Showing posts with label ielts interview. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ielts interview. Show all posts

Monday, April 11, 2011

Learn English Vocabulary

Learn English Vocabulary Through Jokes!

A businessman walked into a bank in San Francisco and asked for the loan officer. He told the officer that he is going to Europe on business for two weeks and needed to borrow $5,000. The bank officer explained that the bank needed some kind of security for such a loan. So the businessman handed over the keys to a Rolls Royce parked on the street in front of the bank. Everything checked out, and the bank agreed to accept the car as collateral for the loan. A bank employee drove the Rolls into the bank's underground garage and parked it there.

Two weeks later, the businessman returned, repaid the $5,000 with interest, which came to $15.41. The loan officer said, "We are very happy to have had your business, and this transaction has worked out very nicely, but we are a little puzzled. While you were away, we checked you out and found that you are a multimillionaire. What puzzles us is why would you bother to borrow $5,000?" The businessman replied, "Where else in San Francisco can I park my car for two weeks for only 15 bucks?"

IELTS Speaking Interview

Strategies for the IELTS Speaking Test

The questions are easy, so the examiner cannot be sure of your level from only Part 1. You can give very easy answers, but this is a chance to make a good impression. If you give easy answers, the examiner will not know if you are Band 4 or maybe Band 5. If you give good, specific answers with explanations, the examiner will think you could be Band 6 or Band 7!

You can use this time to practice making good sentences. If you wait until Part 2 and Part 3 to give longer answers, you might not do so well. Athletes and musicians always take time to warm up. You should too!

Part 2 - the "Long Turn"


The biggest mistake students make is to not take notes. The examiner will give you a piece of paper and a pencil to take notes because speaking for two minutes without stopping is not easy. Even native English speakers will have trouble speaking for two minutes! Students who don't take notes often say, "Uh, I think maybe, um.... Um..., well... It seems to me...". "Uh" and "Um" are Band ZERO! Use notes to help you remember what you want to say. If not, you WILL get a low score.

Use the P.R.E.P. method. Start with "P" - make one sentence about your main Point. Then give two or three sentences to provide "R", a Reason. Next give "E", an Example. Describe the example using two or three sentences. Finish by repeating "P", your main Point, but use a different sentence. If you have extra time, give a second example.

You must practice! Use a watch and give yourself one minute to take notes on a topic, then two minutes to make four or five sentences using the PREP method. You should practice one or two topics every day before the test.

Do not worry about the time. That is the examiner's job. He or she will tell you when to stop.

Part 3 - General Questions

Part 3 is the hardest part of the Speaking Test and it comes very fast. Most students aren't ready. When you hear the examiner say "And now I'd like to ask you some more GENERAL questions RELATED to your Part 2 topic", you know Part 3 is starting. Be ready!

Do NOT take so much time. Two sentences for each answer is usually enough. If you have a long introduction, the examiner will think you don't know how to answer the question.

Use the General-Specific technique. As soon as you hear the question, give a general opinion about the topic. Then give a specific reason or example in the next sentence or two.

IELTS speaking interview

Example IELTS Interview Questions

Part 1 of the IELTS Speaking exam is an interview, consisting of 'getting-to-know-you' questions. Here are some sample questions to give you an idea of what happens in the IELTS interview.

* What's your name?
* Where are you from?
* Where do you live?
* Do you like living there?

Let's move on to work

* What job would you like to do?
* Why does this job interest you?
* What skills do you need for this job?

Let's talk about food

* What do you like to eat?
* Do you try to eat a healthy diet?
* Do you often go out to restaurants?

Part I Interview: Giving Full Answers

Impress the examiner with your ability to give full answers to his or her questions. To avoid simple yes or no answers or short responses generally, try using our REDS method to add detail to your initial response:

* Give a Reason
* Offer an Example.
* Give Detail
* Speculate

Part I Interview: REDS in Action

Question: What job would you like to do?
Answer (Reason): I've always wanted to be a vet. I love animals and I think it would be a very rewarding job.

Question: What skills do you need for this job?
Answer (Example): I think you need to be sensitive to people's feelings. If you're dealing with their sick of injured pets you need to be honest but also appreciate how they might be feeling.

Question: Where do you come from?
Answer (Detail): I come from Braga in Portugal. It's well known as a religious centre and has lots of beautiful buildings, both new and old.

Question: Do you often go out to restaurants?
Answer (Speculate): Unfortunately, since I had my baby, no. If I had the chance I'd really like to eat out more often, especially in Thai or Vietnamese restaurants.
Part I Interview: Over to You

Now you try using the REDS method with these question:

Let's talk about travel

* Do you like to travel?
* What's your favourite way of travelling?
* Have you got a holiday planned?

