ielts tips and strategies tesol conference 2011
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Get an overview of IELTS, and specific tips and strategies for each section of the test.TRANSCRIPT
IELTS: Overview, Tips and Strategies
TESOL New Orleans 2011March 18, 2011
Ozgur PalaDavid Bartsch
Intended audience
• New to IELTS• General information
Overview• General information about IELTS• General information for each test section– Tips and strategies
So many tips!
• Moving quickly• Write down what you can• Available at www.slideshare.net/bartsch
So many tips!
“Mr. Osborne, may I be excused? My brain is full.”
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GENERAL INFORMATION
IELTS
• IELTS (International English Language Testing System) tests English proficiency across the globe
• Managed by British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia and the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations
IELTS
• IELTS tests all four language skills – listening, reading, writing and speaking
• Two versions: Academic and General
IELTSAcademic Test General Test
For academic purposes such as entry into universities
For visa purposes or for entry into overseas high schoolsWriting and reading sections are simplified
Why Take IELTS
• Reliable 9-band scoring system• Predictively valid • Consistent test administration• Quality-controlled system of examiners– Recruitment, training, benchmarking, certification
and monitoring
Why Take IELTS
• Accessible – More than 800 test centers world-wide – 51 cities in the US
• Recognized– More than 6000 institutions and programs– 3000 in the US
Why Take IELTS
• Free IELTS Test Report Form Verification Service
• For some, preferable to TOEFL iBT– No typing– No integration tasks– Face-to-face speaking tasks
Details
• Exams offered at each testing center roughly 4 times a month– Again: check for academic vs. general
• Roughly US$180-200 • Results recommended as valid for two years
Procedure
• Register online at www.ielts.org– Register early
• Pay the fee • Bring passport-sized photo (without glasses)
Procedure
• Bring a photocopy of passport picture page– Copy of national identity card is okay
• Test results are announced in about 2 weeks– Individual centers: picked up in-person or sent via
mail– No results over the phone or by fax or email.
Scores
• There is no pass or fail in IELTS. – The score needed depends on requirements of the
accepting institution• Scores from 1 to 9 for each test area• Scores listed as whole or half bands– 6.5, 7.0, 7.5, 8.0
Scores
• Band 9: Expert user• Band 5: Modest user• Band 3: Extremely limited user• Band 1: Non-user
Testing order
• Listening• Reading• Writing• Speaking– Note: might be on a different day
No magic bullets
• Good English + good test-taking skills = success• No secret recipes
No magic bullets
“I’ve gotten over my fear of tests, but now I seem to have developed studying anxiety.”
No magic bullets
• Practice…and practice well• Exam can be taken multiple times
General test tips and strategies
• Every test• Every time
General test tips and strategies
• Read the directions carefully• Skim/scan • Only give required number of answers• Spell answers correctly, particularly when
already given in the question or passage• Use exact wording from passage
General test tips and strategies
• Questions appear in passage order• Answers from life experience vs. answers from
the passage• Underline key words in Qs• Use prediction skills– Numbers, amounts, parts of speech, etc.
General test tips and strategies
• Focus on IELTS-specific information
Common topics throughout the test
• There are always texts related to these topics on IELTS exams
• Check the topics on the official IELTS website or your preparation book
• Some of these topics are:– Technology– Consumerism– Health– Natural world
SECTION INFORMATION: LISTENING
Listening overviewSections Content/Duration Number
of Qs
4 sections 30 minutes for the test 10 minutes for transferring answers
40 Qs
Section 1 A conversation between two speakers in a social or semi-social context /10 minutes
10 Qs
Section 2 A talk by a single speaker based on a non-academic situation /10 minutes
10 Qs
Listening overviewSections Content/Duration Number
of Qs
Section 3 A conversation with up to four speakers based on academic topics or course-related situations /10 minutes
10 Qs
Section 4 A university-style lecture or talk /10 minutes
10 Qs
Listening overviewSection Skills Question Types
1
Orienting yourself to the text
Form filling, note-completion
Listening for specific information
Table completion, sentence completion
2
Identifying detail Labeling a diagram, multiple choice
Following a description on a map, diagram, plan
Labeling a map or plan, summary completion
Listening overviewSection Skills Question Types
3Identifying main ideas
Short-answer questions, multiple choice questions, matching
4Following signposts Completing a flowchartFollowing a talk Note-completion
Tips for Listening Test
“I find the easiest way to expand my vocabulary is to make up words.”
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Tips for Listening Test
• Important: spelling is assessed, even in the Listening exam!
Tips for Listening Exam
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• Both British and American variants are accepted.
