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  • How to write formal letters (part 2)

    How to write formal letters (part 2)
    2025/03/31
    The aim of this tutorial is to help you: -Understand the questions and the setting or context for the letter. -Think about what to write – how to use the prompts that you are given in the question rubric. -Understand how to start and how to finish your letters – with IELTS you cannot make mistakes on this! -How to get your letter in a logical order which will help your coherence. -How to use great grammar but make it sound natural Click here to get the full tutorial https://www.ieltspodcast.com/ielts-writing-task/task-1-general-letter-2/ Mastering IELTS General Training Letters: A Comprehensive Guide to Cover Letters and Informal Writing Writing letters for IELTS General Training Task 1 requires a keen understanding of different writing styles and formats. Today, we'll explore two crucial types of letters: formal cover letters for job applications and informal letters to friends or family. Cover Letters: Making a Professional Impact When crafting a cover letter for IELTS, it's essential to maintain a professional tone whilst showcasing your qualifications effectively. Here are the key elements to include: Opening Your Cover Letter Begin with a clear reference to the position you're applying for. For example: "I'm writing in reference to the position of [job title] which I saw advertised in [source]." This immediately establishes context and purpose. Follow this with a brief overview of your qualifications and experience. Remember to maintain formal language throughout your letter. Essential Phrases for Cover Letters "I've previously worked as..." (describing past experience)"I consider myself to be..." (highlighting personal qualities)"My skills include..." (detailing specific abilities)"I would very much like to join your team..." (expressing interest) Structure and Content Tips Keep your cover letter concise and precise. The examiner looks for: Clear organisation of ideasAppropriate formal languageRelevant qualifications and experienceProper opening and closing phrases Visit our General Training Task 1 guide for more detailed examples and templates. Informal Letters: Striking the Right Balance Writing informal letters requires a different approach. While they should be friendly, remember this is still an exam - avoid being overly casual. Key Features of Informal Letters You can include: Contractions (I'm, don't, wouldn't)Phrasal verbsIdiomatic expressionsPersonal anecdotes Natural Language Examples Consider these informal yet appropriate expressions: "Hope this letter finds you well!""It's been ages since I last saw you""I can't bear..." (expressing frustration)"...with a decent salary" (describing job benefits) Common Mistakes to Avoid Whether writing formal or informal letters, be careful to avoid: Mixing formal and informal languageUsing overly complex sentencesForgetting to address all points in the taskIncluding irrelevant information For more guidance on avoiding common mistakes, check our IELTS writing mistakes guide. Need More Help? If you're preparing for IELTS and want professional guidance, consider joining our online IELTS course. We offer comprehensive feedback on your writing and specific modules designed to help you achieve your target score. Remember, practice makes perfect. Keep writing different types of letters, and don't hesitate to get expert feedback on your work. With the right approach and guidance, you can master IELTS General Training Task 1 letters. Click here to read the full transcript. You can download or listen to the audio version here: |Direct Download Here | Stitcher | iTunes | Spotify | Soundcloud |
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    27 分
  • How to Write Formal Letters (part 1)

    How to Write Formal Letters (part 1)
    2025/03/24

    In this tutorial we cover how to:

    Understand the questions and context for the letter.


    Think about what to write – how to use the prompts that you are given in the question rubric.


    Work out how creative to be? Is it ok to make up lots of strange facts and information?


    Understand how to start and how to finish your letters – this is so important and at IELTS level you cannot make mistakes on this!

