podcast

Complete tutorials for IELTS to help you improve faster and pass the exam. Visit the site for a complete range of online courses and a new improved essay correction service.

  1. 1 JAN

    Jess Gets 7.5 and Goes to Australia!

    Jess’s Amazing IELTS Journey: From Struggles to Success in Australia Hello, IELTS students! Today, we’re excited to share an incredible story that will inspire you to chase your dreams. Meet Jess from Indonesia, who overcame her IELTS challenges and is now heading to Australia for her studies! Jess’s IELTS Goals Jess needed high IELTS scores to qualify for a scholarship to study in Australia. Like many of you, she found writing and speaking the trickiest parts of the test. She struggled to improve on her own and felt confused by all the tips and tricks she found online. The Turning Point Everything changed when Jess discovered the IELTS Podcast course and tools. Here’s what helped her the most: * The AI essay checker gave her detailed feedback on her writing * The speaking exam simulator boosted her confidence * Daily practice with reading and listening improved her speed and understanding Jess’s Amazing Results After using these tools and putting in hard work, Jess achieved brilliant scores: * Reading: Band 8 * Listening: Band 8 * Writing: Band 7 * Speaking: Band 7 Jess’s Top Tips for IELTS Success * Practice every day, especially for reading and listening * Use the speaking simulator to get comfortable with random topics * Focus on fixing one mistake at a time in your speaking and writing * Try using new vocabulary in your speaking practice The Dream Comes True Thanks to her hard work and the help from IELTS Podcast, Jess got accepted into Queensland University of Technology in Brisbane, Australia! She’s thrilled about starting her new adventure. Your Turn to Succeed Jess’s story shows that with the right tools and determination, you can achieve your IELTS goals too. Why not give the IELTS Podcast course a try? It could be the game-changer you need to reach your target scores and study abroad! Visit ieltspodcast.com today to start your journey to IELTS success. Who knows? You might be the next student we feature with an amazing success story!   You can download or listen to the audio version here: |Direct Download Here | Stitcher | iTunes | Spotify | Soundcloud |

    17 min

  2. 24/12/2024

    IELTS Reading – Master Paraphrasing and Score Band 7

    Let’s look at some high-level examples of what you might encounter on the IELTS reading exam. Imagine you’re reading a passage about climate change, and you come across this sentence: “The unprecedented rate of global temperature increase has led to a cascade of environmental repercussions, including but not limited to the accelerated melting of polar ice caps and the consequent rise in sea levels.” Then, you see a question that asks: “What effect has rapid global warming had on the world’s oceans?” Notice the rephrasing here? “Unprecedented rate of global temperature increase” becomes “rapid global warming”. The phrase “accelerated melting of polar ice caps and the consequent rise in sea levels” is simplified to “effect on the world’s oceans”. It’s the same information, just presented differently. Another Example Let’s say you’re reading about the history of astronomy, and you encounter this sentence: “Galileo’s revolutionary use of the telescope to observe celestial bodies marked a paradigm shift in our understanding of the cosmos, effectively challenging the geocentric model that had dominated scientific thought for centuries.” The question might ask: “How did Galileo’s observations change long-held beliefs about the universe?” Again, this is paraphrasing in action. “Revolutionary use of the telescope” becomes “observations”. “Challenging the geocentric model” is rephrased as “change long-held beliefs”. The “cosmos” becomes “universe”. One More Example This time, let’s consider a passage on psychology: “Recent neurological studies have illuminated the intricate relationship between sleep patterns and cognitive function, suggesting that chronic sleep deprivation may have far-reaching implications for mental health and academic performance.” The question could be: “According to recent research, how might lack of sleep affect students?” In this case, “chronic sleep deprivation” is simplified to “lack of sleep”, and “far-reaching implications for mental health and academic performance” is reduced to “affect students”. Train Your Brain to Spot Paraphrasing Why are these examples important? Because recognizing these patterns will help you navigate the IELTS reading test. It’s like learning to see through a magician’s tricks. Once you know what to look for, you’ll start spotting paraphrasing everywhere. Handling Unknown Words When you encounter unknown words, don’t panic. Use the context to figure out the meaning. Think of it as being a detective—look for clues around the word. Is it positive or negative? Is it describing a person or a thing? You don’t need to know every single word to understand the bigger picture. The Test Makers are Clever, but Fair Remember, the IELTS test makers won’t make it easy for you by using the exact same words in both the passage and the questions. But they’re also fair. The answers are there, just wrapped in different language. Practice Paraphrasing As you prepare for your IELTS reading test, start practicing paraphrasing in everything you read. Try to express the same idea in different words. This skill will not only help you in the test but also in other areas of life. Being able to understand and rephrase ideas is useful in academic studies, your career, and personal communication. Focus on Ideas, Not Just Words Where many students go wrong is focusing too much on the individual words and missing the bigger ideas. Don’t fall into this trap. Train yourself to see the main ideas—this is where the real value lies in both the passage and the questions.