Tips for Listening Test
• Tip: transfer answers carefully– 10-minutes allotted
Tips for Listening Test
• No opportunity to re-listen– Tip: take notes
• Only around 30 seconds pre-listening time– Tip: use time wisely—read next question; don’t
transfer answers
Tip: use required number of wordsComplete the sentences below.Write NO MORE THAN ONE WORD AND/OR A NUMBER for each answer.
Hotel Novena Guest Registration formExample
Name of guest:
Room:
Wake-up call at:
Type of breakfast:
Payment by:
Answer
Matthews
1 …………………..
2 …………………..
3……………………
4 …………………..
Section 4: different
• No assigned time for reading questions in section 4 during the recording– Tip: read through all the questions first
Tip: test answers follow Q order
Q types
• Important: significantly different than TOEFL– Tip: be familiar with Q types
Question types: labeling a map or plan
Label the plan.
Write the correct letter A-H next to the questions 1-4.
1 Car Park …………………………..
2 Domestic Terminal ……………
3 Lifts …………………………………
4 Regional Terminal …………….
Question types: labeling a diagram
Mixed question types: fill in the blanks
The Study of Child Language Acquisition
Fascinating because people have an 1 ………………. in children’s learning
2 …………………. because it leads to greater understanding of language
3 …………………. because of the differences encountered
Mixed question types: fill in the flowchart blanks
Complete the flowchart below
Write NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER for each of answer. Discussion of includes the use of diaries, recordings, tests
Children become aware that they can speak
Linguistic analysis become possible
4 ………………………….
Speech in children 6 ………………. years
Speech in infants’ 5 ……………….. of life
Mixed question types: complete the table
Complete the table below.Write NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER for each of answer.
Animal Brought by Reason
1 …………………………… Settlers For food
Fox Settlers 2 ……………………………
Cane toad 3 …………………………… To kill beetles
Mixed question types: complete the flowchart
Beetle lay eggs
Eggs become grubs
Grubs eat the 4 …………..
Sugar cane 5 …………..
Mixed question types: multiple choice
Choose the correct letter A, B, or C.
6. The cane toad originated in
A Central AmericaB HawaiiC Australia
8. The farmer’s plan failed because
A There were too many beetlesB Their own research was faultyC they believed the reports they read
7. In Australia, the toads
A grew extremely largeB multiplied in numberC ate the cane beetles
9. The sugar cane industry
A thrives todayB has died out in some areasC survives alongside the beetle
SECTION INFORMATION: READING
Reading overviewPassages Content/Duration Number of Qs
3 Academic passages / 60 minutes
40 Qs in total
Passage 1 More descriptive passage
13 to 14 Qs for each passage
Passage 2 More discursive and argumentative
13 to 14 Qs for each passage
Reading overviewPassages Content/Duration Number of Qs
Passage 3 More discursive and argumentative
13 to 14 Qs for each passage
Reading overviewSkills Question TypesUsing titles and subheadingsUsing paragraphs and main ideas
Finding information in paragraphsChoosing headings for paragraphs
Skimming Scanning Following referencing
Short-answer questions Completing a flowchart, diagram, table
Reading overviewSkills Question TypesUnderstanding paragraph structureExtracting key information
Multiple choice, True / False / Not GivenNote Completion
Paraphrasing the main ideasGetting gap-fill answers right
Choosing headings for paragraphs Sentence completion
Understanding summaries Summary completion (with a box)
Reading overviewSkills Question TypesRecognizing arguments / views in texts
Choosing from a listClassification Matching
Interacting with / analyzing passage
Matching sentence endingsYes / No / Not given
Reading
• A difficult question carries the same number of points as an easy question– Tip: answer the easy questions first
Guessing
“When can I stop making wild guesses and start making educated guesses?”
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Reading
• No penalty for guessing– Tip: answer every question
Reading
• Note: no extra time to transfer answers• No specialist knowledge required• Copy passage answers correctly: spelling! – Tip: beware of singular/plural
No title or subheading?
• A question may test understanding of the theme or purpose of the passage
Match the headings with paragraphs
List of headingsi. Increasing customer confidenceii. A benefit to retailersiii. The dangers for retailersiv. Changing the face of the shopv. Encouraging online feedback
1. Paragraph ………………………..2. Paragraph ………………………..3. Paragraph ………………………..4. Paragraph ………………………..5. Paragraph ………………………..
Matching
• Headings may have similar/identical words as a paragraph, but that does not mean that heading goes with that paragraph. – Tip: match ideas not words
Problem: speed
• “Passages are too long”– Tip: work on speed– How? Extensive reading– How? Read chunks, not words, etc.
GapsThere may be two gaps, worth one or two marks. Tip: the word ‘both’ in a sentence or summary signals that two answers may be required. Complete the sentences belowWrite NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER for each answer.
