IELTS Aid (Practice Essays)

It has been a long time since I posted here. I was busy doing other stuff that I did not have enough time to do some practices. However, now I can concentrate on practicing again. Anyway, here's the third installation of the 13th Cambridge IELTS textbook. Maybe some of you already have a copy of this since I have been seeing a lot of pdf copies of this new book on the internet lately. But for those of you who do not have access to this pdf, here it is. You can check my other posts for some of the other test questions from this book, too. Well, if you look at the questions well, the first part is already a bit challenging to answer since it is considered somewhat a "taboo" to talk about money. On the other hand, we must also consider that the questions do not entirely ask about how you manage your money. Anyway, good luck! Again, I do recommend that you practice every day as much as possible and do try to ask someone's assistance. You need another person to tel...

I have become so obsessed with trying to improve my writing skill by reading as much as I can. I’ve been reading all sorts of things from grammar books to self-help books, news articles and blog posts, but I never really tried “applying” whatever techniques I have learned (or observed) from all those reading. Lately, I couldn’t find time to actually write or when I’m in the mood to write, I can’t seem to find a good topic, supporting ideas or whatnot. This sucks. Such poor time management skill. I have let myself believe that acquiring more knowledge could actually help me improve my writing skill. I have forgotten that writing needs to be practiced. 

I have been receiving and reading comments about some of the essays I posted on my blog. Some were about what I need to change in my outputs, while some are negative comments about them. Well, to be honest, I always appreciate whatever people think about my work. Whether they like it or not will depend on them. I apologize if my blog's name misleads other fellow IELTS learners into thinking that my essays and posts are "perfect" or the "best". Although it is mentioned on the home page that these posts are only practice writings that I did when I was learning to write academic essays before sitting for the exam roughly 2 years ago. As I recall, I couldn't find sample essays of sample tests that I used at that time. And because of this, I decided to make this blog and post my writings so that those who are also practicing and trying to answer the same writing tasks can have at least a resource of how other people might interpret these graphs and problems. ...

Being in the ESL world, I have probably discussed everything under the sun. In my experience, questions can seem too easy but quite difficult to provide plausible and comprehensible answers to. At times, one person can be knowledgeable in one topic whilst the other has completely no idea about it.  When preparing for the IELTS test, students are burdened to provide an answer that can be good enough for the target band score they need. Students may have a hard time learning too many things all at the same time. They are asked to respond to questions with fluency and coherence, wide lexical resource and grammar range, with a neutral accent. More often than not, I meet students who are good at one skill and terrible at the others. Does this sound like you? If so, fear not for you are not alone. Learning a language is a lifelong commitment.  Here are some ways you can do to help you study for your IELTS. 1. Be sure to have a strong English language foundation.  ...

Some questions here are tough to answer as it requires you to look back on your childhood. Also, part 3 questions are about issues we tackle every day. Practice your speaking skills by recording your responses. Have fun speaking English!

Here's a simple practice you can do to help improve how you organise your ideas and opinions. Video link

Sample responses: Question 1: I mostly do a  lot of TV-watching at home since we just purchased a new television a couple a weeks ago, and I also prefer doing this activity with my family members on the weekends. Question 2: I'm a huge fan of classic TV shows like "Friends" and "House M.D." If I'm in a light mood and I just want to relax and laugh, I watch "Friends" but when I feel "academic"  or maybe I just want to feel mysterious and stuff like that, I watch the medical drama "House M.D." Question 3: I was never interested in reality TV shows. I think these shows are purely a waste of time and I don't really see why people think it's interesting to see how other people live their lives. It's just too strange for me. Question 4: Well, my kids are so into watching a lot of TV shows and movies so I might be doing a lot of watching with them as long as I can find the time to spend with them, so I think...

Here's the latest version of the Cambridge IELTS Test book series (Cambridge 13). I'll be posting the sample responses (script) for the questions above any time soon. Meanwhile, try answering these questions on your own. It'll be helpful if you also record your answers in the process. That way, you can assess yourself on what you need to work on in the future (Pronunciation, Fluency and Coherence, Lexical resource, and Grammar range and accuracy). Good luck practicing for the Band score you need!

Answers: 31. Crow 32. Cliffs 33. Speed 34. Brain 35. Food 36. Behaviour 37. New 38. Stress 39. Tails 40. Permanent

Answers: 21. A 22. C 23. B 24. C 25. B 26. G 27. C 28. H 29. A 30. E

Answers: 11. B 12. C 13. B 14. E 15. D 16. B 17. G 18. C 19. H 20. I

Sample essay: Education is, without question, one of the highly sought after rights we have. Since time immemorial, we have given it such value that questions whether it should start at home or at school became one of the most controversial. This essay will discuss the benefits of children learning at home and at school and some of my opinions regarding this matter. In the earlier times and until now, many of us believe that learning starts at home and the children’s first teachers are always their parents. Being the sole authorities at home, parents can provide focused learning to their children. This kind of strict environment is something that cannot be attained when studying at school wherein attention of the teacher is divided to almost all students. Moreover, most children can learn different life values that they can bring to use until they grow up. Such values include trust, loyalty, and kindness to name a few. Although learning at home provides a lot of reward...

