IELTS Podcast Ben Worthington

In the quest to achieve higher scores in the IELTS Speaking test, understanding and utilizing advanced speaking techniques can make a significant difference. In this insightful tutorial led by Ben Worthington, an expert in IELTS preparation, the focus is on how to effectively use emphatic structures to enhance your spoken English.

Understanding Emphatic Structures

Emphatic structures, or cleft sentences, are a sophisticated tool in English that help to add emphasis to certain parts of a sentence, making your speech sound more complex and formal. These structures are particularly useful in the IELTS speaking section, where demonstrating control over such complex structures can significantly boost your score.

Applying Emphatic Structures in IELTS

Ben explains that these structures can be implemented across all parts of the IELTS speaking test. For instance, when asked about personal preferences or experiences, using a cleft sentence like “What I love about the countryside is its tranquility” not only emphasizes your response but also showcases your ability to manipulate sentence structures effectively.

Examples of Emphatic Structures

The tutorial offers several examples to illustrate how to transform simple sentences into emphatic ones:



* Simple: I like summer the most.

Emphatic: What I like the most is summer.

* Simple: I feel happy at home.

Emphatic: The place where I feel happiest is at home.



These examples highlight the shift from a straightforward expression to a more focused and impactful statement.

Practical Usage in the Exam

Ben suggests practical applications of these structures in various parts of the speaking exam:



* Part 1: Introduce personal preferences using emphatic starts like “What I really enjoy is…”.

* Part 2: Describe experiences or items with an emphasis, such as “The thing that I admire most about this painting is…”.

* Part 3: Discuss abstract ideas or opinions emphatically, for example, “The reason why I prefer urban living is…”.



Benefits of Mastering Emphatic Structures

Mastering these structures not only aids in elevating your language proficiency in the eyes of the examiners but also helps in making your speech more engaging and persuasive, a key component in achieving a high band score in the speaking section.

For more detailed examples and exercises on using emphatic structures, consider exploring the Advanced IELTS Speaking Techniques on IELTSPodcast. Additionally, enrolling in an Online IELTS Course can provide further guidance and personalized feedback to hone your speaking skills.



 

In this lesson, you’ll learn

● The assessment criteria of the IELTS writing test

● How to use them in your practice sessions

This will help you in your IELTS because

● In understanding the criteria used in the exam you can prepare more effectively

● You can work smarter rather than harder

Navigating the IELTS Writing Test: Strategies for Success

Achieving a high score in the IELTS writing test is a goal for many English language learners. The IELTS writing test, a crucial component of the International English Language Testing System, challenges test takers to demonstrate their ability in coherent writing, proper grammar, and extensive vocabulary. Understanding the test’s assessment criteria is key to preparing effectively and boosting one’s score.

Understanding the IELTS Writing Test Structure

The IELTS writing test comprises two tasks:



* Task 1: Test takers are required to describe graphical data, a process, or a map in the academic version, or write a letter in the general training version.

* Task 2: This involves writing an essay in response to an argument, problem, or point of view.



Success in both tasks depends heavily on fulfilling specific criteria set by the examiners, which include task achievement/response, coherence and cohesion, lexical resource, and grammatical range and accuracy.

Key Assessment Criteria



* Task Achievement and Response: In Task 1 (academic), summarizing and comparing data effectively is crucial. In the general training version, the focus is on the appropriateness of the tone and structure of the letter. Task 2 assesses how well the essay responds to the prompt, with emphasis on the relevance and development of ideas.

* Coherence and Cohesion: Coherence refers to the logical flow of ideas, ensuring the text is easy to follow. Cohesion relates to the use of linking words to connect ideas and paragraphs, facilitating a smooth reading experience.

* Lexical Resource: Examines the range and accuracy of the vocabulary used. A rich vocabulary, including the correct use of idioms and collocations, enhances the quality of the writing.

* Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Critical to the assessment, this criterion includes the use of various sentence structures, verb tenses, and punctuation.



Strategies for Success

Candidates aiming to excel should:



* Deeply understand the assessment criteria.