1. Esperance used to rely on ………………… . 2. About ……………………… of Esperance’s energy needs
are met by wind. 3. & 4. Wind farms should not be built near barriers to
the wind, such as ……………………. or ……………………… .
Paraphrasing
• IELTS questions often use different words or phrases from those used in the passage– Tip: practice paraphrasing skills—essential!
Paraphrasing: London tours
• Q: “On this tour you can see where an artificial watercourse used to end.”
• A: “We pass…the original termination of the New River, constructed to bring water to London from springs over 30km away.”
Paraphrasing: London tours
• Q: “This tour includes a functioning market.”• A: “…then (we) continue to Borough Market,
where you’ll find it hard to choose among all the fine food and other goods on sale.– (excerpts from Objective IELTS Intermediate)
Keywords
• Tip: don’t be fooled by appearance of keywords
• Q: “This tour includes a functioning market.”
Keywords
• A: “For more than 250 years Mayfair has been the most upmarket district in London…”
• A: “We walk along to St. John Street, where animals used to be driven on their way to Smithfield Market.”
• A: “…then (we) continue to Borough Market…”
No partial marks for partial answers
Choose THREE letters. A-G.
Which THREE of the arguments below are stated in the passage?
A Penguins are not afraid of people. B Penguins are becoming an endangered species. C Tourists are not a threat their existence. D Penguins are hard to research.E Penguins don’t leave their nest.F A penguins behavior depends on its species.G Penguin stress may result from being with other penguins.
SECTION INFORMATION: WRITING
Writing overviewTasks Content/Duration
2 Tasks 60 minutes
Task 1Write a summary of the graphic/pictorial information provided150 words20 minutes suggested
Task 2Write an academic-style essay250 words long 40 minutes suggested
Writing overviewSkillsInterpreting visual informationBar chartsLine graphs
TablesDiagrams Pie charts
Writing an overview Picking out significant trends Selecting / illustrating main points
Highlighting main stages of a process
Writing overviewSkillsComparing information Describing how something
worksGrouping information
Task 1
• Description of a graph, table, process or a combination of the three
• Purpose: describe and compare data – Tip: don’t suggest causes or reasons for the data – Tip: don’t simply list the information
• Note dates and times in the data– Tip: use the appropriate tense
Task 2
• Description: academic-style essay• Purpose: write a well-organized essay with
appropriate support of opinion
GuidelinesApproach Reason
Before writing
• Note key points and decide on an overview (T1)
• Misinterpreting the data or diagram will result in lost points
Guidelines
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Guidelines
GuidelinesApproach Reason
Before writing
• Read the task carefully and decide number of parts, and position to support (T2)
• Answers should relevantly address all parts of the question
GuidelinesApproach Reason
While writing
• Introduce the information in an overview, using your own words (T1)
• Summarize the key points and use data to illustrate those key points (T1)
• Copying the question will not count toward word total
• Lost marks for missing key points or failing to illustrate them
GuidelinesApproach Reason
While writing
• Introduce, present and support ideas clearly
• Copied material will not count as part of word total
• Logical conclusion and a consistent position must be present (T2)
GuidelinesApproach Reason
While writing
• Include a general observation summarizing the main points/trends (T1)
• (Diagrams) Use the key words in the labels; divide description around main stages or processes (T1)
• Marks lost if no overview
GuidelinesApproach Reason
Good writing
• Use own words wherever possible
• Divide answer into paragraphs and use linking words to connect ideas
• Doing this will earn more points
• More marks for well-organized answer using a range of linking and reference words
GuidelinesApproach Reason
Good writing
• Present a balanced argument. If asked for an opinion, show both sides before showing preferred choice in the conclusion (T2)
• If no clear position with relevant support, lower grade
GuidelinesApproach Reason
After writing
• Count words—quickly!—to make sure that word count is met
• Check grammar, spelling and punctuation
• Short answers lose marks. (There are no extra marks for long answers.)
• Mistakes reduce score
“Can you believe I got a ‘C’ in English? And I was doing so good!”
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Range of structures: importantVerbs Phrases• To rise• To fall• To peak
• Five out of ten…• Fifty per cent of…• A third of the students…
Adjectives and Adverbs• Sharp(ly)• Dramatic(ally)• Significant(ly)
• Considerable(ably)• Slight(ly)• Gentle(ly)
Writing strategies
• Paragraphs– Have one idea per paragraph
• Content– Avoid informal language– Don’t memorize model answers– Opinion: no correct answer, just a clear position
and good support
Writing strategies
• Procedure– Be careful with timing - don't rush – Task Two is longer and is worth more points– Leave time to edit
Writing strategies
‘Yes well, legibility and correct punctuation might not be “street”…but that’s how I roll, dude.’