    Click here to listen to the full tutorial:

    https://www.ieltspodcast.com/ielts-writing-task/task-1-general-letter-1/

    Click here to read the full transcript.
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    24 分
  • Using a Checklist for Academic Task1

    Using a Checklist for Academic Task1
    2025/03/17
    Preparing for the IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 can be a daunting experience, especially if you're unsure of what examiners are looking for. In a recent episode of the IELTS Podcast, hosts Ben Worthington and Daphne provided a comprehensive checklist to help you ace this task. This article summarises their key points, offering practical advice and examples to guide your preparation. 1. Paraphrase the Rubric The first step in tackling Academic Task 1 is to paraphrase the rubric. Instead of copying the question word-for-word, demonstrate your language skills by rephrasing it. For example, if the question states, "The graph below shows the number of visits to two music sites on the web," you could write, "The line graph illustrates how many times two music websites were visited over a 15-day period." This shows the examiner that you can use a range of vocabulary and sentence structures. 2. Write a Clear Overview Your overview is a crucial part of your response. It should summarise the main trends or features of the data without going into too much detail. Avoid using phrases like "to conclude," as this is more appropriate for Task 2. Instead, use words like "overall" to introduce your summary. For example, "Overall, both music websites experienced an upward trend in visits, with Music Choice being more popular than Pop Parade for most of the period." 3. Summarise, Don’t List One common mistake is listing every piece of data instead of summarising the key points. Remember, the task asks you to "summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features." Focus on the most significant trends, such as peaks, troughs, or notable changes, rather than describing every minor fluctuation. 4. Stick to the Data It’s essential to report only the information presented in the graph or chart. Avoid adding personal opinions or external knowledge. For instance, if you notice a dip in website visits on a particular day, don’t speculate that it was due to poor weather or a public holiday. Stick to the facts provided in the data. 5. Include All Important Data While summarising, ensure you don’t omit any crucial information. For example, if you’re describing a pie chart, make sure you mention every segment, even if it’s only briefly. Grouping similar data points can help you cover all the information without listing every detail. 6. Compare Data Comparing data is a key skill in Task 1. Instead of simply listing information, highlight similarities and differences. For example, "While Music Choice saw a dramatic increase in visits between days 9 and 11, Pop Parade experienced a more gradual rise over the same period." 7. Organise Your Response A well-organised response is easier to follow and scores higher in coherence and cohesion. Plan your essay into clear paragraphs, with each paragraph focusing on a specific aspect of the data. Use linking words like "while," "whereas," and "in contrast" to connect your ideas smoothly. 8. Highlight Striking Features Identify and mention any striking features in the data, such as the highest or lowest points, or any anomalies. These details can make your response stand out and demonstrate your ability to analyse the data effectively. 9. Avoid Repetition Vary your vocabulary and sentence structures to avoid repetition. For example, instead of repeatedly using the word "visits," you could use terms like "clicks," "visitor numbers," or "followers." This not only makes your writing more engaging but also showcases your language proficiency. 10. Use a Range of Grammar and Vocabulary Demonstrate your command of English by using a variety of grammatical structures and vocabulary. For instance, instead of writing "Music Choice is more popular," you could say "Music Choice being more popular than Pop Parade." This use of participle phrases and comparative structures can boost your score. 11. Use the Correct Tense Ensure you use the appropriate tense for the data. If the graph shows past data, use the past tense. For example, "The number of visits increased over the 15-day period." Consistency in tense is crucial for accuracy. 12. Use Appropriate Linking Devices Linking words and phrases like "while," "whereas," and "in contrast" help to connect your ideas and improve the flow of your writing. Avoid using Task 2 language, such as "on the one hand," as it’s not suitable for Task 1. 13. Check for Mistakes Always proofread your work before submitting it. Look out for common errors, such as incorrect verb forms, noun-verb agreement, and factual inaccuracies. If you’re unsure about your writing, consider using the IELTS Writing Correction Service to get detailed feedback. 14. Follow the Rubric Ensure your response meets all the requirements of the task. Summarise the information, report the main features, and make comparisons where relevant. If you’ve missed any of these elements, add them ...
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    28 分
  • Playing The IELTS Examiner

    Playing The IELTS Examiner
    2025/03/10

    In this podcast, our essay corrector Ellen puts YOU in the driver’s seat as you review a student’s essay with her, deciding what band score the essay should get. With the band descriptors as your guide, you will learn

    • How the introduction makes a first impression on the examiner
    • How mistakes and missteps can influence the examiner along the way
    • How some strong arguments, precise vocabulary and accurate grammar can redeem your score
    • How important the last impression your essay leaves is

    In the end, you will see how challenging the task of the examiner is and all the elements they take into consideration. This knowledge will help you to construct stronger essays.