* Study model answers.

* Engage in writing practice under timed conditions.

* Receive feedback from teachers or through professional services.



Conclusion

Mastering the IELTS writing test requires a thorough understanding of the test’s criteria, strategic preparation, and continuous practice. By focusing on these areas, test takers can enhance their ability to communicate effectively in written English, thereby achieving their desired score.

Feel free to copy and paste this post directly into your WordPress blog. It’s formatted for clarity and ease of reading, with headings and lists to break down the

You can download or listen to the audio version here:

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This tutorial will dissect an IELTS essay poised at the 6.5 to 7 band score. We will explore the nuances that differentiate a 6.5 from a 7, analysing each sentence to identify strengths and weaknesses in the usage of grammatical structures and vocabulary.





Understanding the Task 2 Question

The essay question debates whether employees should remain in a single job for life or switch jobs throughout their career. Here, we dissect a sample response, breaking down its elements to understand how the answer aligns with IELTS scoring criteria.





Essay Analysis

Introduction and Thesis

The introduction of the analysed essay begins with a common pitfall: unnecessary complexity and errors in article usage. The sentence structure is overly convoluted, leading to potential grammatical errors. A simpler, more concise opening would serve better.

Body Paragraphs

The body paragraphs show a mix of strong collocations such as “pursue a course of study” and “launch a career”. However, grammatical mistakes, such as misuse of singular and plural forms, detract from the overall quality, underscoring the importance of accuracy in writing.

Conclusion

The conclusion attempts to encapsulate the discussion but suffers from similar issues as the rest of the essay—grammatical inaccuracies and awkward phrasing that could confuse readers and reduce the clarity of the argument.





Key Takeaways for Candidates



* Grammar and Coherence: Long sentences are risky if your grammatical control is weak. Aim for clarity, not complexity.

* Vocabulary: Use appropriate and varied vocabulary to convey precise meanings and avoid repetition.

* Self-Review: Always review your work to catch and correct mistakes before submission. This proactive approach will significantly improve your writing score.





For more insights and essay correction services, visit IELTS Essay Correction Service.



 

Introduction



Welcome to another IELTS tutorial. In this session, we will explore advanced grammatical structures, focusing on the past tense and past perfect continuous. Mastering these tenses is crucial for telling compelling stories in your IELTS Speaking exam, helping you to showcase a range of grammatical structures and boost your score.





Importance of Context in Storytelling

When telling a story, the content is important, but the manner of storytelling is what truly matters to the examiner. Using anecdotes, details, and examples enriches your vocabulary and demonstrates your ability to use topic-specific language. This not only makes your story more engaging but also enhances your lexical resource.





Past and Past Perfect Continuous

Using the Past Continuous

The past continuous is used to describe an event that was happening over a period of time and was incomplete. For instance, “I was hanging out with my friend Juan at the park.” This sets a scene that extends over a duration without specifying when it ended. Here are some examples:



* I was hanging out with my friend.

* We were watching a movie.

* He was talking on the phone.



In the exam, using the past continuous helps set the context early in your story, demonstrating your flexibility with grammatical structures. For example:

Last year, I was studying economics at university. I remember the day clearly. I was sitting in class and taking notes when the professor asked an interesting question.





Using the Past Perfect Continuous

The past perfect continuous is used to describe an action that was ongoing in the past before another past event. It is effective for developing the context of a story and setting up anticipation for the main event. Examples include:



* We had been sitting in the park having a picnic for a couple of hours.

* We had been watching a movie for over an hour.

* We had been talking on the phone for about 15 minutes.



Using this tense can make your story more dynamic and engaging. For example:

Just a couple of days ago, I was at the bank and I had been waiting for over three hours to talk to the manager. This made me feel extremely frustrated.





Practical Application: Sample Cue Cards

Cue Card 1: A Time Someone Lied to You

Prompt: Talk about a situation when a person you know didn’t tell you the truth. Who the person was, why the person told the lie, and how you felt.