    16 min

  3. 23/12/2024

    Your 20 Minute Academic Task 1 Crash Course

    Lesson 1: Academic Task 1 To excel in Academic Task 1 of the IELTS exam, focus on understanding the task requirements, which typically involve describing visual data like graphs, charts, or tables. Here are some key tips: * Understand the Data: Before writing, spend time analysing the data to identify key trends, differences, and overall patterns. * Structure Your Response: Start with an introduction that paraphrases the task description, followed by an overview of the main trends. Detail each trend in separate paragraphs. * Use Appropriate Vocabulary: Employ a range of academic and descriptive vocabulary to accurately describe the data. For more on this, visit IELTSpodcast Academic Task 1 Structure. Lesson 2: Choosing What to Write About Selecting the right content is crucial in both Academic and General Training tasks. Here’s how to make effective choices: * Identify Key Points: Focus on the most significant information or arguments. Avoid trying to cover everything superficially. * Prioritise Clarity: Choose topics or aspects you can explain clearly and concisely within the word limit. * Consider Your Audience: Tailor your content to the expectations of the IELTS examiners, showcasing your ability to present ideas logically and coherently. Learn more at IELTSpodcast General Essay Writing Tips. Lesson 3: Sentence Structures You Must Have to Score High Advanced sentence structures can elevate your writing score. Here are some techniques: * Use a Variety of Sentences: Incorporate simple, compound, and complex sentences to add variety and depth to your writing. * Complex Structures: Use relative clauses, conditionals, and passive constructions where appropriate. * Avoid Common Errors: Ensure grammatical accuracy, especially with subject-verb agreement and tense consistency. For guidance, check out IELTSpodcast Improving Your Writing. Lesson 4: A Very Valuable Technique to Describe Data Effectively describing data involves more than just stating numbers. Try these strategies: * Use Comparisons and Contrasts: Highlight differences and similarities to provide a clearer picture. * Describe Trends: Use words like “increase,” “decrease,” “fluctuate,” and “remain steady” to describe changes over time. * Quantify Changes: Use percentages, fractions, and other quantitative terms to give precise descriptions. Read more on IELTSpodcast Describing Data and Trends. Lesson 5: Essential Technique to Score Band 7 or Above Achieving a high band score requires demonstrating strong writing skills. Focus on the following: * Cohesion and Coherence: Organise your essay logically, using linking words and phrases to connect ideas smoothly. * Lexical Resource: Use a wide range of vocabulary accurately. Avoid repetition and choose words that precisely convey your meaning. * Task Achievement: Address all parts of the task, fully developing your response and staying within the task requirements. For further tips, visit IELTSpodcast How to Get a Band 7. Lesson 6: What Tenses Do We Use?

