Our friend S shared the Speaking questions asked in a recent IELTS exam in Australia:

Speaking test

Interview

- What is your full name?
- Can I see your ID?
- What should I call you?
- Where are you from?
- Do you work or study?
- Do you live in a house or an apartment?
- What is your favorite room?
- Do you plan to move in the future?
- Do you prefer to be busy or to have nothing to do?
- Was there a time when you were stressed out because of a busy schedule?

Cue Card

Talk about a photograph that you like. Please say

- What is on that picture?
- When was it taken and by whom?
- Why do you like it?

Discussion

- Do you think there is a benefit to including images in an advertisement?
- Do you think sometimes particular images should not be shown?
- Do you think it is important that images are included in the news?
- Do you remember a particular photo that impressed you?

Related posts:

1. IELTS Speaking test in Australia – January 2013 These speaking questions were shared by K, an IELTS test...
2. IELTS Speaking test in Perth, Australia – February 2013 The questions below where shared by S who took the...
3. IELTS Speaking test in Brisbane, Australia – May 2013 These Speaking questions were shared by M who took the...
4. IELTS Speaking test in Australia and Macedonia – May 2013 These Speaking questions were shared by IELTS test takers from...
5. IELTS Speaking test in India – March 2013 An IELTS test taker from India (thanks P!) shared the...

IELTS test takers from Hong Kong and Singapore (thank you, A and P) shared this exam update:

Listening test

Section 1. A conversation between a client and an agent about a rental property.

Section 2. An instructor was briefing on driving tests and nearby places.
Questions: multiple choice, diagram/map labeling.

Section 3. Two students were discussing a language learning project.

Section 4. A zoo keeper from Brisbane, Australia was talking about the extinction of some animal species.

Reading test

Passage 1. Description of various natural tourist attractions.
Questions: multiple choice.

Passage 2. About NHS Direct which is a health care hotline service in the UK.
Questions: filling in blanks.

Passage 3. How to write a good Curriculum Vitae (Resume).
Questions: filling in blanks.

Passage 4. A briefing on self-access IT training.
Questions: filling in blanks.

Passage 5. About a great barred frog by the researcher in NSW, Australia.
Questions: multiple choice, True/False/Not Given.

Writing test

Writing task 1 (a letter)

You work for an international company. Recently your job has changed and you believe that more training is needed. Write a letter to your manager and say

- How has your job changed?
- Describe a type of training you will need.
- Suggest the arrangements incorporating training and your work.

Writing task 2 (an essay)

Some people say that cooking food at home is a waste of time. They claim that good restaurants are better and can make modern living easier and less stressful. Do you agree or disagree with this statement?

Speaking test

Interview

- What is your full name?
- Can I see your ID?
- Where are you from?
- Do you work or study?
- Do you enjoy cooking?
- What was the first thing you cooked in your life?
- Who is responsible for cooking in your family?

Cue Card

Describe a historical event that you know well. Please say

- When did it happen?
- Give some other details about this event.
- How did you know about the event?

Discussion

- Does the government in your country protect historical sites well?

Related posts:

1. IELTS test in Singapore and Australia – April 2013 (General Training) IELTS test takers from Singapore and Australia (thank you A...
2. IELTS test in Australia – October 2012 (General Training) This update was shared collectively by C and K who...
3. IELTS test in Australia – September 2012 (General Training) Our kind friend A shared the topics from his recent...
4. IELTS test in Hong Kong – January 2013 (Academic Module) This IELTS exam from Hong Kong was shared by P...
5. IELTS test in Australia – March 2013 (General Training) Our friends A and S shared the information below after...

These Speaking questions were shared by IELTS test takers from Australia and Macedonia (thank you, M and H):

Speaking test

Interview

- What is your full name?
- Can I see your ID?
- Where are you from?
- Do you work or study?
- Where do you work?
- Do you like toys? Why?
- What kind of toys did you usually play with as a child?
- Do you still have them? Why?
- What was the most important toy you had? Why?
- Why do you think some people value their toys?
- How often do you use a mobile phone?
- Do you switch off you phone during the day?
- Do you like to replace your phones often? Why?
- Why are trees important?
- Do you think every person has to plant a tree?

Cue Card

Describe a film or program that makes you laugh. Please say

- What film or program is it?
- Who is the actor or actress?
- Why does it make you laugh?

Discussion

- Do you think people should laugh more often? Why?
- Do you think humor should be included in school lessons?
- Do you think sense of humor is important in a relationship?
- Do you know what happens to our body when we laugh?
- What does make children laugh?
- Why do children laugh more than adults?