    Click here for IELTS essay correction

    Learn more about the IELTS writing task

    Full online IELTS course

    Massive IELTS vocabulary guide

    Click here to listen to the full tutorial:

    Click here to read the full transcript.
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    27 分
  • IELTS Vocabulary The Future of Public Transportation

    IELTS Vocabulary The Future of Public Transportation
    2025/03/02
    27 分
  • How to Answer Map Questions (Vocabulary List Included)

    How to Answer Map Questions (Vocabulary List Included)
    2025/02/23

    In this tutorial, you’ll learn

    • How an IELTS examiner would look at one of the more usual Task 1 questions - MAPS! I love map questions but many students are unfamiliar with them and so might panic in the exam!
    • How to understand what is needed and what clues to look for before you start writing.
    • Examples of good grammar and key useful vocabulary from our review of 2 students' essays - one Band 6 and one Band 7-7.5 as our examples.
    • How you can practice by looking at another kind of map question.
    • Really important vocabulary needed for talking about geographical location and change.

    Click here for IELTS essay correction

    Learn more about the IELTS writing task

    Full online IELTS course

    Massive IELTS vocabulary guide

    Click here to listen to the full tutorial:

    https://www.ieltspodcast.com/academic-ielts/map-description-vocabulary/

    Click here to read the full transcript.
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    20 分
  • How to Get Essay Ideas for Task 2

    How to Get Essay Ideas for Task 2
    2025/02/17
    How to Generate Ideas for IELTS Writing Task 2

    Many IELTS students struggle with generating ideas for Writing Task 2. If you've ever found yourself staring at a blank page, unsure of what to write, you’re not alone. In this article, we’ll explore practical strategies to develop strong essay ideas and improve your IELTS writing score.

    Why Do Students Struggle with Idea Generation?

    As discussed in a recent IELTS Podcast episode, many students, particularly from educational systems that focus on right and wrong answers, find it challenging to develop creative or critical responses. In some cultures, education is structured around memorisation rather than independent thinking, making it difficult to brainstorm ideas in open-ended writing tasks.

    Strategies to Develop Essay Ideas 1. Expand Your Knowledge Base

    One of the best ways to generate ideas is to build your general knowledge. Read about common IELTS topics such as technology, education, and the environment. The more you know, the easier it will be to recall relevant ideas during the exam.

    Check out our IELTS Writing Task 2 resources to get started.

    2. Use the ‘Why, What, How’ Method

    For any given essay question, break it down into these three components:

    • Why? – Why is this issue important?
    • What? – What are the key arguments?
    • How? – How can we solve this problem or support an argument?

    This simple framework helps you create well-structured responses quickly.

    3. Consider Different Perspectives

    Many students struggle because they only consider one viewpoint. Instead, think of how different groups (governments, businesses, individuals) might respond to an issue. This will give you a wider range of ideas to use in your essays.

    4. Practise Brainstorming Under Timed Conditions

    Time pressure can make it difficult to think clearly. Practise brainstorming for 5 minutes before writing a full essay. Try our online IELTS course for structured practice exercises.

    Overcoming ‘Blank Mind’ Syndrome

    Many students freeze when faced with an unfamiliar topic. To combat this:

    • Practise writing about a variety of IELTS topics.
    • Use mind maps to visually organise ideas.
    • Memorise key vocabulary and phrases to help structure your response.

    If you need feedback on your writing, consider our IELTS essay correction service.

    Final Thoughts

    Generating ideas for IELTS Writing Task 2 is a skill that improves with practice. By expanding your knowledge, using structured thinking methods, and practising regularly, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle any essay question confidently.

