How to use Either, Neither, Both
Accuracy is important in IELTS grammar. Here is a short lesson on how to use either neither and both.
IELTS vocabulary: Challenge, Try, Cheap, Low
Vocabulary lesson: Challenge, Try, Cheap, Low.
Here is another grammar point I have heard some students make when speaking. The differences between challenge and try and cheap and low. Remember that vocabulary makes up 25% of your marks in speaking and writing. So focus on accuracy and then when you feel more confident you can work on your range of vocabulary.
IELTS Prepositions: By, Until, With
IELTS grammar: By, Until, With.
Sometimes students make simple grammar mistakes when speaking or in the essay writing part of the test. IELTS examiners mark you on the accuracy of your grammar in the speaking and writing sections of the test. Grammar makes up 25% of your marks in writing and speaking.
I advise focusing on accuracy when writing and speaking because even if you have a wide range of grammar if it is used incorrectly you will lose marks. Below is a short lesson on how to use the prepositions By, with, until.
IELTS writing task 1: The process of making milk and cheese
Writing task 1 IELTS academic process diagram.
Updated: April 2024
Describing a process in IELTS academic writing task 1 needs specific grammar, such as the passive and sequencers for showing how something is made or processed. In this lesson, I will look at how to use accurate vocabulary and grammar, the correct structure, and a model answer for a diagram showing how milk, cheese, and butter are made for commercial sale.
IELTS bar graph lesson and model answer
IELTS writing task 1 bar graph.
Updated: Jan 7th 2022
The key thing to remember about line graphs and bar charts is that you must write about the key features and general trends over a period of time (if it is dynamic data) Some tasks are static where you would not use the language of trends though so spend a minute analysing the task and take two or three minutes to plan the task. Do not go directly into writing without a plan.
It is not necessary to go into too much detail but at the same time, you must cover every part of the task. In this lesson we will look at:
1. The structure needed for IELTS writing task 1.
2. Paraphrasing the introduction.
3. Writing an overview
4. Writing body paragraphs.
5. Example task and model answer.
Forming complex sentences in IELTS
Using ‘tend to’, ‘that’ clauses and modals in IELTS writing and speaking.
Updated: Jan 2nd 2022
A good skill to learn in academic writing is to soften your language or use what is often called ‘hedging’. This is useful in Discussion essays when you write about others opinions and it is also needed to soften your language so that you don’t generalise too much. This shows that you have a wider range of vocabulary and you can form complex sentences.
This is also very useful in the speaking section when you want to display a wider range of vocabulary and it shows that you can talk naturally.
IELTS discussion essays: expressing others opinions
How to write about people’s opinions in IELTS discussion essays.
Updated: April 2023
When writing a discussion essay in IELTS writing task 2 you have to state other people’s opinions as well as give your own opinion. Discussion essays also ask for your opinion so it is important to state your view not only in the introduction but also in the main body paragraphs, and then refer to the differing views and re-paraphrase your opinion in the conclusion.
To show other people’s views you will need to use specific phrases which I have outlined in this lesson. You will need to mention others’ views or the whole essay could turn into a problem-solution essay or even an advantage-disadvantage essay. It is all about the way language is used here.
IELTS writing task 2: How to write a causes solution essay
Step by step guide to writing an IELTS causes solution essay.
Updated: January 2024
A common type of IELTS task 2 essay is a problem solution or causes solution essay. Here you will need to write about the causes of the problem in main body one and recommendations or possible solutions that could solve the issue in main body two. I could have a 3rd body paragraph but I prefer the 2 main body approach.
IELTS Problem Solution Essay: Writing an effective introduction
Writing a good introduction to a problem solution essay.
One of the main skills for getting a good band score in IELTS writing task 2 is how clear and effective the introduction is. This shows the examiner what your essay is going to be about and helps your task response score.
You will need to spend a couple of minutes analyzing and fully understanding the task question, then decide what type of essay it is and what kind of thesis statement you need to write. The rest of the essay will expand on your thesis statement so you need to get it right. Your position must be clear in the introduction and main body paragraphs as well as the conclusion. There are two steps to writing a good introduction.
British and American English in IELTS
Should you use British or American English in IELTS?
Updated: May 2024
Some people are confused about whether to use British or American English in the IELTS test. The answer is that both types are fine. IELTS is not just based on British English, the IELTS listening test has various accents from English speaking countries around the world. You do not get a higher band score in the speaking section for using a British accent either.
Your accent does not matter as long as the examiner can clearly understand you. If you prefer to use American English spelling or vocabulary in the writing section, then stick to that when doing the exam, don’t suddenly switch to using British English spelling or vocabulary, and vice versa.