Related posts:

1. IELTS Speaking test in Canada – May 2013 An IELTS test taker from Canada (thank you S!) shared...
2. IELTS Speaking test in Macedonia – March 2013 An IELTS test taker from Macedonia (thank you A) was...
3. IELTS Speaking test in India – June 2012 Our kind friend D. from India shared the following Speaking...
4. IELTS Speaking test in India – March 2013 An IELTS test taker from India (thanks P!) shared the...
5. IELTS Speaking test in Dubai, the UAE – February 2013 Our friend J, the IELTS test taker from Dubai, share...

An IELTS test taker from Almaty, Kazakhstan (thanks A!) shared the information below:

Listening test

Section 1. Insurance claim form.

Section 2. A talk about theme parks.

Section 3. A conversation between a tutor and a student about his project.

Section 4. A story about dolphins.

Reading test

Passage 1. Public transport in the future.

Passage 2. Expedition to the Arctic.

Passage 3. An article about portraying.

Writing test

Writing task 1 (a report)

We were given 3 schemes (maps) of the same ground floor area of a particular building, which was used for different purposes in different time periods (as an office, apartments, floral shop). We needed to group information by periods and write a report on it.

Writing task 2 (an essay)

Education of young people is a highly prioritized in many countries. However educating adults who cannot write or read is even more important and governments should spend more money on this. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Give your own opinion.

Speaking test

Interview

- What is your full name?
- Can I see your ID?
- Where are you from?
- Do you work or study?
- Do you receive more regular mail or emails?
- What kind of emails do you receive?
- How often do you receive them?
- Do you prefer to send regular mail or emails?
- How often do you send?
- What was the best gift you ever received?
- Have you ever received gifts which you did not like?
- How do you choose gifts?

Cue Card

Describe a country (not your home country) which is interesting to you. Please say

- What country is it?
- How did you come to know about it?
- Why do you find it interesting?

Discussion

- Let’s talk about international tourism.
- Why do people like to travel?
- Why do people live or study abroad?
- Is it good for children to visit different countries?

Related posts:

1. IELTS test in Almaty, Kazakhstan – February 2013 (Academic Module) An IELTS test taker from Kazakhstan (thank you E!) shared...
2. IELTS test in Kazakhstan and the UAE – April 2013 (Academic Module) The questions below were shared by two IELTS test takers...
3. IELTS test in Australia – May 2013 (Academic Module) IELTS test takers D and S from Australia shared the...
4. IELTS test in India – April 2013 (Academic Module) Thanks to our kind friend R we have these topics...
5. IELTS test in Brisbane, Australia – April 2013 (Academic Module) This IELTS exam update was shared by J, who took...

This IELTS exam update was shared by Y from India (thanks!)

Listening test

Section 1. Insurance form completion.

Section 2. Don’t remember.

Section 3. Survey form completion about teaching methods.

Section 4. Research into dolphins.
Questions: short-answer questions, multiple choice.

Reading test

Passage 1. Summer camp in New Zealand.
Questions: filling in blanks, True/False/Not Given.

Section 2, 3. Don’t remember.

Section 4. The history of pen invention.
Questions: True/False/Not Given, match headings to paragraphs.

Writing test

Writing task 1 (a letter)

One of your friends is planning to visit your country and asking you for some information. Write a letter to him/her and say

- when the best period to visit your country is
- suggest a plan for the travel
- recommend places to visit in your country

Writing Task 2 (an essay)

In many countries schools are open before and after normal hours so children of working parents can stay longer at school. Do you think there are more advantages or disadvantages to this approach?

Related posts:

1. IELTS test in Qatar and India – August 2012 (General Training) The following exam update was shared by our friends P...
2. IELTS test in Mumbai, India – July 2012 (General Training) A test taker from India (thanks A!) shared these questions...
3. IELTS test in India and the UK – March 2013 (General Training) IELTS test takers J and M (thank you!) shared this...
4. IELTS test in Ahmedabad, India – August 2012 (General Training) Our kind friends S and H from India shared the...
5. IELTS test in India and Bangladesh – May 2013 (General Training) Our friends from India and Bangladesh reported having the same...

One of the reasons why you CAN raise your IELTS score in a relatively short time by 1 whole band is … because the score depends on HOW you prepare for the exam. Anna and Saleh, two of our competition winners in May, were able to increase their scores by changing their preparation. Here is what they told us:

Anna (from Latvia, a native Russian speaker)
Raised her reading score from 5.5 to 6.5.

