CAN YOU CORRECTLY INTERPRET THIS TOPIC’S NUANCES? Correctly interpreting the topic is really important and can have a huge impact on your score. The topic sets the boundaries or scope of your answer. The higher your required score the closer you need to remain within those boundaries. However, this can be quite hard as there … Read more
Difficult questions in Part 1 of the IELTS Speaking Test The purpose of this post is to explain some ways to manage difficult questions in the IELTS speaking test. It is important to have this skill in order to be well prepared for your test. This is because it is highly likely that you going … Read more
Articles Almost every essay I read has errors with articles. The articles are: a, an, the To reduce these errors you should read about the rules, do some quizzes, and also practice your writing and get feedback on these. More is explained about this in the next section on improving grammar. Avoid writing short simple … Read more
“S” endings of words Almost every essay I read has this mistake. The writer puts an “S” where it’s not needed or else forgets to put one where it is needed. Examples below: Student are always studying hard. [“s” is needed for students] Technologies is developing rapidly. [Technology is uncountable in this context so it … Read more
Make a plan before you start writing If you have a solid plan before you start writing you will make sure that you are on topic and that you have an appropriate structure for your essay. It is essential that you respond to the question that is asked. Learn more about planning. Use sequencing words and … Read more
Read the task carefully Do not rush reading the task, even though you are under pressure to finish the writing exam in one hour. Read every word carefully and underline key words. Think carefully what the topic is about and what the question is asking you to say about the topic. Planning The planning stage … Read more
The major cities in the world are growing fast, as are their problems. What are the problems that young people living in cities are facing? What are some solutions to these problems? Comments about the task: A two question essay You must focus on major or big cities and not just cities in general in order … Read more
There are many reasons that can motivate a person to stay working for the same company. Some believe that money is the main reason. Do you agree or disagree? What are some other reasons why people may stay? Not responding fully to both questions Level 6 for task response requires that you: Address all parts … Read more
About Mike
I’m Mike Wattie from Australia. I have been teaching IELTS for over 20 years in Asia and Australia.
I have written IELTS books and this enables me to be an effective tutor. This is because I understand the main problems that students have taking the test and also the ways to overcome them.
Maybe you would like me to teach you the necessary skills and strategies to pass your test.
IELTS is a registered trademark of University of Cambridge ESOL, the British Council, and IDP Education Australia and they jointly manage the IELTS test. This website is for test preparation only and has nothing to do with the administration of IELTS tests This website is not affiliated, approved or endorsed by the University of Cambridge ESOL, the British Council, and IDP Education Australia.