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Writing assessment: 4 key issues
• Content• Grammar• Vocabulary• Cohesion
Ways to affect a score
Mobiles phones have changed the way many people communicate. Nowadays people cannot live without them if they want to be a part of society.
To what extent do you think this is true?
Why do you think some people have not adapted to this type of communication?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Ways to affect a score
• For a two-part answer, both parts must be addressed; otherwise, no more than Band 5 for content
• If main ideas are related but off-topic, no more than Band 5
SECTION INFORMATION: SPEAKING
Note
• Listening, Reading and Writing=same day• Speaking=same day…or up to a week before
or after
Speaking overviewParts What? Content Duration
3 Parts
Speaking 11-14 minutes
Part 1 Introduction & Interview
Talk about self and familiar topics with the examiner. Answer examiner’s questions neither too short nor too long.
4-5 minutes
Speaking overviewParts What? Content Duration
Part 2 Short talk Talk for 1-2 minutes on a topic chosen by the examiner. 1 minute for preparation and around 2 minutes for a non-stop talk.
3-4 minutes
Speaking overviewParts What? Content Duration
Part 3 Two-way discussion
Answer more abstract questions related to the topic in part 2. Demonstrate control of language, ability to express abstract ideas and support opinions appropriately
4-5 minutes
Speaking overviewSkills PartsAnswering questions on familiar topics Expanding answers
1
Linking and expanding ideas using linking vocabulary
1
Speaking overviewSkills PartsUnderstanding the topic Checking notes 2Using notesUsing rhythm and timing to talk fluently 2
Speaking overviewSkills PartsMaking ideas clear 3Giving two sides of an argument Speculating Extending a conversation
3
Part 1• Very short answers=lost points– Tip: aim for two to four spoken sentences for each
answer.
Part 1
“I didn’t feel answers were necessary. All the questions seemed rhetorical.”
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Part 1 examplesWhat is the best way to stay healthy? I think walking is good for you, as well as watching what you eat. So I try to take some exercise every day and on top of that I eat lots of fruit and vegetables.
What kind of music are you interested in? Well… I really enjoy listening to songs, particularly songs from my country. And I like to have music playing when I’m studying. In fact, I can’t study without music.
Part 2• Take notes on key points asked in the
question.– Tip: don’t write full sentences
• No credit for repeating words in the task• Practice speaking for at least a minute—
harder than it sounds– Tip: using a watch during the exam is permitted
Part 2 promptsDescribe a place you have lived in that you particularly liked.
You should say: when you lived there who you lived with what was most memorable about this place and explain why you liked it so much.
Part 2 promptsDescribe a family member who is the most successful.
You should say: who this person is how often you see each other what this person does and explain why he/she is successful.
Part 3 samplesHow important is it to enjoy your work? Why?Does tourism bring mainly positive or negative things to a country? Having somewhere to live is a basic right. So should the state provide cheap housing for people who don’t earn a lot of money? Why? To what extent do you think the climate of a country affects the kind of houses or homes that are built?
Part 3 samplesWell… in my view, climate probably has to do a lot with the way we design our houses. So… for instance, in countries where it snows a lot, you find houses with something like a steep roof… so that the snow can’t settle there, and … you know damage the roof. But in warm climates, I think the houses are often built to keep the sun out.
Part 3
• Goal: a well-reasoned, smoothly-connect, justified answer
• No wrong answers: quality and content of speech are graded, not opinions
• No knowledge of topic? Too bad! – Tip: specifically practice speaking about obscure
topics (…fake it!)
Part 3
• Rephrase the question in your own words to help you explore the issues raised
• Think about desired action: explain, compare, describe, speculate, etc.
• Quickly develop ideas and jot them down
Speaking strategies
• Desired: effective communication, not “perfect” answers– Tip: don't memorize answers
• Develop answers as much as possible– Tip: never give one-word answers to questions
• Carefully consider appropriate tense and vocabulary
Appropriate vocabulary…!
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Due to his grammar mistake, Wilbur found a position. It just wasn’t the one he wanted.
Speaking strategies
• Examiners may repeat questions– Tip: don’t be afraid to ask
• Speaking clearly and using stress and intonation will help communicate ideas
Speaking assessment: 4 aspects
• Fluency• Grammar • Vocabulary• Pronunciation
Sources
• New Insights into IELTS by Jakeman and McDowell
• Objective IELTS Intermediate by Black and Sharp
• Many others…see the vendors in the exhibit hall
Contacting us
• Ozgur Pala– [email protected]
• David Bartsch– [email protected]
• Available at www.slideshare.net/bartsch