Many English learners are well-versed when it comes to expressing their opinions verbally. Others are more into writing. For those who are more confident with their speaking skills, their one true challenge can probably be writing. I have met many learners who are impeccably great when it comes talking but lack the skills when it comes to writing. One of their dilemmas would be their use of "punctuation." Learning the "rules" of punctuation can be highly daunting and demotivating; however, it should not be that hard. Try checking this website that allows you to learn the basic rules of punctuation by playing a game. Here's the link:    BBC Bite-size (Punctuation game)

SECTION 4:     QUESTIONS 31 - 40 Questions 31 - 32  Complete the following sentences. Use NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS for each answer. 31    The speaker identifies the following two differences between being a high school student and a university student: • the academic expectations of tutors and lecturers are.............................................. • students must take responsibility for their own learning. 32.    The speaker aims to get students to recognise exam stress and the way it can affect …………………………………………………………………………………………….. Questions 33-36  Complete the table below USE NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS for each  answer.  QUESTIONS 37-40  Complete the following notes. USE NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS for each answer.  37     Time needed to study effectively will ........................................... according to individuals.  38     Time Management i...

SECTION 3:    QUESTIONS 21-30 Questions 21-22  Choose the correct letter from A - C.  21    Rose's plan for the tutorial is to research and present A the differences between male and female children. B the different ways that male and female children are raised. C the differences between male and female parenting. 22    The British experiments that Rose refers to in the conversation A were carried out in 100 families. B observed girls and boys who were raised identically. C noted the different treatments males and females received. Questions 23 - 26  Choose TWO letters from A - E for each answer. 23 & 24   This tutorial will A require Marie and Rose to carry out research.                  B interest the tutor and their classmates. C be tested. D help Marie to catch up on her research work.              E benefit other assessment ...

SECTION 2:    QUESTIONS 11-20 Questions 11-16  Complete the table below. Use NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS for each answer. Questions 17-20 Match the names of the buildings with the letters on the map below. 17    The Library ................            18    Administration Building        ................ 19    Bookshop                     ………… 20    International Student Advisor ………….

PRACTICE TEST 1 - LISTENING SECTION 1: QUESTIONS 1 - 10 Listen to two students, Louise and Kerry, talking about their vacation.  Questions 1 - 4  Answer the questions below. USE NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS OR A NUMBER for each answer. Where did Louise spend her summer holidays?     ......................Europe…………………… 1. How much was a Eurailpass Youth Ticket? ……………………………………………………………………………………………………. 2. How many European countries did Louise's ticket allow her to travel to? ………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 3. Did the Eurailpass Youth Ticket include the train from London to Paris?………………………………………………………………………………………. 4. How old must you be if you want to purchase a Eurailpass Youth ticket? ………………………………………………………………………………………………………. Questions 5- 10  Complete the notes below. Use NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS for each answer. Points that Louise makes about Eurail: easy to travel to small towns easy to meet (5)……………………………………………… (6) ……………...

Sample: Dear Sir or Madam, I am writing this letter as a response to the post I have read in your newspaper about awarding an exceptional individual who has given a great deal of help and support to our community. With this in mind, I believe I know a person who deserves to be recognized for her work. I am talking about none other than Ms. Natalia River, the Guidance Counselor of Brookside High School. As a Guidance Counselor to the youth in our community, I strongly think she has been doing her best to be the role model for not only the youngsters in our community but also the adults. Recently, she has launched an outreach program for our out-of-school youth. This program aims for these individuals to learn a technical skill for free. One of the offered courses here is web designing. These students, after finishing the course, would be able to utilize this newly-learned skill to be able to apply to companies in need of this technical comput...

Write about the following topic. The internet has greatly increased our access to information. To what extent do you think this is a good thing? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.  You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. Sample: The world has never been more informed because of the internet. The ability to access almost all kinds of information has become easier and faster. However, I do believe that there are also consequences and all good things come at a price. In this essay, I will be enumerating some of the negative effects we have to consider. People from different ages use the internet for the purpose of research and learning. Free tutorials of every kind of skill can be found and studied via the internet. This allows individuals who find it hard to enroll in an institution, due to different consequences, study and improve a skill they have been wanting to develop at the comforts of their...

