IELTS Podcast Ben Worthington

 

In this tutorial, we discuss techniques for mastering topic sentences and paragraph structures In IELTS Writing

 

We discuss:



The importance of argumentative essays in academic writing.

How to use connecting sentences to maintain coherence and flow in IELTS Writing.

How to construct coherent paragraphs with a single clear point within one paragraph.



 

Join many other students who have achieved IELTS success with our online IELTS course or get instant feedback with our online essay checker.

You can download or listen to the full tutorial here:

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In this tutorial, we discuss Band 7 Grammar features in IELTS Writing.

Table of Contents



* Introduction

* The Importance of Band Descriptors

* Aiming for Band 7 and Above

* Understanding Complex Structures

* Advanced Grammatical Structures

* Punctuation: The Role of Commas

* Conclusion



 



* Introduction



 

Hello there! I am a student and welcome to this podcast. You no longer have to worry, feel threatened, or panic about IELTS because we are here to guide you through this test jungle. Enjoy these IELTS tutorials, and if you need more help or want to access the finest online course, you can visit us at IELTS podcast.com.

 



* The Importance of Band Descriptors



 

Hello everyone, welcome to another tutorial here at ieltspodcast.com. My name is Ellen. Today, I want to emphasize the importance of understanding the band descriptors. Many people begin their IELTS preparation without ever seeing these descriptors. They are crucial not just for grammar but for all four criteria for Task 2, Task 1, and speaking. 

 



* Aiming for Band 7 and Above



 

If you need a Band 7, you probably require it for immigration or professional purposes in English-speaking countries. However, it’s essential to aim higher than just Band 7. By setting a goal for Band 8, you ensure that even if you miss a few points, you’ll still comfortably achieve the score you need.

 



* Understanding Complex Structures



 

Complex structures are sentences with more than one subject and verb. Common examples include sentences with connectors like “and,” “but,” “although,” and relative clauses. For instance, “While there are advantages, the disadvantages are greater.”

 



* Advanced Grammatical Structures



 

– Participle Clauses: These start with active participles (ing) or past participles (ed). Example: “Having worked with children, I have learned…”

  

– Inversion: This involves starting a sentence with a negative adverb or using “only if” or “only when.” Example: “Rarely do we see parents…” or “Only when parents teach, will children learn…”

 

– Fronting: These sentences start with an “it” clause. Example: “It is the responsibility of…”

 



* Punctuation: The Role of Commas



 

Punctuation, especially the use of commas, plays a vital role in writing. Overusing or underusing commas can disrupt the flow of your writing. It’s essential to strike a balance and use them where a natural pause is required.

 



* Conclusion



 

In conclusion, mastering complex structures and understanding punctuation are crucial for achieving a high band score in IELTS. If you’re looking for more guidance, sign up for updates and courses at IELTS podcast.com. Best of luck to all, and thank you for listening!

 

Join many other students who have achieved IELTS success with our online IELTS course or get instant feedback with our online essay checker.

You can download or listen to the full tutorial here:

| Direct Download Here | Stitcher | ...

 

In this tutorial, we discuss three time-based IELTS Exam preparation strategies

 

We look at:



The significance of planned preparation and setting clear goals.

Three different time-based IELTS preparation strategies.

The role of frameworks to improve writing skills for the IELTS exam



 

Table of Content



* Introduction

* The Importance of IELTS Preparation

* Preparation Timeframes



   – 7-Day Preparation

   – One Month Preparation

   – Two to Three Months Preparation



* Tips for Productive Skills

* The Role of Personal Tutors

* Conclusion and Contact



 

1. Introduction

Welcome to the IELTS podcast. Learn from and examiners who are masters of IELTS preparation. Your host, Ben Worthington, shares his journey and insights into the world of IELTS.

 

2. The Importance of IELTS Preparation

IELTS preparation is crucial for many individuals, including those pursuing careers in interactive journalism in places like London. Achieving a score of seven overall and seven in writing can be challenging, but with the right strategies, it’s attainable.

 

3. Preparation Timeframes

 

 7-Day Preparation

   – Identify your weakest skills.

   – Focus on areas where you previously scored lower.

   – Get your essay corrected and understand where you’re making mistakes.

   – Use the “Look, Cover, Write” technique to improve vocabulary and sentence structure.

 

 One Month Preparation

   – Establish a study routine, preferably in the morning.

   – Focus on one skill at a time during study sessions.

   – Utilize downtime for listening to English podcasts or radio.

   – Get feedback on your speaking and writing.

 

FF Two to Three Months Preparation

   – Create an English environment around you.

   – Take practice tests to identify weak spots.

   – Set up a weekly practice test routine.

   – Consider finding a personal tutor.

