IELTS Focus. Free lessons and advice on getting Band 7+

How to write an IELTS thesis statement.

October 9, 2023June 12, 2017 by Ray IELTS Focus

IELTS essay introductions and thesis statements.

updated: July 27th 2022.

When writing the introduction of an IELTS essay there are two steps that need to be taken. Paraphrase the task question and write a Thesis Statement. If the question asks for an opinion then it must be in the thesis statement. It depends on the type of essay you are writing as they are not all the same. It is advisable to write a thesis in the introduction for every type of essay. A good thesis statement can help you get a good band score in task response in the writing section.

IELTS reading: matching headings lesson

October 9, 2023June 12, 2017 by Ray IELTS Focus

IELTS Reading: Matching headings tips, paraphrasing, and an exercise.

Updated: September 2023.

In the IELTS reading section, there are many types of tasks and you will get 3 different types of reading tasks to answer in this section of the exam.

One of the most challenging for many students is the ‘matching headings’ questions. For this task, you need to match headings to the paragraphs and there are always more headings than you need.

The ‘matching headings’ task tests your ability to understand the difference between the main idea and a supporting point. Matching heading questions can be quite challenging so practice this as much as possible using mock tests from the Cambridge IELTS books.

IELTS Reading: ‘True False Not Given’ strategies

October 9, 2023June 7, 2017 by Ray IELTS Focus

Techniques and tips for IELTS reading ‘True False Not Given’

Updated: September 2023.

Many IELTS students have problems with True False Not Given and Yes No Not Given texts. Once you understand the techniques and you have fully practiced this type of question, then you will realise they are easier than you think.

IELTS reading is testing your vocabulary so being able to spot paraphrases, collocations, synonyms, and speed reading is crucial. The techniques are the same for Yes No Not Given questions but ‘Yes, No, Not Given’ texts are about the writer’s opinions, not facts.

Are you having trouble thinking of ideas?

October 9, 2023June 5, 2017 by Ray IELTS Focus

How to quickly think of ideas in IELTS writing.

Updated: August 2022

A common problem many IELTS students is that they find it hard to think of ideas for their essays, especially when they are under pressure in the exam.

This is because of stress and creativity. If you have trouble thinking for yourself and have gone through an education system where memorisation is the main way of learning, then you will have real trouble getting ideas and you will need to find an approach to developing your imagination.

IELTS paraphrasing practice

October 9, 2023May 25, 2017 by Ray IELTS Focus

IELTS Paraphrasing lesson and practice exercise.

Updated: April 29th 2021

One of the most important skills in IELTS writing is the ability to paraphrase. In IELTS Writing Task 1 and Task 2 you are marked on your ability to use vocabulary effectively. Therefore, if paraphrasing is done accurately it can demonstrate to the examiner that you have a good grasp of vocabulary. Paraphrasing means changing the words so they have the same meaning.

This can be done by using synonyms or changing the grammatical structure. However, this takes a lot of practice because inaccurate paraphrasing will lead to a lower score. For more information on how to paraphrase the introduction in essays check out the links below.

IELTS Grammar: Instead / Instead of / Rather than

October 9, 2023May 23, 2017 by Ray IELTS Focus

How to use instead / instead of / rather than.

When writing essays in IELTS task 2 (it also comes in handy for the speaking test) you will need to use ‘instead’ or ‘rather than’ to show preference, changing trends, opinions or facts. Here are some sentences based on the topic of technology and internet use.

IELTS Academic or General?

October 9, 2023May 18, 2017 by Ray IELTS Focus

Which is better for you, IELTS general or academic?

Before booking your exam make sure you know which test you should take. See the Pictograph below.

IELTS writing task 1: Line graph with a future trend

October 9, 2023May 15, 2017 by Ray IELTS Focus

How to write about IELTS graphs with future trends.

Updated: October 2023

Sometimes in IELTS academic writing task 1, you may be presented with a graph showing a future prediction.

In this case, you need to use the future tense with some specific academic phrases. Let’s have a look at the grammar needed in case you get one of these in the exam. Note that the data in this task is dynamic, which means it changes over time.

IELTS pie chart lesson and model answer.

April 25, 2024May 9, 2017 by Ray IELTS Focus

IELTS pie charts in writing task 1.

Updated: April 2024

With IELTS pie charts you have to compare and contrast the information and pick out the key features of the graph or chart and write about those. Here is a detailed lesson about how to approach this kind of task. Take a look at an example task and the model answer.

Static data and dynamic data.

Static data means that the chart shows one period of time. Dynamic data shows two or more periods. It also shows how trends change over a period of time.

Different language will be used for static charts and dynamic charts. Always make sure that you first analyse the chart or graph to see if it is one time period, or if the data is changing over time. If you use trend language for a static chart you will lose marks for grammar.

IELTS Grammar: Most / Almost / Almost all

October 9, 2023May 8, 2017 by Ray IELTS Focus

How to use Almost all / Most / Almost

A quick grammar lesson here. Let’s take a look at some common grammar mistakes using the word most / almost / almost all. Remember that the IELTS examiners mark you on the range and accuracy of your grammar in the speaking and writing section.