Sample: Dear James, Thank you for looking after my house while I'm away. I can't tell you how happy I was when you said you'll do it. Anyway, I have left the house key under the rug of the rocking chair on the porch. Please be careful not to misplace this because I have no spare. The plants need not be watered too often so you don't have to worry about that. For my cat, Lucy, she must be fed at least twice a day. Her food is stored under the sink and her bowl is just under the table in the kitchen. She enjoys the company of other people so I think you don't have to be afraid of her unless you have allergies. As for the mail, leave them beside the telephone in the living room. If there are emergencies of some sort, don't hesitate to contact me thru email. I really can't thank you enough for doing me this huge favor. See you after 2 weeks. Word Count: 168

Sample: It has been mentioned by a number of people that computers by far, are the most essential and useful tool that was invented in the last century. This essay will focus on my complete agreement to this statement as well as some supporting examples. A world without computers is highly unimaginable. We know all too well that almost all people in the world, from different walks of life, use a computer for purposes like studying, entertainment and work. By using such device, individuals can juggle their tasks and time more effectively and productively. Students can try and get information faster on the internet than browsing each and every book they can get their hands on in a library. Plus, through the use of computers and the internet, distance learning has become one way for us to learn new things on our own time and convenience. This is especially helpful for those students and workers who both work and study at the same time. With this new platform, it is truly appropri...

Sample essay: The visual data presents the forested areas of six regions around the world in millions of hectares from 1990 to 2005. Overall, it can be seen that most of the woodlands have decreased in the area size and that Europe and Oceania have the widest and smallest measurement. To explain in detail, Africa, Oceania, and South America's forests have seen a noticeable decline in the total number of the area covered with trees in 2005. Surprisingly, an opposite trend can be noted in Asia and Europe. In the past years, these countries have seen a gradual increase in the size of their forests from 576 to 584 (in millions of hectares) in Asia and 989 to 1001 in Europe. It should also be mentioned that one area, North America, despite a reduction of 3 million hectares from 1990 to 2000, maintained its forested area size to 705 million hectares in 2005, respectively. Word Count: 152

When studying a language, we often have a lot of practices to improve our writing and speaking skills. However, for listening, it is often overlooked and sometimes, ignored. Unfortunately, most people do not realize that Listening is the most crucial skill to develop. Without this skill, a student will not be able to comprehend well, and definitely, won't be able to identify sounds which is important when practicing pronunciation. In my years as an English as a Second language teacher, I find it hard to teach this skill mostly because there are no shortcuts for this. The key is practice. One of my challenges is to teach this skill in as much fun as possible for students of varying age range and English levels. One effective technique for me is VIDEO WATCHING . The effectivity of any activity depends on the teacher's preparation.  To do this, I often look for a video online (TED videos are the most common) that is in line with my student's interest. First, I inform m...

Most people take the IELTS test either because they want to migrate to another country or maybe because they plan to study in a university abroad. My case was different. I have been working in an International Language School in Tarlac for 6 years now. Our company, to keep up with the growing competition, decided to start a new course. As with other language institutions, our school has been offering a range of English classes like Business English, Conversation English and of course, Academic English (TOEIC). Fortunately for me, I was a member of a team that handles or specializes in TOEIC tests. I was once a teacher of TOEIC Speaking, Reading and Listening to both Japanese and Korean  nationals. I say this in the past tense because a long time ago, TOEIC was the only Academic test that these nationalities deem important. Right now, more and more people are becoming interested in working abroad and maybe living outside their home country. Since our company was new to this kind ...

Enriching your academic vocabulary is essential in the IELTS test. Vocabulary is one of the cores of IELTS. It is important in all four macro skills and without a wide knowledge of it, getting the band score that you want or need may seem to be a very far-fetched idea (maybe next to impossible!) As a result, various vocabulary books are published. These books claim to list almost all words that are used in the IELTS test. It may be so, but what is the best way to study and learn vocabulary? Is it memorization? Should you memorize each and every word you read in your book of choice? Should you make your own list of synonyms? Use them in your sentences? Well, of course, all of these ways are helpful and probably effective. However, I am a firm believer in the idea that vocabulary is best learned incidentally. No memorization required. Memorize is just temporary but when you learn a word incidentally, it sticks to your brain for a longer time. Still, the easiest way to learn is to read,...

What is an idiomatic expression? Well, these are words/phrases that we use that mean differently from what they seem.  Still confused? Allow me to use an example. Imagine that you just finished a test and a friend then asks you how the exam went. Of course, your response would depend on how easy you thought the test was. If you think the test was "easy", you can say, "It was a piece of cake!"  "a piece of cake" is an example of an idiomatic expression. This means that something was too easy for you. However, some people might take the phrase literally: they might imagine a slice of cake. In the IELTS Speaking test, it is highly recommended that you use these kinds of expressions in your responses. When you look at the public band descriptor for speaking, the use of idioms and less common idiom falls to band score 7 (Lexical resource). The use of idioms is quite difficult though. To begin with, you have to have a lot of confidence in your Engl...