 

4. Tips for Productive Skills

Mimicking and shadowing are effective techniques for improving speaking. For writing, feedback is invaluable. Singing can also help with fluency. Establishing a routine and reviewing regularly can lead to faster improvements.

 

5. The Role of Personal Tutors

If you’re considering a personal tutor, be prepared to invest. Organize your classes, focus on specific areas of improvement, and record sessions for review. An organized tutor can provide drills and focused practice on problem areas.

 

6. Conclusion and Contact

For more resources and guidance, visit sentenceguide.com. For questions or feedback, reach out to [IELTSpodcast@gmail.com](mailto:IELTSpodcast@gmail.com). If you’ve benefited from this podcast, consider leaving a review on iTunes. Thank you for listening!

 

Join many other students who have achieved IELTS success with our online IELTS course or get instant feedback with our online essay checker.

You can download or listen to the full tutorial here:

| Direct Download Here | Stitcher | Apple Podcasts | a ...

 

In this tutorial, we discuss how to vary your linking phrases using synonyms in IELTS Task 2.

 

We look at:



How to enhance coherence and cohesion in your writing.

The importance of varying your linking phrases using synonyms for improved writing.

Examples of bad and good uses of linking phrases.

Examples of synonyms and their uses to avoid repetitive language.



 

Introduction:

In IELTS Writing Task 2, using a variety of linking phrases is crucial for demonstrating your language proficiency and enhancing the coherence of your essay. 

 

While it is important to use cohesive linking words, it is equally important to avoid repetitive phrases. 

 

In this tutorial, we will explore the significance of varying your linking phrases using synonyms, provide examples of both ineffective and effective usage, and offer a list of useful words with example sentences to enhance your understanding.

 

Example 1 (Bad):

Government regulation can have a significant impact on the economy. Furthermore, it affects various sectors such as finance, healthcare, and the environment. In the financial industry, banks must follow strict guidelines for lending and investments. For instance, they need to comply with regulations to prevent fraudulent practices. Moreover, in healthcare, regulations focus on maintaining quality services and patient safety. Similarly, environmental regulations protect natural resources and prevent pollution. Hence, government regulation has a substantial impact on the economy and different sectors.

 

Note: This example is a bad use of linking phrases because it heavily relies on the repetitive phrase “government regulation.” The repetition of the same phrase throughout the paragraph makes it monotonous and lacks variety. Varying the linking phrases using synonyms would have improved the overall coherence and readability of the paragraph.

 

Example 2 (Bad):

The economic cost of government regulation can be substantial. However, businesses may need to incur additional expenses to comply with regulations. For example, they may need to invest in new equipment, technologies, and additional staff. As a result, this can have a negative impact on profitability and hinder business growth. Additionally, excessive regulation can discourage entrepreneurship and innovation. Consequently, start-ups and entrepreneurs may face numerous barriers to entry due to regulatory requirements, which restrict their ability to compete effectively. Hence, the economic cost of government regulation is significant.

 

Note: This example is another bad use of linking phrases. While it includes a variety of linking phrases, such as “however,” “for example,” and “additionally,” it lacks the use of synonyms. The repetition of the phrase “government regulation” and the repetitive use of linking phrases make the paragraph less engaging and hinder the flow of ideas.

 

Example 3 (Good):

Government regulations can impose a substantial economic burden on businesses. In order to comply with these regulations, companies often face increased expenses. For instance, they may need to invest in new equipment, technologies, and additional staff. These added costs can reduce profitability and hinder the growth potential of businesses. Moreover, excessive rules can deter entrepreneurship and innovation. Start-ups and entrepreneurs face numerous barriers to entry due to regulatory requirements, limiting their ability to compete with established companies. Therefore, it is evident that the economic burden imposed by governmental oversight is significant.

 

Note: This example demonstrates a good use of linking phrases by varying them using synonyms.

In this tutorial, we discuss common misconceptions about pronunciation in IELT speaking.

 We look at:



Five key pronunciation features in IELTS Speaking.

Common misconceptions students have about pronunciation.

Four strategies for improving pronunciation in IELTS.

The importance of focusing on clear communication.

How to use intonation to convey meaning in English language.



Table of Contents



* Introduction

* The Misunderstanding of Pronunciation

* Pronunciation Features



– Intonation

– Chunking

– Timing of Language

– Word Stress

– Individual Word Sounds



* Correcting Pronunciation

* Conclusion



 



*

Introduction





 

Hello students, welcome to the podcast! You no longer have to worry, feel threatened, or panic about IELTS because we are here to guide you through this test jungle. Enjoy these IELTS tutorials, and if you need more help or want to access the online course, you can visit us at IELTS podcast.com.