    22 min

  4. 18/12/2024

    IELTS Vocabulary: Renewable Energy Sources

    Renewable energy and sustainable technologies are pivotal in shaping a sustainable future. This article delves into the societal impacts of these technologies, utilizing passive voice to describe processes inherent in their development and deployment. Grammar Point Covered The passive voice is often used in English to emphasise the action and the receiver of the action rather than the doer. This is particularly useful in scientific and technical writing to focus on processes and results. For example, ‘The electricity is generated by the wind turbine’ highlights the process and outcome without specifying who operates the turbine. Pros and Cons Regarding Renewable Energy * Pros: * Reduces greenhouse gas emissions. * Decreases dependency on fossil fuels. * Enhances energy security and supply stability. * Supports local economies and job creation in new industries. * Encourages technological innovation and efficiency. * Improves public health by reducing pollution. * Promotes energy independence. * Increases consumer choice in energy sources. * Can be deployed at various scales, from personal to industrial. * Offers long-term cost savings despite high initial investment. * Cons: * High initial costs for infrastructure and technology development. * Intermittency issues with solar and wind energy. * Requires significant land use for some technologies, impacting local ecosystems. * Storage technologies for energy are still developing. * Existing infrastructure must be adapted or rebuilt, which can be costly and slow. * Can lead to displacement of communities, especially in large hydro projects. * Not all renewable sources are suitable for every geographical area. * May face public resistance due to aesthetic and environmental concerns. * Requires substantial upfront investment from public and private sectors. * Energy output can be less predictable than traditional fossil fuels. Topic Specific Vocabulary Collocations * energy efficiency * solar power generation * wind turbine installation * hydroelectric capacity * geothermal plants * biomass conversion * renewable resources * carbon footprint reduction * green technology adoption * sustainable development goals Model Sentences Using the Renewable Energy Collocations and Grammar Point * Solar power generation is increased significantly when energy efficiency measures are implemented. * Wind turbine installation has been completed across coastal regions to harness wind energy effectively. * By the local communities, hydroelectric capacity has been expanded to meet growing energy demands. * Geothermal plants are operated to provide a constant supply of energy due to the earth’s heat. * Biomass conversion into energy is seen as a crucial step towards achieving sustainable development goals. * Renewable resources are utilised more frequently to decrease the national carbon footprint reduction. * Green technology adoption has been accelerated in response to global warming concerns. * Sustainable development goals are achieved through dedicated international cooperation. * A reduction in harmful emissions is ensured by the adoption of biomass conversion techniques. * New standards for energy efficiency are set by regulatory bodies to promote green technology adoption.   Speaking Part 3 Questions and Model Answers Why is renewable energy considered important for future generations? Renewable energy is considered crucial because it ensures a sustainable and stable environment for future generations. Technologies like solar power generation and wind turbine installation play key roles in this,

    19 min

  5. 15/12/2024

    Marta Gets Band 7 in Writing and Speaking and Goes to the US!

    From Struggle to Success: How Marta Achieved Her IELTS Goals and Secured a US Scholarship Have you ever felt stuck while preparing for the IELTS exam? Meet Marta, a bright student from Ukraine who turned her IELTS struggles into triumph. Let’s dive into her story and see how she went from a 6.5 to a 7 in both writing and speaking!    Marta’s IELTS Journey Marta needed high IELTS scores to join a university programme in the United States. She faced three big challenges: * No feedback on her practice attempts * Worry about missing the required score * Fear of wasting time on confusing online resources Does this sound familiar? Many IELTS students face similar issues. But don’t worry – there’s hope! The Turning Point Marta found help through IELTS Podcast. At first, she was unsure about online learning. But she soon realised it was just what she needed. Here’s what made the difference: * The essay checker tool gave her personalised feedback * The speaking simulator boosted her confidence * Focused practice improved her skills quickly Marta’s Success Story On test day, Marta felt ready and confident. Her hard work paid off with amazing results: * Reading: 8 * Listening: 8 * Writing: 7 * Speaking: 7 These scores helped Marta secure her scholarship to study in the US. What an achievement! Marta’s Advice to You If you’re thinking about trying the IELTS Podcast course and tools, here’s what Marta says: “Just do it! The simulator and feedback were game changers for me. You don’t need a private tutor – the course feedback was enough to improve and see results. It helped me achieve my dream score and boosted my confidence in taking the exam.” Your Turn to Shine Marta’s story shows that with the right tools and mindset, you can overcome IELTS challenges and reach your goals. Are you ready to start your success story? Visit ieltspodcast.com today to find the tools that helped Marta succeed. Your IELTS triumph could be just around the corner! Remember: The jump from 6.5 to 7 can be tough, but with the right help, it’s absolutely possible. Marta did it, and so can you!   You can download or listen to the audio version here: |Direct Download Here | Stitcher | iTunes | Spotify | Soundcloud |

