IELTS Podcast Ben Worthington

 

Unlocking the Mysteries of Connected Speech in the IELTS Listening Exam

By Ben Worthington, founder and manager of IELTSPodcast.com. Ben is an expert IELTS tutor with over 12 years of experience, helping thousands of students each year achieve Band 7 or higher in their IELTS exams.



What is Connected Speech and Why is it Important for the IELTS Listening Exam?

In the IELTS Listening exam, understanding connected speech is crucial for high scoring. Connected speech involves the flow of sounds, words, and phrases in spoken language, often changing pronunciation and linking words. This article delves into connected speech, exploring practical examples, common issues, and offering advice to enhance listening skills.





How Can Understanding Connected Speech Improve Your IELTS Listening Skills?

Connected speech features such as elision, linking, and reduction are essential for understanding real-life conversations and exam recordings. Recognising these can dramatically improve comprehension.





What Practical Examples Illustrate Connected Speech?

Examples like “I’m gonna” for “I am going to” and “Whatcha doin?” for “What are you doing?” demonstrate how connected speech operates in everyday language.





How Can You Recognise and Practice Connected Speech?

Techniques for mastering connected speech include listening to native speakers, transcribing spoken English, and engaging with authentic materials like podcasts and movies. Practicing these techniques can significantly boost your listening accuracy.





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Explore More on IELTS Listening



* IELTS Listening Strategies

* IELTS Listening Practice Tests

* IELTS Listening Tips



Further your understanding of connected speech with resources from Cambridge University’s Language Education Department.



 

 





STUDY ABROAD: How Many Courses Can I Apply For

By Ben Worthington, founder and manager of IELTSpodcast.com. An expert IELTS tutor with over 12 years of experience, Ben has helped thousands of students achieve Band 7 or higher on their IELTS exams.



Are you planning to study in the UK and wondering how many courses you can apply for through UCAS? In this detailed guide, we explore the essential aspects of UCAS applications and strategies for international students.



Understanding UCAS Applications

Through UCAS, international students can generally apply for up to five courses at different universities, except for medicine, which has a limit of four. This article delves into the nuances of these applications, offering invaluable tips from industry expert, Fedwa, a seasoned educational consultant with a decade of experience in helping students navigate UK university admissions.





Key Topics Covered:



* Restrictions on selecting multiple courses at the same or different universities.

* Strategies to effectively choose and prioritize courses.

* The implications of applying to multiple courses on application fees and workload.

* Flexibility in changing course selections post-application submission.

* Tips to strengthen applications for highly competitive courses.

* How applying for multiple courses affects acceptance chances and strategies to enhance them.







Additional Resources

For more insights and tips on IELTS and studying in the UK, consider visiting:



* IELTS Writing Task Guide

* IELTS Speaking Part 1 Tips



Explore these links for a deeper understanding of the IELTS and application processes.





Stay Connected

Follow us on social media and share this guide with others who might find it helpful:

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External resource: Visit UCAS Official Site





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By Ben Worthington, founder and manager of IELTSPodcast.com, a leading expert in IELTS preparation with over 12 years of experience helping thousands of students annually achieve Band 7 or higher.



What Grammar Nuances Are Essential for Achieving Band 7 in IELTS Academic Task 1?

Understanding the nuances of grammar is essential for scoring a band 7 in IELTS Academic Task 1. This section will cover foundational grammar concepts and common pitfalls to avoid, enhancing your academic writing skills.





How Can You Categorise ‘Little Words’ in Academic Writing?

In academic writing, small words that clarify the relationship between nouns can be categorised as related to countable nouns, uncountable nouns, or both. Mastering these can enhance clarity and precision.





What Are the Basic Grammar Options to Avoid Common Errors?

Understanding basic grammar options helps prevent common errors such as misusing “less” with countable nouns or “amount of” in the wrong context, thus improving sentence coherence.





How Should You Correctly Use ‘MOST’ and ‘MOST OF’ in Sentences?

Correct usage of “most” and “most of” is crucial. Remember to include “the” when using “of” to avoid grammatical mistakes, as demonstrated through examples.





How Can Advanced Language Usage Enhance Your Academic Writing?

Incorporating advanced or mathematical language, like “twice as much” or “around a third of,” can significantly elevate the sophistication of your academic reporting.





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Further Reading



* Grammar Tips for the IELTS Exam

* IELTS Task 1 Essay Structures

* IELTS Writing Tips



Explore more on academic writing techniques at Oxford University’s Academic Writing Centre.



 

 





Understanding University Application Deadlines

By Ben Worthington, founder and manager of IELTSpodcast.com, expert IELTS tutor with over 12 years of experience, helping thousands of students annually to achieve a Band 7 or higher.



Welcome to our podcast where we unravel the often complicated timeline for submitting your university application. Today, we’re joined by expert Fedoua, who brings years of experience in international education.