Let's talk about hobbies

* Have you got any hobbies or interests?
* What do you do in your spare time?
* Is there anything you haven't yet done that you'd really like to try?

Let's talk about food

* What do you like to eat?
* Do you try to eat a healthy diet?
* Do you often go out to restaurants?

Sunday, April 10, 2011

IELTS speaking test

Introduction and Interview

This first section of the IELTS Speaking exam lasts about 4-5 minutes and gives the examiner the chance to find out a little about you through some simple 'getting-to-know-you' questions. These will be questions that you'll have something to talk about such as your family, where you come from and what your interests are. This is also YOUR chance to get off to a good start!

Example Questions:

* Q: Tell me a little about where you come from?
* Q: Do you enjoy studying English?
* Q: Why are you taking the IELTS exam?
* Q: Have you got any interests or hobbies?

Impress the examiner with your ability to give full answers to his or her questions.

Top Tips!

* Avoid short, 'yes', 'no' answers.
Q: Tell me a little about where you come from?
A: I'm from Coimbra. It's a city in the central part of Portugal. It's a very histirical city and we have one of the oldest universities in Europe.
* Use examples to back up statements.
Q: Do you enjoy studying English?
A: Oh yes! I went to England last year and loved being able to communicate with local people. And knowing a second language means you have access to a whole new culture ... new authors, English films.
* Give the examiner a picture of you.
Q: Why are you taking the IELTS exam?
A: I'm taking an IELTS course in India in order to go to university in the UK. I've been accepted on a Business course in London but need to get the right IELTS score so I've been doing lots of IELTS Speaking practice.
* Q: Have you got any interests or hobbies?
A: Not really. I like watching football and read books quite often, but I don't have any hobbies really. Hopefully one day I'll discover a hidden interest!

Part 1: Troubleshooting

What if the examiner asks you a question you don't understand? How should you respond in a situation like this?

You may have problems understanding a question. The simple answer is: ask for clarification. If it was a word or phrase you didn't quite understand just say something on the lines of:

"Sorry but could you explain what you mean by ........"
"I haven't come across that word/expression before. Could you explain what you mean?"

If you just didn't understand what the interviewer has said, ask them to repeat the question:

"Sorry, I didn't catch that. Could you say that again?"
"Excuse me. Could you repeat that?"

And if you're looking for clarification ask the interviewer to confirm what you think was asked:

"Do you mean ........"
"When you say ........, are you asking/do you mean ........?"

Hopefully, these simple questions will get the interview back on track and you'll also have impressed the interviewer with your conversation skills.


Part 2: The Long Turn


In Part 2 of the IELTS Speaking exam you have to speak for between 1 and 2 minutes on a set topic based on information on a card the examiner will give you. You'll be a given a minute to prepare what you want to say - just enough time to jot down some ideas to help give your talk structure and interest.

Example Topics:

* Example 1: Describe a teacher you have fond memories of.

You should say:


when this was
where you were studying when you met
which subject they taught you
and what it was about the person that makes them so memorable.

* Example 2: Describe an item of technology you use that you couldn't do without.

You should say:

what this technology is
when you first started using it
how you use it
and why it's so essential for you.

Top Tips!

* Make the most of your preparation time and make notes.
* Structure your talk with an introduction, main body and conclusion. Signpost your talk at the end with words or expressions like 'So ...', 'As you can see ...', 'To sum up ...'.
* Add personal details such as short anecdotes to help make your talk interesting.
* Don't speak too fast. Pause between sentences and try to relax.

Part 2: Troubeshooting

Many people preparing for the IELTS long turn worry how they can finish what they want to say in the time available. The best way to get the timing right is to practise making short talks on various topics on your own. (Or in front of a friend if you're feeling brave!) Try building in a short introduction and conclusion to give your talk structure. You'll almost certainly overrun or finish too quickly at first but the more you practise the sooner you'll get a feel for the time available. And remember, we often feel nervous when presenting and this can often lead to us speaking too quickly. Try not to rush. Regular pauses between sentences will help you control the pace of your talk and the examiner will find it easier to follow what you're saying.

Part 3: Two-Way Discussion

In Part 3 of the IELTS interview, which lasts between 4-5 minutes, you will participate in a discussion with the examiner based on the topic in Part 2. The examiner is likely to ask you questions based on your experience or opinion of the subject.

Example Questions:

* Topic = Sport you watch or participate in
Q: How important is it for young people to be involved in sport?
Q: Which sports are particulalry popular in your country?
Q: What would you recommend to someone thinking about taking up a new sporting interest?

* Topic = Somebody who has been an important friend to you
Q: Why are friends so important to us?
Q: Which qualities do you most value in a friend?
Q: Is it common to have a 'best friend' as we get older?

Top Tips!