    For more IELTS tips and strategies, visit IELTSPodcast.com.
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    27 分
  • IELTS Vocabulary Mental Health Awareness

    IELTS Vocabulary Mental Health Awareness
    2025/02/09
    https://www.ieltspodcast.com/audio-tutorials/vocab-mental-health-awareness/ Introduction Mental health is a critical aspect of overall well-being, yet it often remains overshadowed by physical health concerns. This article will explore the role of public awareness campaigns in changing perceptions and attitudes towards mental health issues. Grammar Point Covered Adverbial clauses to show contrast are used to highlight how two ideas differ from each other. These clauses often begin with conjunctions such as 'although', 'while', or 'whereas' and are crucial for adding complexity and depth to an argument by discussing opposing viewpoints or unexpected outcomes. Pros and Cons Regarding Mental Health Public Awareness Campaigns Pros:Increases public knowledge of mental health issues.Reduces stigma associated with mental illness.Encourages individuals to seek help early.Promotes more inclusive workplace policies.Improves funding and support for mental health services.Supports the development of better treatment options.Strengthens community support networks.Raises the profile of mental health on public and political agendas.Encourages empathy and understanding among the population.Helps integrate mental health into primary healthcare.Cons:May oversimplify complex mental health conditions.Can lead to misinformation if not well-managed.Potential to focus too much on common disorders, neglecting rare or severe conditions.Public campaigns may not reach all demographics effectively.Could lead to tokenism rather than actual change in policies.May increase public fears if negative aspects of mental illness are overemphasised.Resources for campaigns might detract from direct service funding.Can result in stereotype perpetuation if not carefully crafted.Might not translate into long-term change.Dependence on media portrayal, which can be variable in quality and accuracy. Topic Specific Vocabulary Collocations mental health advocacypublic stigma reductionearly intervention strategiesmental health educationcommunity support networkstreatment accessibilityawareness campaign effectivenesshealthcare policy reformemotional wellbeingsocial inclusion initiatives Model Sentences Using the Mental Health Collocations and Grammar Point Although many people are aware of mental health education, public stigma reduction is still a significant challenge.Whereas mental health advocacy has grown, treatment accessibility has not improved at the same rate.While early intervention strategies are effective, they are often underfunded and undervalued by public health policies.Even though community support networks are stronger than ever, isolation and loneliness continue to impact mental health significantly.Whereas awareness campaign effectiveness is increasing, actual changes in healthcare policy reform are lagging behind.Although there are numerous social inclusion initiatives, emotional wellbeing is often not prioritised in schools and workplaces.While public stigma reduction initiatives are widespread, personal biases and misunderstandings still prevail.Even though the importance of mental health education is recognised, many individuals lack access to quality information.Whereas community support networks can provide significant help, many people with mental health issues go without adequate support.Although awareness campaign effectiveness is evident, there is still a long way to go in achieving widespread healthcare policy reform. Model Essay About Mental Health Introduction Mental health awareness campaigns play a pivotal role in shaping public perception and policy, offering hope for better mental health care and reduced stigma. Body Paragraph 1 Public awareness campaigns have significantly improved knowledge and understanding of mental health issues. Through mental health advocacy and public stigma reduction, these campaigns have opened up conversations that were once taboo and have encouraged those suffering in silence to seek help. Body Paragraph 2 However, challenges remain. Whereas awareness has increased, the actual implementation of effective treatments and support systems has not kept pace. This disconnect underscores the need for continued efforts in both education and healthcare reform. Conclusion In conclusion, while mental health awareness campaigns are crucial, they must be part of a broader strategy that includes significant reforms in healthcare policies and practices. Only then can the potential of these campaigns be fully realised. Speaking Part 3 Questions and Model Answers Why is public awareness about mental health important? Public awareness is crucial because it helps break down the stigma associated with mental health issues. If more people understood the challenges and realities of mental health, public stigma reduction could be more effectively achieved. Should schools play a role in mental health education? Absolutely, schools should be at the forefront of mental health education. Providing students with ...
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    22 分