Key Application Deadlines

Understanding when to submit your university application can be the difference between success and missed opportunities. Here’s what every international student should know:



* The varying deadlines across different universities and courses.

* The importance of timely submission of all components, including personal statements and recommendation letters.

* Consequences of missing these critical deadlines and how to avoid them.







Additional Resources

For more insights into the application process, explore the following resources:



* IELTS Writing Tasks Explained

* Tips for IELTS Speaking Part 1







Stay Connected

Follow us on social media and share this resource with your network:

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WhatsApp

External resource: EducationUSA





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Crafting Your Future: The Power of a Personal Statement

By Ben Worthington, founder and manager of IELTSpodcast.com. With over 12 years of experience as an expert IELTS tutor, Ben has helped thousands of students achieve a Band 7 or higher on their IELTS exams.



Hello there, IELTS podcast listeners! Today, we delve into the significant role a well-crafted personal statement plays in accessing your dream university, particularly in the UK. Joining us is special guest Fedoua Jalmus, who brings her extensive experience from both academic recruitment and personal consultation.

During our discussion, Fedoua emphasises the importance of authenticity and sharing personal experiences over generic statements. She shared the story of Maya, a student whose genuine narrative about her passion for environmental science, illustrated through personal anecdotes like volunteering at beach clean-ups, greatly strengthened her application.





Key Insights on Crafting a Personal Statement



* Authenticity is crucial: Admissions officers seek genuine stories that reflect the student’s true interests and experiences.

* Details matter: Specific examples of a student’s journey and achievements provide a strong foundation for a personal statement.

* Cultural uniqueness: Incorporating elements from one’s cultural background can add a rich, unique perspective to their narrative.



Fedoua also highlights common pitfalls, such as reliance on clichés or overused templates, which can detract from a student’s true voice.





Further Reading

Explore more about the IELTS preparation journey on these additional pages:



* IELTS Writing Task Achievements

* IELTS Speaking Part 1: Introduction







Connect with Us

For further assistance with your IELTS preparation and more insightful tutorials, reach out to us:

Email: ben@ieltspodcast.com

Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and WhatsApp for updates and tips.

External resource: University of Cambridge





|Direct Download Here | Stitcher | iTunes | Spotify | Soundcloud |

 

 

Table of Contents



* Introduction

* Grammar Point Covered

* Pros and Cons Regarding Topic

* Topic Specific Vocabulary Collocations and Phrases

* Model Sentences Using the Topic Phrases and Grammar Point

* Model Essay About Topic

* Speaking Part 3 Questions and Model Answers

* Further Reading



Introduction

The IELTS Speaking exam often includes questions related to modern technology. This article will cover topic ideas, grammar rules, vocabulary, and sample answers to help you prepare effectively.

Grammar Point Covered

In English grammar, the use of articles can greatly affect the meaning of a sentence. Articles include “a,” “an,” and “the.” Here are five example sentences about modern technology that demonstrate the use of articles:



* The Internet has revolutionized communication.

*  A smartphone is a common device in today’s society.

* An iPad offers versatility and convenience.

* The rise of social media has transformed how we interact.

* The development of artificial intelligence is advancing rapidly.



Pros and Cons Regarding Topic

Pros of Modern Technology:



* Enhanced communication

* Increased efficiency

* Access to information

* Innovation and creativity

* Improved healthcare

* Connectivity across borders

* Job creation

* Convenience in daily life

* Education accessibility

* Entertainment options



Cons of Modern Technology:



* Dependency on devices

* Privacy concerns

* Digital divide

* Distraction and addiction

* Job displacement

* Security threats

* Environmental impact

* Social isolation

* Health risks

* Technological unemployment



Topic Specific Vocabulary Collocations and Phrases



* digital revolution

* technological advancements

* smart devices

* online connectivity

* virtual reality

* cybersecurity measures

* data privacy concerns

* tech-savvy individuals

* innovative solutions

* internet access



Model Sentences Using the Topic Phrases and Grammar Point



* The digital revolution has transformed various industries.

* A smartphone is now considered an essential tool for communication.

* An online presence is crucial for businesses to thrive.

* The rise of social media has led to changes in consumer behaviour.

* The development of artificial intelligence is shaping the future of technology.

* The digital revolution has transformed various industries.

* A smartphone is now considered an essential tool for communication.

* An online presence is crucial for businesses to thrive.

* The rise of social media has led to changes in consumer behaviour.

* The development of artificial intelligence is shaping the future of technology.



Model Essay About Topic

Fast food is a part of life in many places. Some people think this has bad effects on lifestyle and diets. Do you agree or disagree?

The consumption of fast food has become ubiquitous in modern society. While some argue that it offers convenience and affordability, others believe that it contributes to unhealthy eating habits and lifestyle diseases.

Speaking Part 3 Questions and Model Answers

Why do you think technology is important in today’s world?

Well, to be honest, technology plays a pivotal role in shaping our daily lives. It enhances communication, streamlines processes,