* Again, avoid short, 'yes', 'no' answers.
* Use personal anecdotes to help yourself make a point or express an opinion.
* Use expressions to allow yourself time to think. For example: 'That's a good question.', 'Well, let me think ...'
* Refer to stories in the news to help make a point .

Part 3: Troubleshooting

Many non-native speakers about to attend an IELTS interview are understandably worried about making mistakes in their use of English. How important is it to be accurate and should you try to self-correct any mistakes you make? The fact that you have a good level of English will certainly be an asset and the interviewer will be reassured if you can speak clearly and reasonably accurately. Self-correction is a good way of showing the interviewer that you're aware of having made a mistake. However, don't go mad trying to correct each and every error! Remember, you should also be demonstrating your fluency skills as well. Monitoring your speech TOO closely and self-correcting every mistake will slow you down and make you sound rather hesitant. Remember this: the interviewer will be interested in WHAT you have to say as well as how you say it so try to concentrate on this fact and worry less about speaking 'perfect' English!

Monday, March 28, 2011

IELTS practice test

Writing test

Writing task 1 (a report)


Compare figures in two pie charts that described what students in Britain have been doing after graduation in 2008. The first one was about the decisions of students with B.A degree, the second was on the students with M.A degree.

Writing task 2 (an essay)

Some people believe that robots are getting increasingly important in our lives. However, others think robots are extremely dangerous. What is your opinion? Why?

Speaking test

Interview


- What is your name?
- Where are you from?
- Tell me about your hometown.
- What is your hometown famous for?
- What do you do for a living?
- Tell me about your typical day.
- Would you like to change it? Why?
- What do you do in your free time?

Cue Card

Tell me something about a foreigner that you like the most. Please say:
- Where did you meet that person?
- Why did you like him/her?
- What do you learn from him/ her?

Discussion

- Do you like making friends with foreigners? Why?
- Is it easy to spot foreigners?
- What do you think about immigration?
- Why do you think people immigrate to other countries?
- What are the advantages and disadvantages of immigration?

IELTS practice test

Writing test

Writing Task 1 (a letter)

Write a letter to a friend who has invited you to dinner, in your letter
- Thank him for the invite, and suggest the exact date and time
- Tell him who else will be with you
- Describe the hotel location

Writing Task 2 (an essay)

Retirees have time for many different activities. What are those activities? What is the benefit of such activities to the retirees themselves and to the society?

Speaking test


Introduction

- What is your full name?
- Where are you from?
- What do you do?
- Do you think it is important that one likes his job ? Why?
- Is it easy for people in your country to get a job they like?
- How long have you been studying English?
- When did English become important in your studies?

Cue Card

Talk about something that you are good at, please say
- When did you start doing it?
- How did you become good at it?
- How does it make you feel?

Discussion

- Do many people play basketball in your country?
- Are children encouraged to learn basketball?
- What is the role of parents in developing such abilities in children?
- Do you think teachers also play an important role?
- Do you think some children are born ‘naturally gifted’?
- What are the problems of such children?
- Do they also face problems at school? Why?

IELTS writing

Writing test

Writing task 1 (a letter)


You won a competition and received a vacation for two as a prize. Write a letter to invite a friend to go with you. In the letter

- tell about the competition you won,
- specify what kind of vacation it is,
- explain why you want your friend to be there.

Writing Task 2 (an essay)

Nowadays traffic in major cities is worsening. What problems does it create? How can we help solve these problems as individuals?

Speaking test

Interview

- What is your full name?
- Which city are you from?
- Do you like outdoor activities? Why?

Cue Card

Talk about a friend who is a good leader in your opinion. Please say

- who this friend is,
- why you think he / she is a good leader,
- how he/she uses the leadership skills.

Discussion


- I was asked question about leadership qualities.

IELTS practice interview

Writing test

Writing Task 1 (a letter)

Government plans to construct an airport in your locality. Write a letter to the authority, in your letter
a) explain where did you come to know from about this news,
b) describe the negative effects of the airport construction,
c) ask to consider alternative site for the construction.

Writing Task 2 (an essay
)

Many universities are offering jobs to students one year prior to their graduation from the course. Explain the advantages and disadvantages. What is your opinion?

Speaking test

Interview

- Are you working or a student?
- Have you been offered any training for your job?
- How do you feel about the training, is it necessary?
- What is your opinion about wearing fashionable clothes?
- What type of clothes would you like to wear?
- Do you shop frequently?

Cue Card

Speak about an older person that you know, please say:
- where did you meet him / her?
- what is so special about him / her?
- how has he/she influenced your life?

Discussion

- What is your opinion about older people in your community?
- How the older people are treated by the new generation?
- How difficult is it for them to acquire a job?
- How should younger people change their approach to the older people?
 

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