    11 min

  6. 04/12/2024

    IELTS Vocabulary: Ocean Pollution and Microplastics

    Ocean Pollution and Microplastics: An In-depth Analysis Introduction Ocean pollution and microplastics are becoming increasingly critical issues, impacting marine ecosystems and human health globally. This article aims to explore various aspects of these issues, including societal impacts and potential solutions. Grammar Point Covered The Passive Voice for Describing Processes is employed to shift the focus from the subject performing an action to the object receiving the action. It is particularly useful in scientific and formal writing, where the process itself is more significant than who performs it. Pros and Cons Regarding Ocean Pollution and Microplastics * Pro: Marine life is preserved when pollution is reduced. * Pro: Beaches are kept clean, enhancing tourism and local communities’ welfare. * Pro: Ecosystems are stabilised and natural balances are maintained. * Pro: Biodiversity is protected, ensuring the survival of various marine species. * Pro: The quality of seafood is improved as contaminants are removed from marine environments. * Pro: Public health is safeguarded when toxic substances are eliminated from oceanic waters. * Pro: Educational opportunities are increased as cleaner oceans provide better research environments. * Pro: Water sports and recreational activities are made safer. * Pro: The lifespan of marine flora and fauna is extended. * Pro: Cultural heritage linked to marine environments is preserved. * Con: Marine ecosystems are often disrupted by the necessary interventions to clean up pollutants. * Con: Wildlife might be temporarily displaced during cleanup operations. * Con: Initial costs for pollution control technologies are high. * Con: Strict regulations can limit certain industrial activities, potentially leading to job losses. * Con: Cleanup operations can disrupt local marine traffic. * Con: Some traditional practices might need to be altered or abandoned. * Con: Technological solutions may lead to unintended ecological side effects. * Con: Public resistance can delay or complicate implementation of necessary measures. * Con: Over-dependence on technology might discourage simpler, more natural solutions. * Con: Legal and bureaucratic challenges can impede swift action. Topic Specific Vocabulary Collocations * microplastic contamination * marine ecosystem disruption * pollution reduction initiatives * toxic substance removal * regulatory compliance * wildlife protection measures * clean-up operation efficiency * public health impact * cultural heritage conservation * environmental education programs Model Sentences Using the Topic Collocations and Grammar Point * Microplastic contamination is often described as pervasive across global waters. * By climate change, marine ecosystem disruption is exacerbated. * Through government funding, pollution reduction initiatives are supported. * From industrial waste, toxic substance removal is achieved. * In Europe, regulatory compliance is enforced strictly. * For endangered species, wildlife protection measures are implemented. * In oil spills, clean-up operation efficiency is monitored closely. * On coastal communities, the public health impact of pollutants is studied extensively. * Through museums, cultural heritage conservation is promoted. * In schools, environmental education programs are introduced. Model Essay About Ocean Pollution and Microplastics Introduction Ocean pollution and microplastics are critical environmental issues that necessitate immediate and concerted action globally. Body Paragraph 1 The detrimental effects of microplastic contamination on marine life and hu...

    24 min

  7. 01/12/2024

    IELTS Academic Task 1 – How to Describe a Pie Chart (and score Band 7 or higher)

    Are you aiming to pass the IELTS exam? Do you want to walk in with confidence, knowing you’re well-prepared? It’s simple: you could study, you should study, and if you don’t, you might face difficulties. The resources you have are like a toolbox full of useful tools. But just owning the tools isn’t enough—you need to know how to use them effectively. Don’t Just Turn Up, Show Them What You Can Do IELTS examiners aren’t just looking for someone who can recite information. They want to see that you can think for yourself, analyse, and take data—like pie charts and numbers—and turn them into a coherent narrative. The resources stress this repeatedly: they’re looking for insight. Can you see the bigger picture? Can you identify key trends and significant differences? That’s what sets successful candidates apart. The Language of Success: Using the Right Tools The resources also give you the language to express this. They talk about using: * Superlatives: “The largest portion,” “the smallest fraction.” These phrases highlight the most important points. * Fractions and Proportions: Avoid relying too much on percentages. “Three quarters” sounds more refined than “75%.” “Just over half” shows more nuance than “51%.” It’s about demonstrating your understanding of the data, not just reading it. * Comparatives: “Twice as large as,” “nearly three times bigger than.” These phrases show relationships, highlight differences, and make the data come alive. But remember, accuracy is crucial. The resources are clear about this: don’t misrepresent the information. Be precise, be truthful, and let the data speak for itself. A Framework for Success: Building a Solid Foundation The resources also provide a structure to base your response on, like the foundation of a house—it needs to be strong and solid: * Introduction: One sentence, direct and to the point. Paraphrase the title and explain what the pie chart is about. No need for extra detail, just clear, concise language. * Body paragraphs: This is where you showcase your skills. Group similar information, use superlatives, comparatives, and fractions. Tell a logical story that flows. * Summary: Wrap up in one or two sentences. What are the main takeaways? What’s the overall message? The resources offer useful phrases like “overall,” “it is clear that,” and “to summarise.” The Work Ethic for Success: Practice Makes Perfect I can give you all the advice in the world, but it won’t matter unless you put in the effort. Success in IELTS, like anything else, requires discipline and practice. The resources suggest finding pie charts to practise with—whether in newspapers, magazines, online, or in IELTS preparation books. Analyse them, describe them, and write out your responses. And don’t hesitate to get feedback. A teacher, tutor, or a friend who’s good at English can help you identify strengths and areas for improvement. Conclusion: You Have the Potential to Succeed Remember, you’ve got the potential to succeed. With the right tools, mindset, and effort, you’ll be well-prepared for the IELTS exam.   You can download or listen to the audio version here: |Direct Download Here | Stitcher | iTunes | Spotify | Soundcloud |

