HOW TO MASTER THE IELTS
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1854
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1961
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1903
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1941
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E
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A
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I
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H
Writing section (A)
The following writingtask answers have been written by the author. The method
used is explained at the end of each task. There are no right or wrong answers but
you must cover all parts of the question. Marks are lost for mistakes in grammar,
punctuation and spelling, as well as repetition of words. A higher mark is awarded
for wellconstructed sentences that communicate a clear message using sufficient
vocabulary.
Writing task
1
Sample answer
Dear David
Thanks for writing. It’s good to hear from you again and I hope you are well.
My preparation for the IELTS is going OK but I don’t have enough time for
studying. I am too tired in the evenings
after a full day in the office, so I have to
rely on the weekends. I might need to book some private lessons if I want a good
score.
One thing I like to do is to read magazines in English whilst I travel to work on the
train. This is helping me with my vocabulary and grammar. I also send out emails
in English to practise for the writing section. When I get home I like to watch a film
in English, with the subtitles turned off. My listening skills have improved greatly since
I started watching films, which is more interesting than listening to CDs.
ANSWERS
195
The most difficult section for me is the writing section because my grammar is not
good enough. I am trying my best to learn the rules of English but some of the verbs
seem to have more than one meaning and this is causing me trouble. I hope to sit
the test in about three months.
Best
wishes
Behnaz
Method
The writer introduces herself and thanks the reader for writing. The three para
graphs that follow deal with each of the bulleted points in turn. The first paragraph
explains the author’s progress in her IELTS preparation. The second paragraph
outlines how the author is preparing for the test, by way of an example. The third
paragraph covers the most difficult section for the author, again with examples.
Writing task
2
Sample answer
Many students choose to take a year out before going to university. To do so can be
a positive and rewarding experience but there are also downsides to consider.
Some people will spend their time travelling whilst others will seek work experience.
Travelling, especially to foreign countries, is advantageous because it broadens your
outlook on life and its possibilities. It will make you more aware of different cultures
and people and should
increase your confidence, especially in social situations.
If you choose to spend your year out working this can also bring benefits. Work
experience can help you to confirm that you have made the right degree choice.
Working in an area related to your degree can also be helpful when it comes to find
ing a permanent job at the end of your course. A job can also improve your financial
situation.
However, there are downsides to delaying your entry into university. One obvious
problem is that you will have grown out of the habit of studying. There is a risk that
the lure of paid employment will sway you from going to university altogether. If you
spent your year out travelling then a future employer might look less favourably on
you than a candidate who spent their time working.
I believe that a gap year can be a good idea as long as you do something pro
ductive that will be to your advantage in the future. Taking a year out can give you
a better feel for life in the world in general and also in the workplace. You may never
have the opportunity to take time out again so I would recommend it, but only if you
choose carefully what to do or where to go.