I’d like to tell you about an old friend named Matt. We were very close, but this incident changed everything. One evening, I had been expecting him to come over, but he didn’t show up. Later, my sister mentioned seeing someone peeping through her window, wearing a jacket like Matt’s. When I confronted him, he denied it, but I was 99% sure it was him. This left me feeling tremendously disappointed and confused. Eventually, I decided to end our friendship as I couldn’t tolerate such dishonesty.

Cue Card 2: Describe an Intelligent Person

Prompt: Describe an intelligent person you know. Who the person is, how you know them, and why you think they are intelligent.

A tremendously intelligent person I know is my uncle Allan. He retired at 50, much earlier than most people. He’s a UK chess master champion and had a dazzling career as a tax adviser at prestigious firms like PricewaterhouseCoopers and Deloitte. I first met him at a family wedding, and recently at a funeral, he shared his fascinating research into our family history. His expertise in complex subjects like tax and chess, and his early retirement, make him a person I truly admire.

Cue Card 3: Describe a Singer You Like

Prompt: Describe a singer you like. Who the singer is, what specific elements you like about the singer,

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 each year achieve Band 7 or higher on their IELTS exams.



How Can Understanding Nouns and Verbs Improve Your Academic Task 1 Writing?

Many words in Academic Task 1 can function as both nouns and verbs with only slight modifications. Understanding how to distinguish and use these forms correctly is crucial for clarity in your writing.





What Are the Common Patterns You Should Recognise in Academic Task 1?

Recognising and using common grammatical patterns such as Adjective + Noun and Verb + Adverb can significantly enhance the quality of your Academic Task 1 responses.





How Do You Identify and Use Adjectives and Adverbs Effectively?

Distinguishing between adjectives and adverbs is key to mastering grammar for IELTS Task 1. Understanding their proper usage can greatly improve the precision of your descriptions.





What Advanced Vocabulary Is Essential for Comparisons in Academic Writing?

Using precise comparison vocabulary is indispensable in academic writing. Learn to specify the extent of differences or similarities with appropriate terms to enhance clarity and impact.





How Can Expanding Your Vocabulary Improve Your Academic Task 1 Responses?

Enriching your vocabulary with a variety of adjectives and appropriate prepositions can elevate the quality of your writing, making it more engaging and effective.





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Further Reading and Resources



* Academic Task 1 Guide

* Task 1 Vocabulary Enhancements

* IELTS Grammar Essentials



For additional learning, check out educational materials at University of Oxford.



 

 



Cost of Studying and Living in the UK

Hello there IELTS students, my name is Ben Worthington. For over 12 years, I’ve specialized in preparing students for the IELTS, helping them achieve Band 7 or higher. Today, we delve into the costs associated with studying and living in the United Kingdom.

Joining me is our expert, Fedoua, to discuss everything from tuition fees to living expenses. Let’s unpack the financial aspect of studying abroad in the UK.

Tuition Fees for International Students

International students can expect a range in tuition fees depending on the institution and the type of course. Fees might start as low as £12,600 with a scholarship and can go up to £30,000 per academic year. Understanding this range can help you plan your education budget effectively.

Living Expenses

The cost of living can vary greatly depending on where you choose to study in the UK. For instance, accommodation costs in London could range from £650 to £1,200 a month. It’s important to factor in other expenses like food, transportation, and leisure, which can quickly add up.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Many universities offer financial aid and scholarships, which can significantly reduce the financial burden. These are often competitive and may cover only a portion of the total fees. Additionally, students can work part-time to supplement their income, with international students allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during term time.

Budgeting Tips

Effective budgeting is crucial for managing your finances abroad. Cooking at home, using student discounts, and exploring second-hand shops are practical ways to save money.

Additional Resources



* IELTS Preparation Tips

* Understanding IELTS Essay Structures

* Boost Your IELTS Vocabulary



For more insights and resources, visit our main site.

About Ben Worthington

Ben Worthington, founder of IELTSpodcast, has dedicated over a decade to teaching IELTS and helping students worldwide achieve their best scores. Ben’s approach combines practical strategies with intensive practice to ensure students succeed.

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