Task 1 Feedback - Forested Area Table (Band 6 for TA)

If you're looking for an introduction to how to write a Task 1 report, I would highly recommend that you watch the three part series "How to Write the Best Overview" which I've linked here.

Just as misunderstanding the question is the bugaboo of many IELTS candidates in Task 2, going for "low hanging fruit" when selecting information for your overview is a problem in Task 1.

Truths, Falsehoods, and Not Given's - Some IELTS Basics

If you were looking for advice on how to approach the common T/F/NG question type from the reading test, I'm sorry. Maybe in the future, I'll write such a thing.  In this blog, I just want to share some IELTS truths, falsehoods, and information that is simply not given. 

The IELTS is just for those who want to study abroad. 

– FALSE

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is the fastest growing English proficiency test in the world. Over 3 million tests were given last year globally.

Writing Task 1: How to Craft the Best Overview

A three part series on crafting the best overview.  Part 1 and 3 are in a lecture format, recorded at a seminar hosted by my school.  Part 2 is from my computer, discussing the parts that get left out.

What is the main feature of this Pizza? 

 



My friend, Band 8, noted to me the other day that the Task One writing paper is the ukulele of the IELTS world. Like the uke, it's thought of as easy and cute,  and it certainly doesn't get enough respect in the IELTS instruction community compared to it's brother the Task 2 guitar. 

I'm here to stand up for Task One just like I do for my beloved ukulele!  Honestly, I find some task one's fascinatingly complex. They're multi-layered puzzles which often hide information

Writing Task 2 - Random Question Picker

There's only one "real" authentic source for actual examples of past test questions on the IELTS test: The Official Cambridge Test Papers, Books 1 to 13.

It is rumored  that Question Types exist in the archives of the Oldest Books, Testaments 1-5, which are no longer being used,  and using them wouldn't be very effective practice. That leaves 7 tomes with four Task 2 questions to practice.

What to do when you've run out? Use blasphemous un-official materials? Oh so often their questions sound like the word of IELTS, but are missing a key word here or there in the wording of the T in TR, thus tainting it.

Writing a Lot and Saying Little: The Problem of High-level English Candidates.

The Task 2 guidance I’d like to provide tonight is about the danger of writing too much while actually saying very little.

Helping in the discussion of this point is the essay of Ruywadah MS. I don’t know the person. I can’t recall ever reading any of his previous submissions either, but from the overall language she uses, the frustration he expresses and

Direct Testimonial

 I remember this IELTS candidate very well. His English level was high, but he had not yet learned enough about what specifically the examiners were looking for.  Many thanks to S___ J___. His hard willingness to accept my feedback allowed him to get the 7.5 in writing he needed.

My first direct testimonial!

IELTS Temple Theme Song!

What makes IELTS Temple different from other IELTS prep sites?

Ukulele!
I'm sure this establishes me as a serious scholar who exhibits the utmost professionalism.

Why IELTS Temple? With Speaking Part Two Instructional Video!

It's a first!

First Detailed Task 2 Feedback: Does Tech Make Work Easier?

Hey! That's me!

Welcome back to IELTS Temple, and today marks a milestone for me as an instructor. If you've seen the feedback I've been giving on essays in the Facebook Tips and Tricks group, you'll know I am thorough and put a lot of time and thought into it. That is because I actually enjoy doing it.

What I enjoy is seeing a few, here and there, improve their writing with just a few essays. I think I'm a little reponsible for that.

As of today, I can do that for you too.  My detailed, honest (some say I'm a bit mean at times) and insightful critiques will hopefully show you what your tendencies are and how to improve them. Plus

IELTS Band Descriptors in Simpler English - Writing Task 2

In both of the productive skills, speaking and writing, understanding what the examiners want from a candidate is key to getting a good mark.  A good understanding of the Speaking and Writing band descriptors guides the students as much as an outline or speaking notes do. So, I always spend a lot of time in class looking at the descriptors with my students and I structure my feedback on the criteria.