    25 min

  8. 27/11/2024

    Expand Your Academic Vocabulary for IELTS

    Expanding your vocabulary is a crucial aspect of preparing for the IELTS exam. A rich vocabulary not only improves your comprehension skills but also enhances your ability to express complex ideas. One effective way to expand your vocabulary is by learning about prefixes, suffixes, and root words. This article explores these linguistic tools, their origins, and provides examples from the Academic Word List (AWL) to illustrate how they can help you build a more versatile vocabulary. Understanding the Root of a Word The root of a word is its basic form, carrying the fundamental meaning. By recognising roots, you can often deduce the meanings of unfamiliar words, especially when they are combined with various prefixes and suffixes. For example, the root “act” can lead to related words such as “actor,” “action,” and “activate.” Most Common Prefixes and Suffixes and Their Origins Prefixes Prefixes are added to the beginning of a word to modify its meaning. Here are some commonly used prefixes, their origins, and examples: * Un- (Origin: Old English, from Germanic languages) * Meaning: Not, opposite of * Example: “Unlikely” (not likely), “Uninformed” (not informed) * Pre- (Origin: Latin) * Meaning: Before * Example: “Preconceive” (to form an opinion before knowing all the facts), “Pretest” (a test taken before learning a subject) * De- (Origin: Latin) * Meaning: Opposite, down, away * Example: “Deconstruct” (to break down into parts), “Deregulate” (to remove regulations) * Re- (Origin: Latin) * Meaning: Again, back * Example: “Rebuild” (to build again), “Reevaluate” (to evaluate again) * In- / Im- / Il- / Ir- (Origin: Latin) * Meaning: Not, opposite of * Example: “Inaccurate” (not accurate), “Immobile” (not mobile), “Illogical” (not logical), “Irrelevant” (not relevant) Suffixes Suffixes are added to the end of a word to change its grammatical form or meaning. Here are some common suffixes: * -tion / -sion (Origin: Latin) * Meaning: State, quality, act * Example: “Innovation” (the act of innovating), “Discussion” (the act of discussing) * -able / -ible (Origin: Latin) * Meaning: Capable of, worthy of * Example: “Readable” (able to be read), “Comprehensible” (able to be understood) * -ly (Origin: Old English) * Meaning: In the manner of (forms adverbs) * Example: “Quickly” (in a quick manner), “Precisely” (in a precise manner) * -ness (Origin: Old English) * Meaning: State, condition * Example: “Happiness” (state of being happy), “Darkness” (state of being dark) * -ful (Origin: Old English) * Meaning: Full of * Example: “Joyful” (full of joy), “Hopeful” (full of hope) Reusing Words in Other Forms Knowing how to transform a word into different grammatical forms can significantly increase your vocabulary. Here are the common forms: * Noun: Represents a person, place, thing, or idea. * Verb: Describes an action or state. * Adjective: Describes or modifies a noun. * Adverb: Modifies a verb, adjective, or other adverbs. 10 Examples from the Academic Word List Here are ten examples from the AWL, with their roots, prefixes, suffixes, and various forms: 1. Assume * Root: Assume

    21 min
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Complete tutorials for IELTS to help you improve faster and pass the exam. Visit the site for a complete range of online courses and a new improved essay correction service.

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  • Creator
    Ben Worthington
  • Years Active
    2012 - 2025
  • Episodes
    20
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    IELTS Podcast

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