Anna said: “I had more than a month for preparation. I needed to have 6.0 at least in Reading because last time I got 5.5 – which wasn’t enough for applying for a permanent resident status in Canada. All that really bothered me.

I went to the local library and took there 2 IELTS books for preparation. But I knew that IELTS requires specific strategy and that in February 2013 I just underestimated the difficulty of the Reading test. It wasn’t that easy, that’s why in February I got 5.5 in Reading.

I saw an ad about your site and the words “100% guarantee you will improve your score or your money back!” I thought that the author of this book must really have prepared a good material if she is ready to return people’s money! I didn’t need the money, I needed the result. So, after trying the books from the library I bought the book ‘Ace the IELTS’and just started to use this strategy while preparing myself with the help of 2 other library books. And I tried to read as much as I could – mostly newspapers.

I cannot believe that I’m the winner of the month now! Thank you very very much! You are doing a great job! That score in IELTS allowed me to send application forms for immigration to Canada. Thanks!”

Saleh (from Qatar, a native Arabic speaker)
Raised his Overall IELTS score from Band 7 to 8.

Saleh said: “I actually first took the test two months ago WITHOUT studying for it! Was is a smart decision? NO!!! Absolutely not. That’s why I scored 7 with only 6 in Reading. Did this mark reflect my true level? No.

Fortunately, I realized my fault and decided to educate myself with IELTS material before retaking the test. Sure enough, I received 8 overall. So, my advice for first-timers who might feel too confident to study for the IELTS and prefer the “lets try and see” approach is – PLEASE DON’T. Simply because it will cost you 3 things: time, money, and at least one band of your overall score. All the best luck.”

Related posts:

1. How Sabiha raised her IELTS score from 6.5 to 8 We all love success stories, perhaps because they present an...
2. Student success: Jennifer and Rafael reveal how they got IELTS Band 8.5+ Jennifer and Raphael are two of our students, who won...
3. What helped Dona get Band 8.5 in IELTS Today I am happy to share the tips we received...
4. He prepared for a week and got Band 8 – here’s how Today I am happy to share with you some advice...
5. Practical IELTS tips from Angie, Band 8.5 Many non-native English speakers think they would easily get Band...

The questions and topics below were shared by D who took the IELTS test in Saudi Arabia.

Listening test

Section 1. A mother wanted to enroll her daughter in a new school.

Section 2. A talk about a sports event.

Section 3. Don’t remember.

Section 4. A talk about eating habits of the youth these days.

Reading test

Passage 1. About ancient wells in India.

Passage 2, 3. Don’t remember.

Writing test

Writing task 1 (a report)

We were given a bar graph showing the percentage of women participating in or watching sports of different kinds.

Writing task 2 (an essay)

Countries should provide enough food for their own people and therefore lessen exportation of food abroad, if needed. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Speaking test

Interview

- What is your full name?
- Can I see your ID?
- Where are you from?
- Do you feel close to your friends?
- Have you experienced stress at work?
- Are you a patient person?
- How do you handle stress?

Cue Card

Describe an outdoor activity that you would like to try for the first time. Please say

- What is it?
- When and where would you do it?
- What preparations and equipment would you need?

Discussion

- What do you think about extreme sports like skydiving?
- Would you encourage youth to do extreme sports?
- What are the advantages of physical activities?
- How would you encourage people to be physically active?

Related posts:

1. IELTS test in Saudi Arabia and Uzbekistan – March 2013 (Academic Module) IELTS test takers from Saudi Arabia and Uzbekistan (thanks!) shared...
2. IELTS test in Russia and Saudi Arabia – January 2013 (Academic Module) IELTS test takers A and S (thanks guys!) shared the...
3. IELTS test in India and Saudi Arabia – October 2012 (Academic Module) Our friends from India and Saudi Arabia shared these topics...
4. IELTS test in Jordan and Saudi Arabia – January 2013 (General Training) Thanks to IELTS test takers T and M we can...
5. IELTS Speaking test in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – January 2013 These questions were shared by A who recently took the...

Our Indian friend S was asked the following Speaking questions in a recent IELTS exam:

Speaking test

Interview

- What is your full name?
- Can I see your ID?
- Where are you from?
- Do you work or study?
- Do you work for extended hours?
- What do you prefer to do on weekends?
- Do you write (type or by hand) as part of your daily life?
- Is writing important in life?
- Would you like to write a book?
- Do you like boats?
- How many times did you travel by boat?
- Where did you go and when?
- Do people use boats for travel in your country?
- Would you like to own a boat?