 



*

The Misunderstanding of Pronunciation





 

Hello everyone, this is Ben. On today’s tutorial, I want to talk about speaking, and more specifically, pronunciation. I believe there’s a lot of misunderstanding regarding pronunciation. The band descriptors for speaking don’t really help; they’re vague. Many students express concerns about sounding native or having a strong accent. They often ask if they should try to sound British or American. Today, I hope to clear up some of these misunderstandings and misconceptions.

 



*

Pronunciation Features





 

–Intonation: Intonation is the music of our speech. It’s the ups and downs of our voice when we talk. Each language has its own “music”, and intonation can affect the message you’re trying to convey.

 

–Chunking: Chunking is how we group our words together. It’s affected when you hesitate. Correct chunking helps the listener understand the message, while incorrect chunking can confuse them.

 

– Timing of Language: There are two types of timing in languages: stress-timed and syllable-timed. English is a stress-timed language, meaning stressed syllables are longer than unstressed ones.

 

– Word Stress: We stress certain words to give emphasis. This adds a layer of meaning to what we’re saying.

 

– Individual Word Sounds: Each language has certain sound patterns. Some of them are compatible with the sounds in English, and others are not. Mispronouncing certain sounds can lead to misunderstandings.

 



*

Correcting Pronunciation





 

We’re fortunate to have the internet as a tool. Watching movies, TV shows, TED talks, and YouTube videos can help you study native speech. Listen, repeat, and copy until you can assimilate these pronunciation features. Recording yourself and comparing it to native speakers can also be beneficial. Although it might be uncomfortable, it’s a useful exercise. And of course, seeking help from a teacher or signing up for lessons can provide more opportunities to improve.



*

Conclusion





 

Thanks for listening and for your dedication to improving your speaking skills. Remember to practice, record, and compare. With time and effort, you’ll be on your way to achieving a great score in your speaking test. Visit IELTS podcast.com for more resources and support.

Join many other students who have achieved IELTS success with our a href="https://www.ieltspodcast.

 

In this tutorial, we discuss standard letter writing structure in IELTS General Task 1.

 

We look at:



Three different styles of writing in IELTS General Task 1.

How to recognize and avoid common writing mistakes.

Strategies for effective organization in letter writing.



 

The first thing you have to remember when working on Task 1 General writing is that it’s slightly different from the Academic Writing. The points described below will help you get a real high score for writing Task 1 in IELTS. For example, when you’ll be writing your personal statement for university or a job application.

 



There are different styles of writing:





Formal. This style is very diplomatic, the opening is: “Dear Sir/Madam,” and the closing line: “Respectfully yours,”.



 

Remember that you don’t have to worry about the formalities (writing the address). 

 



Semi-formal. This style corresponds more with the requirements of IELTS. It’s the style you use when writing to a University or a Company. The opening is: “Dear Sir/Madam,”. The closing line: “Very truly yours,”, “Very sincerely yours”, “Yours courteously”. 





Informal. You can also have this style in IELTS. It’s often used in companies, when colleagues talk with each other. The opening is: “Hello David,”, “Hello Mr. James,”. The closing line: “Best wishes,”, “Yours”, “Best regards”. 



 

Even though the style is informal, there shouldn’t be any of the colloquial phrases. For example: “I totally agree” or stronger language “I find it super irritating”. It’s fine when you’re talking with your friends and relatives. In IELTS your letter should be of a bit higher level.

 



Less informal. This is the style you use when communicating with your family and friends. It’s fine if there are contractions here. However, don’t make too many contractions. 



 

For example: “I’m gonna sort it out next week”. (This is too much) It’s better to write: “I’m going to sort it out next week”. 

 

You also can use contractions like “I wouldn’t”, “I don’t”. If you don’t use contractions in these cases, it will seem that you really want to emphasize something.

 

This style is more lively and direct. The opening is something like: “Hi, Dave!”. The possible closing lines are: “Love,”, “Hookes and Kisses,”, “Take care”.

 



* The organisation of your letter.



The best way to successfully organise your letter is to take into consideration the main points of the task (the bullets).

For example, if your task is to write a letter of complaint, you definitely need to include the following:



Date and time when the incident happened.

The reason for your complaint.

What you would like from the company you are writing to.



It’s quite easy to structure your letter in accordance with these bullets, they are your three paragraphs. 

 

You should also keep in mind that you’re to stay on topic, make your letter simple and clear.Your letter shouldn’t create any strain for a reader. It shouldn’t be over complicated with unnecessary details.

 

For example: “I would like a refund of 99 pounds plus VAT minus import duties. The import duties can be paid to my Swiss bank account and the VAT can be sent directly to an agent in customs in London”. 

(This is technically complex. There is no point in writing a lengthy story) The following sounds better:

“I would like a refund to my bank account. Please, find the details attached”. 

(This is solid, straightforward and easy to understand. The examiner will definitely get what the main message is)

 

It’s very important to include in your letter only essential details.