Cue Card

Talk about a subject which you learned in school. Please say

- What was the subject?
- Was it interesting?
- How useful was it later on in your life?

Discussion

- Do you remember other subjects that you learned at school?
- How important is math in a person’s life?
- Do you think that everyone is good at math?
- Does the government take any action to develop people’s math skills? Why?
- Are writing and math skills equally important in a person’s life?

Related posts:

1. IELTS Speaking test in India – July 2012 The following Speaking questions were shared by H from India...
2. IELTS test in Kazakhstan and the UAE – April 2013 (Academic Module) The questions below were shared by two IELTS test takers...
3. IELTS Speaking test in Vietnam – March 2013 An IELTS test taker K shared the questions from a...
4. IELTS test in the USA and Canada – March 2013 (General Training) Two IELTS test takers (thank you S and A) shared...
5. IELTS test in Russia and Saudi Arabia – January 2013 (Academic Module) IELTS test takers A and S (thanks guys!) shared the...

We all love success stories, perhaps because they present an opportunity for us to follow the same path. Today we’re delighted to share with you Sabiha’s story of how she overcame the difficulties and improved her IELTS result from Band 6.5 to 8. Strict IELTS examiners in London did not break her spirit!

Sabiha is a lovely 30 year old lady (an Urdu native speaker, originally from Pakistan) and one of our IELTS results competition winners. Here is what she said about her IELTS journey:

“This was my third attempt in IELTS, previously two overall band scores were 7 and then unfortunately 6.5 – which led me to work very hard this time as I wanted no loopholes in my effort. Finally I was successful in leaving quite an impression on my native English Speaking examiners in London.

To show proficiency in a language in an English speaking country is one very important factor, according to my experience – but the most important thing is to follow the techniques fully as the test itself is very tricky, especially in Reading. Guessing the answer actually doesn’t work. One has to have a very good reading comprehension along with the Skimming and Scanning techniques. I scored 7.5 in Reading and to be honest, I have literally worked for 8 months, only on Reading.

One of my friends here took IELTS last year. She had prepared for her test through “Ace The IELTS” and I think I was very fortunate to have this valuable book that really strengthened my skills all the way through. My Reading score in the last two tests was 6 and I was desperate to improve it, and this book gave me the confidence I wanted. Thanks for that.

For Listening, it’s all about how one utilises the time as well as having a sharp Listening comprehension. Always try to take a bird’s eye view of the next session when you get the time to check your answers. I scored 8 in it.

Writing is just about being focused on the topic. A good introduction, level-headed and logical arguments (in favour or against) and a very proper conclusion, with variety of words is the key.

Lastly, Speaking is though the easiest but a well-assessed test. Within 12 minutes, the examiner judges the candidate’s ability to give an opinion, to make comparisons and their overall language communication. I got 9 here.”

Related posts:

1. How Anna and Saleh raised their IELTS scores by 1 whole band One of the reasons why you CAN raise your IELTS...
2. What helped Felix and Sandra achieve success in IELTS The 1st place winners of our IELTS Results competition, Felix...
3. Student success: Sampath tells the story of his IELTS Band 7.5 You’ve told us how you find advice from people who...
4. Student success: Christoph and Joyce share tips for Band 7.5 plus Christoph and Joyce are two of our students from Germany...
5. 10 great IELTS tips from a Band 8.5 achiever Today I am delighted to share with you the tips...

These Speaking questions were shared by N who recently took the IELTS test in India:

Speaking test

Interview

- What is your full name?
- Can I see your ID?
- Where are you from?
- Do you work or study?
- Do you live in a house or an apartment?
- Do you like this house? Why?
- What kind of house would you like to have in the future?

Cue Card

Describe a cultural music or dance event that you have attended recently. Please say

- What was the event?
- Where and how was it organized?
- Did you like it or not? Why?

Discussion

- Do you like cultural music or dances from other countries?
- Can government play a role in promoting cultural events?
- Do you think today’s youth is connected with the culture?
- Do you think TV can be used as means of promoting culture?

Related posts:

1. IELTS Speaking test in Vietnam – March 2013 An IELTS test taker K shared the questions from a...
2. IELTS Speaking test in Pakistan – December 2012 This update was shared by A who took the IELTS...
3. IELTS Speaking test in India – April 2013 The Speaking questions below were shared by an IELTS test...
4. IELTS Speaking test in India – April 2013 Our Indian friend (thank you I!) shared these IELTS Speaking...
5. IELTS Speaking test in India – January 2013 These questions were shared by H who recently took the...